Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 Wireless and Google Pixel Buds Pro occupy different market positions within the same price tier. Solo 3 excels with exceptional battery longevity, delivering 40 hours per charge and industry-leading Fast Fuel technology that provides 3 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. Its on-ear design and Apple W1 integration make it ideal for Apple ecosystem users seeking extended listening sessions. Google Pixel Buds Pro, conversely, prioritize modern features with active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and IPX4 water resistance. The 7-hour battery life with ANC enabled is respectable but significantly shorter than Solo 3's offering. Real-time translation and Google Assistant integration add compelling software value for Android users. Sound signature differs notably: Solo 3 targets bass-forward audio, while Pixel Buds Pro employ volume EQ for consistency. For marathon listeners and Apple fans, Solo 3 remains the stronger choice. Android users prioritizing active noise cancellation and smart features should choose Pixel Buds Pro.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
Buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro if…
- →Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- →Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Pros
- Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
- 7-hour battery with ANC is strong — 31 hours total with case
- Comfortable secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Limited to AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- ANC can produce some wind noise in outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.0 instead of newer 5.2 or 5.3
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- IPX4 is basic water resistance — not suitable for swimming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Google Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 6.2 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 7 hrs (ANC on), 11 hrs (ANC off), 31 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | Custom 11mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | Silent Seal active noise cancellation, Google Assistant with hands-free activation, Multipoint Bluetooth, Volume EQ for balanced sound at all levels, Real-time translation through Google Translate |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Google products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Google Pixel Buds Pro.