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Beats Solo2 Wireless vs Beats Solo3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Beats Solo2 Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Beats Solo2 Wireless - Good overall at around $300.

Score breakdown

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

Beats Solo2 Wireless
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling1.0
Battery7.0
Calls5.0
Value6.0
Beats Solo3
Sound6.5
Battery9.0
Calls6.0
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Beats Solo2 Wireless vs Beats Solo3
SpecBeats Solo2 WirelessBeats Solo3
TypeOn-EarOn-Ear
Price (USD)$300$379
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good68 / 100 · Good
Released20152016
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size-40 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance45 Ω32 Ω
Sensitivity115 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth-Class 1 Bluetooth
Bluetooth version-4.0
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range9 m-
Battery
Battery life12 h40 h
Full charge time-120 min
Quick charge-5 min = 3 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
ANC type-none
Transparency mode-No
Companion app-No
Custom EQ-No
Wear detection-No
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Voice assistant-Siri
Design
Weight205 g215 g
Water resistancenonenone
Foldable-Yes
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CNoNo
Model code-Beats Solo3 Wireless
Calls
Microphones12

What reviewers said

Beats Solo2 Wireless

These on-ear wireless headphones offer a bold, engaging sound with a comfortable fit and a practical 12-hour battery life. While they perform well across many genres, their lack of noise cancellation and limited codec support keep them from being top-tier in feature-rich environments. They are a solid, stylish choice for everyday listening, especially if you value a lively presentation over advanced tech.

  • Pro:Long 12-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended use
  • Pro:Bold, engaging sound profile
  • Con:Weak noise isolation for loud spaces
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Only supports SBC codec

Beats Solo3

The Beats Solo3 is a wireless on-ear headphone that prioritizes marathon battery life and effortless pairing with Apple devices above all else. Its sound is energetic and bass-forward, which suits casual listening, but the tight fit and lack of refinement make it less ideal for critical or all-day use. While it lacks modern features like ANC or USB-C, its robust battery and portability keep it relevant for commuters and gym-goers.

  • Pro:Exceptional 40-hour battery life
  • Pro:Simple and stable wireless pairing for Apple users
  • Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
  • Con:Tight clamping force may cause discomfort over time
  • Con:Bass-heavy tuning can overshadow vocals and instruments
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode

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

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