The newest wireless Beats on-ears sound great, but still squeeze your head and wallet

The newest wireless Beats on-ears sound great, but still squeeze your head and wallet

The Beats Solo3 Wireless are the first pair of headphones to utilize the new Apple W1 chip that can be found in earphones like the AirPods . This, along with the Beats logo and branding, helps explain the $299.95 price.

Powerful, bass-forward (but balanced) audio performance; Apple W1 chip enhances experience with iOS devices; Detachable cable with inline remote for passive listening

A bit overpriced; Headband can get uncomfortable during longer listening sessions

The Beats Solo3 Wireless are the first pair of headphones to utilize the new Apple W1 chip that can be found in earphones like the AirPods ($124.99 at Amazon) . This, along with the Beats logo and branding, helps explain the $299.95 price. The W1 chip does offer greater convenience for iOS users, while the headphones themselves deliver a solid, bass-forward listening experience. Alas, it's an experience that feels more in line with less expensive options. If you're a fan of the Beats aesthetic and want to know whether the Solo3 Wireless provide a strong audio experience, the answer is yes—but at $300, there are stronger options. Design Available in glossy black, white, gold, rose gold, or silver models, the supra-aural (on-ear) Solo3 Wireless ($181.49 at Amazon) feature exceptionally comfortable earpads and a slightly less comfortable headband—its underside is notably less padded. During short listening sessions, the headphones are quite comfortable, but you might feel a bit of f...

The Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones use Apple's W1 chip for easier connectivity with iOS devices and deliver a balanced Bluetooth audio experience for bass lovers, but feel a tad expensive.

Powerful, bass-forward (but balanced) audio performance; Apple W1 chip enhances experience with iOS devices; Detachable cable with inline remote for passive listening

A bit overpriced; Headband can get uncomfortable during longer listening sessions

It's time for another crack at the Beats Solo formula, which has already produced some of the most popular headphones in the world. The sound hasn't been radically changed in the Beats Solo 3 Wireless, and neither has the design.

Fun; energetic sound; Excellent battery life

Dominant bass; Some mid-range clogging; Expensive

Beats has been pretty quiet of late, but with the launch of the new iPhone 7 and iOS 10 the company has released four new headphones - including an update to its popular Solo range.

W1 connectivity for Apple users; big bass; long battery life; quick charge

Snug fit is a little too snug; bass can drown out detail; expensive

At a hair under $300, the Beats Solo 3s are certainly priced like a premium product, but you wouldn't know it from handling them. A cascade of glossy plastic trickles down from the headband to encase the ear cups.

Rock-solid wireless performance; Entertaining sound; especially with modern electronic music; Light and comfortable

Flimsy; plastic-rich construction; Not great at handling acoustic music; You won't get the most out of these without an iOS device

Noontec Zoro II wireless: The Noontec Zoro II wireless takes on the Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 wireless

Bluetooth aptX; Portable design

Clunky design; Overall sound quality

Beats – now completely owned by Apple – has been offering wireless headphones for years and the latest version of its popular Solo range is easily the best. Of course, the headphones will work with other devices with Bluetooth onboard so while you get wireless freedom you also get amazing sound...

Excellent design; brilliant audio quality; long battery life; Fast Fuel charging

Expensive

Beats' new headphones are Bluetooth, but better . You don't even have to touch your phone to pair them, battery life is twice as long as previous generation. And they're Beats, so if you buy them then you're instantly the coolest guy in the room. But what do they actually sound like?