Best Beats wireless headphones Buying Guide: welcome to What Hi-Fi?'s round-up of the best Beats wireless headphones you can buy in 2021.
Beats had already established itself as the headphone make of choice for youngsters, athletes and hip-hop artists alike, but since it was bought by Apple in 2014 the brand's profile has gone stratospheric.
Beats has a reputation of putting bass before quality, and although we felt this was the case with a few of its earlier models, there are now some excellent Beats wireless headphones around.
We've rounded up the best Beat wireless headphones we've tested, from in-ears to on-ears, including a true wireless option. Hopefully, there'll be a pair of Beats wireless headphones sate your audio appetite.
Now Beats is owned by Apple, its headphones are seamlessly compatible with iOS devices thanks to the inclusion of Apple's W1 chip. The Powerbeats 3s are only noise isolating, not noise cancelling (i.e. the earbud seals off your earhole from outside noise), but at this price, that's to be expected. And the snug fit means they're not going anywhere. The battery lasts a healthy 12 hours, while just five minutes of plug time will get you an hour's use. Handy if you're about to dash out the door.
The bass can be a little overwhelming at times but can be a benefit in noisy environments. And they're a lively, fun listen.
Read the full Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless review
If you're looking for Beats wireless headphones, the Solo Pro should be right up there on your list. They feel sturdy and well built, but classy with it, like a premium SUV rather than a tank. The battery life also impresses, standing at 22 hours, or 40 with noise-cancelling disabled.
Unlike some on-ears, the bass doesn't overwhelm, and they make for a nicely balanced listen. They're a little snug (though it might depend on the size of your bonce) and you'll find better timing elsewhere, but they're still a class act all the way.
Read the full Beats Solo Pro review
Sporty types in the market for the best Beats wireless headphones should look no further. The Powerbeats Pro are truly wireless, so you won't get tangled in any cables while you work out. They fit well and are extremely comfortable to wear, so they won't hinder you as you exercise. And they perform superbly thanks to Apple's H1 Bluetooth chip which ensures a stable wireless connection.
The 9-hour battery life is more a marathon than a sprint, and you get a further two charges from the supplied carry case. The audio lacks a little energy, which is a shame given they're meant to power you through your runs, but they're still a good choice to get hot and sweaty with.
Read the full Beats Powerbeats Pro review
These Beats wireless headphones have a cable connecting the two earbuds - it means you won't lose either one. They're lightweight, and the cable not too obtrusive. They stick together with magnets when not in use too, making them easy to store.
Wireless performance is typically excellent, and the eight-hour battery life should be long enough for most people. The audio packs plenty of punch, though it could do with a tad more detail to bring out the finer elements.
Read the full Beats X review
The Beats Flex are a step up from Apple's bog-standard Lightning wired buds. They’re available in some fresh hues (including the Yuzu yellow sample before you), they charge via USB-C, have a 12-hour battery life, and courtesy of one-tap audio share you can split sounds with nearby Beats or AirPod headphones (provided you have an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 14). And they're very affordable, too.
Four ear tip options gives a good chance of finding a decent fit, and the cable is flat, like a strand of tagliatelle. Magnets keep the earbuds together when not in use.
Pairing is a doddle (even more so using an Apple device). They don't support some iOS 14 features, including automatic switching to another device or hands-free Siri support. And there’s no noise-cancelling either, but with the correct seal you’ll still enjoy good levels of passive noise isolation.
Audio quality is good, but not great. There's just not the same impact that the best at this price manage to pull off. Still, the Flex offer a considered, smooth sound profile that’s preferable to one that is harsh or bright through the upper frequencies. A solid Beats bet at this end of the market.
Read the full Beats Flex review
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless are long-lasters: a whopping 40 hours of battery life should see you through most of a week's use, and if you do run out of juice, just plug them into your device using the supplied cable. The wireless connection is rock solid, making them some of the most reliable Beats wireless headphones we've tested.
They deliver a full-bodied sound with bags of energy, but you can get greater subtlety and refinement elsewhere. Not a bad shout for cutting through the hustle and bustle of your local gym, though.
Read the full Beats Solo 3 Wireless review
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