So, Bose 700 vs Beats Solo Pro, Which one should you choose?
Let’s be with Rezence to find out the answer.
Overview
What is Bose 700?
The latest headphones from Bose have a reputation that few goods can match. Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones have been the industry standard for most of its 19-year history, and the Noise Cancelling 700 is the newest in that line.
The Bose Earbuds 500 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Earbuds 700 are two sets of true wireless in-ears that will join the premium series after the 700 breaks away from the QuietComfort line. These additions haven’t happened yet, nevertheless, three years after this statement.
Pros
- New noise-cancelling technology
- Elegant and at ease
- Forward, crystal-clear sound
- Touch controls that are simple
Cons
- Lacking outstanding insight
- Competitors have longer battery lives
- Expensive
What is Beats Solo Pro?
The Powerbeats Pro was the first earbuds created in tandem with Apple engineers from the start, and the Solo Pros are the first headphones developed together by Beats and Apple engineers from the ground up.
Apple silicon is found in Beats headphones (the H1 chip is inside the Solo Pros, just like the latest AirPods). They undergo the same quality control inspections as Apple’s own goods.
Additionally, you can take them to an Apple Store if you ever have a problem with them, which is less of a headache than having to package them up and send them to another manufacturer.
Pros
- More attractive design than earlier Beats headphones
- Efficient noise reduction
- Pleasing sound quality
- Increased resistance to sweat
Cons
- Significant pressure applied to your ears
- Possibly insufficient for the large audience.
- No USB-C, no auto-pause when removing the Lightning connector
Bose 700 vs Beats Solo Pro: The Fight of Noise Cancelling
Design and fit
The Bose of the past was the kind of headphones you’d see your father wearing. If your father is Travante Rhodes or Jason Mamoa (so hot!), the Bose 700s are also a good choice.
The ultra-sleek, ultra-modern design of the 700s demonstrates the company’s readiness to enter the twenty-first century. The stainless steel headband, which divides the earcups made of plastic, is stylish. And to achieve the ideal fit, you simply move the ear cups up or down rather than adjusting the band.
It’s a quirky turn that suggests the business is open to change. Even a USB Type-C charging port was included by Bose. Bose could, in my opinion, embrace color a little bit more. The 700s are now only offered in black or silver. How awesome would it be to purchase these in rose gold or gold?
Bose has attended the design party, but Beats has matured. Yes, a variety of hues, including dark blue, light blue, and red, are offered for the headphones. But owing to musician and producer Pharell Williams, they now have a matte surface rather than the customary high-gloss, which, in my opinion, looked somewhat infantile.
However, despite being a dark blue color, wouldn’t you think the Solo Pro looks classy? I do, however, wish Beats and Apple would add more metal to the mix and advance their designs.
Another issue I have with the Beats is that they use a Lightning port rather than USB Type-C, which is more widely compatible.
Controls
Less is absolutely more when it comes to buttons, especially on headphones. I, therefore, value the fact that the majority of the Solo Pro’s features can be accessed by pressing a single button that is tucked away in the right earcap.
You can skip tunes, play/pause, answer, and stop calls by repeatedly tapping the screen. To change the volume, press the button either above or below. The sole other buttons, which switch between the A.N.C. modes, are on the left earcap.
Holding down this button will, however, restore the headphones to their original settings if you ever experience any problems with them. Additionally, Siri can be called up by saying, “Hey Siri,” and it will be available to respond to all of your queries. Android users must call on Google Assistant through their phone.
A touch panel that is concealed in the right earcap and a combination of buttons are used by the Bose 700. The Power/Pairing and digital assistant buttons are on the right ear cup, while the noise-canceling/conversation mode buttons are on the left.
Each button has a tiny rise to it and makes a clicking sound. The integrated touch panel, which is swift and sensitive and allows you to swipe up or down, left or right, to control the volume or skip music, is the real star of the show. Playing music, pausing a call, or ending one only requires a brief succession of taps.
Set up
The Beats Solo Pro pairs with your iPhone with the least amount of effort possible, thanks to Apple’s H1 chip. Similar to the Powerbeats Pro and the first and second-generation AirPods, the Solo Pro offers almost instant pairing.
All I had to do was open the cans, and my iPhone XS Max informed me that they had been connected. The headphones were already associated with my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 before I was able to access the Bluetooth part of my settings menu.
The Bose 700 pairs more conventionally with supported devices. You start the procedure by holding down the power/pair button, then choose the headphones from the available devices list in the Bluetooth section of your settings menu. From beginning to end, the process takes little more than a minute, but it lacks the Solo Pro’s natural flair for just functioning.
