The 4 Best Beats Headphones of 2019

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The Rundown

Best Wireless On-Ear: Beats Solo3 Wireless at Amazon, “Check all the boxes for a cool and convenient everyday set of headphones.”
Best for Athletes: Beats Powerbeats Pro at Amazon, "A truly portable, true wireless set of Beats headphones that come sporting the H1 chip (also found in AirPods 2)."
Best for Recording Musicians: Beats Studio 3 at Amazon, “Features Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling (Pure ANC) to create a superb listening experience.”
Best Wired On-Ear: Beats EP Wired at Amazon, “Deliver the sound you’re craving at a more budget-friendly price.”

Our Top Picks

Best Wireless On-Ear: Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones — Courtesy of Amazon

Looking for a stylish set of on-ear headphones you can rely on for daily use? With up to 40 hours of battery life and high-quality playback, Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones check all the boxes for a cool and convenient everyday set of headphones. These fully-adjustable headphones come with comfort-cushioned ear cups that buffer exterior noises, a handy carrying case, 3.5 mm RemoteTalk cable, as well as a universal USB charging cable. Plus, with Beats Fast Fuel charging, a low battery won’t shut down your jams. A five-minute charge provides three additional hours of playback, so you can get the music going again fast.

Best for Athletes: Beats Powerbeats Pro

When Apple launched the AirPods a few years back, it did so with one crucial value proposition in mind: A custom-designed "W1" chip that would pair seamlessly to Apple devices. It makes sense then that Beats, an Apple subsidiary, would launch a pair of its own wireless headphones housing a similar chip, albeit with the classic Beats sound and aesthetic. For those who’ve been waiting for a truly portable, true wireless set of Beats headphones that come sporting the H1 chip (also found in AirPods 2), the Powerbeats Pro are for you. That chip means you won’t be fumbling around Bluetooth pairing menus, but it also means that you can expect a stable connection and solid call quality.

For the Powerbeats, Apple and Beats have enlisted the expertise of pro athletes to determine the right fit for your wraparound earbuds. Flexible, adjustable wings hug your ears to keep the headphones intact. Plus, the units are outfitted with a degree of sweat and moisture protection, which means workouts and even mild precipitation aren’t huge concerns. From just a short, single charge, you can look forward to a full nine hours of listening time, or 24 hours when housed inside the included charging case. After a mere five minutes on the charger, you can hear "Old Town Road" by Lil' Nas X 34 times straight. (That's an hour and a half.) Other features include support for Siri and even on-earbud buttons for controlling track skips and volume.

Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best exercise headphones.

Best for Recording Musicians: Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones in Matte Black

If you’re looking for the ultimate listening experience, check out Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones. This pair comes in an ultra-cool matte black and features Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling (Pure ANC) to create a superb listening experience that blocks out distractions to let you focus on your music. Pure ANC provides real-time audio calibration to preserve the artist’s emotion no matter what music you love. Pair and play with any of your Bluetooth devices within a 30-foot range. The 12-hour rechargeable battery with fuel gauge and soft ear cups featuring an ergonomic bellow will keep you comfortable while you listen to your favorite songs all day.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best studio headphones.

Best Wired On-Ear: Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones

Are you dying for your own Beats by Dre headphones, but need to watch your expenses? The Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones Beats EP on-ear headphones deliver the sound you’re craving at a more budget-friendly price. The durable yet lightweight frame is reinforced with stainless steel, so these headphones can stand up to daily use. The battery-free design offers unlimited playback and the included RemoteTalk cable lets you take calls without losing your stride. These headphones come with a foldable carrying pouch and quick start guide to get your favorite songs going right away.

What to Look for in Beats Headphones

Sound quality - Sound quality is the most important factor when buying headphones. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to check the driver size—the larger the driver, the louder the sound it’s capable of producing. Average earphone drivers will measure between 8mm and 15mm, while headphone drivers are a bit bigger, between 20mm and 50mm. If possible, listen to a few songs with the headphones before making your purchase because different headphones deliver different sound profiles. Also, note that some pairs let you adjust the bass and treble via an app.

Design - From over-ear, in-ear, and necklace style to wired, wireless, and true wireless, there’s no shortage of headphone styles. However, they all serve different purposes. For example, over-ear pairs deliver a superior listening experience, but earbuds make a better workout buddy. Decide which type fits your lifestyle best.

Comfort - Comfort is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few features to consider to ensure an enjoyable listening experience. For over-ear headphones, examine the ear cushions and headband. For in-ear headphones, try out different ear tip shapes and materials. You may need to try on the headphones for an extended period of time before you really decide on their comfort level.