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Best Beats Headphones and Earbuds in 2025: Every Model Tested
We tested every pair of Beats so you know which ones are worth it.
Adam is the Managing Editor at SoundGuys specializing in gaming headsets, flagship headphones, and earbuds. A lifelong fan of video games and cinema, he brings a sharp ear and passion for immersive sound to every review. Beyond hardware, Adam writes thought-provoking features and opinion pieces that explore how audio tech shapes our lives. Armed with a BA in Cognitive Science, he pairs technical insight with a love for music’s psychological uplift. At home, he still rocks his original Sennheiser MOMENTUM over-ears, switches to Bose QuietComfort Ultra on flights, and relies on Galaxy Buds2 Pro while out and about.
Beats launched in 2008 and quickly became famous for their bold, bass-heavy sound and stylish design. Since Apple acquired the brand in 2014, the tuning has matured into a more balanced profile, while still keeping the energy and punch that made Beats popular in the first place. Today, Beats headphones and earbuds are especially appealing for iPhone users thanks to seamless integration with Apple devices, though Android users will miss out on some advanced features.
We’ve tested every current pair of Beats headphones and earbuds, and in this guide you’ll find our results, scores, and recommendations to help you choose the best model.
Compare table
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- Compare tableProductVotes
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$200
7.2
6.3
8.2
8.0
6.0
7.0
9.0
5.0
6.7
8.0
8.0
- 8 total votes8 total votes
$199
6.8
6.6
0.0
6.6
4.2
5.0
7.0
9.0
10.0
7.6
8.2
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$249
6.6
6.9
8.3
8.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
5.0
0.0
9.0
8.0
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$350
6.5
4.3
7.9
4.6
6.0
4.4
7.7
8.5
9.8
8.8
2.9
- 4 total votes4 total votes
$169
6.4
6.7
8.0
7.8
6.4
5.3
9.4
5.0
7.2
5.0
4.5
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$80
5.9
7.5
0.0
6.0
7.0
6.9
9.5
5.0
0.0
7.0
8.0
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
Most Beats headphones come wireless, but not all wireless standards are created equal. Owing to the company’s status as an Apple subsidiary, most Beats headphones and earbuds are firmly locked in to using AAC as its main codec for audio applications.
A codec is how two devices communicate with each other. Think of it like a language that needs to be spoken by one device and understood by another. All devices speak SBC, which is the most basic codec, and from there, things get messy. Mainly due to the fact that different companies prefer different codecs. Sony has LDAC, Qualcomm has aptX (and soon aptX Adaptive, which has the potential to be the best one so far), and companies like Apple use AAC. This should never enter your mind as something to worry about, but if you have an older Android phone, there could be some minor issues.
Poll
Which is the best Beats product right now?
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Best overall pick: Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro are our best overall pick for listeners who want compact, workout-ready earbuds with broad platform support. They pair active noise canceling and automatic ear detection with an intuitive ear tip fit test and the H1 chip’s Spatial Audio personalization on iPhone. The wing-tip design keeps the earbuds secure during exercise, and the Fit Pro are IPX4 rated for sweat resistance, though some users may feel pressure after roughly 90 minutes of continuous wear. In battery testing they delivered about six hours with ANC on, and a five-minute charge yields roughly an hour of playback. They use Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC and AAC for reliable connections across iOS and Android, and include USB-C charging in a compact case.
Sourced from Beats Fit Pro review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: Powerbeats Pro 2
Powerbeats Pro 2 take the ANC crown in this lineup by adding active noise cancelling to a secure hook design made for workouts. The Apple H2 chip brings instant pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, hands‑free Siri and Find My, so they integrate particularly well with iPhone and other Apple devices. They also include optical heart‑rate monitoring for workouts and five ear tip sizes to help establish a tight seal that aids noise isolation. The ear hooks keep the buds from slipping during exercise, though some users may notice pressure on the ear after extended use. The Powerbeats Pro 2 also earned recognition for Best Value, Best Call Quality, and Best for iPhone users.
Sourced from Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Are these the best workout earbuds of 2025?.
Best sound quality pick: Beats Studio Pro
Beats Studio Pro stand out for flexible, higher‑fidelity listening thanks to an onboard USB‑C DAC and three EQ presets usable when listening over USB. They also offer head‑tracked Spatial Audio and can connect via Bluetooth (SBC/AAC), 3.5mm, or USB‑C, giving you wired and wireless options. In testing the Studio Pro delivered over 31 hours of battery life, and folding hinges make them relatively portable despite a light 270g build. Smaller ear cups and a stiff headband mean fit will be hit-or-miss for some listeners, but the USB DAC and wired options make these headphones a solid choice for desktop or travel listening. The Studio Pro also picked up a Best Over-Ear Headphones designation.
