Best Picks
AirPods are an obvious choice for iPhone users, but there is a wide range of Beats headphones that might be a better alternative for your needs.
By Chris Martin
Reviews Editor, MacworldJAN 27, 2022 4:10 pm PST
Apple has its own over-ear headphones in the form of the AirPods Max, but Beats headphones remain a solid choice – especially for iPhone users.
Although Beats headphones work with any Bluetooth device, many feature the great W1 and H1 chips also found in Apple AirPods, which make connecting with Apple devices easier than ever.
It’s no longer the case that Beats headphones are only available to those with plenty of cash to splash either. The Beats Flex, for example, are available for under £50/$50.
But which Beats headphones are right for you? In this article, we rank all the Beats headphones our experts have tested out for things like audio quality, fit, design, value for money and features
For more general help, jump ahead to our Beats headphones buying advice.
Best Beats headphones 2022
Beats Studio 3 Wireless
Price When Reviewed:$349.95
Best Prices Today:$147.99 at Amazon$349.95 at Beats
The Studio 3 Wireless are the most fully featured Beats headphones and have a decent claim to be the best you can buy. This also means they are the most expensive, but their RRP still undercuts similar products from Bose and Sony.
They work best with an iPhone or iPad, but it’s great that you could use them with any other Bluetooth device should you want to. Sound quality is close to as good as you’ll find on headphones for this price, but they may not be the ones to go for if your main musical love is loud, guitar-led rock music.
That said, it’s hard to fault the Studio 3 headphones and they stand out further thanks to exceptional comfort and class-leading battery life.
Read our full Beats Studio 3 Wireless review
Beats Powerbeats (2020)
Price When Reviewed:From $149.95
Best Prices Today:$149.94 at Beats
The Powerbeats are a classy pair of Bluetooth headphones that will suit runners with a penchant for bass-heavy music. They’re good value for money, too.
They fit snugly, resulting in solid passive noise isolation and very little chance of them falling out of your ears; this is backed up by both ear hooks and a neck cable which might even be overkill, and do make the headphones difficult to put on and take off.
Audio quality fulfils all the promises and the Powerbeats are particularly good at delivering that essential bass punch. But they’re not one-trick ponies, and gentler tracks were still rendered with warmth and detail.
Finally, battery life is excellent, and while Fast Fuel wasn’t quite as effective for us as the manufacturer predicted, it remains a useful option for quick-charge emergencies.
Read our full Beats Powerbeats (2020) review
Beats Flex
Price When Reviewed:$49.99
Best Prices Today:$49.99 at Best Buy$49.99 at Target $69.99 at Apple
Those on a tighter budget should look to the Beats Flex considering they are available for under £50/$50 making them the cheapest wireless headphones Beats has made.
Despite being cheap, the Flex headphones still offer strong performance with good audio quality and a solid 12 hours of battery life before you need to charge.
There are colourful designs on offer, you won’t lose them easily but they don’t come with any water resistance.
Read our full Beats Flex review
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Price When Reviewed:$249.95
Powerbeats Pro will appeal to a particular kind of user and they will sort of have to considering the price, which is more than a pair of AirPods and a lot of other Beats headphones.
However, they fit a lot better, offer higher quality audio and longer battery life too. These features, along with waterproofing, make them a perfect choice for runners, gym bunnies and anything in between.
A chunky case to fit the large design is a downer and we’ve had connectivity issues using them with Android phones but it’s likely you’re an iPhone user anyway.
Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro review
Beats Solo Pro
Price When Reviewed:$299.95
Best Prices Today:$290.91 at Walmart$299.95 at Amazon$299.95 at Beats
If you can afford them, then the Solo Pro are excellent headphones and easily one of the best pairs of Beats you can buy. They are, of course, especially good for iPhone users.
While they don’t move things on a huge amount compared to the Solo 3, the design has been tweaked, they sound better and namely add active noise cancelling.
