As part of a recent Apple promotion, I got a free pair of Beats Solo 3 wireless headphones with the purchase of a MacBook Pro. You may remember a few months back, I wrote about the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 headphones. Specifically about how noise-canceling headphones cause ear pain.
These have long been a favorite among frequent travelers, but they gave me excruciating ear pain, headaches, and dizziness. I returned the headphones for a full refund and decided my next pair would be the noise-isolating kind. The Beats Solo 3s turned out to be the perfect fit.
About Beats by Dr. Dre
Beats By Dr. Dre have been around for about a decade. The first time I came across them was in college when I interned at Interscope Records. Beats were new back then and during my first week, my boss handed me a pair and told me to “get familiar” with Interscope’s products.
No, I didn’t get to keep them and that was fine because those older models were really bulky and hideous. They were the type of headphones you see artists wearing in the recording studio. But Beats have gotten sleeker in the last decade and with Apple buying out the company, they can be seamlessly linked to your MacBook and iPhone. That makes members of The Cult very happy.
Beats Solo 3 review
So what are my thoughts on the Beats Solo 3 wireless headphones? I’ve been using them for about seven years and absolutely love them. They’re less bulky than the Bose QC 35s and provide better sound quality.
While they’re not noise-canceling headphones, they do a good job of isolating sound. I was testing it out, listening to the latest Taylor Swift song. After about a minute, I realized my sister, who was sitting two rows behind me in the car, had been calling out my name.
I didn’t even hear her – that’s how well the Beats Solo 3 isolates background noise. That being said, you don’t get that underwater silence that the Bose QC 35 provides. That’s a good thing, as far as I’m concerned. I need a little bit of ambient noise or else I get disoriented.
Battery life
The Beats Solo 3 headphones’ sound quality is really great, and the battery life has been impressive, too. I read somewhere that they last 9 hours per charge. I think this is pretty accurate, though I haven’t timed it exactly.
I’ve used mine for at least an hour a day over the last two weeks and haven’t had to charge them yet. I also like the soft case of the Solo 3’s better than the Bose QC 35’s hard case.
It takes up less space and makes the headphones easier to pack. That really makes them perfect for travel. It’s also worth pointing out that the Beats Solo 3 headphones come with 3 months free apple music. I have yet to sign up, but I know a lot of people will appreciate this perk.
Drawbacks
My only gripe with the Beats Solo 3 headphones? They come with a USB charger, which sadly means I can’t plug it into my MacBook Pro. The new laptops only have USB-C/lighting chargers. It’s not a total necessity, but it is convenient for those times when I don’t want to bring extra wall chargers while traveling.
But since the battery life on the Beats Solo 3 headphones is so good, I haven’t really found the need.
Who should get Beats Solo 3 headphones?
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are perfect for people who want a stylish, durable pair of headphones with great sound. As someone who didn’t react well to noise-canceling headphones, I think these are a great alternative.
They isolate background noise well without blocking sound completely. They also don’t leave me dizzy and nauseous, so it’s a win! If you want noise-canceling headphones, then the Beats Solo 3 headphones are probably not for you. If you’re on the fence, you can always go to an Apple store and try them out before buying them.
How to save money on Beats Solo 3 headphones
Since Beats Solo 3 headphones have been discontinued, you can buy existing inventory for less. Target has refurbished Beats for $100 and you can buy new ones from Walmart for $120.
Be sure to use shopping portal rewards to save even more on your headphone purchase (and maybe even earn miles). Many credit cards also offer discounts at merchants where Beats are sold. Be sure to check your Amex Offers. Citi, Chase and Capital One have similar merchant discount tools.
Bottom line
I’m definitely happy with the Beats Solo 3’s and would recommend them if you can buy them at a discount. Since they’ve been discontinued, you can probably buy them second-hand for less.
You should be aware that a lot of scammers sell fake Beats on eBay. I’m not sure how to spot the difference, but just keep that in mind if you come across an especially cheap pair of Beats.
Have you tried out the Beats Solo 3 headphones? What are your thoughts on this product? Are there any other noise isolating headphones you recommend over Beats?
Do Beats Solo 3 have good sound?
Beats solo 3 headphones have very good sound. It’s crisp, clear and great for listening to music or watching movies.
Do Solo3 Beats have noise cancellation?
Beats Solo 3 don’t have noise cancellation. They do, however, isolate some sounds to provide a better listening experience.
Can Beats Solo 3 take phone calls?
Yes, Beat Solo 3 headphones can take phone calls if you connect them with your phone via Bluetooth. To answer a phone call, simply press the “b” button on the left ear.
Are Beats Solo 3 good for working out?
Beats Solo 3 are good for working out, since they’re lightweight and provide good sound quality. However, they can get sweaty. If you don’t like that, consider picking up a pair of Airpods instead.
Do Beats Solo 3 stay on when running?
Yes, Beats Solo 3 stay on when you’re running. They go over the ears and stay on securely, making them ideal for runners.
This review was originally published on September 12, 2017 and has been updated.
I don’t have any of the pain/dizzyness issues with the Bose QC35 that you describe but I do agree that they are surprisingly bulky and take a lot of space in my ‘personal item’ bag. I bought Beats X wireless earbuds and they have replaced the Bose as my go-to travel headphones. However, I still prefer over-the-ear headphones so I think I will give the Solo 3 a try. Thanks for the review.
Nice! I personally can’t tolerate in-ear buds, but I definitely see how they’re super convenient for travel. I’m still very happy with the Solo 3’s and would recommend them to anyone.