Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones Review

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones have been a staple in the audio market since their release in 2016, marking a significant milestone as one of the first products launched under Apple’s ownership of Beats by Dre. Now, in 2025, these headphones remain available and relevant, thanks to their enduring design, seamless integration with Apple devices, and impressive battery life. But how do they hold up in today’s competitive landscape of wireless audio? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones from every angle—design, sound quality, comfort, connectivity, battery life, and value—offering a balanced perspective for potential buyers.

History

When Apple acquired Beats in 2014 for $3 billion, it signaled a shift in the audio brand’s trajectory. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless, introduced two years later, embodied this transition by integrating Apple’s proprietary W1 chip—a feature that promised effortless pairing with iOS devices and enhanced wireless performance. Priced originally at $299.95, the Solo 3 has since seen price drops, often retailing around $150-$200 in 2025, making it a mid-range contender against newer models like the Beats Solo 4 and premium options like the AirPods Max.

The Solo 3’s longevity is a testament to its appeal, particularly among Apple users and fans of the Beats aesthetic. But with advancements in noise cancellation, codec support, and design in newer headphones, does this veteran still deserve a spot in your collection? Let’s dive in.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Stylish, and Sturdy

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones adhere to the brand’s signature aesthetic: bold, minimalist, and unmistakably trendy. Available in a variety of colors—glossy black, matte black, rose gold, satin silver, and more—these on-ear headphones exude a fashion-forward vibe that appeals to younger audiences and style-conscious buyers. The glossy finishes can attract fingerprints, but the matte options offer a more understated elegance.

Constructed primarily from plastic with a metal-reinforced headband, the Solo 3 feels lightweight at 215 grams (7.58 ounces). This portability is enhanced by a foldable design, allowing the headphones to collapse into a compact shape that fits neatly into the included soft carrying case. The case, equipped with a carabiner, is practical for travel, though it lacks the hard-shell protection some competitors offer.

The earpads are cushioned with synthetic leather and foam, providing a snug fit typical of on-ear designs. The headband features a rubberized padding that increases friction, ensuring the headphones stay secure during movement—an advantage for casual workouts or commutes. Controls are intuitively placed on the left earcup: the Beats logo doubles as a play/pause button, with volume controls above and below it. A power button and five-LED battery indicator sit on the right earcup, alongside a micro-USB charging port and a 3.5mm jack for wired use.

While the build quality is solid for everyday use, it doesn’t scream luxury. The plastic-heavy construction might not satisfy those expecting premium materials at the original price point. However, after years on the market, reports of durability suggest the Solo 3 can withstand moderate wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for casual listeners.

Sound Quality: Bass-Driven with Broad Appeal

Beats has long been synonymous with bass-heavy audio, a reputation that the Solo 3 Wireless proudly upholds. Powered by dual 40mm drivers, these headphones deliver a sound signature that emphasizes low frequencies without overwhelming mids and highs—a refinement from earlier Beats models criticized for excessive boominess.

Listening to bass-centric genres like hip-hop, EDM, or pop, the Solo 3 shines. Tracks like The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” reveal punchy, controlled bass that adds energy without muddying the synths or vocals. The mids are clear enough to keep voices intelligible, though they can feel slightly recessed on tracks with intricate instrumentation. Highs are crisp but not overly sharp, avoiding fatigue during long sessions.

For neutral or acoustic music, the Solo 3 is less impressive. Listening to Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” the bass emphasis subtly overshadows the delicate guitar work, and the treble lacks the sparkle found in more balanced headphones like the Sony WH-CH720N. There’s no companion app equalization to tweak the sound, a notable limitation compared to competitors offering customizable profiles.

The Solo 3 supports AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, ensuring decent wireless audio quality, especially on Apple devices. However, it lacks support for higher-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC, which might disappoint Android users seeking superior fidelity. Wired mode, using the included 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable, offers a similar sound profile with slightly better clarity, though the inline controls are fully functional only with iOS devices.

Overall, the sound quality is enjoyable and versatile for casual listening, but audiophiles or those prioritizing neutrality might find it lacking depth and refinement.

Comfort: A Trade-Off for Portability

As on-ear headphones, the Solo 3 Wireless sit directly on the ears rather than enveloping them like over-ear models. This design choice enhances portability but compromises long-term comfort. The clamping force is firm—necessary to keep the headphones secure during movement—but it can cause discomfort after an hour or two, especially for users with glasses or larger heads.

