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We've currently tested 20pairs of Beats headphones. They're a popular brand that makes stylish and comfortable headphones. The brand was acquired by Apple in 2014, which means that some models come with features meant for users of the Apple ecosystem. Also, while they used to be known for their excessively bass-heavy sound signature, somenewer modelssound more well-balanced and neutral.
Updates
- 01/15/2024 Beats Fit Pro True Wireless updated
- 09/28/2023 Beats Flex Wireless updated
- 09/07/2023 Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless updated
- 08/30/2023 Beats Studio Pro Wireless reviewed
- 07/11/2023 Beats Studio Buds True Wireless updated
Best Beats Headphones
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Best Beats Headphones
Beats Studio Pro Wireless 22
Neutral Sound
7.6
Commute/Travel
7.6
Sports/Fitness
7.2
Office
7.2
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
6.7
Phone Calls
5.9
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The best Beats headphones we've tested are the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. These well-built over-ears come in a couple of sleek and subdued colors to suit your style, like deep brown and navy. They also have a noise cancelling (ANC) system, and while it falls short compared to competitors like Bose or Sony, they can still reduce a good amount of ambient sound like office chatter. With their ANC on, they last over 28 hours continuously, and you can even use them wired in a pinch, although you can only receive audio, not use the mic.
Their neutral sound profile makes them versatile enough for most audio content. They also have a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter), and when paired with their USB-C cable, it allows you to stream lossless audio from your device. You can also access a few EQ presets that are only available when using the USB-C connection. While these cans don't have an H2 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices, they still support Spatial Audio to help produce a more immersive audio experience.
See our review
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Best Beats Earbuds
Neutral Sound
7.2
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
6.9
Wireless Gaming
5.2
Wired Gaming
5.1
Phone Calls
6.5
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The best Beats earbuds we've tested are the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. These buds are the sportier sibling of the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless, but even if you're not looking for earbuds for the gym, they offer a few extra features that make them a great choice for everyday use. They have an H1 chip, so you can easily pair them with iPhones and MacBooks, and they have Apple's virtual surround sound feature Spatial Audio (although it only works with iOS devices). Their ANC system also offers better overall performance than the Beats Studio Pro Wireless and Studio Buds +, helping to reduce a wide range of noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines.
They have a slightly V-shaped sound profile out of the box, so audio has a little extra rumble and punch. Vocals and lead instruments are present and bright but can sound a bit harsh. Unfortunately, they don't have sound customization features, but overall, their sound is well-balanced enough for various genres. They have a fairly comfortable fit, but the buds have a bulky design that might bother people with smaller ears.
See our review
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Best Beats Sports Headphones
Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless 5
Neutral Sound
7.6
Commute/Travel
6.9
Sports/Fitness
8.3
Office
6.7
Wireless Gaming
5.9
Wired Gaming
5.7
Phone Calls
6.3
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
If you're looking for earbuds to use during workouts, then the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are up your alley. Instead of the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless' stability fins, they have malleable hooks that wrap around your ears for added stability when moving around. This design is more comfortable for most people and helps ensure your earbuds don't fall out of your ears during intense workouts. They're also rated IPX4 for water resistance, have roughly 11 hours of continuous battery life, and come with an Η1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices.
Compared to other older Beats headphones, they have a more neutral sound profile, which you might like if you're not a fan of bass-heavy sound or listen to many podcasts or audiobooks while exercising. Unfortunately, they don't have sound customization options, and the companion interface is very limited. They won't isolate you from much ambient sound, so they aren't ideal if you want to escape distracting noise at the gym. However, you might not mind their low level of noise isolation if you're running outdoors, as you can more easily monitor your environment.
See our review
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Best Budget Beats Headphones
Beats Flex Wireless 1
Neutral Sound
6.9
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.0
Wireless Gaming
5.4
Wired Gaming
5.3
Phone Calls
6.0
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
If you're shopping for a pair of budget headphones, the best option from this brand are the Beats Flex Wireless. These lightweight earbuds come in a few bright colors and have a flexible neck cable. They're comfortable, well-built, and will stay in your ears if you use them for workouts. They last about 11 hours continuously, so they can get you through your daily commute and workday without recharging. Apple users can appreciate their W1 chip, making it simpler to pair them with iOS devices like iPhones.
