
The Beats Audio Bluetooth Earbuds are a sleek and portable way to enjoy your favorite music on the go. They're designed to deliver high-quality sound with deep bass and clear treble.
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their long battery life, with up to 12 hours of playback time on a single charge. This is perfect for long commutes or workouts.
The Beats Audio Bluetooth Earbuds are also incredibly easy to pair with your device, thanks to their seamless Bluetooth connectivity. Simply put them in pairing mode and they'll connect to your phone or tablet in seconds.
Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking hands-free calls, the Beats Audio Bluetooth Earbuds are a reliable and convenient choice.
On a similar theme: How to Clean Soundcore Earbuds
Design and Build
The Beats Solo Buds have a design that's similar to the Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus, but with a more budget aesthetic. They come with four sizes of ear tips, which can help ensure a secure fit.
See what others are reading: How to Pair Beats Studio with Android

The earbuds are IPX4-rated, making them sweat and water resistant. This is a great feature for people who plan to use their earbuds during exercise or in wet conditions.
The Solo Buds have a physical "b" button on each bud, which can be used to control playback and volume. However, you'll need to configure the press-and-hold action in iOS settings or the Beats app for Android devices to control volume.
You might enjoy: How to Sync Soundcore Earbuds
Reviewing Earphones on This Site
I've reviewed earphones on this site before, but only when I had a personal connection to them, like when I received a free pair with my iPad Pro 12.9.
The Beats X earphones I reviewed were part of the evolution of Beats by Dre after Apple's acquisition. They were a bit of a disappointment, but I gave them a fair shot. I'm not a fan of their styling, and they look like generic earphones with a big letter B on the side, which doesn't impress me personally.
Build & Style

The Beats Solo Buds have a more budget aesthetic compared to the Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus, but they fit similarly and don't stick out of your ears much.
The earbuds come with four sizes of ear tips, and the largest one allowed for a tight seal and relatively secure fit. However, the fit isn't as secure as the Beats Fit Pro, which has integrated wing tips.
The earbuds have a physical "b" button on each bud for controlling playback and volume, which must be configured in iOS settings or the Beats app for Android devices.
The build quality of the Beats Solo Buds is actually okay, but it's not exceptional. It's a significant departure from the woeful build quality of Beats headphones in the past.
The flat cable connecting to the earbuds is a design concern, as the reviewer has had similar designs fail on them in the past.
Here are the different ear tip sizes included with the Beats Solo Buds:
- Four sizes of ear tips
- Largest ear tip allows for a tight seal and relatively secure fit
Powering On

The electrical system is the backbone of any building, and it's essential to get it right from the start. A well-designed electrical system can save you money and headaches down the line.
The National Electric Code (NEC) requires that all new electrical installations meet specific safety standards. This includes using 20-ampere circuit breakers for 120-volt, single-phase, 15-kilovolt-amperes (kVA) service.
A typical residential electrical panel can support around 100 to 200 amps of power. This is usually sufficient for a small to medium-sized home.
Readers also liked: Sony Home Audio System Bluetooth
Features
The Beats audio Bluetooth earbuds have some amazing features that make them a pleasure to use. One of the coolest features is the ability to magnetically attach the earphones back to back when not in use, keeping them secure and tangle-free.
You can get up to 8 hours of battery life from the earbuds, but what's even more impressive is the Fast Fuel feature, which allows you to get 2 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge.
If this caught your attention, see: How Do You Use Bluetooth Speakers
The earbuds also come with Active Noise Cancelling, which adapts to your personal fit and neutralizes unwanted external noise. With 3x larger microphones, new venting, and a powerful processor, the earbuds have up to 1.6x more Active Noise Cancelling power.
The earbuds support spatial audio for immersive music, delivering a surround sound experience that's like being surrounded by 64 speakers at once. They also have 3x larger microphones for crystal clear calls, and a voice-targeting algorithm that precisely filters background noise.
Here are some of the included accessories: Beats Studio Buds+Pocketable charging caseEar tips with four size optionsUSB-C to USB-C charging cableWarranty card
Expand your knowledge: Avantree C81 Usb-c Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Ps5
Features
The Beats Solo Buds have a few notable features, but they're not as robust as some of the other earbuds on the market.
The earbuds have a tiny pill-shaped case that's easy to carry around, but it doesn't have a battery inside to recharge the earbuds on the go.

You can customize the tap controls on the earbuds to manage music, toggle listening modes, take calls, and activate voice assistant using the 'b' button.
The Beats Solo Buds have four sizes of ear tips to choose from, which can help ensure a comfortable fit.
The earbuds have horrible onboard controls, requiring a hard press to enable, which can be uncomfortable and even a risk to your eardrums.
Here's a breakdown of the single press, double press, triple press, and press and hold functions for the earbuds:
The Beats Solo Buds don't have active noise canceling or hands-free Siri like some of the more expensive earbuds on the market.
Transparency Mode
Transparency Mode is a game-changer for everyday listening. It blends your music with the world around you, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.
External-facing microphones are the key to this feature, capturing ambient sound to mix in with your music. This means you can hear both your tunes and the sounds of the world, making it perfect for situations like walking or working out.
Beats Studio Buds + takes this feature to the next level with up to 2x improved Transparency.
Surrounds You

