Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3: Which Beats Headphones Reign?
Struggling to choose between the iconic Beats headphones? You’re not alone. The world of on-ear and over-ear audio is vast, and deciding which pair suits your needs can be a challenge. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right call.
We’re putting the Beats Solo 3 Wireless and the Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones under the microscope. Both models promise a premium listening experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences. This comparison will break down everything from sound quality and design to battery life and price.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, understanding the nuances of each model is crucial. Get ready to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3, and discover which headphones deserve a spot in your collection. Let’s get started and find the perfect match for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | beats solo 3 | studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Form Factor | On-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Noise Cancellation | None | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Chip | Apple W1 | Apple W1 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | Up to 40 hours | Up to 22 hours (with ANC) |
| Charging | Micro-USB | Micro-USB |
| Fast Fuel | 5 minutes charge = 3 hours playback | 10 minutes charge = 1.5 hours playback |
| Sound Profile | Bass-heavy | Balanced |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Available Colors | Multiple | Multiple |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Beats Solo 3: On-ear design, primarily plastic construction. Pros: Lightweight, portable. Cons: Can feel less premium, potential for discomfort during long listening sessions.
- Studio 3: Over-ear design, featuring a more robust build with a focus on comfort. Pros: More comfortable for longer use, generally feels more durable. Cons: Bulkier and less portable.
- Winner: Studio 3
Noise Cancellation
- Beats Solo 3: Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC). Relies on passive noise isolation from the on-ear design. Pros: Simpler design. Cons: Poor noise isolation.
- Studio 3: Features active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by Apple’s Pure ANC technology. Pros: Significantly reduces ambient noise. Cons: Can slightly affect sound quality.
- Winner: Studio 3
Sound Quality
- Beats Solo 3: Delivers a bass-heavy sound signature, which is typical for Beats headphones. Pros: Good for genres like hip-hop and pop. Cons: Can overshadow other frequencies, not ideal for balanced listening.
- Studio 3: Also has a bass-forward sound signature but generally offers a slightly more balanced sound profile than the Solo 3, with improved clarity. Pros: Improved sound compared to solo 3. Cons: Still bass-heavy.
- Winner: Studio 3
Battery Life
- Beats Solo 3: Offers impressive battery life, up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. Pros: Long battery life. Cons: None.
- Studio 3: Offers a good battery life, up to 22 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours with ANC off. Pros: Good battery life. Cons: Battery life reduced with ANC on.
- Winner: Solo 3
Chipset
- Beats Solo 3: Features the Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices. Pros: Seamless pairing and switching between Apple devices. Cons: Limited functionality on non-Apple devices.
- Studio 3: Features the Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices. Pros: Seamless pairing and switching between Apple devices. Cons: Limited functionality on non-Apple devices.
- Winner: Tie
Portability
- Beats Solo 3: On-ear design makes them more compact and easier to carry around. Pros: More portable, folds up easily. Cons: Less comfortable for long periods.
- Studio 3: Over-ear design is bulkier and less portable. Pros: More comfortable. Cons: Less portable.
- Winner: Solo 3
Comfort
- Beats Solo 3: On-ear design can cause discomfort after extended use. Pros: Lightweight. Cons: Can be uncomfortable for long listening sessions.
- Studio 3: Over-ear design and cushioned earcups generally provide better comfort for long listening sessions. Pros: More comfortable. Cons: Can get hot.
- Winner: Studio 3
Price
- Beats Solo 3: Generally more affordable than the Studio 3. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Lower quality.
- Studio 3: Typically more expensive. Pros: Higher quality. Cons: More expensive.
- Winner: Solo 3
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | beats solo 3 |
| Comfort | studio 3 |
| Noise Cancellation | studio 3 |
| Battery Life | beats solo 3 |
| Sound Quality | studio 3 |
| Value | beats solo 3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Apple W1 Chip: Both headphones incorporate the Apple W1 chip, facilitating seamless pairing with Apple devices and efficient power management.
- Built-in Microphone: Both models include a built-in microphone for making calls and using voice assistants.
- Foldable Design: Both Beats Solo3 and Studio3 headphones feature a foldable design, making them easy to store and transport.
- Remote Control: Both headphones have on-ear controls for music playback and volume adjustment.
- Comfort: Both offer comfortable designs, although the over-ear design of the Studio3 generally provides a more comfortable fit for longer listening sessions.
