Carrying several of the AirPods Pro 2's features, these entry-level AirPods improve on audio, connectivity, and smart functionality.
For
- Pro-level features for less
- Effective ANC for open-ear buds
- Find My for the ANC case
- Sweat-resistant design
Against
- Average battery life
The Solo Buds are basic, budget-friendly earbuds that pack signature Beats sound into the brand's smallest design ever.
For
- Convenient, compact design
- Promising performance
- Spatial Audio support
- Compatible with iPhone and Android
Against
- No charging case
- No charging cable included
It’s not hyperbole to say that Apple makes some of the best wireless earbuds money can buy. At the same time, the company has a history of making its new AirPods and Beats models relatively unattainable for budget-conscious consumers. That is until now.
The AirPods 4 and Beats Solo Buds are the latest entry-level offerings from both brands that can be purchased at generously low prices. Both sets of buds integrate with Apple’s ecosystem for a seamless audio experience. They also boast similar features that are packed into chic and compact designs.
Want to know which inexpensive Apple buds get you more for your money? Our in-depth breakdown has the answer.
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Specs compared
| Header Cell - Column 0 | AirPods 4 | Beats Solo Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 / £129 / AU$196 | $79 / £79 / AU$120 |
| Colors | White | Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Grey, Transparent Red |
| Size | 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 inches (per bud); 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 inches (charging case) | 0.81 x 0.73 x 0.75 inches (per bud); 2.6 x 1.4 x 0.9 inches (charging case) |
| Weight | 0.15 ounces (per bud); 1.14 ounces (charging case) | 0.2 ounces (per bud); 0.77 ounces (charging case) |
| Battery life (rated) | 5 hours, 30 hours (charging case) | 18 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC |
| Durability | IP54 (buds + charging case) | None |
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Price & availability
Apple released two versions of the AirPods 4 – one with ANC for $179 and one without ANC for $129. White is the only color they come in. This face-off profiles the (non-ANC) version.
Beats launched the Solo Buds at $79, though Target is currently selling them for as low as $49, which is clearly the more enticing price point. Four colors are available: Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Grey, and Transparent Red.
You can purchase either set of buds on the Apple website or at popular online retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
Winner: Beat Solo Buds
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Design
These are the smallest buds and portable case that Beats has ever made. Despite no IP rating, the build quality is sturdy and can sustain sweat and water particles. We don’t advise exercising with them. All the color options are attractive, plus they fit well and make for an incredibly light carry. Comfort has its issues, but only when dealing with the controls (more on that later).
The only difference between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 is the former’s tinier charging case. Everything else was left untouched: the long-stem silhouette, open-ear sound ports, and plastic construction. IP54 sweat and water resistance protect the buds and charging case. The buds rest comfortably on the concha, but their loose fit is a concern for daily commuters and light joggers.
Winner: Beats Solo Buds
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Controls
The AirPods 4 maintain the series’ flawless control scheme. Users receive excellent voice controls, precise motion detection, and force sensors that produce great tactile feedback. “Hey Siri” voice activation instantly acknowledges and executes verbal inquiries. The force sensors accurately respond to single-/multi-press and long-press gestures. Wear detection doesn’t disappoint either, auto-pausing content whenever removing the buds and enabling playback when placed on your ears.
Like all other Beats buds, the Solo Buds have multifunctional buttons with solid tactility to enable different functions via single/multi-press or long-hold gestures. Just know that pressing them pushes the buds further into your ears and causes discomfort. “Hey Siri” voice activation and wear detection are unavailable on the Solo Buds.
Winner: Apple AirPods 4
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Sound quality
Audio performance on the AirPods 4 and Solo Buds is shockingly good, considering their low MSRPs.
Music and movies sound clearer and more immersive on the AirPods 4. Apple stuffed its H2 processor into the latest AirPods, along with a dynamic range amplifier and high-excursion driver that dish out clear frequency range and rich bass. Personalized Spatial Audio gives Dolby Atmos content a dynamic and lively presence that you won’t experience on other open wireless earbuds. Speaking of which, both AirPods 4 models are designed to let ambient noise in, though the ANC version does a better job of minimizing incidental sounds.
As for the Solo Buds, they’re easily the best-sounding Apple buds under $100. Dual-layered drivers deliver powerful bass and well-balanced frequencies, resulting in near-high-fidelity audio. Playback is smooth when listening to the best music streaming services on iOS/macOS and Android devices. The acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents also produce fuller output. Bass can come on heavy at times, though that’s nothing new for Beats products.
Winner: Tie
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Special features
The AirPods 4 carry many of the same upscale features as the AirPods Pro 2, including an adaptive EQ, Find My integration, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and multiple listening modes (e.g., Headphones Accommodations, Personalized Spatial Audio). Other standouts include automatic switching, audio sharing, low wireless audio latency, and access to numerous Apple Music settings.
Meanwhile, the Solo Buds support some of the same features as their porcelain rival. On the list: audio sharing, Find My, Personalized Spatial Audio, and all Apple Music settings. Everything else is reserved for high-end Apple and Beats products. One benefit to owning the Solo Buds is that they come with Android integration to take advantage of platform staples like Google Fast Pair and Find My Device.
Winner: Apple AirPods 4
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Connectivity
All AirPods and Beats earbuds instantaneously connect to iOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. One-tap pairing is automatically enabled when opening either model’s case. The Solo Buds are more platform neutral and easily connect to Android devices, thanks to a proprietary chipset that Beats designed for use with Google-operated devices. The Solo Buds even have Bluetooth multipoint technology to pair to two Android devices simultaneously. The AirPods 4 are compatible with Android devices, but the pairing process isn’t as seamless, nor are you given access to certain features (e.g., spatial audio, Siri).
Winner: Beats Solo Buds
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Call quality
These are decent calling headsets at best. Expect clear and loud voice calling on both ends, along with minor muffling and some background noise when talking in rowdy environments. The AirPods 4 have the edge due to their stronger mic array that demonstrates superior vocal capture and pronunciation on FaceTime calls.
Winner: Apple AirPods 4
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Battery life
Numbers can be deceiving, especially when it comes to battery life. This mainly applies to the Solo Buds, which are rated at 18 hours at full charge. However, there is a huge caveat – the case does not have an internal battery. That means the case doesn’t provide extra charges.
The AirPods 4 aren’t any better. Yes, Apple’s charging case can hold up to 30 hours, but a single charge only gets you 5 hours max, and that’s with special features turned off.
Neither case supports wireless charging.
Winner: Tie
AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Verdict
| Header Cell - Column 0 | AirPods 4 | Beats Solo Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Price and value (5) | 4 | 5 |
| Design (10) | 7 | 8 |
| Controls (10) | 9 | 7 |
| Sound quality (25) | 18 | 18 |
| Special features and apps (20) | 16 | 13 |
| Connectivity (10) | 9 | 10 |
| Call quality (10) | 7 | 6 |
| Battery life (10) | 5 | 5 |
| Total score (100) | 75 | 72 |
The smarter purchase is the AirPods 4. Performance is stronger in more areas, specifically controls and special features, which greatly expand functionality. These buds are far from perfect; the poor battery life and substandard craftsmanship speak volumes. Still, this is a notable pickup for Apple users that want an intuitive and reliable AirPods experience for several dollars less than the flagship AirPods Pro 2.
Don’t overlook the Beats Solo Buds. Whether at regular price or sale price, these buds make for a fantastic budget Christmas gift and backup pair for your more expensive wireless earbuds. Dynamic sound and spatial audio support in a trendy miniature design should appeal to most brand enthusiasts. It’s just unfortunate that they come with a limited feature set and no additional playtime.
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