Nothing is exactly ground-breaking but these are the on-ear wireless headphones to get if you want the best to go with your iPhone. Look to the Solo 3 if you want something cheaper and don’t need noise cancelling.
Read our full Beats Solo Pro review
BeatsX
Price When Reviewed:$149.99
If you’re looking for a stylish, discreet pair of earphones, the BeatsX are an ideal option. Featuring a variety of wingtips and eartips to find the perfect fit, the BeatsX stay securely in your ears no matter what you’re doing. They’re incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, thanks in part to the Flex Foam cable.
The highlight of the BeatsX is, surprisingly, in the battery department. It features Fast Fuel tech that provides two hours of playback with five minutes of charging, and can go from flat-to-full in only 40 minutes.
In the sound department, the BeatsX don’t disappoint. The bass is punchy, but not overpowering like older Beats headphones, providing nice, balanced audio with warm mids and crisp highs.
Our one disappointment is that these sporty earphones don’t offer any kind of water- or even sweat-resistance.
Read our full BeatsX review
Beats EP
Price When Reviewed:$129.95
Best Prices Today:$139.95 at Amazon
If you just want a simple and no-nonsense pair of Beats headphones then the EPs fit the bill.
They’re affordable and get the job done with minimal fuss. Plug them in, put them on and you’re away. Considering the price difference to some pairs, we’re impressed with the build quality and sound performance.
These are the everyman’s Beats.
Read our full Beats EP review
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Price When Reviewed:$299
Best Prices Today:$102.99 at Amazon$299 at Beats
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless are potentially amazing headphones – assuming you’re happy with the familiar plastic (and durable) design to start with.
We’re impressed with the features on offer here, particularly the best battery life we’ve ever seen on a pair of wireless headphones.
Sound quality is good, but more than most headphones you need to be a fan of bass-dominant music for the Solo 3 Wireless to suit you. If you’re likely to listen to other genres far more, then we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Read our full Beats Solo 3 Wireless review
Beats urBeats3
Price When Reviewed:$59.95
If you must have Beats and you want in-ear wired headphones then the urBeats3 are the best you can get. Their audio is similar to the wireless BeatsX but with the advantage of a headphone jack.
Comfort was a slight issue for us over extended periods, but you might find otherwise. With an RRP at under half the price of the BeatsX, the urBeats3 are a bit of a steal.
Read our full Beats urBeats3 review
How to choose a pair of Beats headphones
Generally speaking, there are three kinds of headphones, and they are all represented in the Beats line-up. In-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones each serve different fits, tastes and looks.
In-ear Beats will come with multiple sizes of tips to suit different sizes of ear. On-ear and over-ear have a similar design, but the latter completely covers the entire ear and sometimes offers active noise cancellation to tune out the outside world.
How much should you spend on Beats?
It depends on your budget and what you want from a pair of Beats. There are cheaper options in the range, but if you want the classic Beats look with the on- or over-ear design then the price will edge over £200/$200. There are some options under £50/$50, so they don’t have to break the bank.
We’ve reviewed a wide range of Beats headphones so there is something for everyone. Of course, the more you spend, the more features and quality you’re going to get. Don’t expect active noise cancelling (ANC) for under £100/$100.
Do you need wireless Beats?
Most of the Beats models here are wireless – unsurprising considering Apple ditched the headphone jack on iPhone – so you’ll need to keep them charged to work over Bluetooth. Some still come with a traditional wire and 3.5mm jack if you don’t want to worry about battery life and have a device you can simply plug them into.
The urBeats3 are wired and have a headphone jack or Lightning connector depending on which model you go for.
Fancy something a bit more striking? Take a look at these glow-in-the-dark Beats headphones.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor
Tech Advisor's Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.
Recent stories by Chris Martin:
- Every new product announced at Apple’s spring 2022 event
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Beats headphones are a popular choice, especially for iPhone users. They offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. In this article by Chris Martin, the Reviews Editor at Macworld, he ranks several Beats headphones based on factors such as audio quality, fit, design, value for money, and features. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article:
Beats Studio 3 Wireless:
- The Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones are considered the most fully featured Beats headphones and are often regarded as one of the best options available.