App
There is a complimentary companion app for iOS and Android that works with both sets of headphones. Each app features the straightforward layout and user-friendliness you’d anticipate from their parent firms.
It’s unfortunate that neither provides an equalization or a pair of bespoke audio profiles. Nevertheless, each app has features that make it easier to utilize headphones.
For instance, the Bose Music app enables you to select your preferred noise cancellation level from a list of 11 options, save three custom A.N.C. levels, and select your linked device’s default digital assistant. Even during phone calls, you may control how much of your speech is heard. The software allows you to adjust the volume of your music as well.
Even though all of that is fantastic, I want Bose to provide users the ability to customize their listening experiences using an E.Q. or presets.
Additionally, a “Find my Bose” function is required. If I’m going to spend $400 on these bad boys, I want to be able to track them in case I lose them, or a thief with sticky fingers steals them.
The Bose software is more functional than the Beats app. While it has similar controls to the Bose for your music and volume. In addition, you can rename and register your cans as well as choose between the three A.N.C. modes (On, Off, and Transparency).
You can learn how to use all the controls with the aid of a useful tutorial. I don’t know if the Solo Pros include a “Find my Beats” option because I tested an early version of the headphones, and part of the functionality wasn’t available. Watch this space for updates on this feature.
Battery life
Despite how effective active noise cancellation is, it might reduce the battery life of headphones. Fortunately, both Bose and Beats have fairly lengthy battery lives. With A.N.C. turned on, they are projected to last 20 and 22 hours, respectively. Beats claims that A.N.C. was disabled for 40 hours.
Over the course of 8 days, I was able to get roughly 16 hours of battery life out of the 700s, with 3 hours of battery life left at 20%. I was able to use the Solo Pros for almost 12 hours while still having 56% of battery life.
Turning off the Auto-Off option will make the Bose battery last longer by preventing it from shutting off after a few minutes of use. Such a function is not available with the Solo Pros.
It’s a disappointment for someone who views their headphones as a real fashion piece to have to physically remove them and fold them in order to turn them off.
Both sets can include quick charging capabilities, with the Beats’ Fast Fuel technology enabling three hours of battery life after just 10 minutes of charging. On the other hand, the 700 will charge you for 3.5 hours in just 15 minutes.
Active noise cancellation
Beats by Dre’s first on-ear, noise-canceling headphones are the Beats Solo Pros. I wasn’t overly optimistic about the Solo Pros, either, because of the subpar A.N.C. on the Beats.
Executives that were aimed at business travelers. Being mistaken is beneficial (sometimes). I’m shocked that Beats and Apple were able to produce an A.N.C. that can compete with Bose.
The inbuilt mics on the Solo Pros don’t make any noise when A.N.C. is turned on because ambient Noise is kept out. Actually, it’s silent.
The headphones made my fellow passengers sound like they were in the next car when I was using them on a busy subway, and of course, when I put the music on, I was completely unable to hear them. The nicest part was that I only needed to turn down the volume by 50% to avoid maybe hurting my hearing.
However, Bose is Bose, and the 700s were substantially quieter than the Beats when I put them on with the A.N.C. set to 10. When I set the A.N.C. to 7, I was within range of the Beats, and the 700 reduced the din in that noisy subway car to little more than mumbling.
And when it was time to completely drown out the commotion, I turned up the volume on my music to 40% and happily bopped along.
Audio quality of the Bluetooth headphone
With this new collection of headphones, it appears like Beats and Bose have resolved certain audio quality difficulties that both businesses experienced in the past. For Bose, it means getting past the distinctly frigid audio profile that its potent A.N.C. produced, which seemed to put a wall between you and your music.
For Beats, years of fine-tuning aimed at Hip-Hop aficionados and bass addicts resulted in a sound signature riddled with overemphasized bass that obscured the mids and highs. Beats’ audioscape is better balanced this time around.
Bose, though, clearly prevails in the audio war. The 700s regularly produced an audio profile that was warm with distinct details, a sizable soundstage, complete mids, and highs.
That meant that when I listened to Maxwell’s “Bad Habits,” the swollen organ dominated the background noise, but not to the point that Maxwell’s falsetto didn’t take the lead and sing a melancholy song about love lost. The percussion was clear and crisp, and when the saxophone and horns entered, they were strong but not overwhelming.
The same songs on the Beats gave me the impression that I was listening to an older model of Bose in several ways. The song’s vocals, in particular, felt chilly and slightly distant, despite the fact that subtleties like the soft guitar strumming and cymbal hits were nicely and clearly audible. Additionally, that lovely horn section lacked the Bose’s energy.
