The best Beats Headphones - Complete Guide
Beats is a renowned brand of headphones which is rather notorious with the audiophiles. Bass figures as the masthead of Beats’ sound signature. While purists will turn their noses up at that, Beats has made a fortune in this business with their premium cans. All of them cost as much as the brand name of Dr. Dre demands. And this very name brings them the huge demand. Every time you squint, you will find a Beats headphone in the view. They are the trend with our generation. And their style speaks our language. Now wonder they sell like hot cakes, rather expensive ones, but hot cakes nonetheless.
Why beats headphones?
Beats headphones look slick. One look at them and their build will convince you to hand out the greens. Almost all of them come with convenient features like detachable cable and ANC. Extra perks like daisy-chaining headphones are not lost on us. Audio-wise, not all Beats headphones have the tonal balance. Bass is fairly enhanced in all of them. But in the best Beats headphones, bass makes peace with other elements and adds color to tracks that wouldn’t be there in audiophile-grade headphones. Beats are for people who are not concerned about the richness of mids or the sparkle of treble. They are for the straight-up hip-hop and EDM fans who want to shake a leg to the music.
Which Beats headphones should I buy?
When you are investing so much into headphones, you must only get the best Beats headphones out there. Our checklist looked for the following things:
Audio: Because all Beats headphones are bassy, we went for the new generation Beats lines that have managed to dial down the bass just enough to make the audio clearer. All of them still have the punch of bass, but they sound much better overall than their previous counterparts.
Design: This consideration was equal parts smashing looks and comfort. We picked out the grooviest headphones which have a wide array of colors or fierce color combinations. None of these cans cinch on comfort either.
Types: In-ear, over-ear and on-ear headphones, we have covered them all. There’s something for everyone in here.
Accessories: The folks at Beats never disappoint in the accessories section. All the best Beats headphones create more value for their price by packing a full artillery.
THE TOP 7 BEST BEATS HEADPHONES - COMPLETE CHART
Picture |
Name |
Headphone Type |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Headphone Type |
Price |
Rating |
| |
1. Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphone | Over-ear | $$$ | 4.7 |
| |
2. Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphones | On-ear | $$$ | 4.5 |
| |
3. Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone | In-ear | $$ | 3.9 |
| |
4. Beats Mixr On-Ear Headphone | On-ear | $$$ | 3.9 |
| |
5. Beats Executive Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones | Over-ear | $$$ | 3.9 |
| |
6. Beats Pro Over-Ear Wired Headphones | Over-ear | $$$ | 3.9 |
| |
7. Beats Tour2 In-Ear Headphone | In-ear | $$ | 3.8 |
Beats Studio headphones took the Beats fans by storm. But they also ignited a hot debate where audiophiles and bassheads locked horns over the excessive bass. The ‘Studio’ aspect of its response got lost in the fray. But Beats righted its wrong with the Beats Studio wireless over-ear headphones with a more refined audio. It was well-received by all audience even at its price. It’s the crème-de-la-crème, hence its place at the top of our best Beats headphones list.
Audio Performance
Beats Studio Wireless headphones come with active adaptive noise cancellation integrated into their sound.ANC is on at all times in one of the two modes: dull stifling when music is on or full blast ANC without music when you want to sleep on the flight. These headphones have a tight bass, reined in over slightly forward mids that enhance the vocals. You will be impressed with the maturity of Beats line and the long way it has come in handling bass. Treble sparkles a bit too smartly which may sound harsh at very high volumes. Fortunately Studio wireless is loud so you would probably not hit the top volume at all. These Beats headphones are pleasant but not intricate or natural like Sennheiser HD 600 for professional use.
Design and Features
The Studio wireless from Beats has a 9.1-ounce body that can be collapsed for easy storage. It’s mainly built of plastic with metal hinges on the articulating arms. Earcups are round and lined with soft memory foam sheathed in faux-leather. It works on a built-in rechargeable battery that goes on Bluetooth for 12 hours and on wired mode for 20 hours per charge. Wireless connection is flawless and there’s no loss in performance over this connection. A micro-USB cable is provided to recharge the headphones.
