Beats Solo 3 Vs Studio 3: Which Headphones Are Best
Both are great: Solo3 is lighter with long battery, Studio3 offers better noise canceling and fuller sound.
You’re rushing out the door and can’t decide between the beats solo 3 vs studio 3. I faced the same choice. One pair fit my commute and all-day battery needs; the other turned noisy trains into quiet pockets of music. I tested both in real life — on planes, at my desk, and during long walks — and I’ll share what I learned so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Is Beats Solo3 Good?
Yes — for many people. The Beats Solo3 is a solid on-ear headphone that shines for casual listeners who want easy Bluetooth pairing, long battery life, and a compact profile. It is not the top choice for audiophiles who want deep isolation or heavy ANC, but it is excellent for daily use, travel when you prefer lighter gear, and quick Bluetooth pairing with Apple devices thanks to the W1 chip. In short: yes, if you want portable, punchy sound and superb battery life.
I used the beats solo 3 on long commutes and quick gym sessions. Once, on a cross-town subway ride, the Solo3 kept music clear with bass that felt satisfying without being overwhelming. Another time, I forgot to charge them for a trip home and still had power thanks to the long 40-hour battery claim — they lasted long enough to avoid stress. These small wins made them a practical choice in my daily life when comparing beats solo 3 vs studio 3.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Apple W1 chip for fast pairing with Apple devices.
- Up to 40 hours of listening time on a single charge.
- Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and stable connections.
- Lightweight, foldable on-ear design for portability.
- Built-in on-ear controls and microphone for calls and playback.
What I Like
- Long battery life — I rarely think about charging.
- Quick pairing with my iPhone and MacBook.
- Comfortable for hours despite being on-ear.
- Bass-forward tuning that makes playlists feel lively.
- Compact and easy to stash in a backpack or bag.
What Could Be Better
- No active noise canceling (ANC), so loud environments leak through.
- Soundstage is narrower compared to over-ear models like Studio3.
- On-ear pressure can feel tiring after very long sessions for some ears.
My Recommendation
Great for commuters and casual listeners who want portability and long battery life. Affordable and widely available.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily commuters | Light, foldable, long battery life for long days. |
| Apple users | W1 chip gives fast pairing and stable connections. |
| Casual listeners | Punchy sound without the bulk of over-ear cans. |
Is Beats Studio3 Good?
It depends — I’d say yes if you want better noise control and fuller sound. The Beats Studio3 are over-ear headphones with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). They provide a more immersive listening experience than the Solo3. If you work in noisy places or travel often, the Studio3 will reduce distractions and give a fuller low end. They are less compact but better at creating a quiet space for your music.
I took the beats studio 3 on flights and to noisy cafes. On a long flight, ANC cut the drone and let me enjoy movies without blasting volume. In a busy cafe, Studio3 made phone calls clearer for both me and the person on the other end. Once, I left them on a crowded commuter train and noticed how much smoother my playlist sounded compared with the Solo3 — bass hit harder and vocals sat more clearly in the mix. My real-world tests favored Studio3 when quiet and sound depth mattered.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for quieter listening in noisy places.
- Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices.
- Over-ear design for better passive isolation and comfort.
- Decent battery life with ANC on (about 22 hours).
- On-ear controls and built-in microphone for calls and controls.
What I Like
- ANC meaningfully reduces background noise on planes and trains.
- Fuller sound and wider soundstage than Solo3.
- Comfortable for long sessions due to larger ear cups.
- Seamless switching between Apple devices.
- Good call clarity in moderate noise.
What Could Be Better
- Shorter battery life (22 hours) compared with Solo3’s 40 hours.
- Bulkier and less travel-friendly than on-ear models.
- ANC isn't class-leading by current market standards.
My Recommendation
Choose Studio3 if you value quiet, immersive listening and comfort on long trips.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent travelers | ANC reduces cabin and engine noise. |
| Remote workers | Over-ear comfort and isolation help focus. |
| Listeners who want depth | Fuller sound and wider soundstage than Solo3. |
beats solo 3 vs studio 3: Side-by-Side Test
I compared beats solo 3 vs studio 3 across daily use categories. Below are direct, practical findings from my time with both headphones.
Sound Quality: Which One Sounds Better?