Although Beats has undoubtedly toned down the overly processed lows on the Solo Pros, some poor habits still exist. “Big Ole Freak” by Megan Thee Stallion had boomy bass, which interfered with other elements of the soundscape.
Megan’s strong vocals and the delicate synthetic wind instrument, nonetheless, managed to stand out. The lows on the 700s were more evenly distributed, so in addition to getting the thunderous bass. You also got it without any annoying distortion.
Transparency vs Conversation Mode
Sometimes music helps me concentrate better. However, it just takes a little while for someone to enter a bustling open workplace space like Tom’s Guide and disrupt your music-driven workflow.
I’m happy that the Transparency Mode, which Bose has termed Conversation Mode, is available on both the Beats and the Bose headphones for this reason. You can chat with someone using either feature without taking off your headphones.
The Solo Pro headphones’ transparency mode allows more outside sounds to enter the headphones. That allowed me to continue listening to H.E.R.’s “Slide” while directing my staff writer toward his upcoming task. His comments began to blend with the music, which was strange but cool, forcing me to pay close attention to what he was saying.
The preferable choice in an office situation is Conversation Mode. When activated, the 700s abruptly stopped the music so I could give my staff members my full focus. When we were finished, a fast button press brought my music back, drowning out the office chit-chat.
Call quality
The 700 not only provides superior A.N.C., but it also extends the feature to phone calls. Two of the eight built-in microphones in the headphones magnify your voice when you’re on the phone. That meant that both ends of the connection were clear when I called my colleague while walking down a busy street in New York City.
Only while I was talking did he notice background noise, and even then, it was barely audible.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Solo Pro could compete favorably with the Beats. Background noise was barely audible during calls, which were very clear. However, several of my callers could tell that I wasn’t simply talking on my phone but also on headphones.
Winner: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphone 700
Value
While the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphone 700s are only offered in two colors and cost $399, the Beats Solo Pro is offered in six colors and costs $299.
The Solo Pros are a colorful, fashionable set of headphones that have active noise cancellation technology and excellent sound quality. Additionally, you gain access to Apple’s H1 processor, which provides faster pairing, hands-free Siri, and longer battery life.
You receive a set of Bose headphones in the case of the Bose. This implies that you will receive a device with a class-leading A.N.C. system that supports both calls and music. Battery life should last at least 20 hours, and the audio should be clear, crisp, and well-balanced. Even though the price is high, quality always costs more.
Read more:
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Bose QuietComfort 45
- Bose Earbuds Vs Samsung Earbuds
FAQs
Which Should You Get?
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 over the Beats Solo Pro.
Due to its unmatched comfort, sturdy construction, well-balanced sound profile, industry-leading noise cancellation, and crystal-clear call clarity, it has won practically all of the categories.
The only connectivity and battery life issues are minor, but you know what? Sometimes making a small concession will bring you the best result.
Additionally, excellent things are always expensive. Don’t you think so?
Because of this, I advise choosing the more expensive Bose 700 over the Solo Pro, which is more affordable.
What Are the Headphones You Can Pick Instead?
Both the Beats Solo Pro and the Bose NC 700 are alternatives that you can test out.
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Beats Studio3 Wireless
The industry-leading A.N.C. headphone, Sony W.H. 1000XM4, will provide you with improved comfort and a neutral sound profile. Additionally, you can simply add your own color to the neutral sound profile using the Sony Headphones Connect app if you don’t like it.
At the same time, Beats Solo Pro is a top-notch Bluetooth noise-canceling headphone that functions admirably on both iOS and Android devices. With 22 hours of battery life, it will let you enjoy excellent listening.
Does Bose Sound Better Than Beats?
The Bose QC 35 II headphones are more comfortable to wear and feature higher sound quality (particularly in the mid-range). On the other hand, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are undoubtedly more fashionable and have longer battery life.
Are the Beats Solo Pros Discontinued?
It’s unfortunate that Beats discontinued the Beats Solo Pro in November 2021 because it was their best noise-canceling headphone to date.
Are Bose Good For Bass?
Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700
These wireless 700s are among the best bose headphones you can get if you prefer turning up the bass when you’re listening to music. They’re not simply noise-canceling, which we love for flights, commuting, or wearing to focus at work.
What Kind of Music Sounds Best With a Bose 700?
The Bose 700 can work with any type of music, but it may sound best with genres that have a lot of basses, like hip hop or E.D.M.
Conclusion
Both Bose and Beats offer high-quality products, but there are some key differences between them. Bose 700 headphones are more expensive than the Beats Solo Pro. The Bose 700 also has a more premium feel and offers active noise cancellation, while the Beats Solo Pro does not. Ultimately, the decision of which headphones to buy depends on personal preference and budget.