- They are compatible with iPhones and iPads, but can also be used with other Bluetooth devices.
- The sound quality is close to headphones in a similar price range, but they may not be the best choice for those who prefer loud, guitar-led rock music.
- The Studio 3 headphones are known for their exceptional comfort and long battery life [[6]].
Beats Powerbeats (2020):
- The Powerbeats (2020) are Bluetooth headphones that are particularly suitable for runners who enjoy bass-heavy music.
- They offer a secure fit with ear hooks and a neck cable, ensuring they stay in place during physical activities.
- The audio quality is impressive, with a focus on delivering a powerful bass punch while maintaining warmth and detail in gentler tracks.
- The battery life is excellent, and they also feature Fast Fuel technology for quick charging [[7]].
Beats Flex:
- The Beats Flex is a budget-friendly option, available for under £50/$50.
- Despite their affordability, they still offer strong performance, good audio quality, and a solid 12 hours of battery life.
- They come in colorful designs and provide a comfortable fit.
- However, they do not offer water resistance [[8]].
Beats Powerbeats Pro:
- The Powerbeats Pro is a higher-end option with a higher price tag than AirPods and other Beats headphones.
- They offer a better fit, higher quality audio, longer battery life, and waterproofing, making them suitable for runners and gym enthusiasts.
- However, they have a chunky case and may have connectivity issues with Android phones [[9]].
Beats Solo Pro:
- The Solo Pro headphones are considered excellent and one of the best options for iPhone users.
- They have a sleek design, improved sound quality, and active noise cancellation.
- While they don't introduce groundbreaking features compared to the Solo 3, they are a top choice for those who want the best headphones to pair with their iPhone.
- The Solo 3 is a more affordable alternative for those who don't need noise cancellation [[10]].
BeatsX:
- The BeatsX is a stylish and discreet pair of earphones that offer a perfect fit with various wingtips and eartips.
- They are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and have a Flex Foam cable.
- The battery life is impressive, with Fast Fuel technology providing two hours of playback with just five minutes of charging.
- The sound quality is balanced, with punchy bass and warm mids and crisp highs.
- However, they do not offer any water or sweat resistance [[11]].
Beats EP:
- The Beats EP headphones are a simple and affordable option that gets the job done without any fuss.
- They have a good build quality and sound performance.
- These headphones are suitable for those who want a straightforward and no-nonsense pair of Beats headphones [[12]].
Beats Solo 3 Wireless:
- The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones offer impressive features, including exceptional battery life.
- The sound quality is good, but they are best suited for fans of bass-dominant music.
- If you listen to other genres more frequently, you may want to consider other options [[13]].
Beats urBeats3:
- The urBeats3 are wired in-ear headphones that offer similar audio quality to the wireless BeatsX.
- They come with a headphone jack and offer good value for money.
- Comfort may be a slight issue for some users during extended periods of use.
- The urBeats3 headphones are a more affordable option compared to other models [[14]].
Choosing Beats headphones:
- Beats offers three types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear. Each type has its own fit, style, and features.
- In-ear headphones come with multiple sizes of tips to accommodate different ear sizes.
- On-ear and over-ear headphones have a similar design, but over-ear headphones completely cover the ears and may offer active noise cancellation.
- The price of Beats headphones varies depending on the model and features. Cheaper options are available, but the classic on- or over-ear designs may cost over £200/$200.
- Wireless options are prevalent in the Beats lineup, but some models still come with a traditional wire and 3.5mm jack for those who prefer not to rely on battery life.
- The urBeats3 are wired and offer a choice between a headphone jack or Lightning connector [[15]].
These concepts provide an overview of the different Beats headphones mentioned in the article, their features, and considerations for choosing the right pair based on personal preferences and budget.
