Greetings friend and Welcome aboard!!
For this article, I’m going to compare the Studio 3 with the Solo 3. If you were interested in the Studio 2 vs. the Solo 3: Beats Solo 3 vs. Studio
Before we get into the Beats Studio Wireless vs. Beats Solo 3 comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Today I will provide the Similarities and Differences between these two buddies, and then give a recommendation towards the end. 🙂
- Introduction
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Introduction
I got a chance to demo both of these headphones on numerous occasions, and my findings are fairly standard.
The Beats line has not always been good, but I’m happy to report that the company is headed in the right direction. Some of the original iterations were downright atrocious, from the head band snapping for no apparent reason, to shoddy comfort, and poor sound.
I still wouldn’t consider Beats headphones “audiophile” by any stretch of the imagination, but I could see them taking on some of those characteristics should the brand continue to evolve the way it should.
I also never thought I would like any headphone with the Beats logo on it, but I do thoroughly enjoy the Beats Solo 3. For what it is, it’s remarkable. However, is it worth the asking price? That’s debatable.
That said, let’s see how the Studio 3.0 stacks up!
For the purposes of this article, I’m going to use the Studio 3.0’s as the basis for my analysis. If you were interested in the Beats Timeline:
I’m missing anything, please let me know!
Beats Studio Wired (Discontinued)- Beats Studio 2.0 Wired Over-Ear (Circumaural)
- Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear (Decent)
- Beats Studio Wireless 2.0. (Decent)
- Beats Studio Wireless 3.0 (Identical to the 2.0 except with better noise cancellation. Learn more: Beats Studio 2.0 vs. 3.0)
- Beats Studio Wireless On-Ear (Supra-aural)
- Beats Pro Wired Over-Ear (Decent)
- Beats Executive Wired Over-Ear
- Beats EP Wired On-ear
Monster Beats Solo (Discontinued)Beats Solo HD Wired On-Ear (Discontinued)Beats Solo HD “drenched in color” 2.0 (2013). Really? No.- Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear (Good)
- Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear (Better)
- Beats Mixr Wired On-Ear (Decent)
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both are closed back headphones. Closed back vs. Open back headphones.
- Build quality. Both have a similar build and fold the same way, although the Studio’s may be a bit more durable.
- W1 Chip. Both the Solo 3’s and Studio 3’s feature Apples W1 Chip, which automatically pairs with your apple device as well as increases battery life. Both also have good range (the video claims 70 yards!). You can see them throwing the football across the street which is pretty cool.
Differences
- Fit. The Beats Studio Wireless has an around the ear, Circumaural fit vs. the Supra-Aural (On-ear) fit of the Beats Solo 3.
- Comfort. Both are very comfortable, but I may give the nod to the Studio’s here. The Circumaural fit is what seals the deal. I felt like I could wear the Studio’s for longer without discomfort. Both really do feel extremely soft and supple on your head, but the Studio’s seem to be better suited for the long haul.
- Size and Weight. The Studio’s are a bit larger than the Solo’s, and aren’t quite as portable. They are also heavier.
- Battery life. The Solo 3’s have a 40+ hour battery life pretty consistently, while the Studio 3’s average around 22-23 hours with Noise cancellation on, and 40 hours with it turned off.
- Charge time. The Solo 3’s require only 5 minutes of charging time for 3 hours of music, while the Studio 3.0’s take 10 minutes to get the same amount of playback.
- Gloss vs. Matte. The Solo 3’s have a glossy finish, while the Studio’s have a matte finish. I personally prefer the matte, as it’s fingerprint free. One of the only things I don’t like about the Solo’s is the glossy look. It just comes across as kind of tacky in my opinion.
- Noise cancellation. The Studio 3.0’s were most likely an answer to the Bose QC35 and some other popular Bluetooth headphones that offered better noise cancellation features. They call it “Adaptive Noise Cancellation.” How do noise cancelling headphones work? Learn more: Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Review. The Solo 3’s do not offer noise cancellation, but rather have passive noise isolation. This may be the deciding factor in your decision.
- Microphone. The mic on the Studio 3.0’s allows people to hear you a bit better than the mic Solo 3’s.
- Sound. I do prefer the sound of the Solo 3, as I feel it’s tighter, crisper, and more detailed all around. The bass on the Studio 3’s borders on too much, and for me it definitely is. The bass tends to get in the way of the mid-range and ends up drowning out the sound signature a bit too much for my tastes. The Solo 3’s by contrast have a bass that still thumps, but it’s tighter and more defined. It doesn’t get in the way of the mid-range as much, but the treble can get a bit “essy” or sibilant at times. What does Sibilant mean?
Comparison Video!
Final Word
If you’re in need of a Wireless, Bluetooth, Noise cancelling headphone but aren’t a bass head, the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 gets my vote. It’s got a much more balanced sound, with better comfort, and a bass response that doesn’t step out of line. Interested in learning more about them?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BOSE QUIET COMFORT 35 REVIEW!!
If you are a bass head, but don’t need any noise cancelling features, the Solo 3 is the ticket. It’s got a thumping bass that rarely steps out of line, and it’s super portable and extremely comfortable, especially for a Supra-Aural headphone. Interested in learning more?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BEATS SOLO 3 REVIEW!!
I can’t really recommend the Studio 3.0. I loved the comfort factor, but found the bass much too overbearing. If you want a true bass head sound, the V Moda Crossfade M100 gets my vote. The sound is a lot better, and it’s more affordable. Learn more about it:
V MODA CROSSFADE M100 REVIEW!!
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Beats Studio Wireless vs. Solo 3 comparison.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Spot an error? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
What do you think about these headphones? Which is more up your alley? I would love to hear from you. Until next time..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
