Choosing the right Beats headphone can be challenging, especially when both Solo 3 and Studio 3 offer premium wireless experiences with sleek designs and Apple W1 chip connectivity. If you’re looking for superior sound quality, exceptional noise cancellation, and long-term comfort, the Studio 3 is the better pick. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which model is right for you.
Why Do I Recommend the Beats Studio 3?
When comparing Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3, the Studio 3 consistently outperforms Solo 3 in multiple critical areas, making it the superior choice for serious music listeners. Here’s a detailed look:
- Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
Studio 3 is equipped with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) technology, which automatically monitors and adjusts sound to block external noise. Solo 3 lacks any ANC, meaning in loud environments—like airplanes, trains, or busy offices—Studio 3 delivers a much more immersive experience with minimal interruptions. - Superior Sound Quality:
While Solo 3 emphasizes bass-heavy sound suitable for casual listening, Studio 3 offers a balanced, rich, and immersive sound profile. Its full-range audio provides clarity across lows, mids, and highs, making it ideal for a wide range of genres, from pop and hip-hop to jazz and classical music. This makes Studio 3 a better choice for audiophiles or anyone who wants high-fidelity audio. - Comfort for Long Listening Sessions:
Studio 3 features over-ear cushioned earcups with soft memory foam, reducing ear fatigue during extended use. Solo 3’s on-ear design can become uncomfortable after prolonged wear, especially for users with larger ears. If you spend hours listening to music, podcasts, or gaming, Studio 3 offers noticeably superior comfort. - Optimized Battery Life with ANC:
Both headphones offer impressive battery life, but Studio 3 is optimized to balance ANC and power efficiency, providing up to 22 hours with ANC on. Solo 3 offers up to 40 hours without ANC, but without noise cancellation, the listening experience can feel less immersive in noisy environments. - Stable Wireless Connectivity:
Both headphones use the Apple W1 chip for seamless pairing with iOS devices, but Studio 3 provides more stable connections over longer distances, making it better for commuting, outdoor use, or home offices where you might move around frequently. - Premium Build and Durability:
Studio 3 is constructed from premium materials, including a reinforced headband and durable earcups, designed to withstand heavy use. Solo 3, while lightweight and portable, feels less robust over time and may not handle rough handling or frequent travel as well. - Travel and Portability:
Studio 3 comes with a foldable design and a carrying case, protecting your headphones during travel. Solo 3 is compact but lacks a protective case, which can make it prone to scratches or damage. - Smart Features:
Studio 3 supports automatic on/off with ear detection and integrates with Siri for voice commands, enhancing usability. Solo 3 only offers basic playback controls and manual power on/off. - Aesthetic Variety:
Both headphones offer stylish color options, but Studio 3’s premium materials and polished design provide a more luxurious feel, making them ideal for users who value both performance and aesthetics.
Conclusion of Recommendation:
If you value high-quality audio, comfort, ANC, and long-term durability, the Beats Studio 3 is the clear winner over Solo 3. Solo 3 may appeal to casual listeners seeking portability and bass-heavy sound, but for immersive and professional-level listening, Studio 3 is unmatched.
Side By Side Comparison Chart – Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3
| Feature | Beats Solo 3 | Beats Studio 3 |
| Noise Cancellation | ❌ None | ✅ Pure Adaptive ANC |
| Sound Profile | Bass-heavy, casual listening | Balanced, rich, immersive |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours (no ANC) | Up to 22 hours (ANC on) |
| Comfort | On-ear cushioned | Over-ear cushioned memory foam |
| Build Quality | Lightweight plastic | Premium durable materials |
| Connectivity | Apple W1 chip | Apple W1 chip, more stable |
| Travel Features | Foldable, no case | Foldable + carrying case |
| Smart Features | Basic controls | Auto on/off, Siri integration |
| Aesthetic | Stylish, basic | Polished premium design |
What Common Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3 Can Do
Despite their differences, Solo 3 and Studio 3 share several key features:
- Wireless Connectivity: Both feature Bluetooth and Apple W1 chip, ensuring seamless pairing with iOS devices, fast switching, and reliable connection.
- Fast Charging: Both offer fast fuel charging. Solo 3 provides up to 3 hours of playback in 5 minutes, while Studio 3 offers 3 hours in 10 minutes.
- Playback Controls: Users can easily play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from the headphones.
- Built-in Microphone: Both allow for hands-free calling and voice assistant support, making them practical for work or commuting.
- Stylish Design: Both offer a modern, sleek Beats aesthetic with multiple color choices to match personal style.
| Feature | Beats Solo 3 | Beats Studio 3 |
| Wireless | ✅ Bluetooth | ✅ Bluetooth |
| Fast Charging | ✅ 5 min = 3 hrs playback | ✅ 10 min = 3 hrs playback |
| Playback Controls | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Design Options | ✅ Multiple colors | ✅ Multiple colors |
A Detailed Comparison of Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3
When it comes to premium Beats headphones, both Solo 3 and Studio 3 offer wireless convenience and stylish design. However, understanding the feature-specific differences is key to making the right choice.
1. Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Beats Solo 3:
Solo 3 does not feature active noise cancellation. While it has on-ear cushions that slightly block ambient noise, it is primarily designed for casual listening in relatively quiet environments. Users may find it less ideal for airplanes, trains, or noisy offices. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 offers Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC), which dynamically adjusts to your environment to reduce unwanted noise. This makes it perfect for immersive listening, whether you’re on a crowded subway, in-flight, or working in a bustling café. The ANC combined with over-ear cushions creates a fully immersive experience that Solo 3 cannot match.
Verdict: Studio 3 clearly wins for anyone who values quiet, uninterrupted listening.
2. Sound Quality
- Beats Solo 3:
Solo 3 focuses on bass-heavy sound, making it suitable for casual listeners, pop, hip-hop, or workout sessions. While it delivers punchy lows, mids and highs are less refined, which may affect the listening experience for genres like jazz, classical, or acoustic music. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 delivers balanced and precise sound across lows, mids, and highs. It is engineered for audiophiles seeking clarity and depth. With improved drivers and sound processing, Studio 3 provides richer vocals, more detail, and a more natural soundstage.
Verdict: Studio 3 is the better choice for those seeking a professional-grade audio experience.
3. Comfort and Ergonomics
- Beats Solo 3:
Solo 3’s on-ear design is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for casual travel. However, on longer listening sessions, the earcups may press on ears, causing discomfort for some users. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 features over-ear memory foam cushions that distribute pressure evenly, reducing ear fatigue during extended listening. Its headband is padded for comfort and stability, making it ideal for long flights, work-from-home sessions, or marathon music listening.
Verdict: Studio 3 provides superior comfort, especially for extended use.
4. Battery Life
- Beats Solo 3:
Solo 3 offers up to 40 hours of battery life without ANC. Quick charge allows 3 hours of playback in just 5 minutes, ideal for busy users. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 provides up to 22 hours with ANC on, but when ANC is turned off, playback extends to 40 hours, similar to Solo 3. While slightly less than Solo 3 with ANC active, it balances noise cancellation with battery efficiency.
Verdict: Solo 3 has longer battery life for casual listening, but Studio 3 balances battery with advanced ANC for superior performance.
5. Build Quality and Durability
- Beats Solo 3:
Solo 3 is constructed with lightweight plastic, making it portable but slightly less robust for frequent travel. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 uses premium materials, reinforced headbands, and more durable earcups. It withstands frequent travel and daily use while maintaining its premium aesthetic.
Verdict: Studio 3 is better built and more durable in the long run.
6. Smart Features and Connectivity
- Beats Solo 3:
Supports the Apple W1 chip, enabling quick pairing with iOS devices, but has limited smart functionality. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 also has the W1 chip, plus features like automatic power on/off, ear detection, and Siri voice control. These smart features make daily use easier and more intuitive.
Verdict: Studio 3 offers more intelligent and convenient features for modern users.
7. Travel and Portability
- Beats Solo 3:
Lightweight and foldable, Solo 3 is convenient to carry but lacks a carrying case, which can lead to scratches or damage. - Beats Studio 3:
Studio 3 is also foldable and comes with a protective carrying case, ideal for travel and storage.
Verdict: Studio 3 is more travel-friendly and better protected.
Conclusion
After a thorough comparison of Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3, it’s clear that Studio 3 is the superior headphone overall. Its advanced noise cancellation, balanced sound quality, superior comfort, smart features, and durable build make it ideal for serious listeners, frequent travelers, and professionals. Solo 3 remains a solid option for lightweight portability and casual use, but if you want a premium listening experience that justifies the investment, Studio 3 is the clear choice.
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FAQs – Beats Solo 3 vs Studio 3
- Do both headphones work with Android devices?
Yes, both Solo 3 and Studio 3 are Bluetooth-compatible with Android devices, but Studio 3’s features like W1 chip are optimized for Apple devices. - Can I use Solo 3 with ANC?
No, Solo 3 does not have active noise cancellation, unlike Studio 3. - How long does quick charge last?
Solo 3 offers 3 hours of playback in 5 minutes, Studio 3 offers 3 hours in 10 minutes. - Which is more comfortable for long use?
Studio 3, with over-ear memory foam cushions, is more comfortable than Solo 3’s on-ear design. - Do both have built-in microphones?
Yes, both allow hands-free calling and voice assistant commands. - Which one is more durable for travel?
Studio 3, due to premium materials and included carrying case. - What is the main difference in sound quality?
Solo 3 emphasizes bass-heavy casual listening; Studio 3 delivers balanced, high-fidelity sound across all frequencies. - Are they both foldable?
Yes, both fold, but only Studio 3 comes with a protective travel case.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.