Over All Rating 3/5
Price – ₹6,900
PROS 👍
- Design
- iOS and Android connection
- Bass-forward and bright audio
CONS 👎
- No IP rating
- No noise cancellation
- No internal battery
The news of Apple-owned Beats officially coming to India made quite a wave, thanks to its popularity. The brand launched three audio devices in India, including the Beats Solo Buds earbuds, Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones, and Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker. However, the one device that gathered the most attention was the Beats Solo Buds, and to know why, read the review below.
Here's an in-depth review of Beats Solo Buds
Design
The Beats Solo Buds come in the smallest case the company has ever made, but there’s a catch that you’ll know by the end of the article. The Beats Solo Buds come in various colours – Transparent Red, Arctic Purple, Matte Black, and Storm Gray. The one we received for the purpose of review was Arctic Purple. The Beats Solo Buds case sports a matte finish and compact design with the iconic Beats logo adorning the outer panels.
Inside, the Solo Buds are powered by custom 8.2mm dynamic drivers, delivering the rich bass and crisp highs that Beats is known for. The fit is secure but not that comfortable, especially during long listening sessions. However, they lack an IP rating, which means there’s no official assurance that they can withstand water or sweat—a significant oversight, especially for those who plan to use them during workouts.
Performance and Features
The Solo Buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and support both AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring compatibility with most devices. They also feature Google Fast Pair and multipoint pairing, allowing seamless switching between Android devices. Apple users can take advantage of Audio Sharing and iPhone-to-Apple Watch pairing, which facilitates smooth transitions between devices when one goes out of range.
Control-wise, the upper area of each earbud serves as a multifunction button. This allows for playback control, track skipping, and voice assistant activation. However, you can’t control things when earbuds are plugged in-ear, as they don’t sport a tapping feature, and pressing the button would create discomfort for the ears.
Another area where the Solo Buds fall short is the charging case. Unlike many competitors, the case does not have an internal battery, meaning the only way to charge the earbuds is to plug the case into a power source via a USB-C cable. This design choice, possibly made for environmental reasons, limits the buds’ usability on the go. Furthermore, the strong magnetic force makes it slightly difficult for the earbuds to be removed from the case, which can be frustrating for users in a hurry.
Battery Life
Beats Solo Buds are advertised to sport an impressive 18 hours of playback on a single charge, which partially compensates for the lack of on-the-go charging options. However, the earbuds only last up to 12 hours when charged fully. A full charge takes about 80 minutes, and a quick five-minute charge provides up to an hour of playback.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, the Beats Solo Buds stick to the brand’s signature style: deep bass and sculpted highs. The buds deliver a powerful low-end punch without distortion on bass-heavy tracks, even at high volumes. Vocals remain clear and crisp, albeit with a slight emphasis on the high-mids.
However, this sound signature may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the lack of a customisable EQ means users can’t tweak the audio to their liking. While this might be fine for casual listeners, audiophiles or those seeking a more balanced sound may find the Solo Buds lacking.
Verdict
The Beats Solo Buds offer a compelling mix of design and sound quality at an affordable price. However, omitting essential features like water resistance, ANC, and a more versatile charging solution makes them less competitive against similarly priced alternatives. If you’re a die-hard Beats fan or simply looking for budget-friendly earbuds with a bass-forward sound, the Solo Buds might still be worth considering. But for those who prioritise features and versatility, there are better options available.
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