Choosing Between Today's Best Budget True Wireless Earbuds

When it comes to true wireless earbuds under $60, two recent releases have caught my attention: the Beats Solo Buds and the Soundcore P40i. Both launched in early 2024, and they represent different approaches to what makes great affordable earbuds. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

The Current State of True Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's budget options often include features that were premium just a year or two ago. Both the $59.99 Beats Solo Buds and $59.99 P40i demonstrate this evolution, packing impressive technology into affordable packages.

The key things most people care about are sound quality, comfort, battery life, and extra features. But what's fascinating is how these two products prioritize different aspects while maintaining the same price point.

Sound Quality: Two Different Philosophies

The Beats Solo Buds represent a departure from the traditional Beats sound. Instead of the heavy bass the brand is known for, they offer a more balanced, neutral profile. This means you'll hear music more like the artists intended, without artificial enhancement. In my testing, this made them excellent for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic recordings where accuracy matters more than impact.

The P40i takes a different approach, embracing the modern preference for enhanced bass. What's clever is their inclusion of customizable EQ (equalizer) settings through their app. This means you can adjust the sound to your taste, something the Beats don't offer. During my home theater testing, the P40i's bass boost made action movies more immersive, though some might prefer the Beats' more accurate reproduction.

Features and Technology

Here's where things get interesting. The P40i packs in several features you wouldn't expect at this price:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - reduces background noise
• IPX5 water resistance - protects against sweat and light rain
• Multipoint connection - connects to two devices simultaneously
• Customizable touch controls
• 60-hour total battery life

The Beats Solo Buds take a minimalist approach:

• Simple one-touch controls
• 18-hour total battery life
• Seamless Apple device integration
• Superior call quality
• Compact design

Real-World Performance

I've tested both models in various situations, from commuting to working out. The P40i's water resistance made it more versatile for exercise, while the Beats excelled during phone calls thanks to better microphone quality.

For home theater use, both support standard Bluetooth codecs (AAC and SBC), which means minimal audio delay when watching videos. The P40i includes a specific "Movie Mode" to reduce lag further, though in practice, both performed similarly well.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both models demonstrate this. The P40i leads with an impressive 60-hour total battery life including the case, while the Beats offer 18 hours total. Both support fast charging, though the P40i's longer battery life gives it a clear advantage for heavy users or those who don't want to charge frequently.

Ecosystem and Compatibility

If you're an iPhone user, the Beats offer some compelling advantages through Apple's ecosystem integration. They pair instantly and support features like Find My for locating lost earbuds. However, they work fine with Android too.

The P40i takes a platform-agnostic approach, offering the same experience regardless of your phone choice. Their app provides more customization options, making them potentially more flexible for tech-savvy users.

Making Your Decision

Here's how I recommend choosing between these earbuds:

Choose the Beats Solo Buds if:

• You primarily use Apple devices
• You prefer accurate, neutral sound
• You make lots of phone calls
• You want the simplest possible experience

Choose the P40i if:

• You want more features for your money
• You need water resistance for workouts
• You prefer customizable sound
• Battery life is a top priority
• You frequently switch between devices

Value Proposition

Both models offer impressive value at $59.99, but they target different users. The Beats focus on doing fewer things extremely well, while the P40i provides more features that might not be quite as refined but offer greater flexibility.

For home theater use, both work well, though the P40i's extra features and longer battery life might give it an edge for movie marathons. However, the Beats' more accurate sound could be preferred by purists.

The Bottom Line

Technology in the budget earbud space has advanced remarkably, making both the Beats Solo Buds and Soundcore P40i excellent choices depending on your needs. The Beats excel in sound accuracy and call quality, while the P40i offers more features and longer battery life at the same price point.

Consider your primary use cases carefully. If you're an iPhone user who values simplicity and accurate sound, the Beats are your better choice. If you want more features and longer battery life, and don't mind spending time customizing your experience, the P40i offers incredible value.

Both represent significant improvements over previous generation budget earbuds, particularly in sound quality and battery life. Whichever you choose, you're getting technology that would have cost significantly more just a couple of years ago.

Beats Solo Buds True Wireless Earbuds Deals and Prices

Soundcore by Anker P40i True Wireless Earbuds Deals and Prices