Like many of this manufacturer's products, they provide a bass-rich listening experience, with extra rumble and punch that works well for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Unlike some budget headphones, they have a companion app. However, it only lets you toggle auto-pause and auto-call answering on and off. It doesn't include an EQ or presets for sound customization. Their mic has a passable recording quality but can't separate your voice from loud ambient sounds, so they aren't suitable for making calls from a busy street or bus. That said, if you want simple headphones, they have a solid performance for daily music and podcast listening.
See our review
Compared To Other Brands
- Comfortable designs.
Most Beats headphones are comfortable and suitable for use over long periods. While their over-ear designs are the most comfortable, their on-ear and in-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable than similarly designed models. - Decently well-balanced sound.
While older Beats headphones tend to have a bass-heavy sound that lacks detail, recent models are better balanced. However, they still deliver the rumbly and punchy bass that fans have come to expect. - Stylish and sturdy designs.
Beats tend to shine compared to other headphone brands in their design. They have sleek, premium-looking headphones that stand out with bold color schemes. While they may not all feel as durable as other brands, their more recent models have a sturdy build quality that further emphasizes their premium price range.
- Expensive.
Beats headphones tend to be rather pricey, especially compared to other brands. The quality of the more recent models we’ve tested better matches their premium price point. However, they still feel a bit expensive for what they offer. - Noise cancelling not on par with the competition.
Beats have a couple of models with active noise cancelling. Though some newer ones perform well, they're still not on par with similarly priced from Sony or Bose. Check out our article on the best noise cancelling headphones for more info. - No customization options.
Most Beats have an extremely limited interface for Android and iOS that doesn't offer customization features.
Beats vs Apple
Since Apple owns Beats, some of theirheadphones have the same features for iOS users, like H1 chips and Spatial Audio. Thebrands still have distinct styles and product lines, but both make sturdy, well-built headphones. Apple noise cancelling headphones tend to have an edge over Beats', making it the better brand if noise cancellation is important. However, Beats has a wider range of styles and prices,like sports earbuds and budget options. If you want to check out Apple's lineup, check out our list of thebest Apple headphones.
Beats vs Sony
Sony makes a wider variety of headphones than Beats, including gaming headsets. Their headphones are more likely to have very strong noise cancelling, especially over-ear models, and many have companion apps that include sound customization features. That said, Apple users might prefer Beats' iOS-specific features. Beats headphones are consistently well-built, while some Sony models can have a plasticky, cheaper-feeling build. Still, if you're looking for more options, check out our recommendations for thebest Sony headphones.
Overall, Beats make sleek and modern-looking headphones that feel like fashion accessories. Although older models have a mediocre-at-best sound quality, more recent releases have a balanced sound that doesn't completely sacrificebass. However, their headphones are expensive for what they offer, especially since the more feature-packed models aren't on par with their competitors.
Lineup
Beats have a slightly unorthodox naming convention for their headphones, but they offer various models for different uses. Their product namescan give you an idea of the style and features of a certain pair of headphones.
- Solo= On-ear headphones.
- Studio= Includes over-ear and earbud modelswith ANC.
- Powerbeats = In-earswith ear hooks that are designed for sports use.
- Fit = earbuds with a more conventional design (without earhooks) meant for sports.
- Flex= Wireless earbuds with a neck cable design.
- urBeats = Adiscontinued line of wired earbuds.
Recent Updates
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Jan 19, 2024: We've verified that our picks are up-to-date and accurate and made minor text changes.
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Nov 23, 2023: Made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.
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Sep 27, 2023: We've replaced the Beats Studio3 Wireless with the Beats Studio Pro Wireless as the Studio Pro have better noise isolation and battery life.
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Aug 01, 2023: We've made minor changes to the text to improve accuracy, but the picks have remained the same.
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Jun 06, 2023: Minor text edits for clarity and accuracy.
