A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and better build quality with the option to fold for portability, the Beats Solo 3 would suit you, especially for air travel, although they have higher latency which may not do well for gaming or TV. They also have a long battery life. However, the sound quality is just good and the comfort is rated poorly. On the other hand, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds are budget-friendly with very good sound for music and excellent sound for TV and video. They have very good comfort but lack wireless capabilities and active noise cancelling, making them less ideal for noisy environments and exercise. They also don't require charging, unlike the Beats. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
3.5
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
N/A
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$117
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
5.4
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 4.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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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