The earpads are adequately cushioned, distributing pressure evenly across the ears, and the headband’s rubber padding prevents slippage. For short commutes, workouts, or casual use, the Solo 3 feels fine. However, extended sessions—like a full workday or long flight—may leave your ears aching for a break. Over-ear alternatives like the Beats Studio 3 or Bose QuietComfort 45 offer greater comfort for prolonged wear, albeit at the cost of compactness.

Fit varies by individual, but the Solo 3’s snug design is a double-edged sword: it ensures stability but sacrifices the airy feel of larger headphones. If comfort is a priority over portability, you might want to explore other options.

Connectivity and Features: Apple’s W1 Chip Advantage

The standout feature of the Beats Solo 3 Wireless is Apple’s W1 chip, a precursor to the H1 chip found in newer Beats and AirPods models. This chip enables seamless pairing with iOS devices: simply power on the headphones near an iPhone, and a pop-up prompts you to connect. Once paired, the Solo 3 syncs across your iCloud-linked devices—Mac, iPad, Apple Watch—making device switching effortless.

For Android users, pairing requires manual Bluetooth setup, but the process is straightforward, and the connection remains stable. The Solo 3 uses Class 1 Bluetooth, offering a range of up to 100 meters (328 feet) in ideal conditions—far surpassing the 10-meter range of many rivals. In real-world use, you can roam several rooms away from your device without dropouts, a boon for home or office use.

The headphones lack active noise cancellation (ANC), relying instead on passive isolation from the earpads. This blocks some ambient noise—think muffled chatter or light traffic—but struggles with low-frequency hums like airplane engines. The absence of ANC is a notable drawback in 2025, where even budget headphones often include it.

Voice assistant support is robust, with Siri activation via the earcup button on iOS, and compatibility with Google Assistant or others on Android. The built-in microphone performs adequately for calls, delivering clear voice pickup in quiet settings, though it falters in noisy environments.

Battery Life: A Class-Leading Performer

Battery life is where the Solo 3 Wireless truly excels. Rated at 40 hours on a single charge, these headphones outlast most competitors in their class, even years after launch. Real-world tests align with this claim, with moderate volume levels yielding nearly a full week of casual use before needing a recharge.

The Fast Fuel feature is equally impressive: a 5-minute charge via micro-USB delivers 3 hours of playback. While the use of micro-USB feels dated in 2025 (versus USB-C on newer models like the Solo 4), it’s a minor gripe given the longevity and quick-charge convenience. The five-LED indicator provides a clear battery status, and wired mode ensures uninterrupted listening if the battery dies.

Compared to the 50-hour battery of the Beats Solo 4 or the 20-hour average of many ANC-equipped headphones, the Solo 3’s endurance remains a strong selling point for users prioritizing uptime over advanced features.

Value and Competition: Worth It in 2025?

At its original $299.95 price, the Beats Solo 3 Wireless faced criticism for offering middling sound and comfort relative to rivals like the Bose QuietComfort 35 or Sony WH-1000XM2. In 2025, with prices often dipping to $150-$200, the value proposition improves significantly.

For Apple users, the W1 chip’s integration and 40-hour battery life make the Solo 3 a compelling choice, especially at a discount. The stylish design and solid build add to its appeal for casual listeners or those upgrading from wired earbuds. However, the lack of ANC, limited codec support, and on-ear comfort constraints put it at a disadvantage against newer alternatives.

• Beats Solo 4 ($199.95): The successor offers USB-C charging, improved sound, and 50-hour battery life, though still no ANC. It’s a modest upgrade worth considering if price aligns.
• Sony WH-CH720N ($149.99): Over-ear, with ANC, better sound customization, and comparable battery life, this is a stronger all-rounder for the price.
• AirPods Pro 2 ($249): For earbud fans, these deliver ANC, spatial audio, and deeper Apple integration, though they lack the Solo 3’s battery stamina.

If you snag the Solo 3 on sale and value its strengths—portability, battery life, and Apple compatibility—it’s a worthwhile buy. Otherwise, newer options may better suit modern needs.

Final Thoughts

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones remain a solid choice in 2025, blending style, longevity, and Apple-friendly features into a package that’s hard to ignore at the right price. Their bass-driven sound, exceptional battery life, and sleek design cater to casual listeners and trendsetters alike. Yet, the absence of ANC, dated charging port, and on-ear fit reveal their age in a market brimming with advanced alternatives.

For Apple devotees or those seeking a dependable, no-fuss wireless headphone under $200, the Solo 3 delivers. If you crave cutting-edge tech or all-day comfort, newer models might better serve you. The Solo 3 isn’t perfect, but its enduring popularity proves it still has a place in the audio landscape—proof that a classic can stand the test of time with the right tweaks and a fair price.