StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Beats Solo Buds vs Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Buy the Beats Solo Buds if you want a sealed in-ear fit, a tiny case and a long single-charge runtime. Buy the AirPods (3rd generation) if you want open-fit comfort, Spatial Audio with head tracking and tight iPhone integration. The Beats lean on silicone tips and dual-layer drivers for isolation and bass; the AirPods lean on Adaptive EQ and a sweat-resistant IPX4 build. Owners of the Solo Buds praise the fit and portability but note the case holds no charge of its own; AirPods 3 owners like the fit and spatial audio but miss silicone tips and USB-C.

  • Choose the Beats Solo Buds if you want an in-ear seal, a case small enough for a coin pocket and up to 18 hours of playback without a charging case.
  • Choose the AirPods (3rd generation) if you prefer open-fit buds, want head-tracked Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, and stay inside Apple's ecosystem.

Prices

  • Beats Solo Buds: $69.99 at ShopCGX (checked today)
  • Apple AirPods (3rd Generation): $99.95 at Simple Cell Shop (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Beats Solo Buds is $29.96 cheaper than the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) at the latest prices (Nov 13 and Nov 14)
Beats
Apple Beats Solo Buds True Wireless Earbuds

Beats Solo Buds

Apple Beats Solo Buds True Wireless Earbuds

5(2 ratings)
$69.99at ShopCGXChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit ShopCGX
Pros
  • Sealed in-ear fit with four tip sizes
  • Up to 18 hours of playback on one charge
  • Very small case that fits a pocket
  • USB-C charging, including from a phone or laptop
  • Works with both iOS and Android
Cons
  • Charging case has no battery of its own
  • No water-resistance rating
  • No head-tracked spatial audio
  • No active noise cancellation
Apple
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning 8-Pin Case

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning 8-Pin Case

$99.95at Simple Cell ShopChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Simple Cell Shop
Pros
  • Open-fit comfort for people who dislike ear tips
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
  • Adaptive EQ adjusts sound to your ears
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance on buds and case
  • Up to 30 hours total with the charging case
Cons
  • Weak noise isolation from the open design
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • No silicone tips, so fit varies by ear
  • No active noise cancellation

What separates them

Beats Solo BudsApple AirPods (3rd Generation)
FitIn-ear with silicone tips in XS, S, M and L for a sealed fitOpen-fit, no ear tips, rests in the ear
Noise isolationPassive isolation from the tip sealLittle isolation; open design lets sound in
BatteryUp to 18 hours total; case holds no chargeUp to 6 hours listening, up to 30 hours with the case
ChargingUSB-C; can charge from a phone, tablet or laptopLightning case; Lightning cable needed
Water resistanceNot ratedIPX4 on buds and case
Spatial audioNo head-tracked spatial audioPersonalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Sound tuningDual-layer drivers, axial-aligned, laser-cut vents; bass-forward Beats tuningAdaptive EQ tunes lows and mids to your ear
Apple integrationOne-touch pairing, Find My, works on iOS and AndroidFull Apple chip features, automatic switching, audio sharing

Prices at every store

Beats Solo Buds

  • ShopCGXNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $69.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit ShopCGX
  • BevMo!New

    In stockReturn policy

    $84.99Checked Nov 12
    Visit BevMo!
  • Improvemint FinancialNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $90.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Improvemint Financial
  • FinanceMyCartNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $93.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit FinanceMyCart

Also available at

  • DataVisionCheck price at DataVision
All 5 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

  • Simple Cell ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $99.95Checked Nov 13
    Visit Simple Cell Shop
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecBeats Solo BudsApple AirPods (3rd Generation)
Battery lifeUp to 18 hours—
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.3—
Charging portUSB Type-C—
Bluetooth classClass 1 Bluetooth—
Form factorIn Ear—
ConnectionsBluetooth, Wireless—
Power sourceBattery—
Battery typeRechargeable lithium-ion—
Case length6.6 cm / 2.6 in.—
Bud length2.05 cm / 0.81 in.—

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Owners generally like the lighter, shorter-stem design and the spatial audio effect, and many find the open fit comfortable for long wear. The most common complaints are weak isolation in noisy places and the Lightning port.

What people mention
  • FitMixedMany owners find the open design comfortable, but some say the buds feel loose or vary by ear shape.
  • Noise isolationCriticisedReviewers note that outside noise comes through easily because there is no seal or active noise cancellation.
  • Spatial audioPraisedListeners describe head-tracked spatial audio as immersive for movies and music.
  • Charging portCriticisedOwners complain the case uses Lightning rather than USB-C.

Questions and answers

Which is better for noisy commutes?
The Beats Solo Buds. Their silicone tips seal the ear canal and block more surrounding sound. The AirPods 3 are open-fit and let most outside noise in; neither pair has active noise cancellation.
Which has longer battery life?
The Beats Solo Buds last up to 18 hours on a single charge, but their case holds no battery. The AirPods 3 give up to 6 hours per charge and up to 30 hours total with the charging case.
Do the AirPods 3 work with Android phones?
They pair over Bluetooth and play audio, but Spatial Audio, automatic switching and Find My need Apple devices. The Beats Solo Buds support one-touch pairing and Find My or Find My Device on both iOS and Android.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
It depends on your ears. The AirPods 3 open fit suits people who dislike plugs; the Solo Buds come with four tip sizes so you can get a seal without pressure. Try the fit you know you tolerate.
Is the AirPods 3 worth stepping up to over the Solo Buds?
Step up if you want head-tracked Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 water resistance and a charging case with its own battery. Stay with the Solo Buds for isolation, a smaller case and USB-C charging.
Can I charge the Beats Solo Buds without their case?
No. The case is a holder, not a battery, so you charge the buds through its USB-C port. You can run that cable from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe Case vs Apple Beats Solo Buds True Wireless Earbuds
  • Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe Case vs Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning 8-Pin Case