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The Best Beats Headphones in 2023

Last updated: 4 weeks ago
6 min read

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Get the best Beats headphones that suit your style in 2023.

Rating Price (approx.) Battery Mic & Controls Water Resistance Noise Cancelling More info
Beats Studio3 Wireless Best overall
Beats Studio3
4.6
$350
22h
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4.1
$250
11h + 24h in case
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4.3
$150
8h + 16h in case
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4.5
$100
15h
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4.7
$180
40h
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4.2
$200
6h + 18h in case
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4.6
$50
12h
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CONTENTS (show more)

    There aren’t many brands in the world that share the same popularity (or at least recognition) as Beats. A headphone brand, created by rapper Dr. Dre, quickly became one of the most successful audio industry names.

    Their heavy marketing, with superstars wearing nothing but Beats by Dre, paid off. There isn’t a single human being, even those who usually don’t care about audio, that doesn’t know what the “b” logo means.

    How is Beats Brand Evolving?

    The sound quality is getting better.

    Even though most Beats headphones, especially previous models, still aren’t the first choice for diehard audiophiles, they have come a long way, most notably in the sound quality department.

    While the bass is still emphasized in the best Beats headphones, its performance is getting tighter and more controlled. They offer an enjoyable audio experience, even for more demanding users.

    Perfect for Apple users

    Ever since Apple acquired the Beats brand, all of their headphones come with W1 and H1 chips inside, the same technology that’s inside Apple headphones.

    If you’re an iOS user, these chips are great since they offer fast pairing, better Bluetooth connection range, good sound quality, and seamless transition from one device to the other.

    Find them at any price range.

    Best Beats headphones are considered expensive, although that isn’t true anymore. While the most expensive models reach prices slightly above $300, the most affordable ones come within a $50 price range.

    In this guide, you’ll find the best and latest Beats headphones that you should consider. Without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

    More similar guides:

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    Best bass headphones

    Best Beats Headphones 2023

    1. Beats Studio3 Wireless

    Beats Studio3 Wireless over-ear cans

    Best noise cancelling headphones with a significant bass thump and comfortable design.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 4.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 22h (or 40h with ANC off) | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC | Charging: Quick charge – micro-USB | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: / | Features: ANC, foldable, W1 chip
    • Good active noise cancellation
    • Punchy sound
    • Comfortable & plush earpads
    • Expensive
    • Not the best build quality

    This fantastic pair of Beats headphones possess an old-school Beats sound signature with a dominating low-end. Beats Studio 3 feel like a portable disco, which makes them a fantastic choice for bassheads.

    Studio 3 Wireless are the only over-ear headphones that the company currently sells. With big ear cups and thick earpads that go around ears, you get exceptional comfort and outside noise isolation.

    Over-ear headphones come in a variety of colors and are made of flexible plastic. iOS users will find the implementation of the Apple W1 chip super handy.

    Active noise cancellation works reasonably well, especially with low frequencies. Beats Studio 3 Wireless should last around 40 hours of battery life if you don’t plan to use the active noise cancellation feature.

    2. Beats PowerBeats Pro

    Beats PowerBeats Pro in charging case

    One of the best Beats headphones and among the top picks in the Bluetooth earbuds category. They’re best suited as sports headphones.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 12mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type:: In-ear | Battery Life: 11h + 24h in case | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 1h + quick charge – Lightning | Mic & controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Ear hooks, H1 chip, volume controls on both sides
    • Deep, punchy bass that energizes music (V-shaped signature)
    • Great battery life with quick charging (we got over 11 hours out of them)
    • Perfect stability for working out
    • High build-quality and nice materials
    • Sweatproof, but can’t be submerged
    • They get slightly uncomfortable after 30 minutes
    • Pricey
    • Large charging case
    • No way to turn them off without the charging case
    • Mids sound a bit subdued

    Beats PowerBeats Pro review

    V-shaped signature is complemented with good clarity across the board, which is a positive surprise and a step up in the right direction.

    The bass is elevated, but not to the point of veiling the mids and treble, which sound great and reasonably accurate.

    Beats nailed it with these, making true wireless earbuds with hooks that became an instant hit. Their best virtue is overall stability.

    Thanks to ear hooks, they stick to your ears and don’t go anywhere, no matter how vigorously you shake your head.

