5 best Beats headphones & earbuds of 2025: Top tested picks

Beats’ noise-canceling technology was put to the test in various environments, both indoors and outdoors, and against common underlying sounds (such as airplanes, chatter, and wind). Transparency mode was given the same attention, so we could gain a feel for ambient awareness.

Our team monitored power levels every hour to judge the accuracy of battery life claims. This involved standard listening, as well as enabling ANC modes, Bluetooth, and other special features. Quick charging and wireless charging were accounted for as well.

Every feature in the Beats app (Android only) and iOS Settings menu was examined and tested. This includes ANC/Transparency, Find My integration, and Personalized Spatial Audio. Likewise, we looked at wired and wireless features outside of the app (e.g., Google Fast Pair, multipoint, USB-C lossless audio).

Testers listened to all forms of media: audiobooks, music, movies, podcasts, and video games. They started by hearing each model’s sound signature out of the box, then they enabled any additional audio modes to compare performance. All products were tested using Android and iOS/macOS devices, which provided a greater sense of audio quality on different platforms and streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal).

Anyone who wants Apple noise-canceling headphones without drastically overpaying for them (cough AirPods Max cough).

If you’re stuck between the AirPods Max and Studio Pro, know that the latter are better engineered for sound quality. Beats’ flagship headphones come with custom 40mm drivers and a built-in DAC that enables lossless audio when connected with a USB-C cable. While music sounds lively and vibrant out of the box, lossless audio enhances fidelity, so you can hear more details in your favorite songs. There are also three built-in EQs — Conversation, Entertainment, and Signature — each suitable for selected content. 

ANC on the Studio Pro is up there with the AirPods Max. The technology cancels out a large amount of ambient noise across the frequency spectrum. These headphones won’t outperform class leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000xM6, but they can hold their own against other luxury competitors. Transparency mode amplifies external sounds to make conversations and surroundings audible. In addition, these headphones have more ANC playtime than the AirPods Max (24 hours versus 20 hours). A full charge nets you 40 hours (ANC off), and Fast-Fuel charging generates 5 hours on a 10-minute charge.

They work equally well with iOS/macOS and Android devices. You’re given access to most features on these platforms, in company with multipoint technology to connect the headphones to two media devices simultaneously over Bluetooth.

The Studio Pro headphones are constantly on sale. You can purchase them for $179 on Amazon as of this writing.

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Pro headphones.

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Brand enthusiasts who want the most authentic Beats true wireless experience for their dollar.

ANC makes the Fit Pro a better value than the Powerbeats Pro 2. The noise-canceling technology on these buds reduces low- and mid-frequency sounds more effectively. High-frequency sounds are noticeable, but they aren’t distracting. Transparency mode is just as reliable for increasing ambient awareness in rowdy environments.

Wearability is top-notch. The installed wingtips mold into the cymba and keep the buds locked in. We like how comfortable the oval design feels on the ear. IPX4 certification grants sweat and water resistance. Reliable controls and voice assistance (Google Assistant/Siri) also allow for seamless operation when engaged in sporty activities. 

The Fit Pro produce captivating sound, thanks to a bass-forward profile that raises the low end for punchier sonics. Mids and highs are given enough attention to shine. Enabling ANC doesn’t compromise frequency range. Personalized Spatial Audio immerses you in Dolby Atmos content, and though the feature decreases battery life (from 7 to 5.5 hours), the buds come with a pocket-friendly charging case that holds an additional 30 hours of playtime.

Read our full review of the Beats Fit Pro earbuds.

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Those who want more open and spacious sound in an on-ear headphone design bearing the iconic B logo.

The successor to Beats’ top-selling headphones is a noteworthy upgrade that comes loaded with performance perks. That includes hi-res audio, dual-device pairing, and the highest battery life of any Apple or Beats headphones.

New 40mm transducers bring out more clarity and stabilize lows on bass-dominant tracks. This fixes the distortion issues of the past model. The Solo 4 also delivers a prominent midrange that extends vocals on instrumental-heavy recordings. Apple’s spatial audio format is available to increase the acoustics and sonic presence on Dolby Atmos content. Lossless audio is the Solo 4’s killer feature. Wiring the headphones to a compatible media player (e.g., iPhone, Mac/MacBook, Android smartphone) will boost clarity and divulge more nuance in songs. 

Up to 50 hours of listening time is remarkable. These headphones crush the AirPods Max in playtime and outlast many of the best noise-canceling headphones available. As if that wasn’t reassuring enough already, Beats added stronger Fast-Fuel charging to expedite the charging process (10 minutes connected to a USB-C cable equals 5 hours of use).

Other notables include Android optimization (Google Fast Pair, Find My Device) and all popular iOS features: audio sharing, automatic switching, Find My integration, and “Hey Siri” voice activation. 

We still love the sleek and small on-ear design, though Beats could have done a better job reinforcing the headphones with stronger materials.

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Battery management obsessives on a budget who also love the Beats aesthetic.

The Solo Buds are arguably the best-sounding Beats buds under $100. What you hear isn’t Fit Pro- or Powerbeats Pro-level, but it’s engaging. Hard-hitting lows and striking highs make for a pleasant mix. Instrumental separation is a huge selling point. It’s rare to find buds this inexpensive that can layer and reproduce low-range frequencies so well. Some of Apple’s upscale features come part of the package, including audio sharing and spatial audio, granted there are questionable omissions (“Hey Siri” voice activation). 

These are the smallest buds in Beats’ catalog. Despite their compact size and lack of ingress protection (IP) rating, they have a sturdy, hard plastic exterior that safeguards the internals. The tiny oval-shaped design rests pleasantly on the ear. What’s most impressive about the Solo Buds is their 18-hour playtime on a single charge. No other buds in the category match this. You can use these on an international flight and still have enough juice to enjoy Apple Music tracks on Uber rides to and from the airport.

There is one caveat, and it’s a big one — the portable case doesn’t have a battery. Therefore, you get no extra charges when on the go.

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Fans of the original Powerbeats earphones and fitness buffs who want to fully optimize their workouts.

The follow-up to the Powerbeats Pro brings stronger audio, battery life, and connectivity to the table, along with intuitive health integration that you won’t find on any other Apple/Beats model.

Bass is impactful and more balanced this time around. There’s plenty of thump that doesn’t create distortion when blasting workout playlists at max volume. Mids are overemphasized, but transparent, and highs sound crisp. This fine mix of frequencies complements both pre- and post-workout routines. Personalized Spatial Audio gives Apple Music tracks a nice shot in the arm by heightening vocals on recordings. 

Battery life remains a pivotal attribute for the series. The Powerbeats Pro 2 get you 10 hours per charge. ANC brings it down to 8 hours, and special features decrease this by another hour. The charging case is now wireless and holds up to 45 hours of additional playtime. A 5-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of listening time (30 minutes more than the AirPods Pro 2).

Enticing audio and playtimes aren’t the only hallmarks that make the Powerbeats Pro 2 the best overall sports headphones. Beats’ trademark earhook design, while less attractive than the original, is comfier and clutches onto the ear for a secure fit. Built-in heart rate monitoring is the other key fitness component that advances these buds. Readings aren’t as accurate as the Apple Watch. However, the feature is serviceable for monitoring fitness progress when your smartwatch is recharging. This data can be shared on different fitness apps (e.g., Apple Health, Nike Run Club, Peloton).

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