Beats Studio Buds have generated considerable buzz, promising a compelling alternative to Apple’s ubiquitous AirPods. This review delves into a comprehensive comparison, examining design, comfort, battery life, noise cancellation, and most importantly, sound quality, to determine how the Beats Studio Buds truly stack up against the competition, especially the AirPods Pro.
Design and Fit: A Departure from AirPods
The Beats Studio Buds boast a distinctly different design compared to AirPods. Their compact, stubby form factor provides a secure in-ear fit, sitting nearly flush with the ear. While comfortable for extended wear, some users might experience pressure buildup after a few hours. The charging case, however, is noticeably larger and less pocketable than the AirPods Pro case. A significant drawback is the lack of MagSafe charging, requiring a USB-C cable, a surprising omission considering Apple’s integration of the technology. Inserting and removing the buds from the case also feels less intuitive than with AirPods.
Comfort and Battery Life: Holding Their Own
Comfort-wise, the Beats Studio Buds perform well, offering a secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes for customization. While extended wear might lead to some fatigue, it’s comparable to other in-ear earbuds. Battery life is also on par with AirPods, providing several hours of listening time on a single charge.
Noise Cancellation and Settings: A Disappointing Difference
A major differentiator lies in noise cancellation. The Beats Studio Buds’ noise cancellation pales in comparison to the AirPods Pro. The effect is significantly less pronounced, barely noticeable in some environments. Furthermore, enabling noise cancellation alters the overall sound profile, introducing a noticeable shift in EQ that, while adaptable, highlights a deficiency compared to the seamless transition in AirPods Pro. Basic settings customization allows users to choose between volume control and Siri/Noise Control for the press-and-hold function.
Audio Quality: The Defining Disparity
The most crucial aspect of any earbuds – audio quality – is where the Beats Studio Buds fall significantly short. Across all frequencies, the sound is thin and lacking depth. The signature Beats bass is surprisingly absent, replaced by a muddy soundscape where mids lack clarity and vocals get lost. This starkly contrasts with the rich, detailed sound profile of the AirPods Pro, which boast exceptional clarity, powerful bass, and a well-balanced EQ. The absence of any customizable EQ settings further limits the listening experience.
Price and Value: A Question of Worth
Priced between the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), the Beats Studio Buds fail to justify their cost considering the significant compromises in audio quality. The AirPods Pro, despite the higher price tag, offer a superior listening experience, justifying the extra investment with exceptional sound and class-leading noise cancellation.
Conclusion: AirPods Pro Remain the Undisputed Champion
While Beats Studio Buds offer a comfortable fit and decent battery life, the subpar noise cancellation and significantly inferior audio quality make them a disappointing choice, especially when compared to the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro’s superior sound, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem solidify their position as the clear winner in this comparison. The price difference between the two is easily justified by the vastly improved listening experience offered by the AirPods Pro. For those seeking high-fidelity audio and effective noise cancellation, the extra investment in AirPods Pro is undoubtedly worthwhile.
