- Which is better for running and gym workouts?
- The Bose Sport Earbuds. They carry an IPX4 rating and a sport-focused fit. The Beats Solo Buds have no official water resistance rating.
- Which has longer battery life?
- The Beats Solo Buds, at up to 18 hours versus about 5 hours for the Bose Sport Earbuds.
- Do either have active noise cancellation?
- No. Both rely on passive isolation. The Bose adds echo reduction for calls, not ANC.
- Is the Bose worth the extra money?
- At $59.99 versus $53.00, the gap is small. Pay it only if sweat resistance matters to you; otherwise the Beats give far more battery for less.
- Which is better for calls?
- The Beats Solo Buds use a custom microphone with a noise-learning algorithm. The Bose has a built-in microphone with echo reduction. Neither is a standout for calls.
- Can I charge the Beats from my phone?
- Yes. The case has USB-C and can draw power from a phone, tablet or laptop. A 5-minute charge gives about 1 hour of playback.