
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are a stylish, lightweight, on-ear option with an impressive 40-hour battery life. However, they are not soundproof due to the absence of active noise cancellation, which is now expected at their price point. While the headphones do provide noise isolation by covering your ears, they do not produce a counter sound wave to neutralize background noise. As a result, you may still hear low-frequency sounds like the hum of a plane or muffled conversations and announcements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soundproofing | Does not feature active noise cancellation. Does not have a transparency mode. |
| Noise isolation | Noise isolation by nature of its design. Masks out conversations and announcements. |
| Sound quality | Powerful, with a boost in the lower-mid range. Lack of treble. Strong mids and low-end. |
| Comfort | Intense pressure on ears. Not suitable for long periods. |
| Weight | 7.5 ounces or 216g. |
| Battery life | 40 hours. |
| Price | Originally retailed for $300, now $219. |
| Design | On-ear, closed-back. Sleek, compact, and lightweight. |
| Compatibility | Wired and wireless. Connects seamlessly to iPhones. Compatible with Android. |
| Accessories | Soft zippered carrying case with a carabiner, 3.5mm aux cable, and micro-USB charging cable. |
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What You'll Learn

The Beats Solo 3 are not soundproof.
The Beats Solo 3 are on-ear, closed-back headphones, which are inherently disadvantaged when it comes to sound quality. The sound funnels directly into the user's ear, resulting in an overly boomy headphone that lacks balance. The lack of active noise cancellation further contributes to this issue, as the headphones are unable to completely block out external noise.
The on-ear design of the Beats Solo 3 also affects the soundproofing capabilities of the headphones. This design places pressure on the ears to isolate the user from their surroundings, which can be uncomfortable for some users, especially those who wear glasses. The clamping force required to keep the headphones in place can cause tension headaches and ear pain.
The Beats Solo 3 may be a good option for users who are not looking for complete soundproofing. The headphones do provide solid noise isolation, which can help to block out external noise to some extent. The headphones are also lightweight and offer a long battery life of up to 40 hours. However, for users who prioritize soundproofing and noise cancellation, there are other headphone options available that may be more suitable, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort.
Overall, while the Beats Solo 3 offers some noise isolation, it is important to note that they are not soundproof. For complete soundproofing, users may need to consider alternative headphone options that offer active noise cancellation.
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They do not feature active noise cancellation
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are not soundproof as they do not feature active noise cancellation. This means that they do not have the technology to pick up and listen to surrounding sounds and produce a counter sound wave to neutralize background noise. As a result, users may still hear low-frequency sounds such as the hum of a plane while listening to music. The headphones do provide noise isolation due to their on-ear design, which helps to block out external noise. However, the lack of active noise cancellation means that they do not offer a transparency mode that allows sound through with the press of a button.
The absence of active noise cancellation in the Beats Solo 3 headphones may be a disadvantage for those seeking a more immersive listening experience or looking to block out their surroundings entirely. While the on-ear design provides some level of noise isolation, it may not be sufficient for environments with significant background noise. For individuals who frequently travel or commute and desire a higher level of noise cancellation, over-ear headphones may be a more suitable option.
It is worth noting that the Beats Solo 3 headphones offer a stylish, lightweight, and compact design, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They provide seamless connectivity with iPhones and easy pairing with Android devices. Additionally, they deliver solid noise isolation, crisp and clear audio quality, and impressive battery life. However, some users may find the on-ear design uncomfortable, especially during extended periods of use.
The Beats Solo 3 headphones may be a suitable choice for individuals who prioritize style, portability, and seamless connectivity within the Apple ecosystem. However, if active noise cancellation and superior comfort are essential factors, investing in alternative options, such as the Beats Studio3 Wireless or noise-cancelling headphones from brands like Bose and Sony, may be more advisable.
In summary, while the Beats Solo 3 headphones offer a range of appealing features, they fall short in terms of active noise cancellation. This lack of active noise cancellation may be a deciding factor for consumers who prioritize immersive listening experiences and comprehensive noise isolation in their headphones.
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They are lightweight and stylish
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are stylish, lightweight, and portable. They weigh just 7.5 ounces (216g) and fold up into a tiny, padded carrying case. The design is minimalistic and sleek, and the headphones are available in many different colours. The matte-grey model effectively resists oil smudges, but it is easily scuffed. The hard plastic seems durable, but the hinges and headband flexibility are cause for concern. The Beats Solo 3 is also available in a vegan option, with a pleather material hugging the foam ear pads.
The headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. They connect seamlessly to iPhones, similar to AirPods, and can be used both wired and wirelessly with a 3.5mm headphone connector. The wired connection is high-quality and easy to use with a compatible iPhone, but the cable controls are ineffective when listening in wired mode on an Android phone. The Beats Solo 3 features Class 1 Bluetooth, which means it can theoretically connect to devices at a range of hundreds of meters.
The Beats Solo 3 offers 40 hours of battery life and powerful, punchy sound with mid-forward vocals and impressive bass. However, the sound quality is not exceptional, and the headphones lack active noise cancellation. They are also uncomfortable for extended wear, with undue pressure placed on the ears to isolate the listener from their surroundings and keep the headset in place.
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They have powerful bass and strong mids
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are known for their powerful bass and strong mids. They deliver an "oomph" to music, particularly hip-hop tracks or anything with a focus on the low end. The bass is described as "ridiculous" in a good way, and the increased mids add a lot of body to the vocals, making them "loud and in your face".
The bass is further accentuated by the rolled-off highs, which prevent ear fatigue and allow for louder listening without piercing highs. This makes the Beats Solo 3 an enjoyable pair of headphones for those who want to feel the bass and experience the music with a full, vocal-centric sound.
The overall sound quality has been described as crisp and clear, and while it may not satisfy audiophiles, it will likely please casual listeners. The headphones offer a boost in the lower-mid range, which can be a positive or negative depending on the type of music being played. For tracks with a lot of lower-frequency instruments, the boosted bass and mids may not be ideal.
The Beats Solo 3 also comes with a wired connection option, which can improve sound quality when used with a compatible smartphone. This wired mode can be useful when wireless connectivity is unstable or when you want to conserve battery life.
While the Beats Solo 3 shines in bass and mid-range performance, it falls short in terms of active noise cancellation. The headphones do provide passive noise isolation due to their on-ear design, but they lack the technology to actively neutralize background noise. As a result, they may not be the best choice for blocking out all external sounds, especially during travel or in noisy environments.
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They are not comfortable for long periods
The Beats Solo 3 headphones are not the best option for extended periods of wear. While the headphones are lightweight, sleek, and compact, they are not the most comfortable for long periods.
The on-ear design means that pressure is placed on the ears to isolate the listener from their surroundings and keep the headset in place. This can cause discomfort, especially for those who wear glasses, as the clamping force may cause headaches and dig into the sides of the head.
One reviewer noted that the headphones started to feel uncomfortable after just 30 minutes of wear, with intense pressure on the ears and tightness that was made worse by glasses. For those who frequently take long-haul flights or have lengthy commutes, the Solo 3 may not be the best option.
The Solo 3's lack of active noise cancellation may also contribute to discomfort during extended wear. While the headphones do provide noise isolation by covering the ears, the lack of active noise cancellation means that low-frequency noises like the hum of a plane or surrounding conversations may still be audible.
Additionally, the on-ear design can be difficult to get a good seal with, and the headphones may slip around with movement. This can lead to a less immersive listening experience and further discomfort as the headphones need to be adjusted.
Overall, while the Beats Solo 3 headphones have some positive features, their uncomfortable on-ear design may make them unsuitable for those seeking headphones for long-term wear.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Beats Solo 3 are not soundproof as they do not feature active noise cancellation. However, they do offer noise isolation by covering your ears, which helps to block out external noise.
Active noise cancellation is a technology that uses built-in microphones to pick up and listen to surrounding sounds, then produces a counter sound wave to neutralise background noise.
While the Beats Solo 3 do not have active noise cancellation, they do offer noise isolation, which helps to block out external noise by covering your ears. However, this is not as effective as active noise cancellation.
The comfort of the Beats Solo 3 varies between individuals. Some people may find them uncomfortable due to the pressure placed on the ears by the on-ear design, especially if worn for extended periods. Those who wear glasses may also find them uncomfortable as they can cause pressure and tightness.
The sound quality of the Beats Solo 3 is good, with powerful and full bass, and clear and crisp audio. However, some may be dissatisfied with the lack of bright high-end detail as the treble region has been sacrificed for stronger mids and low-end.










































