Beats Studio Buds + vs. AirPods Pro: A Comprehensive Review
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Beats Studio Buds
For the first time, I'm diving into a pair of earbuds that aren't produced by Apple. The Beats Studio Buds have piqued my interest, and I’m excited to explore what they have to offer. Having heard about their unique sound profile, I was drawn in, not to mention their aesthetic appeal—especially the transparent variant that I chose. However, aesthetics alone won't suffice; I'm eager to evaluate their audio performance.
Beats has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Although they are not an Apple product, they are somewhat intertwined since Apple acquired Beats for a staggering $3 billion in 2014. This acquisition allowed Apple to eliminate competition and solidify its market presence, as Beats was regarded as a leading consumer headphone brand, often seen on the ears of celebrities and athletes alike. It was a strategic move that allowed Apple to maintain better control over the audio market.
First Impressions
My initial impressions of the Beats Studio Buds are quite positive. They feel premium and well-crafted, reminiscent of Apple’s signature packaging with a soft-touch finish and glossy highlights. The unboxing experience includes minimal instructions, a QR code for more details, a voucher for Apple Music, a Beats sticker, and warranty information.
But what about the essentials? The package includes three additional pairs of silicone tips, similar to those provided with AirPods Pro, along with a short USB-C charging cable, as the case is not MagSafe compatible.
Design and Fit
As a long-time user of the 2nd generation AirPods Pro, I appreciate their comfort, though the fit has been a slight issue. Recently, I switched to the smallest tip, which helped secure the left AirPod better. The Beats Studio Buds come with medium tips but offer sizes XS, S, and L, aiming for a snug fit.
These earbuds have a compact design and sit comfortably in the ear, providing a more secure fit compared to AirPods Pro. After experimenting with different tips, I found them to be more comfortable than my AirPods. However, unlike AirPods Pro, the Beats Studio Buds lack an on-screen fit test.
The case for the Studio Buds is bulkier than that of the AirPods Pro, making it less pocket-friendly. Although I opted for the transparent version, the finish is actually frosted. Unfortunately, the absence of MagSafe means you need a cable at your desk, which is less convenient.
On a practical note, I found the Beats Studio Buds a bit tricky to handle when removing them from the case and inserting them into my ears. Their compact design makes them somewhat slippery, and it’s not immediately obvious how to place them in the charging case.
Comfort and Battery Life
After wearing the Beats Studio Buds for a week, I found them generally comfortable, though they feel quite different from the AirPods. I experienced some discomfort after wearing them for about three hours due to the in-ear fit.
The battery life is commendable, comparable to that of AirPods; I haven’t needed to recharge them yet, which is a good sign.
Settings and Controls
When it comes to controls, you can customize the press-and-hold function on the Beats Studio Buds. You can choose between Volume Control, Siri, or Noise Control. Personally, I opted to keep them set for volume, as that’s my priority. For Noise Control, I prefer to access the Control Center to toggle between Transparency, Noise Cancellation, and Off.
However, I must highlight a significant drawback: the Noise Cancelling feature is not nearly as effective as that found in AirPods Pro. During outdoor testing, I often had to check if it was activated. This might reflect how outstanding the AirPods Pro are, but the Beats Studio Buds fall short in this regard.
The pairing process with my iPhone was seamless, just like it is with AirPods, and the Beats Studio Buds are compatible with Find My.
Audio Performance
Unfortunately, the audio quality of the Beats Studio Buds left much to be desired. I was surprised at how underwhelming they sounded right out of the box. The audio lacks richness across all frequencies. I expected a powerful bass response, a hallmark of the Beats brand, but found it disappointingly absent.
Moreover, the mids are poorly defined, leading to a muddy listening experience. I haven't discovered any EQ settings, so the sound profile is essentially fixed.
This situation highlights just how exceptional AirPods Pro are. After extensive use, I've grown accustomed to their superior sound quality, making the comparison all the more glaring. The AirPods Pro truly excel, offering a level of clarity and depth that the Beats Studio Buds simply cannot match.
Price Comparison
The pricing of the Beats Studio Buds is positioned between the AirPods 3rd Gen (£189) and the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (£249). I purchased my Studio Buds for £180, which raises questions about their audio quality given their price point.
Conclusion
Apple's acquisition of Beats was a strategic move that has paid off, allowing them to dominate the consumer headphone market. The AirPods line alone generates over $12 billion annually, surpassing revenue from companies like Spotify and Twitter.
However, Apple has not rested on its laurels. The audio engineers have made remarkable advancements with the 2nd generation AirPods Pro, delivering outstanding sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a rich listening experience. The additional £70 for the AirPods Pro is a worthwhile investment considering their performance.
In conclusion, while it may be that AirPods Pro are exceptionally good, the Beats Studio Buds simply do not measure up. I expected more from the Beats brand; the AirPods Pro are clearly the superior choice.
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In this video, we explore the Beats Studio Buds after a week of use, comparing their performance to the AirPods Pro.
This video discusses the pros and cons of the Beats Studio Buds versus the first-generation AirPods Pro, helping you decide which pair is worth your investment in 2024.