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Its not hyperbole to say that Apple makes some of thebest wireless earbudsmoney can buy.
That is until now.
TheAirPods 4andBeats Solo Budsare the latest entry-level offerings from both brands that can be purchased at generously low prices.
Both sets of buds integrate with Apples ecosystem for a seamless audio experience.
They also boast similar features that are packed into chic and compact designs.
Want to know which inexpensive Apple buds get you more for your money?
Our in-depth breakdown has the answer.
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Specs compared
AirPods 4 vs. White is the only color they come in.
This face-off profiles the (non-ANC) version.
Four colors are available: Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Grey, and Transparent Red.
Winner:Beat Solo Buds
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Design
These are the smallest buds and portable case that Beats has ever made.
Despite no IP rating, the build quality is sturdy and can sustain sweat and water particles.
We dont advise exercising with them.
All the color options are attractive, plus they fit well and make for an incredibly light carry.
Comfort has its issues, but only when dealing with the controls (more on that later).
The only difference between the AirPods 4 andAirPods 3is the formers tinier charging case.
Everything else was left untouched: the long-stem silhouette, open-ear sound ports, and plastic construction.
IP54 sweat and water resistance protect the buds and charging case.
Winner:Beats Solo Buds
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Controls
The AirPods 4 maintain the series flawless control scheme.
Users receive excellent voice controls,precise motion detection, and force sensors that produce great tactile feedback.
HeySiri voice activation instantly acknowledges and executes verbal inquiries.
The force sensors accurately respond to single-/multi-press and long-press gestures.
Just know that pressing them pushes the buds further into your ears and causes discomfort.
HeySiri voice activation and wear detection are unavailable on the Solo Buds.
Winner:Apple AirPods 4
AirPods 4 vs. Music and movies sound clearer and more immersive on the AirPods 4.
PersonalizedSpatial AudiogivesDolby Atmoscontent a dynamic and lively presence that you wont experience on other open wireless earbuds.
As for the Solo Buds, theyre easily the best-sounding Apple buds under $100.
Dual-layered drivers deliver powerful bass and well-balanced frequencies, resulting in near-high-fidelity audio.
Playback is smooth when listening to thebest music streaming serviceson iOS/macOS and Android devices.
The acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents also produce fuller output.
Bass can come on heavy at times, though thats nothing new for Beats products.
Winner:Tie
AirPods 4 vs. Other standouts include automatic switching, audio sharing, low wireless audio latency, and access to numerousApple Musicsettings.
Meanwhile, the Solo Buds support some of the same features as their porcelain rival.
On the list: audio sharing, Find My, Personalized Spatial Audio, and allApple Musicsettings.
Everything else is reserved for high-end Apple and Beats products.
AirPods 4 vs. One-tap pairing is automatically enabled when opening either models case.
The Solo Buds even haveBluetoothmultipoint technology to pair to two Android devices simultaneously.
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Call quality
These are decent calling headsets at best.
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Battery life
Numbers can be deceiving, especially when it comes to battery life.
This mainly applies to the Solo Buds, which are rated at 18 hours at full charge.
However, there is a huge caveat the case does not have an internal battery.
That means the case doesnt provide extra charges.
The AirPods 4 arent any better.
Neither case supports wireless charging.
AirPods 4 vs.
Beats Solo Buds: Verdict
The smarter purchase is the AirPods 4.
Performance is stronger in more areas, specifically controls and special features, which greatly expand functionality.
These buds are far from perfect; the poor battery life and substandard craftsmanship speak volumes.
Dont overlook the Beats Solo Buds.
Dynamic sound and spatial audio support in a trendy miniature design should appeal to most brand enthusiasts.
Its just unfortunate that they come with a limited feature set and no additional playtime.
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