Beats Studio Buds Plus vs Airpods Pro: Which Earbuds?
Struggling to choose between premium earbuds? You’re not alone! The market is saturated with options, but two contenders consistently rise to the top: the Beats Studio Buds Plus and the iconic AirPods Pro. Both promise a superior listening experience, but which one truly reigns supreme?
This in-depth comparison dives into the heart of these two popular choices. We’ll explore their key features, from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and design. This will help you decide which pair best fits your lifestyle and audio preferences.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and the AirPods Pro. We’ll leave no stone unturned to help you make an informed decision and upgrade your audio game. Let’s find out which earbuds will take the crown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | beats studio buds plus | airpods pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Chipset | Apple H1 | Apple H2 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Case | USB-C | Lightning |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Controls | Physical Buttons | Touch Controls |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 9 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 36 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Fast Pairing | Yes (Apple/Android) | Yes (Apple) |
| Customizable Ear Tips | Yes (4 sizes) | Yes (4 sizes) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Comfort
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Features a compact, stemless design with a comfortable in-ear fit. They come with four ear tip sizes for a secure seal, but some users may find the fit less secure during intense activity.
- Airpods Pro: Boasts a short-stem design with silicone ear tips and a vent system for pressure equalization. Offers a generally comfortable and secure fit, although some users find the stem design less discreet.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Provides enhanced ANC compared to the original Studio Buds, effectively reducing background noise. Performance is solid for the price, but may not be as powerful as some higher-end competitors.
- Airpods Pro: Delivers excellent ANC, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds. Offers a well-tuned and immersive noise cancellation experience, often considered a benchmark in the industry.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Transparency Mode
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Includes Transparency mode to allow ambient sound to pass through, useful for situational awareness. Performance is good for the price point, but may not sound as natural as some competitors.
- Airpods Pro: Features a highly effective Transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings clearly. Provides a natural and balanced sound profile when in Transparency mode.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Sound Quality
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Offers a balanced sound profile with enhanced clarity and detail, focusing on a wider soundstage. Delivers punchy bass and clear highs, suitable for various music genres.
- Airpods Pro: Known for a balanced and refined sound signature with good clarity. Offers a more neutral sound profile compared to Beats, which may appeal to a wider range of listeners.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Provides up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC off), and up to 27 hours with the charging case. Battery life is quite good for the size and price.
- Airpods Pro: Offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC on), and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Battery life is slightly less than Beats, but still competitive.
- Winner: beats studio buds plus
Call Quality
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Generally offers good call quality with effective noise reduction for clear voice transmission. Performs well in various environments.
- Airpods Pro: Delivers excellent call quality with clear voice pickup and good noise isolation. The beamforming microphones ensure clear voice transmission, even in noisy environments.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Connectivity & Features
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Offers seamless pairing with Apple devices and supports features like “Hey Siri” voice activation. Includes fast pairing and a reliable Bluetooth connection.
- Airpods Pro: Seamless integration with Apple devices, including instant pairing, and features like spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Offers a highly intuitive user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Price
- Beats Studio Buds Plus: Generally more affordable than AirPods Pro. Offers excellent value for its features and performance.
- Airpods Pro: Typically priced higher than Beats Studio Buds Plus. The premium price reflects its advanced features and brand recognition.
- Winner: beats studio buds plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | beats studio buds plus |
| Noise Cancellation | airpods pro |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Features | airpods pro |
| Ecosystem Integration | airpods pro |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | beats studio buds plus |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio by blocking out surrounding noise.
- Transparency Mode: Both models include a transparency mode, enabling you to hear your surroundings when needed without removing your earbuds.
- Water Resistance: Both earbuds are rated IPX4, meaning they are resistant to splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and everyday use.
- Spatial Audio: Both headphones support spatial audio, creating a more immersive listening experience by simulating a wider soundstage.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Both utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and efficient wireless connection.
- Customizable Ear Tips: Both come with multiple sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for different ear shapes.
Beats Studio Buds Plus Vs Airpods Pro Buying Guide
Sound Quality
Both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro offer impressive sound quality, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Studio Buds Plus often boast a more emphasized bass response, providing a punchier and more energetic sound profile, ideal for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, tend to deliver a more balanced and neutral sound signature, with a focus on clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum. This makes them a great choice for a wider range of music styles, including classical and acoustic genres. Consider your preferred sound signature when making your choice.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a key feature in both models, but there are differences in performance. The AirPods Pro generally lead in this category, offering superior active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out a wider range of ambient sounds. This is achieved through advanced algorithms and a tighter seal provided by the ear tips. The Beats Studio Buds Plus also provide effective ANC, particularly for mid-range frequencies, like office chatter. The AirPods Pro excel at reducing consistent sounds like airplane engines. If you frequently travel or work in noisy environments, the AirPods Pro might be the better option.
