When Beats unveiled its latest Solo 4 headphones in April, they also teased the upcoming release of the Solo Buds, their new entry-level true wireless earbuds. Priced attractively at $79 / £79 / AU$129, these buds are set to compete with some of the best budget-friendly options on the market. Initially, the launch date was unknown, but now it’s confirmed – the Beats Solo Buds will hit the global market on June 20, following a brief two-day pre-order period starting on June 18.
Being the first earbuds to bear the Solo branding from Beats, these buds emphasize portability and extended battery life. In comparison to the Beats Studio Buds Plus, the Solo Buds feature a significantly smaller case, making it easily palm-sized. Despite their compactness, they maintain the signature corkscrew-like design with the iconic “b” emblem prominently displayed on each bud.
Color options seem to be a strong suit for Beats, with the release showcasing a range of attractive choices including Transparent Red, Matte Black, Storm Gray, and Arctic Purple.
One notable design decision from Beats is the omission of any form of battery or wireless charging from the case, contributing to its compactness. While the Solo Buds boast an impressive 18 hours of battery life, users will need to recharge the earbuds by connecting the case via USB-C, rather than simply placing them back in for wireless charging. This extended battery life sets a new benchmark among true wireless earbuds, piquing curiosity about their real-world performance.
Despite their competitive price point, the Solo Buds do not offer support for Spatial Audio, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, or multi-point Bluetooth connectivity. However, they promise to deliver the signature Beats sound experience, along with fast pairing and feature parity across both Android and iOS devices. This includes customization options for the EQ and the convenience of locating the earbuds using Find My on iPhone or the Beats app on Android.
Interested buyers can place their orders for the Beats Solo Buds starting June 18 through Apple and authorized retailers, with the official launch slated for June 20. Available in a variety of colors including Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Gray, and Transparent Red, these buds offer a stylish and functional choice for users seeking affordable wireless audio solutions.