The ultimate and comprehensive guide to Beats by Dre headphones
Since its formation in 2006, Beats headphones has marked a meteoric rise to fame.
Spotting a gap in the market, iconic music producer and rapper Dr. Dre joined forces with Jimmy Iovine to solve what they considered to be two key problems in the music industry; illegal piracy of recorded music and the sub-standard quality of sound provided by Apple’s plastic earbuds, a then leader in the market. “Man, it’s one thing that people steal my music,” Dre once told Iovine. “It’s another thing to destroy the feeling of what I’ve worked on.” From that moment on, the two forged their business with prolific effect.
Tapping into an area of major commercial gain wasn’t straightforward, Beats by Dre has encountered a number of different points of sale, most prominently when mobile phone manufacturer HTC acquired a 50.1% majority share in Beats for $309 million some ten years ago. The finances propelled the company before HTC sold back half of its stake in Beats for $150 million a mere two years later. While HTC afforded an insight into the value of their company, it wouldn’t be until Apple officially announced its intention to acquire Beats Electronics for $3billion in 2014 when the true success of Beats by Dre could be understood. “Fuck sneakers,” Iovine once said. “Let’s sell speakers!” he added.
Dre and Iovine’s digital revolution was complete. While they hadn’t managed to totally curtail music piracy, they had created a range of headphones worthy of the price tag that comes with them. Surpassing past leaders such as Bose, Sony and Sennheiser and more, Beats are catering to the needs of all music lovers, creating a full and comprehensive sound to suit almost every occasion.
While investing in a ‘proper’ pair of headphones can feel like a daunting task, the rewards are instantaneous. Here, we explore the current offerings.
Headphones currently available by Beats:
Powerbeats
In what arrived as the newest and most innovative way for athletes to listen while working out, Powerbeats revolutionised the game. While, of course, competition has arrived in numerous forms, Beats has repeatedly moved to keep this line evolving.
Now wireless, although with the neckband still intact, Powerbeats remain one of the most popular options for those on the go. With long battery life, great sound sweat and water-resistant quality, this model remains one of the most efficient and value for money.
Key takeaways:
- Wireless, high-performance earphones. This model still features the same powerful, balanced audio as Powerbeats Pro, delivering pure sound reproduction, enhanced clarity and dynamic range.
- 15-hour battery life on a full charge.
- IPX4 rating sweat and water resistant.
- Powered by the Apple H1 chip, enabling for faster setup, pairing, and switching time between iCloud devices/
- Includes hands-free with “Hey Siri” on iOS devices to effortlessly change volume, switch tracks, and make calls.
- Class 1 Bluetooth® provides extended range and fewer dropouts
- With Fast Fuel technology, a 5-minute charge gives up to 1 hour of playback when the battery is low.
- Playback controls directly on the earbuds to power on/off, play/pause, activate Bluetooth, change tracks, activate voice assistant and take calls.
- Colours: Black, White and Red.
- £129.95
Available here.
Powerbeats Pro
Stepping it up a notch, we progress on from Powerbeats to the supercharged Powerbeats pro.
More expensive in price, but certainly more on offer for those who are looking to invest more time, effort and professionalism to their activities. Going entirely wireless between both earphones, the Pro version of Powerbeats offers all the benefits of the original series but steps it up to a new level.
Remaining sweat and water-resistant, the quality of the sound is raised, the Bluetooth connectivity is stronger, the charging system is more proficient and the overall experience for athletic efforts is improved.
Key takeaways:
- Truly wireless earphones featuring a linear piston driver for powerful acoustic response with incredibly low distortion and great dynamic range.
- Completely sweat and water-resistant and comfortable for all ear shapes with an adjustable ear hook.
- Excellent telephony enabled by a speech-detecting accelerometer in each earbud. Powerbeats Pro also includes two beam-forming microphones per side to target your voice and filter out external sounds such as wind and ambient noise.
- Up to 9 hours of listening time and more than 24 hours of combined playback with the magnetic closure case and powers on when taken out of the case and powers off (and charges) when placed inside.
- Delivers a stable wireless connection to your devices and is powered by the new Apple H1 chip.
- Colours: Ivory, Moss, Navy, Black, Cloud Pink, Spring Yellow, Glacier Blue and Lava Red
- £219.95
Available here.
