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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Solo 3, with a longer battery life and foldability, are suitable for extensive use, commuting, and portability, and have support for the AAC codec, which is optimal for Apple devices. Conversely, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC offer better sound quality, more comfort, superior microphone quality, and active noise canceling, making them a strong contender for office use and air travel. If noise cancellation and call quality are priorities, go for the Skullcandy Hesh ANC. Prioritize the Beats Solo 3 for a longer-lasting battery and Apple device compatibility. Both are similarly priced for lower midrange budgets. 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 Skullcandy Hesh ANC.
Advantages of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.7
5.3
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls, though the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
23.0 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
8.0
7.0
The Beats Solo 3 has very good build quality, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.3
6.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Solo 3 are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.3
5.6
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Skullcandy Hesh ANC to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
5.8
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC are compact, wireless over-ears for everyday use that are tuned for bass and designed to suppress or amplify ambient noise as required. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0, optional tracking via the Tile app is supported so that these headphones can be found if they get lost."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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 Skullcandy
Skullcandy is an American, consumer-oriented, earbuds and headphones manufacturer with 20 years of market experience. They sell a wide variety of, budget-friendly and unique, wired and wireless products that are sure to please the vast majority of users. Among their most popular offerings, the Crusher headphones, includes a pair of actual subwoofers inside the cups which makes the bass extra prominent for a unique and extra fun sound.
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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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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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