    The Beats PowerBeats Pro are well-made and appear quite durable, with a fully sweatproof build (IPX4).

    As with all newer Beats products, these also have an H1 chip for faster and easy pairing with an Apple device, and come with a Lightning connector.

    Beats PowerBeats Pro review

    More: Best bass earbuds

    3. Beats Studio Buds

    Beats Studio Buds Beats headphones

    Stylish-looking in-ear buds with a surprisingly balanced sound.

    Connection icon Connection: n/a
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 16h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: ANC
    • Nicely balanced sound
    • Comfortable design & fit
    • Work equally well on iOS & Android
    • Noise cancellation isn't that good
    • Call quality could be better

    Ever since Apple acquired Beats, their sound has been slowly changing for the better. The Studio Buds are well-balanced with a minor bass hump and smooth high-end.

    The most interesting fact about Studio Buds is that they lack a dedicated Apple chip. Consequently, Android users miss nothing.

    The uniquely designed shape ensures long-lasting comfort, while an IPX4 rating means you can wear them for your everyday sports activities.

    Active noise cancelation comes with the Beats earbuds, but it’s not that impressive. They also support Transparency mode.

    Leaving active noise cancelling off helps with the battery life, providing 8 hours per single charge, while storing another 16 hours inside the compact-design charging case.

    4. Beats PowerBeats

    Beats PowerBeats 4 Bluetooth earbuds

    PowerBeats Pro but with a neck cable and a lower price point.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth
    Driver size icon Driver size: 12mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: In-ear | Battery life: 15h | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Fast Fuel quick charging 5min – 1h of music | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Apple H1 chip, ear hooks
    • Long battery life up to 15h
    • More affordable than PowerBeats Pro
    • Secure for sports with an ear hook design
    • Uncomfortable for people with glasses

    Similar to truly wireless model, their sound profile amplifies bass but in a tasteful manner. They still pack a significant amount of detail, with a good soundstage that goes with it.

    Instead of being truly wireless, they come with a cable connecting the two earpieces. Overall, stability remains the same as with previous iterations, with slightly thinner hooks that provide a bit comfier fit.

    They pack an excellent battery life, with up to 15 hours of battery life on a full charge. Also, five minutes of fast charge gives another hour of listening.

    As expected, you get a built-in H1 chip for communication with Apple devices and a Lightning cable for charging.

    Physical buttons underneath Beats logos offer a full range of controls covering everything from volume control to skipping songs.

    5. Beats Solo3 Wireless

    Beats Solo3 Wireless on-ear headphones

    Slightly old by now, but still good Beats headphones if you crave powerful bass response.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: test
    Type: On-ear | Battery life: 40h | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: quick charging 5min – 3h of music | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: None | Features: Apple H1 chip
    • Aged well
    • Bass heavy signature that overpowers other ranges that's perfect for bassheads …
    • Sound leakage
    • … but isn't suitable for those looking for natural sound
    • Older model

    While the bass-heavy sound profile makes the frequency response full and energetic, it can also hurt the overall clarity.

    Therefore, listening to an already bassy track will result in a muddy audio quality.

    Even though earpads on on-ears tend to have a less comfortable fit for long periods of listening, Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones provide quite the opposite.

    And while the rubberized headband doesn’t add much to the comfort, its grippy nature prevents Beats Solo 3 from falling off your head.

    For controlling basic commands, you get a function button under the Beats logo on both the right and left ear cup.

    There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack if the battery ever lets you down. Fast charge gives three our of playtime in just 5 minutes.

    6. Beats Fit Pro

    Beats Fit Pro

    Wireless sports earbuds with built-in fins to help them stay in your ears.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 9.5mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 18h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: ANC, ear fins, H1 chip, Spatial Audio
    • Good, fun sound
    • Comfortable & stable fit
    • Good ANC performance
    • Support for Apple's Spatial Audio
    • Android users will be missing on features
    • No Qi charging

    Since the Fit Pro model is geared towards sportspeople, the sound is more energetic. The bass is noticeably more upfront, giving it a strong presence in more punchy genres.

    In-ear headphones have a somewhat similar shape to the Studio Buds model but with long built-in ear fins for a more tight fit. The latter are great at preventing earbuds from falling out of your ears. They aren’t removable as the ear tips.

