Beats Solo Pro wireless noise cancelling headphones review premium sound and comfort explored

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones undoubtedly stand out with their sleek and ergonomic design. I immediately appreciated the minimalistic ivory finish, which strikes a perfect balance between style and sophistication. The angular earpiece shape fits snugly, and the premium materials, a blend of plastic and metal, ensure a lightweight yet sturdy build. Honestly, the fold-to-power-on-and-off feature feels incredibly intuitive and adds a touch of convenience that makes these headphones a joy to use. I also noticed the carrying case, crafted from premium materials, which not only protects the headphones but also keeps them looking pristine. However, the on-ear design might not suit everyone, especially during longer listening sessions, as it can feel a bit tight after extended use.

Sound Performance

The sound performance of these headphones genuinely surprised me. As someone who has tested plenty of audio devices, the powerful sound and balanced tonality here are some of the best I’ve experienced. The active noise cancelling (ANC) does an impressive job of blocking out external noise, allowing me to fully immerse myself in music or podcasts. Switching to Transparency Mode was equally seamless, letting me stay aware of my surroundings when needed. The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz ensures deep bass and crisp highs, which I found perfect for everything from classical music to bass-heavy tracks. That said, audiophiles seeking ultra-precise sound reproduction may find the tuning slightly geared toward casual listeners.

Key Benefits

• Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) effectively blocks out distractions.
• Transparency Mode is perfect for staying alert to your environment.
• Balanced sound quality with deep bass and sharp highs.
• Auto On/Off feature makes setup and usage effortless.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life has always been a crucial factor for me, and this product delivers on that front. I was able to enjoy up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC activated, and it extended to a whopping 40 hours with ANC and Transparency turned off. Even better, the Fast Fuel feature came in clutch several times. A quick 10-minute charge gave me 3 hours of playback, which saved the day during busy moments. However, I’d have appreciated a USB-C charging option instead of the Lightning cable, as it would have been more universally compatible.

Ease of Use and Connectivity

The inclusion of the Apple H1 Headphone Chip ensures Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity, which translates to a faster and more stable wireless connection. Pairing with both iOS and Android devices was hassle-free, and I didn’t experience any dropouts, even when moving around the house. The on-ear controls for volume and track changes are responsive, and the addition of voice commands via “Hey Siri” or the “b” button is a nice touch. However, Android users might feel slightly left out since some features, like Siri integration, are more tailored for iOS.

Drawbacks

• On-ear design may feel tight for prolonged use.
• Lightning charging cable limits compatibility for non-Apple users.
• Sound tuning may not satisfy those seeking studio-grade accuracy.

Other Options

In a market flooded with premium headphones, a few competitors stand out. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers similar noise-cancelling capabilities and slightly more comfortable over-ear cups, making it better suited for extended listening sessions. The Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones, on the other hand, excel in call quality and offer a sleeker design. While the Solo Pro headphones shine in portability and style, they fall slightly behind in areas like multi-device connectivity, which the Sony and Bose models handle seamlessly. Yet, the folding mechanism and Apple ecosystem integration keep these headphones unique in their own right.

Bang for the Buck

Price is often the deciding factor, and I’d say these headphones offer solid value for the features provided. From the seamless Apple integration to the premium noise-cancelling modes, they pack a punch in terms of performance. While they might not be the most affordable option, the overall quality and thoughtful design justify the investment, especially for those already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re an Android user, however, you might want to weigh the cost against a few missing features.

Testing these headphones in various scenarios, from noisy commutes to quiet evenings at home, gave me a genuine appreciation for their strengths and highlighted areas where they could be better. While not perfect, they’re undoubtedly a great choice for anyone looking to combine style, performance, and functionality in one package.

Additional information