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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Beats Solo Buds are a compact, entry-priced option for listeners who want long playback between charges—but their case cannot recharge them. The earbuds are rated for up to 18 hours on a single charge; when they run down, you need USB-C power to charge them while they are in the case. There is no active noise cancellation, either.
That makes the Solo Buds a more specific choice than their headline battery figure suggests: they suit people who value portability and extended listening more than an in-case power reserve, noise reduction, or a cable in the box.
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What the battery-life claim actually means
Beats advertises up to 18 hours of listening on one charge, and Apple describes that figure as single-charge playback. It is the earbuds’ claimed listening time—not a total that includes extra charges from the case. Beats also says five minutes of Fast Fuel charging can provide up to one hour of playback. Those are manufacturer figures, not guarantees of the time every listener will get.
The carry case protects and stores the earbuds, but it has no battery. To charge the buds, place them in the case and connect the case to a USB-C power source. In other words, the case is part of the wired charging setup, not a portable charging bank. Apple lists the USB-C cable and power adapter as sold separately, and neither is included in the box.
#1 Best Overall
- SOUND ENGINEERED FOR EVERYDAY: Custom acoustic architecture delivers big, full-range Beats sound in the smallest earbud case Beats has ever built.
- 18 HOURS OF PLAY, MINUTES TO RECHARGE: Up to 18 hours of listening time on a single charge. Fast Fuel gives you 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes on the charger.
- EXCEPTIONAL CALL QUALITY: Each earbud is equipped with a leading-edge microphone powered by an advanced noise-learning algorithm to help deliver exceptional call quality. Enjoy extended range with fewer dropouts thanks to industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth.
- DISTORTION-FREE SOUND, DIRECT TO YOUR EAR: Dual-layer, axial-aligned drivers minimize distortion and aim sound precisely into the ear canal for high-fidelity clarity.
- FOUR SIZES, ONE PERFECT FIT: Four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) and laser-cut vents relieve pressure, so Solo Buds sit comfortably through a full day of wear.
For a point of comparison, TechRadar reports that its reviewer measured 17.5 hours of continuous playback at half volume. That is one reviewer’s test under a stated condition, not a repeatable result for every volume level or listening pattern. (TechRadar’s Beats headphones guide)
What you get—and what you give up
The Solo Buds are true wireless in-ear earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3. Beats lists compatibility with both iOS and Android. Each earbud weighs 5.7 g, and the case weighs 22 g, according to Apple’s product listing. Four included eartip sizes—XS, S, M, and L—give you options for finding a secure fit.
Rank #2
- SOUND ENGINEERED FOR EVERYDAY: Custom acoustic architecture delivers big, full-range Beats sound in the smallest earbud case Beats has ever built.
- 18 HOURS OF PLAY, MINUTES TO RECHARGE: Up to 18 hours of listening time on a single charge. Fast Fuel gives you 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes on the charger.
- EXCEPTIONAL CALL QUALITY: Each earbud is equipped with a leading-edge microphone powered by an advanced noise-learning algorithm to help deliver exceptional call quality. Enjoy extended range with fewer dropouts thanks to industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth.
- DISTORTION-FREE SOUND, DIRECT TO YOUR EAR: Dual-layer, axial-aligned drivers minimize distortion and aim sound precisely into the ear canal for high-fidelity clarity.
- FOUR SIZES, ONE PERFECT FIT: Four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) and laser-cut vents relieve pressure, so Solo Buds sit comfortably through a full day of wear.
The main omissions shape the buying decision more than the compact design does. The Solo Buds have no active noise cancellation, and the case cannot top up the earbuds away from a USB-C power source. SoundGuys also lists the lack of an equalizer and an included charging cable among the drawbacks; TechRadar notes the absence of in-ear detection. These reviews do not establish that every listener will dislike the sound, but they make clear that the Solo Buds are not a feature-rich pick.
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Sound is the most subjective part of the decision, and the available reviews are critical. TechRadar describes the earbuds as quiet and lacking bass. That reviewer’s impression may not match every listener’s preferences or device settings, but it matters if you want forceful low end or need plenty of volume in a noisy place. The lack of ANC also means the Solo Buds do not actively reduce surrounding noise.
Rank #3
- SOUND ENGINEERED FOR EVERYDAY: Custom acoustic architecture delivers big, full-range Beats sound in the smallest earbud case Beats has ever built.
- 18 HOURS OF PLAY, MINUTES TO RECHARGE: Up to 18 hours of listening time on a single charge. Fast Fuel gives you 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes on the charger.
- EXCEPTIONAL CALL QUALITY: Each earbud is equipped with a leading-edge microphone powered by an advanced noise-learning algorithm to help deliver exceptional call quality. Enjoy extended range with fewer dropouts thanks to industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth.
- DISTORTION-FREE SOUND, DIRECT TO YOUR EAR: Dual-layer, axial-aligned drivers minimize distortion and aim sound precisely into the ear canal for high-fidelity clarity.
- FOUR SIZES, ONE PERFECT FIT: Four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) and laser-cut vents relieve pressure, so Solo Buds sit comfortably through a full day of wear.
SoundGuys rated the Solo Buds 7.1/10 in a review published in July 2024. The reviewer credited portability, quick pairing, and earbud battery life, while listing ANC, case battery, an included charging cable, and an equalizer among the missing features. Its assessment was that too much had been cut for a recommendation. That is SoundGuys’ verdict, not a universal rating of how the earbuds will sound or work for you. (SoundGuys’ Beats Solo Buds review)
Controls and everyday use
Each bud has one multi-function button. Apple Support documents playback, call, volume, and Siri controls, and says button actions can be customized. For calls, Apple’s instruction is: “When you receive a call, press the button above the ‘b’ logo. To end the call, double-press the button.” Siri availability depends on region and language. (Apple Support’s Solo Buds controls guide)
Rank #4
- Custom acoustic architecture for big Beats sound with full range and clarity.
- The smallest case we’ve ever made, making these powerful earbuds the perfect on-the-go companion.
- Dual-layer drivers minimize distortion, ensuring high-fidelity sound.
- Purposefully positioned axial-aligned drivers deliver sound directly to your ears.
- Laser-cut vents further improve audio performance while relieving pressure for added comfort.
The four eartip sizes are useful for adjusting fit, but they do not guarantee that the buds will feel comfortable or stay secure in every ear. If fit is a priority, treat the included sizes as options to try rather than a promise of a universal fit.
Price and what is in the box
Apple lists the earbuds, carrying case, four eartip sizes, and warranty card as included. A USB-C charging cable and power adapter are sold separately. The US Beats product page displayed a price of $79.99 when checked for this review; retail prices and availability can change, so confirm the live price before buying. (Apple’s product listing; Beats’ product page)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compact, lightweight design for on-the-go listening||18 hours of battery life with charging case||Compatible with both Apple and Android devices||Built-in microphone for hands-free calls||Deep bass and crisp sound quality
Who should buy the Beats Solo Buds?
They make sense if you
- Want a small, light carry case and long advertised playback from the earbuds themselves.
- Use an iPhone or Android phone and want compatibility across either platform.
- Are content to charge through a wired USB-C power source and already have, or are willing to buy, the necessary cable and adapter.
Look elsewhere if you
- Need ANC for commuting, travel, or noisy surroundings.
- Expect the case to recharge the earbuds while you are away from an outlet or USB-C power source.
- Want a cable included, an equalizer, or in-ear detection.
- Prioritize a sound reviewers describe as loud and bass-rich.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
