While Bose has always been at the top of the noise cancelling headphones space, Beats has been making strides with ever-improving models. Its latest attempt, the Beats Solo Pro, is its most impressive so far, and definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for new ANC headphones. Check out how the Solo Pro compares with the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, currently the brand’s best.
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Bose vs Beats Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Chart
| Model | Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 | Beats Solo Pro |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Dimensions | 2″ x 6.5″ x 8″ | 7.1″ |
| Weight | 0.55 lbs | 0.59 lbs |
| Foldable Design | No | Yes |
| App | Bose Music | Beats |
| ANC Levels | 11 | 3 |
| Touch Controls | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 22 hours |
| Fast Charging | 15 minutes for 3.5 hours | 10 minutes for 3 hours |
| 3.5mm Cable | Included | Sold Separately |
Design
Both Bose and Beats noise cancelling headphones are stylish and comfortable.
The sleek new look of the Bose Headphones 700 is a welcome departure from the traditional design of the company’s previous best-sellers. Its slim stainless steel headband is cushioned extremely well by a soft foam so it sits comfortably. Meanwhile, the Beats Solo Pro sports the brand’s signature look. It’s undeniably modern and hip, with nice new matte finish that sets it apart from the glossy models in their lineup.
Whichever design you prefer, you’re going to get a pair of headphones that look good enough to be fashion accessories. You’re going to want to wear them as often as you can whether you’re out and about or simply lounging around the house. Their comfy earcups enclose your ears wonderfully, and fit can be adjusted by sliding them up or down.
A few important differences need to be mentioned though. First, the Beats Solo Pro has a foldable design that makes it more compact and portable. The included carrying case is smaller and easier to tuck away, and has a nice soft felt texture. In comparison, the Bose 700 has a much larger case since you can’t fold the headphones. Finally, there’s no 3.5mm audio cable included with the Beats Solo Pro. It will cost you extra to add a Lightning-to-3.5mm cable and it isn’t cheap.
Setup and Controls
The Bose Headphones 700 provides better touch and app controls than the Beats Solo Pro.
To start, the Beats Solo Pro will almost instantly pair with an iPhone once you unfold it, thanks to its Apple H1 chip. Folding and unfolding is how you turn it off and on, by the way, which some might not like but it’s easier. The pairing process with the Bose 700 is done the usual way, by selecting the headphones in the Bluetooth menu of your phone. Downloading their respective companion apps lets you access more settings and will also be used to update their firmware.
Both the Beats app and the Bose Connect app lets you control volume levels, music playback and ANC modes. You can also switch the active voice assistant, which is by default Google Assistant for Bose and Siri for Beats. However, the Bose app gives you even more ANC levels to choose from other than the three favorites you can select on the device. You’ll also be able to set how loud your voice sounds during phone calls.
Touch controls on the Bose 700 headphones are more responsive than the integrated on-ear buttons of the Beats Solo Pro. You can easily swipe in four directions to adjust volume and skip tracks, as well as tap a few times to answer and end calls or play and pause music. There are separate buttons for preset ANC levels and the voice assistant too.
Noise Cancellation
The Bose Headphones 700 have superior active noise cancellation compared to the Beats Solo Pro.
Beats has definitely made headway in improving the active noise cancellation capabilities of their headphones, and it shows in the Beats Solo Pro. Wearing it will make nearby conversations seem like they’re in another room. Play some music and you won’t hear traces of them at all. It shuts out background noises effectively and muffles loud sounds such as plane engines well.
Still, there are only three modes available on the Beats Solo Pro. It has a Transparency mode that allows more ambient sounds to help you stay aware of your environment. The last mode is more of an off switch for the ANC so you can conserve battery. In contrast, there are 11 levels of ANC available on the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. As such, you get incremental control over how much noise gets filtered out, from none at all to outer space quiet.
To compare, you can get the same level of noise cancellation that the Beats Solo Pro can muster by setting the Bose NCH 700 to 7. Levels 1-5 will allow you to remain aware of important announcements and car horns, while the lowest setting is dubbed Conversation mode, as it lets you hear people as if you weren’t wearing headphones at all.
In addition, the additional microphones on the Bose 700 Headphones further improve your vocal quality during calls. They filter out background noise so you come out clear to whomever you’re talking.
Sound Quality
The Beats Solo Pro has stronger bass, but the Bose NCH 700 has a more balanced sound.
As you can expect, the brand that built a loyal following among audiences who can’t get enough bass has the headphones with the boomier low ends. With the help of Apple, Beats has tamed down its sound profile a lot, so you can expect a more refined audioscape from the Beats Solo Pro. There’s still a lot of bass but it’s more defined now, and doesn’t overshadow the midrange and higher frequencies.
Bose has done some work on their seemingly distant audio signature which was the result of their powerful ANC tech. As a result, the Bose NCH 700 now sounds warmer and richer, and the highs and mids are clear and stand out. Its bass is also pretty impressive at low volumes, so you get lots of thump, though the active EQ turns it down when you increase the volume.
Without an equalizer or the ability to create custom sound profiles, you’re pretty much locked in with how each of these headphones sound. Those who enjoy their bass will likely find the stronger lows of the Beats Solo Pro more to their taste, while those who love modern tunes will appreciate the depth available in the Bose 700.
Verdict
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the better ANC headphones, but the Beats Solo Pro presents better value.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Beats Solo Pro
If your top priority is getting peace and quiet wherever you are, the clearly better choice is the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Its topnotch ANC features are more flexible and transfer over to calls too. Sound quality is excellent, and your favorite music can really fill your ears even with medium levels of ANC. Even better, the evolved design certainly adds its own weight. You won’t hesitate showing these off whenever you can.
At its lower price point the Beats Solo Pro simply offers lots of value. There’s no denying its premium look and easily recognizable branding. Its active noise cancellation is way ahead of other Beats audio products and its sound profile isn’t just full of overbearing bass anymore. With its Apple H1 chip it will pair better with iOS fans, and you get a lot more color options for your own style preferences too.
FAQs
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the better choice. Its topnotch ANC features are more flexible and transfer over to calls too. Sound quality is excellent, and your favorite music can really fill your ears even with medium levels of ANC.
Sold at a lower price point, the Beats Solo Pro offers better value for money. It boasts of a premium design, plus its active noise cancellation is way ahead of other Beats audio products.
Both Bose and Beats noise cancelling headphones are stylish and comfortable. The Bose Headphones 700 boasts of a sleek new look while the Beats Solo Pro sports the brand’s signature modern and hip look.
The Beats Solo Pro has stronger bass while the Bose NCH 700 has a more balanced sound.