Solo Pro
If there’s one set of headphones that not only demands respect but exudes a quiet confidence that only comes with the knowledge of complete sonic command, this is it. Using active noise cancelling and transparency, Solo Pro Beats are the only set you need if you’re a music nut.
The ANC works to block outside ambient noise and transform a busy cafe into a silent booth within a second. Luckily, for those of you nervous about being cocooned in sound, the use of transparency allows outside noises to blend into your listening experience, keeping you aware of the world around you. The headphones also use Fast Fuel software to ensure when the 22-hour battery life does give out; it will only take ten minutes of charging to give you three hours of playback. Winning.
With all the technical pieces in place, and the sonic mastery of Best brought to the fore, the headphones also fit seamlessly into the aesthetic of any budding professional.
Simply put, the Solo Pro Beats is the creme de la creme.
Key takeaways:
- Solo Pro is Beats’ first on-ear headphone featuring Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and Transparency.
- ANC detects and blocks ambient noise–not only on an aeroplane but also in a noisy café or a busy office.
- Up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC or Transparency turned on and up to 40 hours with ANC and Transparency turned off.
- Powers on and off when unfolded and folded. With Fast Fuel, you get up to 3 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
- Powered by the Apple H1 chip, Solo Pro delivers a faster and more stable wireless connection to your devices.
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Features Apple Audio Sharing, which also allows users to still tap in and out of ANC and Transparency while sharing.
- Colours: Black, Gray, Ivory, Dark Blue, Light Blue and Red
- £269.95
Available here.
Beats Solo3 Wireless
If you want seamless design a comfortable fit and a future proof piece of technology on your head, the best bet was picking up a fitted cap. However, we’d say that the swiftest way to achieve all three is by picking up the Beats Solo3 headphones.
Using Bluetooth technology the headphones deliver a 40-hour battery life, meaning that these headphones will keep you company on pretty much any trip you can think of on one charge. If you do get caught out, then be safe in the knowledge that five minutes of charging will garner you three hours of playback.
Add to that the aforementioned design and comfortable fit and you have one of the finest purchases you will ever make for your ears.
Key takeaways:
- Wireless on-ear headphone featuring a streamlined design that delivers premium playback with fine-tuned acoustics.
- Class 1 Bluetooth® technology offers extended range and exceptional cross-body performance, meaning fewer dropouts.
- 40-hour battery. Fast Fuel gives you up to 3 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging via the included Micro-USB cable.
- Multi-function on-ear controls and a built-in microphone allow you to make calls, skip songs, control your volume and activate Siri.
- Powered by the Apple W1 chip.
- One-step Bluetooth connection to iPhone via proximity pairing – additionally, iPhone users can switch between devices logged into the same iCloud account to easily move from an iPhone conversation to watching a movie on their MacBook.
- Colours: Matte Black, Satin Gold, Satin Silver, Rose Gold, Citrus Red, Club White, Club Yellow, Club Red and Club Navy
- £179.95
Available here.
Beats Studio3 Wireless
A premium fit may seem like something that should be best saved for tailoring suits, but we’d argue the Beats Studio3 are as good as any Saville Row tailor—though they do bear some similarities.
Aside from comfort, the headphones also represent professionalism. As well as field-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) the headphones also provide a crystal clear connection and a robust sonic structure that few can match. A healthy 22-hour battery life means that you can be carried through the working week with ease, with the multi-function attributions, allowing you to take calls and fast forward, proving to be a serious asset for those who refuse to stop the music.
The effortless design exudes a confidence that is only attainable with the aforementioned pin-striped suit, meaning these headphones are a steal.
Key takeaways:
- Wireless over-ear headphones featuring proprietary noise-cancelling technology.
- Premium ergonomic comfort and optimal noise isolation.
- Active Noise Canceling (ANC) uses advanced algorithms to continuously monitor your listening environment so that it can best block out ambient noise.
- Class 1 Bluetooth® technology offers extended range and exceptional cross-body performance, meaning fewer dropouts.
- 22 hours of wireless playback with ANC on. Fast Fuel gives you up to 3 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
- Multi-function on-ear controls and a built-in microphone allow you to make calls, skip songs, control your volume and activate Siri.
- Powered by the Apple W1 chip.
- One-step Bluetooth connection to iPhone via proximity pairing. Additionally, iPhone users can switch between devices logged into the same iCloud account to easily move from an iPhone conversation to watching a movie on their MacBook.
- Colours: White, Red, Blue, Matte Black, Defiant Black-Red, Midnight Black, Shadow Gray, Forest Green and Sand Dune.
