Beats Solo Buds vs Airpods Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Audiophiles
By Elisabeth Christ
Published June 2024
You may have caught wind of the buzz surrounding Apple's potential upcoming release – the Solo Buds, priced under $100. If you're curious about their quality, given their significantly lower price compared to Apple's other music gadgets like the AirPods Pro, let's delve into their differences so that you can decide whether these new buds are a must-have for you.
Key Takeaways
Both earbuds offer unique listening experiences, but the technical differences are clear. Beats Solo Buds boast 18 hours of listening time. On the other hand, Airpods Pro (2nd gen) feature the H2 chip for up to 6 hours of listening time (30 hours with the case) and twice the ANC power of their predecessor, plus added features like Adaptive Transparency and Personalized Spatial Audio. Connectivity-wise, both support Bluetooth, but Airpods Pro (2nd gen) offer a more integrated experience with Apple devices, supporting the LC3 codec for superior audio quality.
Beats Solo Buds
Better Choice for Battery Life
✓ 18 hours of battery life
✓ USB-C connectivity for charging
✓ 5-minute charge for 1 hour of playback
Airpods Pro
Better Choice for Audio Quality
✓ Upgraded H2 chip for better sound quality
✓ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) available
✓ Up to 6 hours of battery life and 30 hours with the MagSafe Charging Case
#1 Price & Design
Beats Solo Buds
Anticipated to be priced at $79.99, the Beats Solo Buds boast a stylish and athletic look, free from stems. Available in black, ivory, and red, these buds promise a snug fit. The compact case is convenient for on-the-go use.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) come in at $249, maintaining Apple's signature stem design but with a shorter length and revamped touch controls. Offered in a classic white hue, they provide a tailored fit with four ear tip options. The case, slightly larger than that of the Solo Buds, supports wireless charging.
#2 Audio Quality
Airpods Pro
With a custom acoustic platform and finely tuned drivers, the yet-to-be-released Beats Solo Buds promise a bass-centric sound profile that packs a punch. This energetic audio experience caters to music enthusiasts seeking an extra dose of excitement. However, some may find the dominance of the low-end tones overshadows the mid and high frequencies, potentially not appealing to those who prefer a more balanced sound.
On the flip side, the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) offer a sophisticated and customizable listening journey. Fueled by the H2 chip, a bespoke driver, and a high dynamic range amplifier, these earbuds deliver crystal-clear audio across all frequencies. Features like Adaptive Transparency mode keep you connected to your environment while enjoying your tunes, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive, studio-like soundstage that draws you into the music.
#3 Features & Performance
Beats Solo Buds
In the realm of noise cancellation, the unreleased yet Beats Solo Buds are rumored not to have active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. However, they do have ergonomically designed acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents for better audio performance and comfort. For those moments when you need to reconnect with your surroundings, a simple switch to Transparency mode will seamlessly invite ambient sounds back in.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are equipped with an advanced H2 chip that powers their Active Noise Cancellation feature, promising a significant enhancement in noise reduction compared to their predecessors. Their Adaptive Transparency mode takes it up a notch by dynamically adjusting to allow just the right amount of ambient noise, maintaining awareness without compromising audio quality. To top it off, Personalized Spatial Audio tailors your listening experience based on your unique ear structure, ensuring each track is personalized to your preferences.
#4 Connectivity & Compatibilty
Airpods Pro
Amid speculations, it's suggested that the upcoming Beats Solo Buds will purportedly offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity with both iOS and Android devices. Allegedly, they may provide effortless one-touch pairing and swift device switching capabilities.
Conversely, the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are known to establish connections with both platforms, but their rumored enhanced integration with Apple devices reportedly sets them apart. Whispers hint at exclusive features like automatic device switching and audio sharing. Additionally, there are murmurs about their support for the new LC3 codec, promising superior audio quality during Bluetooth playback.
#5 Battery Life
Beats Solo Buds
In the realm of battery performance, the yet-to-be-released Beats Solo Buds are rumored to possibly offer an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, which is the longest battery life of any Beats earbud. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are known to provide up to 6 hours of playback time (extendable up to 30 hours with the charging case).
Moreover, whispers suggest that the anticipated Solo Buds may feature rapid charging capability, potentially granting an hour of playback from just a 5-minute boost. Similarly, there are murmurs about the AirPods Pro boasting a quick charging function, delivering an hour of usage after a mere 5-minute charge.
Beats Solo Buds vs Airpods Pro
Final Thoughts
Beats Solo Buds vs Airpods Pro
The choice between Beats Solo Buds and Airpods Pro (2nd gen) boils down to personal preferences and priorities. If you're seeking a bass-heavy sound signature, a secure fit without stems, and cross-platform compatibility, the Beats Solo Buds might be your perfect match. However, if you prioritize advanced features like Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, and seamless integration with Apple devices, the Airpods Pro (2nd gen) might be worth the extra investment. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try them both on and see which one sounds and feels best to you.
And if you're interested in wireless earbuds, check out other reviews and comparisons here to widen your choice:
Best Wireless Earbuds 2024
Pulse Elite vs Pulse Explore
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport Earbuds
Jabra Elite 10 vs JBL Tour Pro 2
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 vs Momentum True Wireless 4
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 vs JBL Elite 10
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