When it comes to wireless earbuds, Beats has been a major player since Apple acquired them in 2014. Today, we're comparing two interesting options: the premium Beats Powerbeats Pro ($249) and the more budget-friendly Beats Solo Buds ($79). Despite their significant price difference, both have their place in the market – let's dig into who each one is best for.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. The technology has matured significantly, with improvements in battery life, sound quality, and connectivity. The Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019 as a premium workout-focused option, while the Solo Buds just released in 2024 as Beats' entry into the budget market.
The biggest changes we've seen in recent years are better battery efficiency, more reliable Bluetooth connections, and improved microphone quality for calls. While the Powerbeats Pro is older, it still holds up well thanks to its premium features and robust design.
The Powerbeats Pro takes a sport-first approach with its ear hooks – these wrap around your ears to keep the buds firmly in place. If you've ever had earbuds fall out during a workout, you'll appreciate this design. The hooks are adjustable and, while they make the earbuds larger, they're surprisingly comfortable even for long sessions.
In contrast, the Solo Buds uses a traditional in-ear design that's much more compact. They come with four different tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) to help you find the right fit. The case is notably smaller too – 40% smaller than even the Studio Buds Plus case, making it much more pocket-friendly.
Here's where the price difference becomes more apparent. The Powerbeats Pro delivers richer, more detailed sound with stronger bass response – exactly what you'd expect from a premium product. They use custom drivers (the tiny speakers in each bud) that provide excellent clarity across all frequencies.
The Solo Buds still sound good for their price point, but they lack some of the refinement. The bass isn't as punchy, and you might notice less detail in complex music. However, for casual listening – commuting, working out, or background music while working – they're perfectly capable.
Interestingly, these buds take different approaches to battery life:
Both support fast charging: a 5-minute charge gives you about an hour of playback. The Powerbeats Pro has a larger case with its own battery, while the Solo Buds case is simpler and needs to be plugged in to charge the buds.
The age difference between these products shows in their features. The Powerbeats Pro includes Apple's H1 chip, which enables:
The Solo Buds keeps things simpler with standard Bluetooth connectivity and basic controls. Both work with Android phones, but Apple users will get a more seamless experience with the Powerbeats Pro.
Having tested both models, here's what stands out in daily use:
For workouts: The Powerbeats Pro is clearly superior. The ear hooks make a huge difference during high-impact activities, and the sweat resistance is excellent. They've become my go-to gym companions.
For everyday use: The Solo Buds are surprisingly competitive. Their smaller size makes them more convenient for casual use, and the sound quality is perfectly adequate for most situations. The longer single-charge battery life can also be more convenient for all-day wear.
At $249, the Powerbeats Pro represents a premium investment. You're paying for:
At $79, the Solo Buds offer impressive value. You get:
Choose the Powerbeats Pro if:
Choose the Solo Buds if:
Both products serve their intended purposes well. The Powerbeats Pro remains a top choice for active users who want premium features and don't mind paying for them. The Solo Buds represent an excellent value option that doesn't compromise too much on the essentials.
The choice ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If you're serious about fitness or want the best sound quality, the extra investment in the Powerbeats Pro makes sense. If you're looking for good everyday earbuds that won't break the bank, the Solo Buds are a solid choice that'll serve you well.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Beats Solo Buds |
|---|---|
| Price - Determines overall value proposition and features | |
| $249 (premium features justify cost) | $79 (excellent value for basic needs) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 9 hours + 24 hours with case | 18 hours total with case |
| Design Style - Impacts stability and use case scenarios | |
| Ear hooks (optimal for workouts) | Traditional in-ear (better for casual use) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout durability | |
| IPX4 rated (sweat and splash proof) | No official rating (not recommended for intense workouts) |
| Chip Technology - Affects connection stability and features | |
| Apple H1 (enables Hey Siri, instant pairing) | Standard Bluetooth (basic connectivity) |
| Case Size - Matters for portability | |
| Larger case (less pocket-friendly) | 40% smaller case (highly portable) |
| Sound Quality - Critical for music enjoyment | |
| Premium drivers (fuller bass, richer detail) | Basic drivers (good but less refined sound) |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Multiple mics with noise reduction | Basic mic setup (adequate for casual calls) |
| Controls - Affects ease of use | |
| Full onboard controls both ears | Limited controls, basic functions only |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 5 min = 1.5 hours playback | 5 min = 1 hour playback |
The Beats Powerbeats Pro offers better sound quality and noise isolation, making it superior for movie watching. While both work well, the Powerbeats Pro's richer bass and fuller sound create a more immersive experience when watching content on your devices.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro retails for $249, while the Beats Solo Buds is priced at $79. The significant price difference reflects their different target markets and feature sets.
The Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours of playback plus 24 hours with the case, while the Solo Buds provides 18 hours total. For single-session use, both will last through multiple movies.
Yes, both models work with any Bluetooth-enabled TV. The Powerbeats Pro tends to have more stable connectivity due to its H1 chip, which can be important for home theater use.
Both work well, but the Beats Powerbeats Pro offers better noise isolation and sound quality. The ear hooks also ensure they stay in place if you fall asleep while watching.
Yes, both the Powerbeats Pro and Solo Buds work with any Bluetooth device. However, the Powerbeats Pro offers additional features when paired with Apple devices.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro delivers superior sound quality with better bass response and clarity, making it the better choice for serious listening and movie watching.
Both models perform well for video watching with minimal audio lag. The Powerbeats Pro's H1 chip provides slightly better synchronization with Apple devices.
With Apple devices, the Powerbeats Pro supports audio sharing features. The Solo Buds doesn't offer this capability.
While both are comfortable, some users find the Solo Buds more comfortable for extended viewing as they don't have ear hooks. However, this is largely personal preference.
The Powerbeats Pro supports "Hey Siri" and works well with voice assistants. The Solo Buds has basic voice assistant compatibility but lacks hands-free activation.
For dedicated home theater use, the Powerbeats Pro is the better choice due to superior sound quality, better connectivity, and longer battery life with the case. However, if budget is a primary concern, the Solo Buds still provides good performance for casual viewing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.com - bestbuy.com - store.appogee.com - therunningchannel.com - cnet.com - apple.com - beatsbydre.com - expercom.com - appleinsider.com - target.com - youtube.com - middlebury-college-store.shoplightspeed.com - connection.com
