Beats Solo headphones have been iconic for the last decade. They're what you picture when you think about overpriced, poorly constructed headphones with too much bass. They're also the highest selling headphones of all time, and are one of the earlier models that made wearing headphones cool.

I have to admit that, going into this review, I did not have high hopes for the Solo Pro, especially given how much the price has gone up ($429, versus the Solo 3's $279). But boy did they prove me wrong. These are the first Beats headphones (not buds) co-engineered from the ground up with Apple, and they're easily the best on-ear headphones I have ever used, with the sound quality and noise cancelling rivalling that of many more expensive over-ears.

The old Solos were plastic and broke easily. The old earcups had a seam and not anywhere near enough padding to be worn for a long time. In contrast, the Pro can withstand stress tests of being pulled apart at odd angles, and the adjustment mechanism is made out of anodised aluminium, which is strong and light.

The only real problem I have with the construction is that I find it holds my big head in a vice-like grip. It will probably soften over time, but for now it's a little uncomfortable to wear for long sessions. As with all on-ear headphones it is not friends with piercings, though it is a bit friendlier with glasses.