As a music lover, you know that a good pair of headphones can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your favorite songs, podcasts, and more.
Two of the most popular headphone models from Beats are the Solo 3 and the Studio 3. But with different features and sound profiles, how do you choose between the two?
In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between Beats Solo 3 and Studio 3 so you can decide which pair of headphones is right for you. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Beats Solo 3 | Beats Studio 3 |
| Design | On-ear | Over-ear |
| Noise Cancellation | No | Yes, active noise cancellation |
| Sound Quality | Bold bass-forward sound | More balanced sound with crisp highs and mids |
| Comfort | Less padded, can cause ear fatigue after prolonged use | Very comfortable with ample padding |
| Controls | On-ear buttons for audio, calls, voice assistant | On-ear buttons for audio, calls, voice assistant |
| Connectivity | Apple W1 chip, Bluetooth | Apple W1 chip, Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours | Up to 22 hours with ANC on, 40 hours with ANC off |
| Charging | Fast Fuel gives 3 hrs with 5 min charge | Fast Fuel gives 3 hrs with 10 min charge |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Overview Of Beats Solo 3 And Studio 3
First, a quick overview of each model:
Beats Solo 3 are Beats’ on-ear wireless headphones. They have soft ear cushions that rest right on your ears, without fully enclosing them. The Solo 3s connect via Bluetooth and feature Apple’s W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices. Some key features include:
- On-ear design with soft ear cushions
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple W1 chip for easy pairing
- Up to 40 hours of battery life
- Fast Fuel charging gives 3 hours of play with 5 minutes of charging
Beats Studio 3 are Beats’ premium over-ear wireless headphones. They completely enclose your ears with soft over-ear cushions. Like the Solo 3s, they also have the Apple W1 chip for simple pairing. Some highlights include:
- Over-ear design with soft cushioning
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple W1 chip for easy device pairing
- Active noise cancelling (ANC) blocks external noise
- Up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC on
- Fast Fuel charging provides 3 hours of play with 10 minutes of charge
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Now let’s take a deeper look at how these headphones compare across some key factors:
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, Beats are known for their signature bass-heavy sound. However, the Solo 3 and Studio 3 each have a distinct sound profile.
The Solo 3s have punchy bass that adds extra oomph to hip hop, EDM, and other bass-centric genres. The sound is vibrant, bold, and immersive. Mids are smooth and highs are decent though not overly bright.
The Studio 3s also deliver that powerful Beats bass but in a more balanced way. The low end has clean definition rather than boominess. Mids and highs are more pronounced, with crisp detail and sparkling clarity. The Studio 3s produce a richer, more nuanced listening experience.
So, if you want all-out bass impact, the Solo 3s emphasize the low end. But for a more refined and well-rounded sound, the Studio 3s offer greater clarity across the frequency range.
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Noise Cancellation
A major difference between these two headphones models is that the Studio 3 have active noise cancellation while the Solo 3 do not.
The Studio 3s use battery-powered ANC to block out external noise like airplane engines, traffic, and chatter. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in your music without distractions. The ANC is very effective at minimizing background noise.
The Solo 3s lack any noise cancellation technology. As on-ear headphones, they let in more outside noise compared to over-ear designs. You’ll hear considerable ambient sound while wearing the Solo 3s.
So, if you want a peaceful listening sanctuary, the Studio 3s and their top-notch ANC are the better pick. But the Solo 3s let in sound from your surroundings, which is preferable if you need to hear traffic and announcements while on the go.
Design And Comfort
In terms of design, the Solo 3s have a sleeker, more streamlined look. Their on-ear fit is intended to be lightweight and portable.
The Studio 3s are bulkier and more substantial-feeling. Their over-ear design offers plush cushioning that hugs your head.
For comfort, the Studio 3s usually win out. Their ear cups fully enclose your ears in soft padding, reducing pinching and pressure points. The ample cushioning distributes weight evenly for all-day wear.
The Solo 3s’ on-ear fit can feel constricting over time. Their ear cups put more concentrated pressure on your ears. However, some find on-ears more convenient for sports and travel since they’re less bulky.
So, the Studio 3s provide superior long-wearing comfort, while the Solo 3s are more minimalist and portable. Choose based on your priorities.
Controls And Connectivity
The Solo 3s and Studio 3s offer matching control schemes and wireless connectivity.
Both models have:
- On-ear buttons to control audio, calls, and activating Siri or Google Assistant
- Bluetooth pairing with Apple and Android devices
- The Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple gear
- Up to 40-hour battery life for all-day power
Battery life is excellent on both models. You’ll get around 22 hours from the Studio 3s with ANC enabled, or 40 hours with it turned off. The Solo 3s consistently achieve 40+ hours of playback per charge.
Fast Fuel charging gives you a quick boost: 10 minutes juices up the Studio 3s for 3 hours, and 5 minutes gives the Solo 3s 3 hours of playtime.
The controls and connectivity are essentially identical between the two headphones. The differences really come down to sound, noise cancellation, and wearing comfort.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on the usage. The Studio 3 have better sound quality and noise cancellation for travel and focused listening. The Solo 3 are more portable and suitable for commutes and outdoor use where ambient sound is helpful.
The key differences are that the Studio 3s have over-ear design, active noise cancellation and more balanced sound. The Solo 3s have on-ear portability, no noise cancellation, and very bold bass.
For sound quality and noise cancelling, the Studio 3 is better. But for lightweight portability, the Solo 3 is the better pick.
The Solo 3s are on-ear headphones focused on portable use, while the Studio 3s are over-ears with superior comfort and travel-friendly noise cancellation. Sound and comfort also differ between the two models.
Also Read: Is Skullcandy Crusher ANC Better Than Crusher Evo?
Conclusion
So which model ultimately comes out on top – the Beats Solo 3 or Studio 3?
Here’s a quick breakdown for different use cases:
- For travel or home listening, go with the Studio 3. Their superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort make them ideal for flights, long commutes, and private listening.
- For commuting and outdoor use, choose the Solo 3. Their on-ear portability and ambient sound passthrough suit subway rides, walking, and short trips.
- If you own Apple devices, either model will pair seamlessly thanks to the Apple W1 chip. This makes both great options for iPhone users.
- On a budget, the Solo 3 saves you money. The Studio 3s cost around $100 more.
Overall, it depends on your priorities. Seek total noise cancellation and high-fidelity sound for travel and home usage? Go with the Beats Studio 3. Need a durable, lightweight pair to complement your iPhone for commutes and workouts? The Beats Solo 3 is your match.
And there you have it! A comprehensive breakdown of how the popular Beats Solo 3 and Studio 3 headphones compare. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently choose the model that suits your listening needs and style.
Both are great headphones, so you really can’t go wrong. Just decide what factors matter most to you. Happy listening!