How to Identify your Beats by Dre Studio and Solo Headphones
January 22, 2021By CentralSound | Beats Headphone Repair Guides | Fox Lake, IL | April 2026
Confused on which parts or accessories to buy for your Beats headphones?
Beats has different models of headphones on the market. It’s important to know which model you own so you can find the right parts or accessories for your Beats headphones. We’ve created this guide to help you find the right products for them.
There are two main differences between the Beats Studio and Solo headphones. Beats Studio headphones go around the ear (Around-Ear), while the Beats Solo lies on the ear (On-Ear). The ear pads for the Beat Solo Headphones are shaped like a circle, while the Beats Studio Headphones take on more of an oval shape and are larger.
Beats Studio (over-ear, oval pads) vs. Beats Solo (on-ear, round pads)
Before Apple bought Beats in 2014, the headbands had beats by dr. dre across the top of the headbands. Afterward, they have been created to just say beats on the top of the headband. Let’s take a look at how to identify pre-Apple Beats headphones.
Here are some of the models from Beats By Dre (Pre-Apple) (2008-2014): Studio, Solo HD which both are wired. These models are identified by the headband which has beats by dre across it, and the Studio headphones require replaceable AAA batteries. Beats By Dre headphones also have the original Beats by Dr. Dre logo on the side of the headband above the hinge.
For these headphones, the model numbers are on stickers, which can be found on the bottom of the inside panel.
💡 Bonus: You can often find the name of your headphones directly by pairing with a phone, then going into Bluetooth settings. Here, you’ll find the name of the connected device.
Already Know Your Model?
Jump straight to the parts you need. CentralSound ships Beats replacement parts directly from Fox Lake, IL — ear pads, headbands, batteries, charge ports and more.
Shop All Beats Replacement Parts →Beats by Dre Studio (2008–2014)
Pre-Apple | Wired Only
Requires:
- AAA batteries (to turn on noise cancellation feature)
- 3.5mm cable
Beats by Dre Solo HD (2008–2014)
Pre-Apple | Wired Only
On the top part of the outside of the left panel, it says “solo HD”
Requires:
- Audio cable
Apple Beats Models (2014–Present)
To find the serial or model number for the Beats Solo Pro, you will need to expand the headband and look on the inside of the slider that is above the left ear cup. For other Beats headphones, you will need to expand the headband and look on the inside of the slider above the right earcup. With the serial number you can enter it at apple.com to find your model number. Some Beats headphones will have the model number printed in this same location. The model number is also located on the packaging near the barcode.
Most models — right slider
Solo Pro — left slider
🎬 Watch Our Video: How to Identify Your Beats by Dre Headphones →
Beats EP Wired
Model Number: A1746
Studio 2 Wired
Model Number: B0500
Outside of right hinge just says “studio”
Requires:
- Audio cable
- Charging cable
Replacement parts:
Studio Pro
Model Number: A2924
Replacement parts:
Studio 2 Wireless
Model Number: B0501
Requires:
- Charging cable
- 3.5mm audio cable (optional)
Replacement parts:
Studio 3 (2017–present)
Model Number: A1914
Can be identified on outside of the right hinge, which just says “studio 3”
Requires:
- Charging cable
- Audio cable (optional)
Replacement parts:
Solo 2 Wired
Model Number: B0518
Outside of right hinge says “solo”
Requires:
- Audio cable
- Charging cable
Replacement parts:
Solo 2 Wireless
Model Number: B0534
Outside of right hinge says “solo”
Requires:
- Audio cable (optional)
- Charging cable
Replacement parts:
Solo 3 (2019–present)
Model Number: A1796
Can be identified by the hinge on the right side which reads “solo3”
Comes in more (and newer) colors as compared to Solo 2
- Audio cable (optional)
Replacement parts:
Solo Pro (2019–present)
Model Number: A1881
Beats Solo Pro Headphones
- Has a toggle button on bottom of left earcup to switch between noise canceling and transparency mode
- Headphones unfold to turn on and connect to device
- All colors are matte colors instead of shiny
Replacement parts:
Solo 4 (2024–present)
Model Number: MUW33LL/A
You can also use the Beats app to identify your device. Look for the phrase “under the hood: serial number.”
Powerbeats 3 Wireless
Model Number: A1747
The Powerbeats 3 are sport-focused in-ear headphones with over-ear hooks designed to stay in place during workouts. The flexible ear hooks are a common failure point — CentralSound stocks replacement ear hooks so you don’t have to replace the entire headphone.
Replacement parts:
Another option would be checking Settings on your device (when your Beats headphones are connected to your device).
General → About → Scroll down to search for name of your Beats device
From there, you can see the model and serial numbers for your Beats headphones.
Quick Reference: Beats Model Numbers at a Glance
Use this table to quickly match your model number to the correct headphone.
| Model Name | Model Number | Type | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo 2 Wired | B0518 | On-Ear | Wired |
| Solo 2 Wireless | B0534 | On-Ear | Bluetooth |
| Solo 3 Wireless | A1796 | On-Ear | Bluetooth (W1) |
| Solo 4 | MUW33LL/A | On-Ear | Bluetooth |
| Solo Pro | A1881 | On-Ear | Bluetooth (H1) |
| Studio 2 Wired | B0500 | Over-Ear | Wired |
| Studio 2 Wireless | B0501 | Over-Ear | Bluetooth |
| Studio 3 Wireless | A1914 | Over-Ear | Bluetooth (W1) |
| Studio Pro (2023) | A2924 | Over-Ear | Bluetooth / USB-C |
| Beats EP | A1746 | On-Ear | Wired |
| Powerbeats 3 | A1747 | In-Ear (Sport) | Bluetooth (W1) |
Found Your Model? Get the Right Parts.
All Beats replacement parts ship directly from our facility in Fox Lake, IL. Every order includes a step-by-step video tutorial so you can repair with confidence — no technician required.
Shop All Beats Parts →Frequently Asked Questions
My model number isn’t listed here — what do I do?
Beats has released many models over the years. If your model number isn’t listed above, email us at CustomerSupport@CentralSound.Co with your model number and we’ll point you to the right parts or let you know if we carry them.
Are Beats Studio 2 and Studio 3 ear pads interchangeable?
Yes — the Studio 2 and Studio 3 use the same ear pad size and attachment method. Our Studio 2/3 replacement ear pads fit both models perfectly.
Are Solo 2 and Solo 3 ear pads the same?
Yes — our Solo 2 & Solo 3 replacement ear pads are compatible with both wireless and wired versions of both models.
Why won’t Apple sell me replacement parts directly?
Apple does not sell Beats replacement parts to the general public or to non-Apple-certified repair companies. This is exactly why CentralSound exists — we source premium Beats replacement parts and make them available directly to you, shipped from Fox Lake, IL with video tutorials included.
Do your parts come with installation instructions?
Every order includes a QR code or link to our step-by-step video repair tutorial specific to your model. You can also browse our full Beats repair video library before you buy.
Don’t Replace — Repair
A broken headband, worn ear pads, or a dead battery should never mean the end of a great pair of Beats headphones. With the right replacement parts and a video tutorial, most Beats repairs take less than 30 minutes at home — no technician, no mail-in service, no $150 repair bill.
That’s what we do at CentralSound. Discover. Repair. Revive. 🎧
Fix Your Beats. Don’t Replace Them.
Replacement ear pads, headbands, batteries, charge ports and more — for every major Beats model. Ships same day from Fox Lake, IL 🇺🇸
Shop All Beats Replacement Parts →Written by the CentralSound Team — Fox Lake, IL. Helping Beats headphone owners repair and revive their gear since 2014.