The Beats Solo Buds don't have noise canceling, but they do fit snugly in your ears, reducing loud sounds by over 50%. I've found that a good seal is essential for blocking out noise, so make sure to experiment with different ear tips to get the best fit.
If you commute daily in transit, you might want to consider noise canceling earbuds. The Beats Solo Buds' lack of transparency mode makes it challenging to stay aware of your surroundings while jogging or having a quick conversation.
Beats Studio Buds +, on the other hand, have a transparency mode that blends your music with ambient sounds. This feature is especially useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Beats Studio Buds + also support spatial audio for an immersive music experience. Imagine having 64 speakers surrounding you at once – that's what these earbuds deliver.
The Beats Solo Buds have a good score for Timbre, which means most people will enjoy the tuning of the earbuds without needing an equalizer.
At Your Fingertips

The Beats Studio Buds are designed to be super convenient and easy to use. You can manage music, toggle listening modes, take calls, and activate voice assistant using the 'b' button on the earbuds.
With the customizable on-ear controls, you can access your favorite features without having to reach for your phone. This means you can quickly adjust the volume, skip tracks, or answer calls with just a tap.
The 'b' button is a game-changer for anyone who wants to stay connected without distractions. It's a simple yet powerful tool that lets you control your music and calls with ease.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can do with the 'b' button:
- Manage music: Play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume.
- Toggle listening modes: Switch between different listening modes, such as noise-cancelling or transparency mode.
- Take calls: Answer or decline calls with a single tap.
- Activate voice assistant: Access Siri, Google Assistant, or other voice assistants with a press of the 'b' button.
Solo
The Solo Buds have a unique design that sets them apart from other earbuds. They come with a small case that doesn't have a battery, making them more portable.
You can easily manage music, take calls, and activate your voice assistant using the 'b' button on the earbuds. This customizable on-ear control is a convenient feature that makes using your earbuds a breeze.
The sound quality of the Solo Buds is impressive, especially when it comes to Timbre. A simulated panel of listeners gave the earbuds high scores for Timbre, meaning most people will enjoy the tuning without needing an equalizer.
Here's a breakdown of the sound quality scores:
- Timbre (MOS-T): high scores for faithful frequency spectrum and temporal resolution
- Distortion (MOS-D): high scores for clean reproduction, meaning less noise and non-linearities
- Immersiveness (MOS-I): low scores for perceived source width and positioning, so instruments may not sound very wide or well-defined in space
Powerful, Balanced
Beats Studio Buds+ deliver rich, immersive sound whether you're listening to music or taking calls.
Each bud is equipped with a custom two-layer transducer that flexes to deliver cleaner bass and ultra-low distortion.
The sound quality is impressive, and you'll appreciate the effort Beats put into designing these earbuds for optimal audio performance.
Battery and Charging
The Beats Studio Buds+ offer up to 36 hours of total listening time from their sleek, pocket-sized charging case, making them ready to go whenever you are.
Fast Fuel gives up to 1 hour of playback with a 5-minute charge, which is a lifesaver when you're running low on battery.
The Beats Solo Buds, on the other hand, last 17 hours and 24 minutes on a single charge, which is impressive for wireless earbuds.
With Fast Fuel, a 5-minute charge provides 1 hour of playback time, so you can quickly top up your battery when needed.
Beats advertises that you can charge the earbuds from your phone, but you'll need an iPhone 15 or later or a supported Android device with two-way USB-C charging to access this feature.
If you don't have a USB-C cable, you're out of luck, as Beats doesn't include one in the box.
Here's a summary of the battery life and charging features of the Beats Studio Buds+ and Solo Buds:
Connectivity and Pairing
The Beats Studio Buds have industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts, ensuring a seamless listening experience.
These earbuds also feature high-quality call performance, thanks to upgraded voice-targeting microphones. This means you can enjoy clear and crisp conversations with friends and family.
To connect your Beats Studio Buds to a device, you'll need to put them into pairing mode by opening the case, holding the System button for a few seconds, and waiting for the LED to flash.
Cross-Platform Compatibility

Cross-Platform Compatibility is a must-have for any device or system that aims to connect and pair with others seamlessly. Bluetooth technology, for instance, allows for seamless pairing between devices from different manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple.
The ability to connect and pair devices across different platforms is made possible by standardized protocols like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. This ensures that devices from various manufacturers can communicate with each other without any issues.
In the case of wireless headphones, having cross-platform compatibility is crucial for users who switch between different devices, such as a smartphone and a tablet. Many wireless headphones, like the Sony WH-1000XM4, support pairing with both Android and iOS devices.
Cross-platform compatibility also extends to smart home devices, which can be controlled and paired with various devices, including voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows users to control their entire smart home ecosystem with ease, regardless of the device they're using.
For more insights, see: Audio Technica At-lp60xbt Bluetooth Not Pairing
Voice Calling Performance