A 3.5mm male-male cable is also provided which can be used to connect Studio wireless to playback devices. However, you need some charge at least, to work in wired mode as well.
Additional Perks
This Beats headphone comes with one more cable with Apple-friendly mic and remote. Supplied along is a hard carry case with carabiner for attaching it to your bags. A smartly-placed battery gauge has 5 LEDs to depict the battery level.
Pros:
- Comfortable design
- More natural sound response that original Studio
- Collapsing structure
- Works in wired mode as well
- Two wires provided: one with mic and remote control
- Auto power off when wires are disconnected
- Durable build
Cons:
- Wired mode also requires battery charge
- ANC can’t be turned off
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphone>>
Like our first choice, Beats Solo 2 is also a resurrection act. The original Solo were much talked about and consequently picked apart for scrutiny by the audiophiles who did not like what they saw. Solo 2 headphones are more their vibe for the bass-heavy tracks and the Beats brand name at such a (relatively) low price makes everyone happy.
Audio Performance
Ditching the uber-aggressive bass of Solo headphones, Beats Solo 2 canshave created a bumped up bass that spikes only in the low-end and does not destroy the clarity of mids. Although this a more sculpted audio, it sounds much better than the original Solo which had bass overshadow mids relentlessly. Solo 2’s bass is enjoyable with its visceral impact in Boom Boom Pow. In fact, this is the first headphone in Beats line that vindicates its powerful bass. That makes it game for the best Beats headphones list.
Solo 2’s audio is set in a wide soundstage with proper instrument separation. Artificial sound can go off-kilter in certain genres and that happens with these Beats headphones too. But overall you will be rocking with the bass too much to care.
Design and Features
Beats Solo 2 went for a sleeker look compared to the predecessor Solo headphones. Solo 2 is easier on the head in terms of weight. It is an on-ear headphone with plush earpads and rubber coated cranial arch. The earpads guard your ears really well against external noises. They look rather suave sitting on your noggin unlike some professional headphones which are too weird to be worn in public.
The cable that comes with Beats Solo 2 headphones is removable with a 3.5mm jack on both sides and an inline remote compatible with iOS devices. The clamping pressure may be a little too much for those with wider domes but the headband stretches with time. The upside is that these cans stay on your head even during workout.
Additional features
Beats Solo 2 headphones come with a hard carry case. They are available in 11 colors including a mute hunter green.
Pros:
- Enhanced punchy bass that does not hamper mids
- Clean, almost recessed mids
- Folding architecture
- Detachable cable with inline remote
- Snug fit
- Good passive noise isolation for an on-ear headphone
Cons:
- Earcups don’t swivel for flat storage
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphones>>
Sports Bluetooth headphones market isn’t as large a niche as the usual ones so Powerbeats 2 wireless headphones rule there with ease. They offer the best sound and fit in that category and became popular with the heath-nuts in no time.
Audio Performance
Powerbeats 2 Beats headphone does not pull off any audio tricks in its Gen 2 version. It is bass-forward, no doubt. Even before you pop it in you can hear the rumble of bass. Mids and highs steer clear of the over indulgence of bass but they sound unexciting in comparison. Powerbeats 2 can get real loud and being one of the best Beats headphones, its bass will bring you all the energy you need for a bazillion squats. Audiophiles should steer clear though, because the sonic response is far from natural or detailed.
Design and Features
Powerbeats 2 Beats headphones like to carry ambient noise and music in sync. Beats does not want you so lost in music that you don’t hear an oncoming truck. So they have angling eartips that sit on the threshold of ears. They are mounted on an over-ear hook. The fitment can be customized by tweaking the flexible earhooks a little bit. Two earpieces are connected by a wire with an inline mic-cum-remote that works seamlessly with Apple devices. The length of the cable that goes behind your head can be reduced to suit your needs.
