The $80 Beats Solo Buds are the best-sounding affordable Apple buds I’ve tried
Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, CNN and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Learn more
Beats has been on a wireless audio tear as of late. The house that Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine built has put out multiple solid releases over the past year, from the excellent Studio Pro noise-canceling headphones to the revered Solo 4 on-ear headphones to the standout Studio Buds Plus wireless earbuds. So, what do they do for an encore? Launch their smallest and most affordable true wireless earbuds to date, the Solo Buds.
Stuffed inside these tiny in-ear monitors are powerful specs that deliver trademark sound and multiplatform integration (iOS, macOS and Android). These are also the longest-lasting earbuds in the Apple or Beats catalog, offering up to 18 hours of continuous playback per charge.
It all looks amazing on paper, but what you don’t see are the compromises Beats made to get these $80 buds off the factory line and into retail stores. Are we talking deal-breakers here? Let’s find out.
Beats Solo Buds
Beats’ lowest-priced buds ever blend powerful audio and robust functionality into an incredibly chic and compact design that complements the brand’s signature aesthetic.
What we liked about them
Huge sound from Beats’ tiniest buds ever
The Solo Buds are arguably the best Apple headphones and best Beats headphones for sound quality under $100. Time will tell, as we compare their audio performance to the AirPods 2 and Beats Studio Buds over the coming weeks. Nonetheless, they’re a sonic delight with punchy bass and well-balanced frequency range that complements most music genres.
The Solo Buds provided a deeply stimulating rendition of Kaytranada’s bass-forward track “Drip Sweat.” The kick drums sounded monstrous, and the synth horn line sent a jolt of energy through my body that fueled at-home workouts. And the Solo Buds offered clear enough sound output for me to hear every detail of guest artist Channel Tres’ distorted and muttered vocals. Listening to this track on Apple Music made the soundscape a bit more immersive, thanks to Apple’s spatial audio technology for Dolby Atmos-mixed content.
The Solo Buds offered terrific instrumental separation on classic 80s bops like Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer.” The synths and xylophone keys burst with energy, while percussive background elements (e.g., hand claps, tambourine) were also prominent. Everything sounded perfectly layered and reproduced.
Despite no hi-res codec support, the Solo Buds maintained quality Bluetooth playback on iPhones and Macs (over AAC) and Android (with SBC). I was also satisfied with the sound and transmission rates when switching between the best music streaming services. Playback on Android devices produced a little more bass, which I preferred.
In addition to being ergonomically designed for optimal fit and sound consumption (acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents help produce fuller output), the Solo Buds are some of the smallest buds we’ve tested. Each unit weighs approximately 0.2 ounces and rests pleasantly on the ear with silicone tips that form a tight seal around the canal. Four tip sizes (XS, S, M and L) are bundled, accommodating all ear shapes.
Wide functionality across all platforms
The Beats Solo Buds come equipped with a generous feature set that helps them work with both Apple and Android devices. iOS and macOS users gain access to audio sharing, Find My integration and instantaneous pairing. Other notables are Reduce Loud Audio to stabilize volume levels and key Apple Music features like EQ and Sound Check.
Aesthetically, these buds retain design hallmarks such as the iconic B logo, sturdy plastic construction and trendy colorways: Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Gray and Transparent Red. The case is tough enough to survive spills on hard surfaces, but I wouldn’t risk getting them wet since there is no IP rating. The case coincidentally resembles the brand’s Pill Bluetooth speakers, and is the epitome of convenient portability. It’s about the size of a keychain, as thin as the AirPods Pro 2 case and slips easily into denim pockets. The magnets are also strong, keeping the buds docked and the lid shut tight.
Android users have Google equivalents such as one-tap Fast Pair and Find My Device, as well as the Beats app (download from the Play Store) to enable different functions. The Solo Buds can seamlessly switch audio between devices. There’s even Bluetooth multipoint to pair to two Android devices simultaneously.
You can’t beat the price
The Beats Solo Buds are perfectly priced, and they’re even more affordable than the AirPods 2 ($99). These buds’ sound quality alone is worth the $80, so you might feel like everything else is a bonus. The only other Apple or Beats audio products that come cheaper than the Solo Buds are the $19 Apple EarPods and $49 Beats Flex. Neither of these are true wireless models, nor do they boast modern specs or receive newer iOS perks.
What we didn’t like about them
A lack of upscale Apple features
It’s no surprise that the Solo Buds are missing several premium features found on luxury counterparts like the AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Fit Pro. So don’t go looking for active noise cancellation, Adaptive Sound, “Hey Siri” voice activation or sensors to automatically pause content when removing the buds. Half of these are available on Apple and Beats mid-range entries (AirPods 3, Studio Buds, Studio Buds Plus). Some of the best budget earbuds (e.g., EarFun Air Pro 3, OnePlus Buds 3) carry these features, too.
Confusing battery life
There’s both good and bad news when it comes to Beats’ claim of 18 hours of playtime. While I found the estimate to be accurate in my testing, I also discovered that the charging case doesn’t have its own battery inside, which is peculiar. Still, 18 hours of continuous listening is absurdly long.
Fast-Fuel technology nets you 1 hour of use on a 5-minute charge, plus there’s reverse charging to power up the buds when connected to your iPhone 15 or any other USB-C compatible device. Wireless charging didn’t make the cut.
Physical controls greatly affect comfort
One of the common complaints about Beats’ earbuds is their controls. Nothing has changed regarding the Solo Buds. You’re still getting a multifunctional button on each side to enable different functions — call management, digital assistance, playback and volume — that are activated through the single, double and triple press commands or the long-hold gesture. Unfortunately, pressing either button pushes the buds further into your ears, causing serious discomfort.
Bottom line
While there are highs and lows to the Beats Solo Buds, the good definitely outweighs the bad. For example, getting dynamic sound and spatial audio support with standard iOS functionality for $80 is a bargain.
However, it must be said that the Solo Buds are notably flawed. Discomfort when using touch controls and the lack of extra charges from its case may affect their usability. Odd omissions like Siri voice activation don’t make much sense either.
Even so, the attractive design, bold sound, continuous playtime and modest price are more than enough to overlook the Solo Buds’ shortcomings.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