    With an IPX4 rating, they can successfully resist sweat, while their simple design gives them rigidity if they accidentally fall.

    The Fit Pro have the H1 chip that provides additional functionalities to Apple devices, even Audio Sharing, combining the earbuds into the Apple ecosystem. Android users will have an overall worse user experience.

    At least the noise cancellation, compared to other Beats headphones, is worth using.

    7. Beats Flex Wireless

    Beats Flex earbuds

    One of the cheapest Beats with good microphone quality.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 8.2mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: Wireless in-ear | Battery life: 12h | Wireless range: 65ft (20m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: None | Features: Apple W1 chip, companion app for Android, magnetic buds
    • Balanced sound
    • Affordable Beats with a W1 chip
    • Beats app adds iOS functionalities to Android users
    • USB-C port
    • Great passive noise isolation
    • Comfortable design
    • Neckband design hurts the overall stability
    • No carrying pouch included
    • Lack of sweat resistance

    The Flex Wireless have an interestingly balanced sound with the bass kept on a leash.

    While they’re still more than suitable for casual music listening, you’re not going to discover new nuances in your music.

    These are go-to earbuds if you want the best Beats headphones at an affordable price. Small earbuds fit nicely into your ears, with a big shiny logo on the outside.

    A great thing for iPhone owners, the Flex buds come with a built-in Apple W1 chip for a super-fast wireless connection with Apple products.

    Comfort, stability, and noise isolation are great on these in-ears, as long as you find a snug fit with correct ear tips. Sadly, there’s a minor cable noise present.

    The Flex pack 12 hours of playtime and support a fast charging feature via USB type C.

    Beats Flex review

    Honorable Mentions

    Beats X – Good pair of wireless in-ears replaced by Flex Wireless but still worth looking into. Beats X sport a similar neckband design with an Apple W1 chip.

    Beats Solo Pro – Stylish-looking wireless Beats headphones with an on-ear design that are perfect for commuting, with good phone calls quality, great active noise cancellation performance, and Transparency mode for amplifying background noise. For some odd reason, even though they’re the new ones, Beats have discontinued them. (Check Solo Pro price)

    Beats EP – Wired on-ear Beats headphones with a sleek and lightweight design. They’re made with a blend of plastic and stainless-steel arms that makes them more substantial. And since they lack batteries and Bluetooth circuitry, they also have a very lightweight feel. (Check EP price)

    Frequently Asked Questions About Beats (FAQ)

    Which Beats Headphones Are the Best?

    Beats Studio3 Wireless are the flagship Beats headphones right now. But the best headphones for you might be a different model that’s better for working out, smaller in size or more affordable. You can choose from wireless and wired models.

    What are The Newest Beats Headphones?

    The company is trying each year to surprise us with at least a couple of new Beats headphones. Last year we got the PowerBeats Pro and Solo Pro, both excellent additions to the Beats family.

    However, the ones that came in 2020 are the PowerBeats and Flex Wireless. The first ones are more of a trimmed-down version of the Pro model, while the Flex Wireless are entry-level buds with a neckband design.

    Are Beats Headphones Overrated?

    If you like the brand, the design, and the powerful sound they produce, and want others to see you wearing Beats headphones, then they are worth it.

    Though some audiophiles think Beats headphones aren’t as good as Sony, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, and other headphones from less-known brands.

    What are Beats Headphones Best For?

    Casual listening – If you need headphones for daily use and want something bassy, you can’t go wrong with any of the Beats headphones mentioned above. The only one that might not suit your bass-loving needs are Beats Flex Wireless. They’re a great pick but somewhat light on lower frequencies.

    Sports – For working out, we advise PowerBeats Pro and the PowerBeats. The two earbuds have an ear hook design for stability and sweat-resistant housing. They can also deliver a satisfying punch, which gives you a much-needed boost during exercise. For more options, see the best workout headphones.

    Commuting – Having stylish headphones is important while walking down a street. Thankfully, Beats already know how to do that. However, only some models pack active noise cancelling. Therefore, if you don’t want a noisy environment to ruin your listening experience, opt for Beats Solo Pro and Beats Studio 3 Wireless over-ear headphones.

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