Short intro: Compare clarity, bass, and soundstage.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass punch | Strong, focused | Deeper, fuller |
| Mids (vocals) | Clear but slightly recessed | More balanced |
| Treble detail | Fine for casual use | Slightly more refined |
| Soundstage | Narrower | Wider and more immersive |
Beats Solo3 – 7/10 | Beats Studio3 – 8.5/10
Summary: Studio3 wins for fuller, more immersive sound. Solo3 is fun and punchy.
Noise Cancellation & Isolation: Which Cuts More Noise?
Short intro: How each handles ambient noise.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Canceling | No | Yes |
| Passive isolation | Mild | Strong (over-ear cups) |
| Use in flights/trains | Less effective | Effective for many noises |
| Calls in noisy places | More background noise | Clearer voice pickup |
Beats Solo3 – 5.5/10 | Beats Studio3 – 8/10
Summary: Studio3 has the clear edge due to ANC and better passive isolation.
Comfort & Fit: Which Is Easier to Wear?
Short intro: Which is comfortable for long sessions?
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| On-head pressure | Moderate | Gentle (larger pads) |
| Long session comfort | Can tire ears | Better for long wear |
| Portability | Highly portable | Bulkier to carry |
| Fit adjustability | Good | Very good |
Beats Solo3 – 7.5/10 | Beats Studio3 – 8/10
Summary: Studio3 slightly wins for comfort in long sessions; Solo3 wins on portability.
Battery Life & Connectivity: Who Lasts Longer?
Short intro: Real battery life and Bluetooth behavior.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed battery | 40 hours | 22 hours |
| Real-world length | Often reaches claim | Usually 20–22 hrs with ANC |
| Fast charging | Yes (short boost) | Yes (short boost) |
| Wireless stability | Good | Good (W1 chip) |
Beats Solo3 – 9/10 | Beats Studio3 – 7/10
Summary: Solo3 clearly wins for battery life and all-day use.
Portability & Design: Which Is Easier to Carry?
Short intro: Size, folding, and travel friendliness.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Foldability | Folds compact | Folds but bulkier |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Case size | Smaller | Larger |
| Style options | Several colors | Sleek finishes |
Beats Solo3 – 9/10 | Beats Studio3 – 7/10
Summary: Solo3 is more travel-friendly and lighter for daily carry.
Call Quality & Microphone: Which Handles Calls Better?
Short intro: Practical call clarity in real life.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone clarity | Good in quiet | Better in noisy places |
| Background noise pickup | More | Less |
| Hands-free use | Great | Excellent |
| Voice calls on public transit | Mixed | Better |
Beats Solo3 – 7/10 | Beats Studio3 – 8/10
Summary: Studio3 offers clearer calls in noisy environments thanks to ANC and better mic isolation.
Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?
Short intro: Cost vs. what you get.
| Feature | Beats Solo3 | Beats Studio3 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Features per dollar | High (battery) | Good (ANC, comfort) |
| Longevity | Durable for travel | Durable with better comfort |
| Resale/value | Good | Good |
Beats Solo3 – 8.5/10 | Beats Studio3 – 7.5/10
Summary: Solo3 often offers more value for everyday users. Studio3 is worth extra if ANC matters.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want portable, long-lasting headphones with strong battery life and easy pairing, choose the beats solo 3. They are ideal for commuters, casual listeners, and users who prioritize battery and portability.
If you need quieter listening, better isolation, and a richer sound for travel or remote work, go for the beats studio 3. They are the better pick for noisy environments and long listening sessions where comfort and ANC matter.
FAQs Of beats solo 3 vs studio 3
Are the beats solo 3 or studio 3 better for travel?
For travel, the beats studio 3 are better if you want noise reduction. For light packers who value battery life, the beats solo 3 may be better.
Which has better battery life: beats solo 3 vs studio 3?
Beats Solo3 offers up to about 40 hours. Beats Studio3 is around 22 hours with ANC. Solo3 wins on battery.
Do both use the Apple W1 chip?
Yes. Both the beats solo 3 and beats studio 3 use the Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?
Beats Studio3 tends to be more comfortable for long sessions due to over-ear cushions. Beats Solo3 can feel tight after many hours for some users.
Can I use either for calls in noisy places?
Yes, both work, but beats studio 3 handles noisy environments better thanks to ANC and better passive isolation.
I used both throughout commutes, flights, and at my desk. My tests with the beats solo 3 vs studio 3 showed clear trade-offs: Solo3 for battery and portability; Studio3 for quiet and richer sound. Pick based on what matters most to you — battery and lightness, or noise control and immersion.
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