The Beats Solo Buds deliver impressive voice-calling performance, thanks to their industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth and high-quality call performance from upgraded voice-targeting microphones. This setup allows for extended range and fewer dropouts, making calls a breeze.
In fact, the Solo Buds' voice-calling performance is on par with the Studio Buds Plus, with strong noise reduction during calls. The buds use a voice-targeting algorithm to precisely filter background noise for crisp, clear call performance. This means you can take calls in noisy environments without worrying about your voice being drowned out.
The Solo Buds also feature powerful ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) to further enhance call quality. With 3x larger microphones, you can be confident that your voice will come through loud and clear. However, it's worth noting that there's a bit of side-talk, which can be a minor issue.
If you frequently take calls while walking around busy streets, you'll be pleased to know that the Solo Buds can handle it. While they may not be perfect in extremely noisy environments, they're designed to block out background noise and keep your voice clear.
On a similar theme: Facetime Audio Call
Connectivity
The Beats Studio Buds have industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth, which provides an extended range and fewer dropouts.
This means you can move around freely without losing your connection. The upgraded voice-targeting microphones also ensure high-quality call performance.
The earbuds use a System button to enter pairing mode, which involves opening the case, holding the buds near the device, and pressing and holding the System button until the LED begins to flash.
To connect your Beats Studio Buds to a Windows PC, put them into pairing mode, go to the Start Menu > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and select your earbuds from the list of available devices.
You can also connect your Beats Studio Buds to a Chromebook, iPhone, or Android device by following similar steps, which involve putting the earbuds into pairing mode and selecting them from the list of available devices.
Here are the steps to connect your Beats Studio Buds to different devices:
The Beats app is recommended for Android users to customize their earbuds, but iPhone users can access the same features directly within the Settings app.
A unique perspective: Bluetooth Dual Audio App
Pros and Cons
The Beats Audio Bluetooth Earbuds have some fantastic features that make them a great choice. They're very affordable, which is a big plus.
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their lightweight and comfortable design. You can wear them for hours without feeling any discomfort.
The case is also very compact, making it easy to take with you on the go. It's a great size for tossing into a bag or purse.
These earbuds deliver good sound and voice-calling performance, which is essential for making hands-free calls or listening to music.
Their strong battery life is another major advantage, allowing you to enjoy your music or take calls without worrying about running out of power.
Here are the key pros of the Beats Audio Bluetooth Earbuds at a glance:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Very compact case
- Good sound and voice-calling performance
- Strong battery life
The earbuds also have physical buttons for controls, making it easy to navigate and adjust settings.
Comparison and Recommendation
If you're set on getting Beats earbuds, the Solo Buds are a more affordable option, but they cost twice as much as the Studio Buds Plus.
If this caught your attention, see: How to Connect Beats Studio Buds to Android
The AirPods 4 are a good choice if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, but they're pricey and lack ear tips. You'll also have to decide if the advanced features like water resistance and spatial audio tracking are worth the extra cost.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are a better option than the Beats Solo Buds, offering noise canceling, sweat-resistance, and up to 50 hours of battery life for a lower price.
Should You Buy?
If you're set on buying the Beats Solo Buds, consider how much you're willing to spend - they cost twice as much as other options, so that's a major factor.
The AirPods 4 come with advanced features like water resistance, a MagSafe charging case, spatial audio tracking, and an Adaptive EQ, which might be important to you.
You'll also have to decide if the sound quality of the AirPods, which is generally preferred by most people, is worth the extra cost - they start at $129.

The Beats Solo Buds don't have ear tips, so you'll have to hope the shape of the earbuds fits your ears, which might be a drawback for some.
If you're looking for a wireless earbud option under $100, there are plenty of good alternatives to the Beats Solo Buds.
Some of these options, like the Moondrop Space Travel, offer great sound quality and noise canceling for just $24.99.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are another option to consider, offering noise canceling, sweat-resistance, and up to 50 hours of total battery life for $99.99.
Most people will prefer the sound quality and features of these alternatives, so it's worth exploring your options before settling on the Beats Solo Buds.
Related reading: Bluetooth Audio Quality vs Wired
How Do We Compare?
The Beats Solo Buds and Beats Studio Buds Plus are two different earbuds with distinct features.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer ANC and a transparency mode, making them more versatile for listening in different environments.

For $169 at Amazon, the Beats Studio Buds Plus have a lot more to offer than the Beats Solo Buds.
You get up to 36 hours of total playback time with the case, which is a significant advantage over the Solo Buds.
The Studio Buds Plus also have a sound quality that more people will enjoy compared to the Solo Buds.
Final Thoughts
The Beats Solo Buds are a great option for those looking for a comfortable fit and compact design. They're perfect for daily use.
Their good sound quality is another major plus, making them suitable for music lovers. I can attest to the fact that they're easy to use and enjoy.
One thing to note is that the price tag of $80 may be a bit steep for some people. However, I expect to see them on sale for $60 during the holiday season.
Ultimately, that's what I think these buds are worth – a great value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Beats worth buying?
Beats headphones offer high-quality sound, but their premium price point may not be justified by their noise-cancelling capabilities. If you're looking for a great listening experience, Beats might be worth considering, but compare them to other brands first.
Featured Images: pexels.com


