Beats Solo (2009) vs Bose QuietComfort 3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Only show differences

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Share comparison

Solo (2009) compared with QuietComfort 3

	BeatsSolo (2009)	BoseQuietComfort 3
Overview
Released
Released	2009	2006
Sound
Type
Type	On-ear	On-ear
Noise cancelling
Noise cancelling	No	Yes
Back
Back	–	Closed
Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth codecs	None (wired)	None (wired)
Noise cancelling detail
Noise cancelling detail	–	Noise cancellation can run with the audio cable detached; the power switch is on the right earcup
Drivers
Drivers	Original maker announcement describes a compact driver but gives no diameter.	–
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)
Listening time (maker's claim)	No battery (wired)	Up to 20 hours
Battery life detail
Battery life detail	–	The 2006 Bose battery instructions state approximately 20 hours per charge; a later Bose owner guide states approximately 25 hours. The battery is removed from the right earcup and charged in a separate mains charger
Design
Headphone cable
Headphone cable	Yes	Yes
Controls
Controls	ControlTalk cable supports music playback, volume and calls on compatible devices.	Power switch and indicator on the right earcup; audio volume is controlled at the source
Microphones
Microphones	Microphone built into the ControlTalk remote cable.	–
Fit and ear tips
Fit and ear tips	Folding headband and padded on-ear cushions; original Solo, distinct from the later Solo HD.	On-ear cushions and rotating earcups that fold flat into the carrying case
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 audio cable with 3.5 mm source plug; supplied dual-plug airline adapter
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.	Headphones, removable battery, battery charger, audio cable, airline adapter and carrying case; later packages included an Apple-compatible remote and microphone cable