Powerbeats 2 headphones use Bluetooth 4.0 for 6-hour battery life per charge and 30 feet range. They arealso IPX4 rated which means they are sweatproof for workout. The lack of tight fit is made up by the high volume of playback.
Additional perks
This Beats headphone is shipped with 4 pairs of differently-sized eartips, so you can find the right fitment for correct seal. A handy soft case is also shipped with them. They are available in the wired design.
Pros:
- Lightweight wireless design
- Less invasive for ear canal
- Punchy bass with loud audio
- Has inline remote and mic
- Good battery life and range
Cons:
- No auto power off
- Inline remote at the back of the head is not sweatproof
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone>>
Beats Mixr headphones were a redeeming contender in the Beats line-up when they debuted. They reined in the bass alright. And after some words and hot discussion, audiophiles could even start accepting it gradually. Beats Mixr also happens to be unbelievably cool-looking.
Audio Performance
Bass is Beats’ main business, so delving right into that. The bass is actually punchy in Mixr. It’s powerful and spicy though not terribly detailed. The details are still better than the Beats Pro. At their price, Mixr can give the higher-end Studios a run for their money. Treble is also much better coordinated. Mids and highs are untouched by artificial puffing. They sound airy in the big soundstage that Mixr sports. They have a great sound combination for DJing. All their faults can be dealt with a little EQ action.
Design and Features
Beats Mixr headphones are the most portable cans of the Beats lot. That’s one more factor that makes them apt for DJing. They are built solid and have lavishly padded on-ear earcups. These pieces hang from a swiveling hinge which allows the earpieces to be rotated 180 degree on the hinge. The way headphone arms rotate on this hinge reduces their footprint by more than half. They fit very snug but stretch out with some use.
Rough DJ use will not get to these Beats headphones over time. They have the best Beats architecture we have seen. A carrying case allows you to store them safely.
Additional Perks
The cable of the Mixr Beats headphones is also detachable. In fact both ear pieces of these cans have a 3.5mm port. You can use these ports to daisy chain such headphones together and share music with friends who have similar ones.
Pros:
- Seriously cool design
- Very space-efficient folding
- More balanced sound with oomphy bass
- Sound is more detailed compared to other Beats headphones
- Removable cable
- Daisy chaining headphones to share music is possible
- Comfortable and snug fit
- ¼ inch studio adapter is provided
- Weighs only 7 ounce
- Attractive neon colors also available
Cons:
- Fitment might be too tight for some people
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Beats Mixr On-Ear Headphone>>
Beats Executive headphones are supposed to jetset with corporate honchos around the world and keep them company in all sorts of executive scenarios. To prove their point Beats even toned down to having just the demure black and gray colors. But you can’t change who you are. The big splash of bass is right there and Beats hopes seven ways to Sunday that that’s what chic people listen to.
Audio Performance
The Executive headphones by Beats have the Active Noise Cancellation feature. Like Studio, ANC is always on. The circuitry creates a faint hiss in the background which becomes apparent in the quiet silences of the song. Noise cancellation works well but Beats has nothing on Bose. The audio of Executive is fairly voluminous. The bass comes rich and full at you but its more second generation and tighter than old Beats headphones. Bass takes away a few details from the playback. Mids and highs are more natural and consequently look flat in the frequency spectrum. The sound is almost balanced but slightly muddied by the bass. It would be okay except that its price tag demands better.
Design and Features
Beats Executive have been made sturdier for their portability. They sport more metal than the other Beats models. The folding arms of the headband and the outer side of the earcups are entirely done in Aluminum. The left earcup’s back plate opens up from a magnetic lock to house 2 AAA batteries for ANC. The earcups are more lavishly cushioned and even the headband has been swathed in pleather for comfort. The architecture rests easy on your head and balances comfort and sturdiness successfully. Nothing less can be expected of one of the best Beats headphones.
