Beats Solo Vs Studio 3: Which Should You Buy?
Both are solid headphones; Solo is portable and light, Studio 3 wins on noise cancelling.
I was heading to the gym and to a long flight and wondered which to bring: beats solo vs studio 3. Both solve the same problem—better sound and fewer distractions—but they do it differently. I tested both in real life, from crowded cafés to quiet hotel rooms. In this beats solo vs studio 3 comparison I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and which one I grab depending on the day. Read on and I’ll walk you through my hands-on findings.
Is Beats Solo Good?
I’ll be frank: yes—the Beats Solo (Solo 4 generation in my tests) is a very good set of on-ear headphones for daily use. It is light, snaps into place fast, and gives lively bass that makes playlists feel punchy. For commuters and gym-goers, beats solo vs studio 3 becomes a simple choice when you want something compact and snappy. The Solo is not built to be the ultimate noise blocker, but it does a solid job at casual listening and phone calls.
My first real test was a two-hour train ride where I used the Solo almost nonstop. The battery lasted and the fit stayed comfortable. Another time, I took the Solo on a quick run while listening to podcasts; it stayed stable and the sound was clear. Those small wins make me reach for Solo when I’m moving fast and want light gear. In my experience, beats solo vs studio 3 matters more when you want travel-grade isolation—Solo wins for portability; Studio 3 wins for quiet time.
Beats Solo 4 – Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible – Slate Blue
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Ultra-light on-ear design for long, comfortable wear.
- Up to ~50 hours battery life (Solo 4 spec range).
- Balanced but bass-forward tuning that pops on hits.
- Fast pairing with Apple and Android devices.
- Foldable frame for easy storage in a bag.
What I Like
- Comfort: I wore them for hours with little fatigue.
- Portability: They fold and barely add weight to my pack.
- Sound punch: Beats solo vs studio 3—Solo brings lively bass that motivates workouts.
- Battery life: I forgot to charge and still had hours left.
- Quick controls: I skip tracks and take calls without fumbling.
What Could Be Better
- Noise isolation is only passive—ANC is absent compared to Studio 3.
- Soundstage is narrower than over-ear headphones.
- On-ear pads can get warm after long sessions.
My Recommendation
Choose the Solo if you want light, portable headphones with punchy sound and long battery life. Great value for on-the-go listening.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Commuters & Gym-goers | Lightweight, stable fit, and punchy sound make them ideal for movement. |
| Budget-conscious casual listeners | Strong sound and battery life without overpaying for ANC. |
Is Studio 3 Good?
Short answer: it depends on your priorities. The Studio 3 shines when you need quiet and immersion. In my hands-on time, the Studio 3 proved far better at blocking ambient noise with active noise cancelling. If you travel often or work in noisy places, beats solo vs studio 3 becomes an obvious comparison: Studio 3 gives the quiet you need. It is larger but the ANC and fuller sound make long flights and hotel rooms much nicer.
I took the Studio 3 on an overnight flight. The ANC reduced engine hum and I could hear subtle details in soft tracks. I also used Studio 3 during a focused work session in a busy cafe; it made conversation noise fade into a background I barely noticed. These real moments convinced me: when you want calm and clarity, Studio 3 is the better pick. Still, beats solo vs studio 3 matters if you prefer compact gear—then Solo wins.
Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling, 22 Hours of Listening Time – Matte Black (Previous Model)
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Active Noise Cancelling to reduce ambient sound.
- Over-ear, cushioned design for long sessions.
- Apple W1 chip and stable Class 1 Bluetooth.
- Up to ~22 hours ANC-on playback.
- Warm, full-bodied sound with stronger midrange presence.
What I Like
- ANC: It made flights and trains peaceful.
- Comfort: Cushions are soft and block noise well.
- Sound clarity: Vocals and acoustic tracks sound richer.
- Stable wireless: I moved around the house with no dropouts.
- Build: It feels solid and premium in hand.
What Could Be Better
- Bulk: They are larger and less packable than Solo.
- Battery life with ANC on is shorter than Solo’s.
- Price: They often cost more than on-ear options.
My Recommendation
Pick Studio 3 if you want noise cancelling and a fuller sound for travel or work. Worth it for frequent flyers and office use.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent travelers | ANC and comfort make long trips restful. |
| Remote workers in noisy homes | Blocks distractions so you can focus. |
beats solo vs studio 3: Side-by-Side Test
I tested beats solo vs studio 3 back-to-back in identical settings. Below I break down key categories so you can see clear differences from my real use.
Sound Quality: Which One Sounds Better?
