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AKG N60NC Wireless vs Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the AKG N60NC Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 76. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: AKG N60NC Wireless - Great overall at around $300.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

AKG N60NC Wireless
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery6.5
Value7.0
Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless
Sound6.0
Battery9.0
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of AKG N60NC Wireless vs Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless
SpecAKG N60NC WirelessApple Beats Solo3 Wireless
TypeOn-EarOn-Ear
Price (USD)$300$200
HearWiki score76 / 100 · Great68 / 100 · Good
Released20182016
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response10Hz-22kHz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance32 Ω-
Sensitivity111 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth4.0Bluetooth
Bluetooth version4.04.0
CodecsSBC, AAC, aptXAAC, SBC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range10 m-
Battery
Battery life15 h40 h
Battery life (ANC on)30 h-
Quick charge-5 min = 3 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingYesNo
ANC typefeedback-
Transparency modeNo-
Companion appNo-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Voice assistant-Siri
Design
Weight199.4 g215 g
Water resistancenonenone
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoNo
Calls
Microphones11

What reviewers said

AKG N60NC Wireless

The AKG N60NC Wireless is a compact, travel-focused pair of on-ear headphones with effective hybrid noise cancellation and a lively, balanced sound signature. They're comfortable and portable, making them a solid choice for commuters, though their wireless performance isn't quite as polished as the wired mode and battery life falls short of top competitors.

  • Pro:Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel
  • Pro:Effective noise cancellation for its size
  • Pro:Entertaining, well-balanced audio quality
  • Con:Wireless sound quality is slightly inferior to wired mode
  • Con:Noise cancellation can weaken with jaw movement
  • Con:Battery life is decent but not class-leading

Apple Beats Solo3 Wireless

The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone that stands out for its exceptional 40-hour battery life and quick-charge convenience, making it a solid choice for long listening sessions. It delivers a lively, bass-forward sound signature that suits pop and hip-hop, but its tight fit and average build quality can be off-putting for some users, and its audio detail doesn't quite justify the premium price tag. With easy pairing for Apple devices and solid wireless stability, it's a practical pick for casual listeners who prioritize endurance over audiophile-grade fidelity.

  • Pro:Outstanding 40-hour battery life
  • Pro:Fast 5-minute charge gives 3 hours of playback
  • Pro:Reliable Bluetooth connection with AAC support
  • Con:Tight clamping force can cause discomfort over time
  • Con:Audio lacks refinement and detail compared to rivals
  • Con:Uses micro-USB instead of USB-C

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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