Apple’s next-generation AirPods Pro 2 offers significant upgrades to the popular original to take performance to the next level. From the outside, it looks very similar to the first generation, but the battery life has been increased to provide 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and another 30 hours from the wireless charging case. Not only are the earphones IPX4 rated, but now they are.
to
- World class noise cancellation
- Audio controls on the trunk
- Spatial audio support
- Battery life improves on the original AirPods Pro
against
- Vocal performance needs precision
- Call quality is lackluster
The new Beats Studio Buds + headphones have a lot going for them. They retain the iconic design of the original but add improved ANC performance, stronger transparency mode, and hands-free Siri support. While the increased battery life sounds like a winner, it’s pretty standard compared to today’s competitors, which makes this next-gen version feel like it’s been overdone.
to
- Iconic style and compact design
- Active noise cancellation
- Battery life has been improved compared to the original
- Good comfort levels
against
- There is no wireless charging case
- It lacks ear detection
- Awkward to get in and out of the charging case
When you’re looking for the best noise canceling earphones, there’s no shortage of options out there with Sony, Sennheiser, Samsung, and Google all offering some great options.
However, if you’re an iOS user who wants to stay within the Apple product ecosystem, you’ve probably focused on the AirPods Pro 2 or the new Beats Studio Buds+.
While both of these earphones share some of the same features, there is a fundamental difference between them, not to mention a huge price difference that can make choosing between them more difficult than you might expect.
Not sure which one to buy? This comparison breaks down both models and, at the end of the day, should give you all the information you need to make the best choice.
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Header cell – column 0 | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Beats Studio Buds + |
|---|---|---|
| price | $199 | $169 |
| Wireless charging case | Yes | no |
| chip | H2 | beats |
| Battery life (rated) | 5.5 hours (spatial audio and head tracking) 6 hours (ANC on); 7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (charging case with ANC on); 34 hours (charging case with ANC off) | 9 hours (ANC off); 6 hours (with ANC and/or transparency enabled); Up to 36 hours total (with charging case and ANC off) |
| Water resistant | IPX4 (speakers and charging case) | IPX4 (buds only) |
| measuring | 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches (per bud); 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inches (charging case) | 0.75 x 1.18 x 0.94 inches (per bud); 1 x 2 x 2.83 inches (charging case) |
| Weight | 0.19 ounces (per bud); 1.79 ounces (charging case) | almost. 0.2 ounces (per bud); 1.72 ounces (charging case) |
| Special features | ANC, Adaptive Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, Custom Spatial Sound, Auto Switch, Ear Tip Fit Test, Volume Controls, Share Audio, Announced Messages with Siri, Find My (AirPods), “Hey Siri” voice-activated assistance, Listening Direct, MagSafe Charging Case with Built-in Speaker, Apple Watch Charging, Lanyard Loop Support | ANC, Adaptive EQ, Custom Spatial Sound, Transparency Mode, Auto Switch, Share Voice, Announced Messages with Siri, Ear Tip Fit Test, “Hey Siri” voice-activated assistance, Find My in iOS |
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Price and availability
As mentioned earlier, there is a relatively big difference in price between the Beats Studio Buds + and the AirPods Pro 2, even though the AirPods Pro 2 are several months older than the newer Beats Studio Buds +.
At the time this article was published, the Beats Studio Buds+ can be found for $169 / £179 / AU$269, the price they launched on May 17th.
The AirPods Pro 2, meanwhile, can be found for $199 at most major retailers… except for the Apple Store, where they’re still selling at their launch price of $249 / $329 CAD / £249 / AU$399. AirPods Pro 2 launched on September 23, 2022, which makes them about seven months older than the Beats Studio Buds+.
There’s a difference in features, as we’ll explain below, but there’s no arguing the fact that the Beats Studio Buds+ are the latest and cheapest pair of earphones.
winner: Beats Studio Buds +
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Design
It’s really impressive how similar the features are, but the design of the AirPods and Studio Buds are different from each other.
The AirPods Pro 2, like the original AirPods and AirPods Pro, have this distinct signature and only come in the signature white color option. The Studio Buds on the other hand? Not only is it smaller and more spherical in its design, but it comes in two different color options, black/gold and ivory, or completely transparent.
