Learn how we create the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews on our About page. Check out CNET’s best headphones for more information on competitive products. An indicator to show that the headphone battery power is low and will need to be replaced or recharged. Owner satisfaction beats solo pro wireless ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their noise-canceling headphone brand to their friends and family. Apple W1 chip makes pairing with iOS devices even more simple. Before that, I was PCMag’s lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011.
Beats aims to provide exceptional sound in a comfortable design with not too many features. You’ll find Pure Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which uses microphones to block out low-frequency sounds. However, you won’t find an app filled with features that might be daunting to use. The Beats Studio3s home in on great sound with features that you’ll use in a comfortable and vibrant design. Beats says the W1 chip is what allows the adaptive noise canceling to be always monitoring the world without draining the battery. I hear there are better noise reduction headphones out there but for me that hasn’t been an issue.
I’ve been testing the Beats Studio 3 with my usual set of gear, which presently consists of a Pixel 2, a Chromebook Pixel 2, and a selection of Windows PCs alongside my iMac. With each non-Apple device, I had a hell of a time getting the Studio 3 to just show up as available for pairing in the Bluetooth menu. And, you know it, the actual pairing process was only successful about half the time. Whenever you hear or read the word “wireless,” it’s most often followed by the word “freedom.” Wireless freedom. That’s what we are promised by headphone makers, wireless charging evangelists, and even gaming mice specialists.
You have one day to scoop up a pair of these top-rated headphones for $169.95. Yes, although the Solo3s don’t boast some of the features the Studio3 offer, they’re still great headphones and are probably a better value depending on what you’re looking for. But if you’re not a total Apple acolyte what you get is a fresh compendium of unnecessary headaches.
Click “accept” and these will be linked with your iCloud account and available for quick switching across your Apple devices. The beats by dre Wireless is part of the Headphones test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Noise-canceling headphones models like the Beats Studio3 Wireless are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling actively blocks outside sounds and distractions, making it easier for you to concentrate on what’s important. It struggles to separate your voice from ambient noise, even in moderately loud environments. Your voice sounds slightly thin and lacking in detail and presence. They fold into a more compact format that’s easier to transport with the provided hard case.
The Apple W1 chip features Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity — the industry-leading classification for range and signal strength. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Beats Studio3 Wireless. The Bose are very comfortable and their sound profile is well-balanced. Their ANC feature is also one of the best on the market and blocks noticeably more background noise than the Beats. On the other hand, the Beats will be slightly better-suited for bass-heavy genres, and they leak less than the Bose. They also have an in-line microphone for calls, which the Bose are lacking.
They might not be the most future-proof products – no proximity pairing or smart assistance here – but they have a sound that will outlast any of these newer, low-quality products. In comparison to the Studio3 Wireless, they have a similar battery life, active noise-canceling, and virtually-flawless Bluetooth connection. They also have a soundstage that could blow Beats into space. They may cost the same as the Studio3 Wireless, at $350, but they are more than worth the money. Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones feature Pure Active Noise Cancelling for a quality listening experience.
Beats’ Pure ANC actively blocks external noise and uses real-time audio calibration to preserve clarity, range and emotion. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are better headphones for neutral sound than the beats solo pro wireless Wireless. Although they’re both closed-back, over-ear headphones, the Audio-Technica have a more neutral sound and a slightly better passive soundstage. However, unlike the Audio-Technica, the Beats are wireless and they have controls, a microphone, and active noise cancelling, making them more versatile headphones overall. They’re also slightly more comfortable and their battery lasts up to 23 hours.