Beats Solo 3 Vs Studio 3 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The Beats Solo 3 offers a more compact and portable design, ideal for on-the-go use. Its on-ear design is lightweight, making it comfortable for shorter listening sessions. However, some users may find the on-ear cups less comfortable for extended periods compared to the over-ear Studio 3. The Studio 3, with its larger over-ear cups, provides a more spacious fit and generally better comfort, especially for users with larger ears. The choice depends on your preference for portability versus comfort.
Sound Quality
The Beats Studio 3 generally delivers a richer, more immersive sound experience. Its over-ear design and larger drivers contribute to a wider soundstage and better bass response. The Solo 3, while still offering the signature Beats sound, may lack some of the depth and clarity found in the Studio 3. The Studio 3’s noise cancellation also enhances the overall listening experience by minimizing external distractions. Ultimately, the Studio 3 offers a superior audio profile.
Noise Cancellation
The Beats Studio 3 boasts active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. The Solo 3 does not have ANC, relying on its on-ear design for passive noise isolation. This difference is significant for users who prioritize noise reduction. If you need to focus on your music or block out distractions, the Studio 3 is the clear winner.
Battery Life
The Beats Solo 3 excels in battery life, offering up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. This extended battery life is a significant advantage for travelers and users who prefer to avoid frequent charging. The Studio 3, with its ANC, offers a shorter battery life, typically around 22 hours with ANC enabled. If long battery life is a key consideration, the Solo 3 is the superior choice.
Price and Value
The Beats Solo 3 is generally more affordable than the Studio 3, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. While the Studio 3 offers a more premium experience, the Solo 3 provides excellent value for its price, especially considering its impressive battery life and portability. The best choice depends on your budget and desired features. Consider your needs and how much you are willing to spend.
Features and Connectivity
Both models feature Apple’s W1 or H1 chip (depending on the model year) for easy pairing with Apple devices. They both also have built-in microphones for calls and voice assistant support. However, the Studio 3’s ANC and superior sound quality provide a more premium feature set. The Solo 3 is a more streamlined option, focusing on portability and long battery life. Consider all features before purchasing.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy beats solo 3 If…
- You prefer a lighter, more portable on-ear design.
- You prioritize long battery life, up to 40 hours.
- You enjoy a bass-heavy sound signature.
- You want a more affordable option.
Buy studio 3 If…
- You want the best noise cancellation.
- You prefer a more comfortable over-ear design for extended use.
- You prefer a more balanced sound profile.
- You prioritize active noise cancellation for immersive listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Beats Solo 3 and Studio 3?
The primary difference lies in the design and features. The Solo 3 are on-ear headphones, emphasizing portability and long battery life. The Studio 3 are over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), providing a more immersive audio experience and better noise isolation. The Studio 3 also typically have a more premium sound profile.
Which headphone offers better noise cancellation?
The Beats Studio 3 offers superior noise cancellation due to its active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This technology effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments such as airplanes or busy streets. The Solo 3 relies on passive noise isolation from its on-ear design, which isn’t as effective.
Which one has better sound quality?
The Beats Studio 3 generally has better sound quality. Its over-ear design and larger drivers contribute to a wider soundstage, improved bass response, and overall richer audio experience. While the Solo 3 still offers the signature Beats sound, the Studio 3 provides a more detailed and immersive listening experience, especially when noise cancellation is enabled.
Which headphone is more comfortable?
The Beats Studio 3 is typically considered more comfortable for extended use due to its over-ear design. The larger ear cups provide a more spacious fit and reduce pressure on the ears. The Solo 3, being on-ear, can become less comfortable during long listening sessions. Comfort depends on personal preference, but the Studio 3 is generally better in this regard.
Which headphones offer better battery life?
The Beats Solo 3 wins in terms of battery life. It offers up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge, making it ideal for long trips or extended use without frequent charging. The Studio 3 offers around 22 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, making the Solo 3 the better choice if battery life is a primary concern.
Are these headphones good for calls?
Both the Beats Solo 3 and Studio 3 are suitable for making calls, featuring built-in microphones. The call quality is generally good in both models. However, the Studio 3’s noise cancellation can further improve call clarity in noisy environments by filtering out background noise, enhancing the experience for both the caller and receiver.
Which headphone is more portable?
The Beats Solo 3 is more portable. Its on-ear design and smaller size make it more compact and easier to carry around. This design is perfect for those who are always on the go. The Studio 3, being larger over-ear headphones, is less ideal for portability, but still foldable and travel friendly.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Beats Solo 3 and Studio 3 depends on your priorities. The Solo 3 excels in portability and battery life, making it a great choice for those constantly on the move. However, the Studio 3 provides a more premium listening experience with superior sound quality and effective noise cancellation, ideal for immersive listening. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs.
Winner: Beats Studio 3