Beats Solo (2009) vs Beats Studio (2008)

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Solo (2009) compared with Studio (2008)

	BeatsSolo (2009)	BeatsStudio (2008)
Overview
Released
Released	2009	July 2008
Sound
Type
Type	On-ear	Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Noise cancelling	No	Yes
Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth codecs	None (wired)	None (wired)
Noise cancelling detail
Noise cancelling detail	–	Maker manual calls the battery-powered system powered isolation; Headfonia and Computer Bild identify active noise cancelling. Playback cannot operate with the power switch off or without batteries.
Drivers
Drivers	Original maker announcement describes a compact driver but gives no diameter.	–
Battery
Battery life detail
Battery life detail	–	Two replaceable AAA-size alkaline or lithium batteries in the left ear cup. No listening-time claim is published in the maker manual read.
Listening time (maker's claim)
Listening time (maker's claim)	No battery (wired)	–
Design
Headphone cable
Headphone cable	Yes	Yes
Controls
Controls	ControlTalk cable supports music playback, volume and calls on compatible devices.	Power switch on the right ear cup; press and hold its central Beats button to mute audio. The original iSoniTalk cable has a button to answer and end calls.
Microphones
Microphones	Microphone built into the ControlTalk remote cable.	Microphone built into the supplied black iSoniTalk cable.
Fit and ear tips
Fit and ear tips	Folding headband and padded on-ear cushions; original Solo, distinct from the later Solo HD.	Adjustable headband, swivelling ear cups and two folding hinges. Headfonia describes leather pads and a glossy finish with aluminium accents.
Works with
Works with	Detachable 3.5 mm analogue cable. Original maker announcement lists remote and microphone support for specific iPod nano, classic and touch models, iPhone 3GS and some BlackBerry models; support varies by model and software version. Remote-only support is listed for the third-generation iPod shuffle.	Detachable analogue cable with 3.5 mm connectors at both ends, confirmed by Headfonia. Maker manual describes iSoniTalk compatibility with iPhone and other music-enabled phones.
Colours
Colours	Black and white in the original maker announcement. Planned November 2009 availability is published, but the first actual sale month is unproved, so the release retains year precision. TIME describes the headphones in November 2009.	–
In the box
In the box	Les Numériques' reviewed package contains a semi-rigid carrying case and two cables, one standard and one with an Apple-compatible remote.	Maker manual lists touring case, black iSoniTalk cable, red audio cable, 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch stereo adapter, cleaning cloth and two AAA batteries. Reviewed later bundles also included an airline adapter; bundles may differ.