The cable of these Beats headphones is removable. They are shipped with two cables: a normal cord and another cord with inline controls. Both end in 3.5mm L-shaped jacks.
Additional Perks
A hard case is also part of the box. An airline adapter is freely provided for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Collapsing design
- Metal and plastic architecture
- Sturdy with comfortable fit
- Enhanced bass
- Active noise cancellation
- Two detachable cables provided
- Austere colors for professionals
Cons:
- ANC has a slight hiss
- ANC cannot be turned off
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Beats Executive Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones>>
Beats Pro are DJ-oriented headphones. They are built for strength and their audio is seasoned with the bass that makes hip-hop and Electronica sound vigorous. Nothing is pristine with Beats and Pro is smeared with a bass skew consistent with their tradition.
Audio Performance
Pop in some hip-hop or electronic and you will see the Beats Pro shine. The lower end comes alive with the guttural tones rumbling majestically. Percussion is a strong presence here. Mids and highs also sound clear for a change. Switch to classical or vocal-based music Beats Pro just loses its energy. The problem is that they have worked diligently on the bass, even on the aspect of keeping it from being bloated. But not much has been done to bring out the nuances of mids and highs and make them sound rich. A wide soundstage compliments the richness of the musical elements. But sadly only bass-heavy tracks benefit from it.
Design and features
Like many high-end Beats headphones, the Beats Pro also features ANC. It creates a slight hiss in the quieter genres. The ingenious part in the execution of ANC is that Pro manages to use both passive and active noise cancellation in tandem for a good seal against external noise. That’s a winning aspect that makes Pro one of the best Beats headphones.
The body of the Pro headphones is a combination of plastic, gunmetal and Aluminum. It folds in the same space-smart way as the Mixr. These headphones are slightly heavy and even look bulky. They look much at home on a DJ’s head than a regular commuter’s noggin. Earcups and headband are heavily padded in what looks like leatherette.
Additional Perks
Beats Pro headphones come with a detachable 4.2mm coiled cable with a 3.5mm locking jack. A studio adapter and a carry pouch are also included.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Reliable design
- Punchy bass and clear mids
- Wide soundstage
- Removable cable with coils
- Studio adapter included
- Collapses into half the size
- Heavily padded for comfort
Cons:
- Not enough details in mids and highs for studio use
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Beats Pro Over-Ear Wired Headphones>>
Beats Tour 2 in-ear earphones are the successors of the Tour earphones. Available in 7 color combinations, the Tour 2 earphones focus on good fitment and energetic music. They are more balanced than the Tour1 but we’ll leave the worth-its-price decision to you.
Audio Performance
Bass makes its encore here. You have the deep, rich and punchy bass in Tour 2 earphones, provided you get the right pair of eartips to seal out your ears from outside low-frequency noise. Because of slightly recessed mids and sibilant treble, a slight harshness creeps into their audio as you crank up the volume. They sound much better than the stock earbuds you get with smartphones. The bass makes the audio sound fun.That’s one of the distinguishing points that earn Tour2 a spot in our best Beats headphones list.
Design and Features
The eartips of the Beats Tour 2 earphones angle away from the driver casing for ergonomic reasons. Eartips in multiple sizes are provided for you to find the one with best seal. Hooked fins are also provided for a more secure fitment. The hooks go around the crook of the ear and hang on tight. Both the ear pieces attach to a cable that carries an inline remote and ends in a 3.5mm jack. Cable is flat and tangle-free. Mic functions well relaying your voice clearly across the call.
Additional Perks
A soft carry pouch comes with the Beats Tour 2 earphones
Pros:
- Comes with earhooks for better fitment
- Punchy bass
- Fun-sounding headphones
- Tangle-free cable
- Has inline remote and mic
- Carry pouch is also included
- Many colors are available
Cons:
- Other areas of frequency spectrum except low-end don’t sound clean