Design and Comfort
Both earbuds are designed for comfort, but with different approaches. The Beats Studio Buds Plus have a more compact and streamlined design, making them discreet and comfortable for extended wear. They typically come with a range of ear tip sizes to ensure a secure fit. The AirPods Pro feature a stem design and also come with various ear tip sizes, but the fit can be less universally comfortable for some. Personal preference plays a significant role here, as ear shapes vary. Try both if possible to determine which design suits you best for long listening sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any wireless earbuds. The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer a respectable battery life, typically providing around 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 27 hours with the charging case. The AirPods Pro offer a similar performance, with around 4.5 to 5 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The actual battery life may vary depending on the usage of ANC and volume levels. Consider how long you typically listen to music before needing to recharge.
Connectivity and Features
Both earbuds excel in connectivity and offer seamless integration with Apple devices. The AirPods Pro benefit from the H1 chip, enabling features like spatial audio for immersive sound and hands-free “Hey Siri” activation. The Beats Studio Buds Plus also offer quick pairing on both iOS and Android, and the “Find My” feature. While the Studio Buds Plus are compatible with both platforms, the AirPods Pro offer slightly more optimized features within the Apple ecosystem. Consider which ecosystem you primarily use when deciding which features are most important to you.
Price and Value
Price is always a key factor. Both models are premium earbuds, but they can vary in price depending on sales and retailer offers. Consider the features and performance you need and compare them to the price point. The Beats Studio Buds Plus often represent a strong value proposition, offering a compelling blend of features and sound quality at a slightly lower price point. The AirPods Pro, with their superior noise cancellation and extra features, often justify their higher cost for those who prioritize those aspects. Evaluate your budget and prioritize your must-have features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy beats studio buds plus If…
- You want a more affordable option with excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
- You prefer physical button controls for easier operation during workouts.
- You value a longer battery life in the earbuds themselves.
- You want a more universal charging port (USB-C).
Buy airpods pro If…
- You’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration.
- You prioritize the latest Apple features and chipset for enhanced performance.
- You prefer touch controls for a more intuitive user experience.
- You want the best possible noise cancellation and transparency mode performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro?
The primary difference lies in the sound profile and noise cancellation performance. The Beats Studio Buds Plus often emphasize bass, while AirPods Pro offer a more balanced sound. AirPods Pro generally have superior noise cancellation. Both offer great features and a comfortable fit, but the specific strengths cater to different user needs and preferences.
Which earbuds offer better noise cancellation?
AirPods Pro generally provide superior active noise cancellation (ANC). Their advanced algorithms and a tighter seal typically block out a wider range of ambient sounds, including low-frequency noises like engine rumbles and consistent background noise. The Studio Buds Plus still offer good noise cancellation, effective at reducing mid-range frequencies, but AirPods Pro have the edge.
Which earbuds have better battery life?
Both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro have comparable battery life. The Studio Buds Plus typically offer around 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 27 hours with the charging case. AirPods Pro offer around 4.5 to 5 hours with ANC on, and up to 24 hours with the case. Real-world usage may vary slightly.
Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus work with Android?
Yes, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are fully compatible with Android devices. They offer quick pairing and all the essential functionality, including music playback controls, and access to a companion app for customization. Unlike AirPods Pro, which have deeper integration with the Apple ecosystem, the Studio Buds Plus provides a more universal experience.
Which earbuds are better for phone calls?
Both earbuds perform well in phone calls, offering good microphone quality and noise isolation. However, the AirPods Pro often have a slight advantage due to their more advanced beamforming microphones and better noise reduction during calls, leading to clearer voice transmission in noisy environments. Both are suitable for calls, but the AirPods Pro are slightly superior.
Are the Beats Studio Buds Plus water-resistant?
Yes, both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro are water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. The Studio Buds Plus have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand splashes from any direction. The AirPods Pro also have an IPX4 rating, providing similar protection against sweat and light moisture. However, they are not designed for submersion.
Which earbuds are more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective and depends on individual ear shape. The Beats Studio Buds Plus have a smaller, more compact design, which may be more comfortable for some. Both come with different ear tip sizes. It is recommended to try both if possible. The AirPods Pro feature a stem design, which, while comfortable for many, may not fit all ears perfectly.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Beats Studio Buds Plus and AirPods Pro depends on individual needs. The Studio Buds Plus provide punchy audio and strong value, while the AirPods Pro excel with superior noise cancellation and a balanced sound. Those prioritizing noise reduction and a balanced audio profile should choose the AirPods Pro. For a more bass-heavy sound and broader platform compatibility, the Studio Buds Plus are the better pick.
Winner: AirPods Pro