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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs 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.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Beats Solo Buds
Sound6.5
Battery8.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Beats Solo Buds
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Beats Solo Buds
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$80
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great68 / 100 · Good
Released20222024
Audio
DriverdynamicDual-layer drivers
Driver size11 mm8.2 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz-
Impedance16 Ω-
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth version5.35.3
CodecsSBC, AACAAC, SBC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-18 h
Battery incl. case30 h18 h
Quick charge-5 min = up to 1 hour
Wireless chargingYesNo
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
ANC typeadaptive-
Transparency modeYes-
Companion appYes-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionYes-
Controlsbothbuttons
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight10.6 g5.7 g
Case weight50.8 g22 g
Water resistanceIP54none
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes

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

Beats Solo Buds

The Beats Solo Buds are compact, featherlight true wireless earbuds that focus on core listening and portability, offering a robust 18-hour battery life and reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. They skip extras like active noise cancellation, water resistance, and multipoint pairing, making them a straightforward choice for budget-minded users who prioritize stamina and a secure fit over advanced features. Sound quality is generally solid for the price, though bass response is modest and the feature set is deliberately minimal.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life for the size
  • Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Lacks water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging or multipoint 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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