There’s a distinct aesthetic difference between them, but the difference in size and shape means they’ll work differently for different sized ears — the Studio Buds are ideal for people whose ears hurt from wearing earphones for long periods of time, while the AirPods work differently. Perfect for people who find it difficult to hold their earphones in place.
In terms of issues, there isn’t much to say. Both are IPX4 water-resistant so they can withstand a little rain and both can be found using the Find My… app on iOS devices either get lost somewhere. However, the AirPods Pro 2 case comes with wireless charging, so if that’s a factor, count this category as a win for the Pro 2. Otherwise, I’d call this category a tie.
winner: bond
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Controls
While the controls are similar on both earbuds, they each have a trick that makes them unique. For the Studio Buds+, it’s quick pairing with Android, while the AirPods Pro 2 use touch stems for control instead of a physical button.
Since setup is pretty easy on Android with Studio Buds+, we’d recommend it if you plan to pair it with something like Google Pixel 7 While AirPods are clearly a better option for any Apple device like iPhone 14 Pro.
When it comes to physically controlling them, the AirPods Pro 2 are the better option — being able to use the stem to control audio playback is noticeably more convenient than pressing a button on the side of the earbuds. The bright side? Fortunately, both earphones support hands-free “Hey Siri” voice control on iOS devices.
winner: AirPods Pro 2
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Sound quality
Before we begin, it’s important to remember that there is a fair amount of subjectivity when it comes to comparing sound quality. No one’s ears hear in exactly the same way, which means you might hear something we don’t and vice versa.
However, based on our reviewers’ experiences, we believe the AirPods Pro 2 will provide better overall sound quality that more people will enjoy.
Just read these two excerpts:
From the Beats Studio Buds + review: The frequency balance is on the lean side. There’s a lack of bass depth and warmth that I wasn’t expecting when listening to Loreen’s Eurovision-winning song “Tattoo” streamed through Apple Music, especially at lower volume levels… Increasing the volume helps fill out the bass and bring more energy, But it had to be pushed higher than I expected to get a full spectrum sound.
Compare that to this excerpt from our AirPods Pro 2 review:
The higher frequencies can, at first, feel a little underwhelming compared to other headphones (try any Ozzy Osbourne song if you don’t believe me) and the lower frequencies may still be richer…but they do express some really nice details that you won’t be able to hear clearly with headphones the other ear.
Well, maybe the AirPods look better — but that’s not all. They also have the most advanced spatial audio support with head tracking. This feature is only available on AirPods Pro 2, not Studio Buds +. For me, that puts the AirPods Pro two miles away from the Studio Buds+.
winner: AirPods Pro 2
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: Battery Life
The battery life of the two leading earphones is comparable, but the Studio Buds have a slight advantage in this department.
According to Apple and backed by our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 should last about 30 hours with the charging case. The Beats Studio Buds+ bump that number up to 36 hours with the charging case, though the two sets of earbuds will only run for about six hours before they need to go back into their own case to recharge.
When it comes to charging, both support fast charging, which gives you about 1 hour of playback after just a 5-minute charge. Recharging the system fully takes two hours on both devices.
winner: Beats Studio Buds +
Beats Studio Buds + vs AirPods Pro 2: The Verdict
It’s a close call but in our opinion, the AirPods Pro 2 are a better buy — for just $30, you’ll get better sound quality and controls. Yes, you’ll lose some battery life and better support on Android — which, if that matters, ignore this paragraph and buy a Beats instead — but other than that, the AirPods Pro 2’s advantages far outweigh the negatives.
| Header cell – column 0 | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Beats Studio Buds + |
|---|---|---|
| Price and value (5) | 4 | 5 |
| Design (15) | 15 | 15 |
| Controls (10) | 10 | 7 |
| sound quality (20) | 18 | 15 |
| Active Noise Canceling (20) | 18 | 16 |
| Special features and applications (15) | 14 | 16 |
| Call quality (5) | 3 | 3 |
| battery life (10) | 6 | 8 |
| Total Score (100) | 88 | 85 |
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