Beats Studio Buds - Noise Cancelling Earbuds | $150

A New Contender: Introducing the Beats Studio Buds

Released in 2019, the Powerbeats Pro quickly established themselves as a leading choice for wireless earbuds. Even two years later, they continue to be a remarkably versatile option in the market. While improvements could be made, the original charging case’s substantial size was a notable drawback, becoming even more apparent in 2021. Furthermore, noise cancellation has become a standard feature in many mid-range earbuds.

Beats Studio Pro: A Fresh Take

Following extensive speculation and previews – including a prominent appearance on a globally recognized athlete – Beats has officially unveiled its latest offering: the Beats Studio Pro. Importantly, the company emphasizes that these are not intended as a direct replacement for the Powerbeats Pro, which will remain available, though a future update isn’t ruled out.

Maintaining Brand Identity

Despite being owned by Apple, Beats largely maintains its independent operational style. The brand enjoyed considerable success prior to Apple’s acquisition, and continues to operate accordingly. Beats chooses to build upon existing strengths rather than overhaul established formulas. Technology is shared between the two companies – exemplified by the H1 chip in the Powerbeats – but a clear distinction is maintained between Apple’s audio products and the Beats lineup. This separation is reflected in Beats’ infrequent appearances at Apple’s major events.

Comparing to the AirPods Family

The Beats product range can be somewhat complex when contrasted with the AirPods. The new Studio Buds represent a fully wireless earbud line, drawing inspiration from Beats’ premium over-ear headphones. However, both the case and the earbuds themselves are considerably more compact than the Powerbeats Pro. Notably, the pricing is also a surprise.

Competitive Pricing

At $150, the Studio Buds are more affordable than the two-year-old Powerbeats Pro, currently priced between $160 and $200. This is a reduction from the original $250 launch price of the Powerbeats Pro. The Studio Buds are also $50 less expensive than the AirPods and $20 less than the Galaxy Buds. This price point offers excellent value, especially considering recent reviews of higher-end models like the $280 Sony WF-1000XM4.

Performance and Features

The Sony WF-1000XM4 represent a premium category, and a fairer comparison lies with other mid-range headphones. The Studio Buds perform admirably in this context. A key addition is active noise cancellation, which was not commonplace when the Powerbeats Pro debuted. Its absence at this price point would now be considered a significant oversight.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

A particularly interesting feature is the fast pairing capability for both iOS and Android devices. This makes the Studio Buds one of the first products to offer seamless connectivity across both platforms. While seemingly minor – as many users will only utilize the one-touch pairing once – it significantly enhances accessibility for a wider range of potential customers.

Design and Battery Life

The streamlined design of the new earbuds is appealing. The case is substantially smaller than the Powerbeats Pro case. Despite the reduced size, the Studio Buds maintain the same stated battery life: eight hours on the earbuds and a total of 24 hours with the charging case. This is a competitive battery life, becoming increasingly standard. A USB-C port is included, providing one hour of playback with a five-minute charge.

Case and Bud Aesthetics

The case is wider and slightly thicker than the AirPods Pro case, but remains easily portable. The case’s plastic construction feels somewhat basic, but the matte finish is a welcome touch. The branding is consistent with Beats’ bold aesthetic, featuring a large, white “b” against a black background. The earbuds also display the logo, which can resemble a “9” or a “6” depending on the orientation. The lid features a satisfying snap closure, and the magnets securely hold the buds in place, though some adjustment may be needed.

Comfort and Fit

The earbuds themselves are relatively compact, and the earhooks found on the Powerbeats Pro have been removed. This is a trade-off. While I initially didn’t anticipate enjoying the Powerbeats Pro’s earhooks, I’ve found them to provide exceptional comfort, distributing the weight to the top of the ear and minimizing discomfort.

The Studio Buds are reasonably comfortable, and I was able to use them during workouts (thanks to the IPX4 rating). However, I occasionally experienced difficulty keeping them securely in place. This has never been an issue with the Powerbeats. For a more secure fit, applying pressure to corkscrew them into the ear canal is recommended.

Physical Button Control

A design element I particularly appreciate is the return of the physical button, previously featured on the Powerbeats. Located on the end of the Studio Buds, it provides tactile feedback that I prefer over touch-based controls. A single click controls Play/Pause, while a long press toggles Active Noise Cancellation on and off.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation is a valuable addition, effectively reducing ambient noise, though it doesn’t match the performance of higher-end systems. The sound quality has also improved significantly in recent years. Beats has incorporated a pair of 8.2mm drivers that deliver solid audio performance for the price. These earbuds are ideal for everyday listening – music or podcasts – rather than critical audiophile experiences.

The Beats Studio Buds offer a compelling package, and represent a significantly better value proposition in 2021 than the Powerbeats Pro, even if they lack the groundbreaking impact of their predecessors at launch.

Preorders for the new Beats Studio Buds are open today, with shipping commencing on June 24.