Sourced from Beats Studio Pro review – SoundGuys.
Best Battery Life pick: Beats Solo 4
Beats Solo 4 earn the battery life pick after lasting 84 hours and 18 minutes in our standardized test at reasonable listening levels. That endurance makes these on‑ear headphones useful for long commutes and multi‑day use, and the long battery life should reduce charge cycles over the product’s life. They fold into a small carrying case and include both USB‑C and 3.5mm cables so you can swap to wired listening when needed. As on‑ear cans they place more pressure on your outer ears and can feel uncomfortable after about 90 minutes, and they aren’t moisture rated so we don’t recommend them for the gym. Controls are clicky and limited, and Android users will need the Beats app only for firmware updates and Find My support.
Sourced from Beats Solo 4 review: Is it really worth the money? – SoundGuys.
Best for comfort pick: Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds are our pick for comfort thanks to featherweight 5g ear pieces and three sizes of silicone ear tips that help most users achieve a good seal. The compact, low‑profile design keeps the buds comfortable and generally secure during workouts, and they carry an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance. Studio Buds offer reliable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and physical buttons that are more dependable than many touch interfaces, plus ANC and transparency modes for situational awareness. Active noise cancellation is described as mediocre compared with the best on the market, and battery life with ANC on tested slightly below average, while automatic ear detection is absent. Overall, their light weight and fit make them an easy pick for comfort‑focused listeners.
Sourced from Beats Studio Buds review: Android and Apple-friendly – SoundGuys.
Best for Android users pick: Beats Solo Buds
Beats Solo Buds are our recommendation for Android users who want very small, pocketable earbuds with straightforward pairing via Bluetooth 5.3 and the Beats app. The tiny case fits easily in pockets, and four ear tip sizes help most listeners get a good seal, though the case itself lacks a battery so it cannot recharge the buds on the go. Physical buttons require hard presses that can be uncomfortable, and the Solo Buds aren’t rated for sweat or dust, so they’re a better fit for students and everyday portability than intense workouts. Battery life is strong for a single charge at about 17 hours and 24 minutes in testing, and Beats includes a six‑month Apple Music trial for new subscribers. For Android owners who want simple pairing and solid single‑charge endurance, the Solo Buds are a practical choice.
Sourced from Beats Solo Buds review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Across Beats’ recent lineup of earbuds and headphones released in the last several years, we see clear tradeoffs tailored to different listening needs: the Beats Fit Pro are the most well‑rounded option for compact workout earbuds with ANC and iPhone features, while the Powerbeats Pro 2 focus squarely on secure fit and workout features like heart‑rate monitoring and strong Apple integration. The Beats Studio Pro serve listeners who want flexible wired listening and a USB‑C DAC for better desktop listening, and the Beats Solo 4 stand out if maximum battery life is your priority. For comfort and lightweight wear, the Beats Studio Buds are the best fit, and the Beats Solo Buds offer a compact, Android‑friendly option with very good single‑charge endurance.
All six reviewed Beats products above are covered in our picks and recommendations — there are no remaining reviewed products to summarize separately — so choose the model that matches your primary use case within Beats’ wireless earbuds and headphones lineup.
Yes, for many people. Beats are known for their bass-forward sound, sleek design, and seamless integration with Apple devices. They’ve improved in audio quality and features since Apple’s acquisition, adding options like active noise cancellation and spatial audio. While audiophiles may prefer more neutral-sounding brands, Beats remain a great choice if you value style, strong bass, and easy connectivity.
Yes, Beats is owned by Apple. This acquisition allowed Apple to integrate Beats products with its ecosystem, leading to features like the H1 and H2 chips, which enhance the user experience, especially for Apple device users.
Yes, Beats connect over Bluetooth to any device. However, some advanced features like instant pairing, automatic device switching, and spatial audio tuning are limited to Apple devices.
Beats headphones generally support SBC and AAC over Bluetooth. Some higher-end models (like the Studio Pro) include USB-C digital audio with a DAC, enabling lossless playback. Beats do not support LDAC or aptX over Bluetooth, so listeners who prioritize high-res wireless codecs may want to explore other brands.
At the very beginning of the Beats brand, most options the company offered were incredibly bassy. That’s no longer the case, as the brand has been releasing headphones and earphones with a much more reasonable sound profile for a while now.
The Powerbeats Fit are okay workout earbuds, but the lack of durability and hooks for a secure fit means they aren't our top choice.
Yes, Android users can use the Powerbeats Fit with the Beats app.
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