I listened to pop, acoustic, and podcasts to judge clarity and balance.
| Attribute | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Punchy, emphasized | Deep, controlled |
| Mids | Good but slightly recessed | Clearer and warmer |
| Highs | Bright, can be peaky | Smoother, less fatiguing |
| Overall Balance | Fun, V-shaped | Full, more neutral |
Rating: Beats Solo – 7/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 9/10
> “Studio 3 takes this round for richer, clearer sound and better balance.”
Noise Cancellation: Which Blocks More Noise?
I tested in a cafe and on a plane to compare ambient reduction.
| Noise Source | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Human chatter | Passive muffling | Strong reduction with ANC |
| Engine hum | Noticeable | Substantially reduced |
| High-frequency noise | Some reach-through | Mostly blocked |
| Overall comfort in noisy places | Moderate | High |
Rating: Beats Solo – 5/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 9/10
> “Studio 3 wins for ANC, making it the go-to for travel and loud environments.”
Comfort & Portability: Which Fits Your Life?
I wore each for long sessions to test fatigue and carry convenience.
| Factor | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Ear pressure | Lower, but on-ear can press | Gentle around-ear clamping |
| Fold & pack | Compact, folds small | Larger, needs more space |
| All-day wear | Good short-term | Better for long quiet sessions |
Rating: Beats Solo – 9/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 7/10
> “Solo wins for portability and quick outings; Studio 3 wins for cushioned long wear.”
Battery Life & Charging: Which Lasts Longer?
I measured typical usage with varied volume and features on.
| Metric | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical battery (ANC off) | Very long (~50 hrs) | Shorter (~40-60 hrs depending on model) |
| With ANC | Not applicable | ~22 hours |
| Fast charge | Yes, quick top-ups | Yes, fast fuel tech |
| Real-world endurance | Often lasts days | Good for travel day trips |
Rating: Beats Solo – 9/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 7/10
> “Solo leads for raw battery life; Studio 3 drops with ANC on.”
Connectivity & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?
I paired both with phones and laptops and tested on-the-fly controls.
| Feature | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pairing simplicity | Very easy | Very easy with Apple devices |
| Call quality | Good for calls | Good, slightly fuller mic |
| Buttons & controls | Accessible, tactile | Intuitive, larger buttons |
| Multi-device | Solid | Strong with Apple ecosystem |
Rating: Beats Solo – 8/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 8/10
> “Tie: Both are user-friendly; Studio 3 has a slight edge for Apple users.”
Build & Design: Which Feels Better?
I handled both daily to check durability and look.
| Aspect | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Light, mostly plastic | Sturdier, premium finish |
| Style | Sporty, compact | Sleek, classic |
| Longevity | Good for active use | Built to last with care |
| Color options | Multiple bright tones | Classic shades |
Rating: Beats Solo – 7/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 8/10
> “Studio 3 feels more premium; Solo focuses on lightness and color.”
Price & Value: Which Gives More?
I compared typical street prices and how features map to cost.
| Consideration | Beats Solo | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Features vs cost | Great for portability and battery | Good for ANC and comfort |
| Resale/long-term worth | Solid | Holds value if cared for |
| Who gets better value | Active, budget-savvy users | Frequent travelers and remote workers |
Rating: Beats Solo – 9/10 | Beats Studio 3 – 7/10
> “Solo is the better value for everyday use; Studio 3 is worth it if ANC is critical.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Beats Solo wins for portability, battery life, and value. I take Solo when I commute, work out, or need a light pair in my bag. They deliver fun sound and day-long use without fuss.
Beats Studio 3 wins for noise cancellation, comfort, and richer sound. I choose Studio 3 for flights, focused work, and when I want quiet. If you travel or work in noisy places, get Studio 3; if you move a lot and want simplicity, Solo is better.
FAQs Of beats solo vs studio 3
Which is better for travel: beats solo vs studio 3?
For travel, Studio 3 is generally better because of active noise cancelling and comfort on long flights. Solo is lighter but won’t block engine noise as well.
Do both work well with iPhone and Android?
Yes. Both pair easily with iPhone and Android. Studio 3 has tighter integration with Apple devices thanks to the W1 chip.
Which has longer battery life: beats solo vs studio 3?
Solo typically offers longer battery life when you compare non-ANC operation. Studio 3’s battery life drops when ANC is on.
Are Beats Solo or Studio 3 better for calls?
Both handle calls well. Studio 3 may sound fuller on voice calls, but Solo is fine for daily calls and commutes.
Which is more comfortable for all-day wear?
Studio 3 is more comfortable for long stationary sessions due to over-ear padding. Solo is comfortable too but can press on ears after many hours.
