Not everybody has to invest more than $200 in wireless earbuds. Basic functionality and good-enough sound quality are more than sufficient for everyday use for many people. Whether listening to music on your daily commute, following podcasts or making calls, a pair of cheap earbuds can quite often get the job done just as effectively as the high-end variety.
At $59 down from $79, the Beats Solo Buds are the most budget-friendly Beats earbuds. Although they don’t have advanced features like active noise cancellation found in pricier options like the Beats Studio Buds or Beats Fit Pro, they still offer great value for anyone looking to enjoy the signature Beats sound at a very reasonable price point. These earbuds are a great way of owning an Apple-owned brand product without spending much.
18 Hours of Battery Life
The Beats Solo Buds prioritize simplicity and functionality. With up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, they easily outlast many competitors in their price range. For those moments when you’re in a rush, the Fast Fuel feature provides up to one hour of playback with just a five-minute charge—perfect for last-minute power-ups before heading out. While the charging case doesn’t offer additional charges like higher-end models, you can easily top up these earbuds from your laptop, tablet, or phone via a USB-C cable.
The Solo Buds also deliver a clean and balanced sound with a focus on mid-range warmth and clarity. They feature dual-layer drivers that work to minimize distortion and deliver high-fidelity sound. The laser-cut vents strengthen the bass response while relieving pressure for the sake of listening comfort over extended periods. Although not quite matching the immersive spatial audio or the dynamic range of premium earbuds such as AirPods Pro, the performance is good enough for those casual users who look for simplicity and reliability.
One notable omission is active noise cancellation: While the Beats Studio Buds or AirPods Pro actively eliminate background noise through microphones, the Solo Buds rely on passive noise isolation through their ear tips. That is, they won’t completely tune out the outside world in noisy environments like airplanes or urban streets. For everyday use in less chaotic environments, however, their passive isolation does a decent job of blocking out distractions.
The Solo Buds work seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, offering one-touch pairing and automatic pre-pairing across your ecosystem. Whether you’re using an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, connecting these earbuds is quick and hassle-free. Additionally, their built-in microphones use an advanced noise-learning algorithm to deliver clear call quality—though not quite as exceptional as higher-end models.
For the portability fans, the Solo Buds come in an ultra-compact case—the smallest ever made by Beats which is deal for listening on the move. They are also extremely lightweight, delivering comfort for long listening sessions without adding bulk to your pocket or purse.
While they lack some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, the Beats Solo Buds excel at offering solid performance for an affordable price. Priced at nearly $20 off their list price on Amazon and significantly lower than options like AirPods Pro, they’re a terrific opportunity to snag decent-quality earbuds from a name-brand without emptying your wallet.
