
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Apple Beats Solo Buds: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) | Apple Beats Solo Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $125 | $80 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 8.2 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | - |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | Class 1 Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 18 h |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 18 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | adaptive | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | both | buttons |
| Voice assistant | Siri | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10.6 g | 5.7 g |
| Case weight | 50.8 g | 22 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | No |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
- Pro:Decent battery life with case
- Con:No multipoint connection
- Con:Limited to AAC codec
- Con:No custom EQ in app
Apple Beats Solo Buds
These affordable wireless earbuds prioritize long battery life and a comfortable fit, making them a solid pick for budget-conscious listeners. They deliver punchy, balanced sound for the price and pair easily with devices, but they skip many modern conveniences like noise cancellation and multi-device connectivity. Overall, they're a straightforward, no-frills option that excels at the basics rather than offering premium extras.
- Pro:Excellent battery life of 18 hours
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Good sound quality for the price
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:Lacks multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Con:No wireless charging support
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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