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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value sound quality for listening to music in a critical setting, AKG K712 Pro is the superior choice, with its open-back design providing a wider soundstage for immersive audio experiences. However, these headphones do not include a microphone and aren't suitable for calls or meetings. The open design also means they are less portable and provide poor noise isolation, making them a poor fit for commuting or listening in noisy environments. On the other hand, Beats Solo 3 offers a closed-back design that isolates more noise, a built-in microphone for calls, improved portability with a foldable design, and wireless technology—making them more versatile for everyday use including calls, and more convenient for travel or exercise. They offer less sound quality and a smaller soundstage, which is typically less preferred for critical listening but might be favored for convenience and varied use cases. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.3
The AKG K712 Pro is good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
5.3
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
5.8
The AKG K712 Pro is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
8.4
5.6
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and AKG K712 Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
41.5 Hours
The AKG K712 Pro does not have a battery. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$270
$117
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $270 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
4.7
The AKG K712 Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The AKG K712 Pro and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$270 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 4.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Beats Solo 3
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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