Today, I wanted to talk about the Beats Solo3 wireless headphones. As you may know, Apple acquired Beats in 2014, which consisted of two companies: Beats Music and Beats Electronics.
The acquisition resulted in a great product. The Beats Solo3 was released in 2016, and I am reviewing it in 2024. The big question is, is it still worth buying the Beats Solo3 wireless headphones? Originally priced at $300, they are now available for $100-$150, which is a fair price compared to its original cost.
We have previously reviewed Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats 3, and Powerbeats Pro, so we are familiar with Beats products. While the Beats Solo3 offers the advantages of any Apple audio gear, are there any drawbacks? Are there better alternatives available? Let's delve into the review of the Beats Solo3 wireless on-ear headphones.
Pros:
Cons:
Sound
Build
Comfort
Value
Whatβs in the box?
- Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones
- Carrying Case
- Universal USB charging cable
- Warranty Card
Who should get Beats Solo3 ?
- iPhone users get the most out of these
- If you are a commuter, its foldable design gives convenience to you to pack them in a bag.
Bottom Line:
Back in 2016, the Beats Solo3 headphones were released. The crucial question is, are they still worth buying in 2024? In short, they can still compete but aren't the best option available.
The Beats Solo3 headphones are still strong in terms of battery life and connectivity. The W1 chip and class 1 Bluetooth provides excellent connectivity, and the 40 hours of battery life with fast fuel charging are convenient for busy schedules.
However, some drawbacks to consider, such as poor microphone quality, average soundstage, and boosted bass that negatively affect the mid-range. Additionally, the comfort level is not great, especially considering the $200 price tag.
The on-ear design also falls short in terms of comfort when compared to over-ear headphones. While they may be suitable for commuters and workout enthusiasts, they may not be ideal for long listening sessions or certain music genres. Overall, I would rate them 7 out of 10.
How is the Design and Build Quality of Beats Solo3?
Let's delve into the build and design quality of the Beats Solo3. These on-ear headphones are highly compact and feature a foldable design, constructed with high-quality plastic for durability.
While the headphones lack thick padding on the headband, they still offer reasonable comfort for shorter periods of use. It's worth noting the differences between on-ear and over-ear headphones, as the Solo3, despite its higher price point, shares some common drawbacks with other on-ear models.
For instance, the clamping force may not be comfortable for extended listening sessions. On the positive side, the well-padded ear cups are made of anti-sweat material to keep your ears dry and cool. However, the clamping force poses an issue, particularly for those who wear glasses, as it can cause discomfort.
On the bright side, the foldable design makes them convenient for frequent commuters, and the included carrying case, while some may not find it very useful, can still do the job adequately.
Some users recommend investing in a separate hard shell case for better protection. Additionally, the headphones are available in five stylish colors and are easy to control. Despite their aesthetic appeal, the on-ear design and clamping force make them less suitable for prolonged use.
Overall, I would rate the Beats Solo3 7.5 out of 10 for its design and build β they are portable but have room for improvement in terms of comfort. I shouldn't forget to tell you about the wired option. Yes! it also comes with the 3.5mm input so that you can use Beats Solo3 as a wired headphone. though it's a personal preference, wireless works well in my opinion.
How is the Sound Performance of Beats Solo3?
The sound quality of the Beats Solo3 is not as impressive as one would expect given their price. The soundstage and details are lacking, likely due to a focus on boosting the bass.
The highs are good, but the mid frequency area is where the headphones fall short. The sacrifice of mid-range for elevated bass is unexpected for headphones in this price range. In summary, the sound can be described as V-shaped, with a focus on bass and treble at the expense of Mids. Overall, I would rate the sound quality as 7 out of 10.
the good thing is Beats Solo3 supports Spatial audio which compensates for the average soundstage up to some extent. If you have an Apple device, you can get most of it if you subscribe to Apple Music. let me tell you that if the song you are listening is Dolby Atoms badge listed then only you can enjoy spatial audio.
with the Beats Solo3, you have the luxury of sharing audio. You just need the latest version of iOS for audio sharing. The Beats Solo3 headphones have a Beamforming mic for making calls.
I don't think the mic justifies the price and brand name. The person I was speaking to on the call complained that they couldn't hear my voice properly and said that it sounded like I was far away.
How is the Connectivity of Beats Solo3?
If you are an Android user, you may not experience the full power of the W1 chip and Class 1 Bluetooth. However, iPhone users definitely know how efficient the W1 chip is and how seamlessly it can connect.
It works smoothly up to 180-200 feet, which is really amazing. Pairing Beats Solo3 with your iOS device is quite easy. Just hold the iPhone near the Beats Solo3 and press the power button for a second.
If you are using an Android device, you need to install the Beats app for Android first and then press the power button for a few seconds to connect. If you face any issues like connectivity, charging, or music, you can easily resolve the issue by restarting your Beats Solo3.
To restart the headphones, press and hold the volume down button and power button for 10 seconds and your Solo3 will restart. Some areas where Beats Solo3 excels are in connectivity and battery life.
I would rate these 9 out of 10 for connectivity. Although Android users can't get the full experience with these, connectivity isn't an issue for them at all.
How is the Charging and Battery performance of Beats Solo3?
The battery playtime is where the Beats Solo3 shines the most, after the connectivity department. They claim to provide 40 hours of playtime, and it actually delivers 39 hours of playtime at 70% of the total volume.
The fast charging feature is like icing on the cake, giving 3 hours of playtime with just 5 minutes of charge. This feature seems very useful to me, as I often forget to charge my audio gear when going for a workout, but this fast fuel charging feature makes my job easy.
The only downside is the Micro USB charging, which seems outdated nowadays. When charging is complete, all five LED lights will glow. If you want to check the battery level of Solo3, press and release the power button.
Full charging of Beats Solo3 takes 2 hours. The W1 chip with class one Bluetooth plays a crucial role in keeping your Beats Solo3 alive for more than 40 hours. I would love to suggest Beats Solo3 if you need audio gear with a solid battery life. I would rate them 8.5 to 9 out of 10 for the battery playtime of Beats Solo3 wireless headphones.