Conclusion
Beats have made great improvements to their lineup. They're still a fashion-forward brand that focuses on bold color schemes and sleek modern designs, but their recent models sound much better balanced than what they've put out in the past. Their products are still a bit pricey for what they offer, especially their noise cancelling headphones, which don't deliver the same level of noise isolation that models from competing brands provide.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the field of headphones, I can provide you with comprehensive information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the audio industry, and I stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in headphone technology. Let's dive into the details!
Beats Headphones Overview
Beats is a popular brand known for its stylish and comfortable headphones. In 2014, Apple acquired Beats, which led to the integration of features specifically designed for users within the Apple ecosystem. While Beats headphones were previously known for their bass-heavy sound signature, newer models have achieved a more well-balanced and neutral sound profile.
Best Beats Headphones
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Beats Studio Pro Wireless: These over-ear headphones are the top-rated Beats model. They come in sleek and subdued colors, such as deep brown and navy. The Studio Pro Wireless features a noise-canceling system that effectively reduces ambient sound. With active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, they provide over 28 hours of continuous playback. These headphones have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various types of audio content. They also support lossless audio streaming through a built-in DAC when connected via USB-C.
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Beats Fit Pro True Wireless: These earbuds are the best choice among Beats' true wireless options. They offer a neutral sound profile with a slightly V-shaped sound signature, providing extra rumble and punch. The Fit Pro True Wireless features active noise cancellation, which effectively reduces a wide range of noise, including low-frequency sounds like bus and plane engines. They have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices and support Apple's Spatial Audio feature.
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Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless: Designed for sports and fitness enthusiasts, the Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless earbuds offer a secure and comfortable fit with malleable hooks that wrap around the ears. They are rated IPX4 for water resistance and provide approximately 11 hours of continuous battery life. These earbuds have a more neutral sound profile compared to older Beats models, making them suitable for various genres. However, they do not have active noise cancellation.
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Beats Flex Wireless: If you're looking for budget-friendly options, the Beats Flex Wireless earbuds are a great choice. They come in bright colors and have a flexible neck cable. These lightweight earbuds offer a bass-rich listening experience, making them suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. While they lack sound customization options, they provide solid performance for daily music and podcast listening.
Comparison with Other Brands
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Comfortable designs: Beats headphones are generally comfortable, especially their over-ear models. They prioritize comfort, even in their on-ear and in-ear headphones, which tend to be more comfortable than similarly designed models from other brands.
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Decently well-balanced sound: While older Beats headphones had a bass-heavy sound, recent models have achieved a better balance. However, they still deliver the signature rumbly and punchy bass that Beats fans appreciate.
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Stylish and sturdy designs: Beats headphones stand out with their sleek and premium-looking designs. They offer bold color schemes and have a reputation for being visually appealing. Recent models also have improved build quality, further emphasizing their premium price range.
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Expensive: Beats headphones are generally more expensive compared to other brands. While the quality of recent models matches their premium price point, some may still consider them a bit pricey for what they offer.
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Noise cancelling: While Beats has models with active noise cancellation, they are not on par with similarly priced options from competitors like Sony or Bose. If noise cancellation is a priority, other brands may offer better options.
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Limited customization options: Beats headphones have a limited interface for Android and iOS devices, which does not offer extensive customization features.
Beats vs. Apple
Since Apple owns Beats, there are similarities between their headphones. Both brands produce well-built headphones, but Apple's noise-canceling headphones tend to outperform Beats in terms of noise cancellation. However, Beats offers a wider range of styles and prices, including sports earbuds and budget options.
Beats vs. Sony
Sony offers a wider variety of headphones compared to Beats, including gaming headsets. Sony headphones often have strong noise cancellation, especially their over-ear models, and many come with companion apps that offer sound customization features. Apple users may prefer Beats for its iOS-specific features. Beats headphones are consistently well-built, while some Sony models may feel cheaper in terms of build quality. If you're looking for more options, Sony has a range of headphones worth considering.
Conclusion
Beats has made significant improvements to its lineup, offering sleek and modern-looking headphones with better-balanced sound profiles in recent models. While their headphones are still considered fashion accessories, they now deliver a more neutral sound without sacrificing bass. However, Beats headphones can be expensive compared to other brands, especially considering that their noise-canceling models may not match the performance of competitors.
