Distinctions - For the Beats Solo3, the shining light is the curated combination of Apple connectivity and Beats audio quality. Apple’s ecosystem is on full display, with Siri voice control accessibility, Apple touch controls, battery monitoring and spatial audio. Meanwhile, Beats provides great sound clarity, noticeably better leveling than previous generations, and richer bass than ever before.

Criticisms - Most of the issues with the Beats Solo3 come down to quality of life problems. The power button is very small and not pronounced, making it hard to press or even find without taking the headphones off to locate it. Similarly, all button press controls are done with a single button hidden behind the BeatsByDre logo on the ear cup. This means volume control can’t be done without using the clunky Siri interface or physically taking out your phone, which may prove frustrating for those using the Solo3 on the go.

Distinctions - Material quality is vastly improved over previous generations of the Solo3, with Beats integrating smaller, stronger and more solid sounding joints for folding. A flexible yet forceful headband keeps the on-ear design pressed tightly on the head while soft pads on the ear cups keep the tight fit comfortable even during extended use. The provided semi-hard case protects from most drops and torsion while still being easier to load and store than previous, more rigid cases. Brushed aluminum used in the vast majority of components is both a nice aesthetic choice as well as a strong defense against abrasions and color fading, with scratches being almost entirely obscured under the coating.

Criticisms - There are few criticisms for the quality of the Beats Solo3 other than some strength under stress concerns. A rigid headband allows for some bending, but will break under medium duress if at the right angle. Earcups can be severed as well with just the right drop or other fall. The primary gripe, however, with material quality is that the leather found on the ear cups does degrade with time, and replacements are not easily accessible.

Distinctions - The Solo3 excels aesthetically, incorporating the brushed materials of Apple with the design language intrinsic to BeatsByDre. Logo integration is not only unobtrusive, but complements the design, both in form and function, with variable topography on what could be just flat surfaces adding a wonderful sense of detail and dimension to an already good looking design. Color palettes explore complementary contrast within a color family in a very pleasing way without being boring or nondescript.

Criticisms - Certain color ways of the Beats Solo3 are a little much, going beyond subdued sophistication into attention-grabbing and overly saturated. They do also tend to look proportionally small on taller or wider-stature wearers. Lettering on folding joints looks out of place with the rest of the design language.

Distinctions - Longer battery life and a smaller chassis mean a greater overall useful lifetime with less materials involved. The Solo3 is fairly durable and the accompanying case is even better for adding a layer of protection when not in use. Buyback programs are also offered by the original manufacturers, allowing for greater recyclability.

Criticisms - Obviously metal, plastic leather and electronic components come with an associated cost, especially when Beats has not perfected the design yet. The Solo3 is designed to be a lite version of the Studio line, sacrificing weight and some durability for a cheaper price point, which means that the Solo3 is deliberately engineered less, and more inclined towards obsolescence or disposal.

Distinctions - The Beats Solo3 are easily one of the best looking headphones out there that are both folding and primarily bluetooth. Audio quality is above average while still integrating next-level connectivity and accessibility features.

Criticisms - The primary detraction for the Beats Solo3 is they’re just very expensive for what they offer. Considering how often they go on sale, down to even half of MSRP, it’s abundantly apparent that retailers are aware of the fact they aren’t worth almost 200 USD. With the Solo line being an entry level foil to the Studio, it’s hard to not see them as the under featured version of a better product at a price point with premium peers that sacrifice no functionality.