Beats' latest true wireless earbuds, the Solo Buds, offer an impressive 18-hour battery life but make some compromises in audio quality and features to hit their budget-friendly $79.99 price point.
Key Features and Design
- Compact, lightweight design with a slim carrying case
- 18-hour continuous battery life without a charging case
- Fast charging provides 1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging
- One-touch pairing with Apple devices
- Available in four colors: Matte Black, Storm Grey, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red
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| The modern and minimalist design of the Beats Solo Buds case showcases its stylish appeal and functional simplicity |
Marathon Battery Life
The standout feature of the Solo Buds is undoubtedly their battery life. At 18 hours of continuous playback, they outperform most competitors in this price range and even some more premium options. This longevity comes at the cost of a charging case with its own battery, however. While you can't extend playtime by popping them in the case, the buds do support fast charging via USB-C.
Comfort and Fit
Reviewers praised the Solo Buds for their comfortable fit, with multiple ear tip sizes included to help users find the right seal. The compact design makes them less obtrusive than many true wireless options. However, the button placement on the earbuds themselves can be awkward to press without pushing them uncomfortably into your ear canal.
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| A model showcases the comfortable fit of the Beats Solo Buds, highlighting their design and user interaction |
Audio Quality: A Mixed Bag
Despite Beats' reputation for bass-heavy sound, the Solo Buds take a different approach. Reviewers noted clear mids that highlight vocals and acoustic instruments, but found the bass lacking in impact and definition. This can lead to a somewhat thin sound on bass-heavy tracks. The high frequencies are described as pulled back, avoiding harshness but potentially lacking some sparkle.
The buds also don't get particularly loud, which can be an issue in noisy environments, especially given their lack of active noise cancellation.
Missing Features
To hit their lower price point, the Solo Buds omit several features found on pricier models:
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
- No wireless charging
- No in-ear detection for auto-pause
- No advanced spatial audio with head tracking
Value Proposition
At $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95, the Beats Solo Buds occupy an interesting position in the market. While they offer exceptional battery life and Beats' signature style, the compromises in sound quality and features make them a tougher sell for audio enthusiasts. Competitors like the Sony WF-C700N and Nothing Ear (a) offer more well-rounded packages with ANC for only slightly more money.
The Verdict
The Beats Solo Buds are best suited for users who prioritize long battery life, comfort, and style over pure audio quality or noise cancellation. They make sense for all-day listeners who don't want to worry about charging, but music lovers might want to look at other options in this price range that offer more balanced sound and additional features.