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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for over-ear headphones that are less expensive, the Beats Solo 3 would be a good pick, especially if you prefer a headphone that has been on the market longer. However, if you're inclined towards something newer with advanced features such as Spatial Sound Compatibility (SSC) for a more immersive listening experience, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds are more recent and might be more suitable, albeit at a slightly higher cost. Keep in mind the Galaxy Buds are more portable due to their smaller size and have longer battery life, but the Beats Solo 3 may feel more comfortable for extended wear due to their over-ear design. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
- Very good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
7.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
8.4
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
7.7
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
4.8 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has 4.8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$188
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro costs $188.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has excellent build quality, while the Beats Solo 3 has very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $188 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Samsung | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 4.8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 5.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | April 2023
"Consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as your next pair of buds for its excellent active noise canceling (ANC) of low frequencies and comfortable fit. For Samsung users, the integration with your devices is handy and good for productivity."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
About Samsung
Samsung is a multinational conglomerate with over 85 years of history. They are mostly known to consumers for their high-end smartphones and TVs, however they are invested in many other markets like semiconductors and automotive. Samsung owns Harman International which itself owns other audio specialized companies like Harman Kardon, JBL and AKG who help engineer most, if not all, of Samsung audio products of their Galaxy line.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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