Beats Solo 3 is one of the most talked-about wireless headphones. Published as early as 2016, one would have expected that most people would forget it by now, since far superior headphones have been released in the market.
Yet, the Solo 3 remains interesting in 2025 and can still be used by an average listener. It still maintains interest in the already oversaturated audio market with its potent battery, slick design, and compatibility with Apple products.
Can it still compete with the present competition? We will dissect them all in this review, including design and comfort, sound performance, battery life, and overall value, to determine whether the Beats Solo 3 is still worth buying in 2025.
Design and Comfort – Classic Look with Everyday Usability
The timeless design is one of the reasons why the Beats Solo 3 will be popular in 2025. The iconic Beats style – sleek curves, bold branding and a clean modern finish all shine through the headphones. It is available in many different colours, so you can easily combine them with your own style.
Regarding build, the Solo 3 is primarily made of plastic, but the material feels strong enough to be used daily. Their foldable design is portable, and you can keep them in a bag without worrying about space. They are also comfortable with cushions on the ears.
Although they do not completely block your ears like the over-ear headphones, they are surprisingly comfortable during medium-length music sessions. Nevertheless, with on-ear products, some users can experience some pressure after a few hours; this is natural with on-ear products.
Weight-wise, they strike a nice balance — light enough to wear on a walk or at the gym, yet solid enough to feel premium. The adjustable headband ensures a decent fit for most head sizes. Overall, the Beats Solo 3 keeps its stylish reputation alive, offering a mix of fashion and function that appeals to both casual users and those who care about aesthetics.
Sound Quality – How Do They Really Perform?
The Beats Solo 3 has always been known for its bass-heavy sound signature, and that hasn’t changed in 2025. If you’re a fan of hip-hop, pop, or EDM, you’ll likely enjoy the punchy low-end that adds excitement to every track. The bass is deep and powerful, sometimes a little overpowering, but that’s part of the Beats identity — it’s designed for people who love music with energy and impact.
With that said, the mids and highs are fairly clear, but not as bright as the bass. Vocals are clear enough to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and other daily streaming tasks.
However, audiophile users may not find the Solo 3 as balanced and detailed as other high-end models made by Sony or Bose. The soundstage is also not as wide as it can be, so you will not experience that spaciousness of over-ear headphones.
To the average listener, however, the performance is pleasant. Solo 3 offers stable audio features and can be used at home, during exercise, or to move around. They will not compete with the best high-end headphones in the market in terms of clarity, but when you want fun-sounding and energetic sounds, they will do it in 2025.
Battery Life and Charging – The Standout Feature
Battery life is one of the few ways that the Beats Solo 3 can still shine in comparison to many of its current competitors. These headphones are ideal when people do not need to worry about recharging their devices every day, as they have up to 40 hours of playback on a full charge. The Solo 3 can comfortably take you several days or even a week before it requires a refill, whether you are commuting, travelling or are at home listening to music.
Apple has another feature that is entitled Fast Fuel. Three hours of playback on just five minutes of charging is incredibly convenient when you are in a hurry. This has made the Solo 3 quite dependable among students, busy workers and frequent travellers.
The Solo 3 is one of the best performers in this category, even in 2025, when most headphones will be equipped with a battery life of 20 to 30 hours. Their combination of long life and fast charging gives you a feeling of freedom – you do not need to remember to charge cables all the time or to check the battery level. It is one of the primary reasons why the Solo 3 remains topical almost ten years after its release.
Connectivity and Features – Smooth with Apple Devices
One of the biggest selling points of the Beats Solo 3 is its seamless integration with Apple products. Thanks to the Apple W1 chip, pairing is almost instant — power them on near your iPhone or iPad, and a prompt appears to connect. Once paired, they automatically sync across your iCloud devices, so you can switch from iPhone to MacBook or iPad without going through the hassle of re-pairing.
The Bluetooth connection is strong and reliable, with a range of about 30 feet, which is more than enough for home or office use. While the Solo 3 was clearly designed with Apple users in mind, Android owners can still enjoy the headphones. Pairing may not be as smooth, but the audio quality and battery performance remain consistent.
