When it comes to true wireless earbuds, there's never been more choice - or more confusion. Today we're comparing the budget-friendly Beats Solo Buds ($79.99) with the feature-packed JBL Live Beam 3 ($199.95) to help you make the right choice for your needs.
True wireless earbuds have become increasingly sophisticated since their mainstream adoption around 2016. Unlike traditional wireless earbuds connected by a wire between them, these are completely independent units that communicate wirelessly with each other and your device.
The technology has matured significantly, with major improvements in battery life, sound quality, and features. What used to be a luxury item is now available at various price points, from budget to premium.
The Beats Solo Buds represent a departure from the traditional Beats sound signature. Instead of the heavy bass emphasis Beats was known for, these offer a more balanced, neutral sound. This makes them versatile for different music genres, though some users might miss the signature Beats thump.
The JBL Live Beam 3 delivers a more refined audio experience with deeper bass response and clearer high frequencies. The 10mm drivers (the small speakers inside the earbuds) provide excellent detail and separation between instruments. In testing, they handled complex orchestral pieces as competently as bass-heavy electronic music.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements, and it shows in both models:
Both support fast charging, but JBL's implementation is more impressive - 10 minutes of charging provides 4 hours of playback, compared to Beats' 1 hour from 5 minutes of charging.
Both models include multiple ear tip sizes for a customized fit. The Beats are notably lighter (5.7g per earbud) compared to many competitors, making them comfortable for extended wear. The JBL's stem design might be preferred by those who find traditional earbuds unstable.
The JBL Live Beam 3 features advanced adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment. It uses multiple microphones to analyze and counter external noise in real-time.
The Beats Solo Buds take a simpler approach with basic noise isolation through the ear tips, without active noise cancellation. This helps keep the price down while still providing decent sound isolation.
The JBL includes some impressive technology:
The Beats focus on core functionality:
Both models handle workout scenarios well. The Beats have an advantage in their lighter weight and simpler design, while the JBL's better water resistance (IP55 vs IPX4) provides more protection against sweat and rain.
When using these for TV or gaming, the JBL's lower latency and multipoint connection make it more versatile. You can seamlessly switch between your TV and phone without re-pairing. The Beats work well with Apple TV but lack some advanced features for other setups.
The JBL's superior microphone array and noise cancellation make it better for professional use. Call quality is noticeably clearer, especially in noisy environments.
The Beats Solo Buds represent exceptional value at $79.99. They deliver solid performance in key areas without the premium price tag. For many users, the extra features of more expensive models aren't worth the additional cost.
The JBL Live Beam 3 at $199.95 justifies its premium price through superior sound quality, battery life, and feature set. However, you'll need to use these features regularly to make the investment worthwhile.
Consider your primary use case:
Both products represent different approaches to true wireless earbuds. The Beats Show how far budget options have come, while the JBL demonstrates the current state of premium features. Future updates will likely focus on battery efficiency, sound quality improvements, and more sophisticated noise cancellation.
The choice between the Beats Solo Buds and JBL Live Beam 3 ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. The Beats offer remarkable value and solid performance for basic needs, while the JBL provides a premium experience with all the latest features.
Remember that the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use them and choose accordingly. Both models excel in their respective price categories and represent solid choices for different types of users.
| Beats Solo Buds - $79.99 | JBL Live Beam 3 - $199.95 |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 18 hours total (6 + 12 case) | 48 hours total (12 + 36 case) |
| Sound Quality - Determines overall listening experience | |
| Balanced, neutral sound, smaller 6mm drivers | Rich, detailed sound with 10mm drivers |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting or office use | |
| Basic passive noise isolation only | Advanced adaptive ANC with ambient modes |
| Charging Speed - Matters when you need quick power | |
| 5 min charge = 1 hour playback | 10 min charge = 4 hours playback |
| Water Resistance - Critical for workout or outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP55 (water/dust resistant) |
| Special Features - Adds convenience and functionality | |
| Basic touch controls, Find My for iOS | Touchscreen case, multipoint connection, voice assistant |
| Weight - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 5.7g per earbud (very light) | 7.2g per earbud (average) |
| Connectivity - Important for device compatibility | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, optimized for iOS | Bluetooth 5.3, works well with all devices |
| Microphone Quality - Critical for calls | |
| Basic single mic setup | Advanced mic array with noise reduction |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Very compact (2.4 x 6.6 x 3.5 cm) | Larger due to screen (6.1 x 5.1 x 3 cm) |
The JBL Live Beam 3 offers superior sound quality for movies with its larger 10mm drivers and better dynamic range. While the Beats Solo Buds provide decent audio, they lack the depth and clarity needed for immersive movie experiences. The JBL's advanced noise cancellation also helps create a more theater-like experience.
Both work well for TV watching, but the JBL Live Beam 3 has lower latency and better multipoint connectivity, making it the better choice. The Beats Solo Buds work especially well with Apple TV but may have slight audio delay with other systems.
The JBL Live Beam 3 significantly outperforms with 48 hours total battery life (12 hours per charge plus 36 from case), while the Beats Solo Buds offers 18 hours total (6 hours per charge plus 12 from case).
The JBL Live Beam 3 features true multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices. The Beats Solo Buds requires manual reconnection when switching devices.
For gaming, the JBL Live Beam 3 has lower latency and better sound separation, making it superior for gaming audio. The Beats Solo Buds work adequately but may have noticeable audio delay in some games.
The Beats Solo Buds are lighter (5.7g per earbud) and more comfortable for extended wear. The JBL Live Beam 3 is slightly heavier but still comfortable with multiple ear tip options.
The JBL Live Beam 3 features advanced adaptive noise cancellation, making it much better at blocking external sounds. The Beats Solo Buds only offers passive noise isolation through ear tips.
Both models work with Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the JBL Live Beam 3 offers better connectivity and range. The Beats Solo Buds works best with Apple TV systems.
At $79.99, the Beats Solo Buds offers excellent value for basic features. The JBL Live Beam 3 at $199.95 provides premium features but at a higher price point.
The JBL Live Beam 3 has superior microphone quality and noise reduction for clearer calls. The Beats Solo Buds provides basic call functionality but with less clarity.
Neither the JBL Live Beam 3 nor the Beats Solo Buds support direct audio sharing between two sets of earbuds, though iOS users can share audio with other Apple/Beats products.
The JBL Live Beam 3 provides better spatial audio and virtual surround sound effects. While the Beats Solo Buds offers decent stereo separation, it lacks advanced spatial audio features.
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: 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 - audio46.com - target.com - walmart.com - crutchfield.com - whathifi.com - in.jbl.com - rcwilley.com - youtube.com - jbl.com - soundguys.com - jbl.com - store.utah.edu