- £299.95
Available here.
BeatsX
Slender, sleek and without causing a fuss, BeatsX are the connoisseurs choice for wireless earbuds. Unimposing on the listener, what the appliance lacks in physical weight does not diminish the sound quality.
Of course, the obvious use here is the gym. The Bluetooth wireless connection means that the BeatsX earbuds have quickly become the go-to of any gym bunny, allowing free movement without extraneous in-ear intrusion.
When we all start going back to the office, you won’t find a better set of earbuds that not only provide a slimline silhouette but also work to deliver impeccable audio quality.
Key takeaways:
- Wireless earphones made extremely light and flexible for all-day, everyday wear. Excellent noise isolation and comfortability with a variety of ear tip options.
- Class 1 Bluetooth® technology offers extended range and exceptional cross-body performance, meaning fewer dropouts.
- 8-hour battery. Fast Fuel gives you up to 2 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging.
- Powered by the Apple W1 chip.
- One-step Bluetooth connection to iPhone via proximity pairing – additionally, iPhone users can switch between devices logged into the same iCloud account to easily move from an iPhone conversation to watching a movie on their MacBook.
- Magnet earbuds keep the earphones tangle-free.
- Colours: Satin Silver, Black and Defiant Black-Red.
- £89.95
Available here.
Beats EP
There’s a respect that you are afforded when you plug in your Beats EP earphones. While wireless technology is certainly essential when you’re running or at the gym, for those moments when you want to be locked in, the EPs are the only way to go.
It means that playback isn’t limited by battery life and you can keep listening to tunes wherever you go and, most importantly, for however long you are there. The earphones may not seem like the first port of call for your phone but the RemoteTalk feature allows you to pick up calls and interact with your device without having to actually reach for it.
The real winner here, though, is the premium sound that’s delivered. The lightweight design and range of colours means these earphones are a necessity when travelling and even more crucial for those at-home working sessions we all seem confined to for the next few months. Picking up Beats EP is a smart choice.
Key takeaways:
- Wired, passive on-ear headphone delivering premium sound.
- Durable, lightweight design reinforced with stainless steel.
- Battery-free for unlimited playback.
- Adjustable vertical sliders for a personalised fit.
- RemoteTalk allows you to take calls and play music without reaching for your device.
- Colours: White, Blue, Red and Black.
- £89.95
Available here.
urBeats3
If you’re looking to keep things simple yet effective then urBeats3 is the only option for you. Stylish and simple to use, the earphones are some of the most comfortable in the market.
Less fuss and more quality is the name of the game for these earphones. Dual-chamber acoustics provide synchronised sounds to confirm the audio quality while the ergonomic design allows the wearer to feel pleased with their decisions.
An essential component of any music lovers kit.
Key takeaways:
- Stylish, easy and comfortable wired earphones.
- With dual-chamber acoustics, sound is synchronised from all regions of the diaphragm to provide natural tonality across all types of music.
- Tangle-free flat cable and magnetic earbuds.
- Variety of ear tip options.
- RemoteTalk allows you to take calls, play music and activate Siri without reaching for your device.
- Colours: Yellow, Coral, Blue, Satin Silver, Black and Satin Gold.
- $59.95
Available here.
Beats Pill+
The need for a portable speaker system is now greater than ever. With music becoming as ubiquitous and essential as the air we breathe, one must always be equipped with top of the line equipment. If you’re talking about hand-held portable speakers, then look no further than the Beats Pill.
Not only is the Bluetooth connected speaker sleek and desirable, championing the best in minimalist design, but it packs a serious punch too. Along with that, the Beats Pill is a source of some serious volume but it’s quality volume too, allowing both the highest of highs and lowest of lows to find guaranteed audio representation.
Not only can you use the speaker system to play your tunes, but you can also use it to take calls while you’re out and about, with the Beats Pill 12 hour battery life ensuring you won’t be caught short.
Simply put, if you need a portable speaker, the Beats Pill is the only choice.
Key takeaways:
- Portable wireless Bluetooth speaker that you can take with you anywhere.
- 12-hour battery life. Charge your iPhone with the included Lightning cable.
- Beats Pill+ App lets you switch between different modes and lets friends connect to your speaker for DJ battles.
- Speakerphone.
- Take calls and play music straight from the speaker.
- Colours: Red, White and Black.
- £179.95
Available here.