Another feature worth noting is the ability to activate Siri hands-free by just saying “Hey Siri.” This makes it easy to control music, make calls, or check notifications without pulling out your phone. For Android users, standard voice assistant compatibility is available, though not as tightly integrated.
While the Solo 3 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation (ANC), it does provide decent passive noise isolation. The snug on-ear fit helps block out a fair amount of outside noise, especially in quieter environments. Still, if ANC is a priority, newer models from Sony, Bose, or even Beats’ own Studio line might be better alternatives.
Everyday Use – Are They Practical for Workouts and Travel?
The Beats Solo 3 is a good balance between fashion and function when it comes to everyday use. They are small and portable and can be stored in a handbag or a backpack. This is particularly convenient for students or travellers who do not wish to carry around a large over-ear headphone.
The Solo 3 can support workouts reasonably well. Their tight-fitting nature prevents them from falling easily, and the perspiration-resistant feature allows them to take moderate workouts in the gym or outdoor runs. But since they are on-ear, and not over-ear, they might not feel so safe during very intense workouts as sport-specific headphones.
Call quality is decent, too. Voice clarity using the built-in microphones is adequate to conduct phone calls and participate in virtual meetings, but surrounding noise can occasionally intrude when you are in a highly active background.
The massive battery life is an enormous plus to travellers, and they will not need to be concerned about charging the phone on long flights or road trips. And the absence of ANC could be a disadvantage to frequent flyers, but the passive noise isolation still allows use in reasonably noisy environments.
All in all, the Beats Solo 3 is still a viable option in real-life situations. They are not the best headphones you can purchase in 2025, yet they are reliable, fashionable, and usable enough to satisfy the requirements of the majority of average users.
Price and Value in 2025 – Are They Still Worth It?
Nearly a decade after their original release, the Beats Solo 3 has seen a big shift in pricing. While they were once considered a premium option at launch, in 2025, they are far more affordable, often appearing in the mid-range category. This makes them appealing to buyers who want reliable performance without spending a fortune on the latest models.
At their current price, the Solo 3 competes with brands like JBL, Skullcandy, and entry-level Sony headphones. Compared to these, the Solo 3 still stands strong with its long battery life and Apple ecosystem advantages. However, for a similar or slightly higher budget, you could also find newer headphones offering modern features like active noise cancellation, customizable sound profiles, and USB-C charging.
So, the value really depends on what you’re looking for. If you prioritize battery life, a stylish design, and easy Apple compatibility, the Solo 3 remains an excellent deal. But if your focus is on the latest audio technology or noise cancellation, you might want to explore newer alternatives.
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy Beats Solo 3 Today?
The Beats Solo 3 may not be the newest headphone on the block, but it continues to prove its staying power in 2025. With a bold design, solid comfort, powerful bass-driven sound, and industry-leading battery life, it remains a practical choice for casual listeners.
This model is best suited for:
- Apple users who want instant pairing and smooth ecosystem integration.
- Music lovers who enjoy bass-heavy, energetic sound.
- Travellers and students who value long battery life and portability.
- Style-conscious buyers who see headphones as both a tech gadget and a fashion accessory.
On the other hand, if you’re an audiophile craving perfect balance and detail, or if noise cancellation is essential for your lifestyle, the Solo 3 might feel outdated compared to newer offerings.
In the end, the Beats Solo 3 is not about being the most advanced headphone — it’s about being reliable, stylish, and fun. And in 2025, that’s still enough reason for many to keep choosing it.
FAQs
Do Beats Solo 3 sound good?
Yes, they sound good, especially if you enjoy bass-heavy music like hip-hop or pop. However, they’re less balanced than premium headphones.
Do Beats Solo 3 have noise cancelling?
No, the Solo 3 does not have active noise cancellation. They only offer passive noise isolation through the snug on-ear fit.
Is Solo 3 worth it?
In 2025, the Solo 3 is still worth it for long battery life, style, and Apple integration. But newer models offer more advanced features.
Is Solo 3 or 4 Beats better?
Beats Solo 4, being the newer model, offers upgraded features and sound balance. Still, Solo 3 is a budget-friendly option with great battery life.