Beats Studio Buds vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2

In the ever-growing world of wireless earbuds, the Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods Pro 2 have emerged as two of the most popular options on the market. Both offer impressive sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and seamless integration with Apple and Android devices, but they each have unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or the latest in premium audio technology, this comparison will help you decide which pair is right for you.

1. Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds

The Beats Studio Buds deliver a solid performance as true wireless earbuds, providing a balanced and dynamic sound profile that’s enjoyable across various genres. The custom acoustic platform ensures deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, while the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature blocks out unwanted noise effectively. With the added benefit of Transparency mode, users can switch to hear their surroundings when needed, making these earbuds versatile for different environments. The earbuds fit comfortably thanks to three sets of soft ear tips, and their IPX4 rating makes them sweat-resistant, perfect for workouts or outdoor activities. The integration with both Apple and Android devices ensures broad compatibility, and the seamless Bluetooth pairing is a notable plus.

On the downside, some users have reported issues with the fit, noting that the earbuds may fall out during vigorous movement. Additionally, the ANC, while effective, doesn’t match the performance of higher-end models, and the sound profile may not satisfy those seeking extremely detailed audio. Battery life is decent, offering up to 8 hours with ANC off, but it may feel limiting for users who want extended playtime without frequent recharges. The charging case is convenient, though it’s not as compact as some would like.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

• Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode
• Custom acoustic platform for balanced sound
• IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance
• Up to 8 hours of battery life, 24 hours with the case
• Industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range

Pros:

• Great sound quality for the price
• Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
• Seamless Bluetooth pairing with both Apple and Android devices
• Solid battery life for everyday use
• Water-resistant design makes them workout-friendly

Cons:

• Fit may not be ideal for all users

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 bring a truly immersive and personalized audio experience with advanced features that make them stand out in the wireless earbuds market. Powered by the H2 chip, these earbuds offer clear, high-fidelity sound with deep bass and crisp highs, making them perfect for various types of media. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology works effectively to block out ambient noise, and the Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings without sacrificing sound quality. With the added feature of Adaptive Audio, the AirPods seamlessly adjust between ANC and Transparency depending on your environment, creating the best listening experience. The customizable fit, with four different silicone tip sizes, ensures comfort for long listening sessions. Furthermore, the earbuds’ IP54 rating makes them resistant to sweat, dust, and water, ideal for workouts or outdoor activities.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and the charging case provides an additional 30 hours. The case is also more capable, featuring Precision Finding, a built-in speaker, and support for multiple charging options, including USB-C. However, while the sound quality and noise cancellation are top-notch, some users feel that the AirPods Pro 2 come at a premium price point, making them less accessible for those on a budget.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

• Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• H2 chip for improved sound and call quality
• Hearing aid feature for enhanced listening
• IP54 rating for sweat, dust, and water resistance

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
• Effective noise cancellation and transparency features
• Comfortable and secure fit with customizable ear tips
• Long battery life with quick charging options
• Advanced features like Precision Finding and hearing health functionality

Cons:

• Spatial audio may not be supported by all content

Comparison: Beats Studio Buds vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2

Both the Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are popular true wireless earbuds that offer premium sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable listening experience. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in features, design, and performance.

Design and Comfort

Feature	Beats Studio Buds	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Form Factor	In-ear with soft silicone tips	In-ear with soft silicone tips
Ear Tip Sizes	Three sizes (S, M, L)	Four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
Water Resistance	IPX4 (sweat and water-resistant)	IP54 (sweat, dust, and water-resistant)
Weight	5 grams per earbud	5.3 grams per earbud

Both the Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro 2 feature in-ear designs with soft silicone ear tips for comfort. The Beats Studio Buds come with three ear tip sizes, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer an extra size (XS), making them more customizable for smaller ears. Both are sweat- and water-resistant, but the AirPods Pro 2 have an edge with their higher IP54 rating, providing better dust protection. Comfort is generally subjective, but both models are lightweight, ensuring they stay secure during active use.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

Feature	Beats Studio Buds	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sound Quality	Balanced sound with deep bass	High-fidelity sound with crisp highs and rich bass
Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with up to 2x better performance
Transparency Mode	Yes	Yes, with Conversation Awareness
Adaptive Features	No	Adaptive Audio, automatically adjusting ANC and Transparency
Spatial Audio	No	Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
Custom Acoustic Platform	Yes	No

In terms of sound quality, both the Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro 2 are known for their rich and immersive audio. The Beats Studio Buds deliver a balanced sound with strong bass, while the AirPods Pro 2 shine with their high-fidelity sound, offering clear highs and deep bass. The AirPods Pro 2 also have a slight advantage due to the advanced H2 chip, providing superior audio processing.

When it comes to noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 stand out. With their ability to cancel up to 2x more background noise compared to the Beats Studio Buds, they provide a more immersive listening experience, especially in noisy environments. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 offer Adaptive Audio, which intelligently adjusts ANC and Transparency mode based on your surroundings, a feature not present in the Beats Studio Buds.

Battery Life

Feature	Beats Studio Buds	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Battery Life (ANC Off)	Up to 8 hours per earbud	Up to 6 hours per earbud
Battery Life (ANC On)	Up to 5 hours per earbud	Up to 5.5 hours per earbud
Total Battery Life	Up to 24 hours with the case	Up to 30 hours with the case
Charging Options	USB-C charging, no wireless charging	USB-C, MagSafe, and Apple Watch charging options
Quick Charge	5 minutes for 1 hour of playback	5 minutes for 1 hour of playback

Battery life is comparable between the two earbuds, with both offering around 5-6 hours of playback with ANC on. The Beats Studio Buds provide a total of 24 hours of listening time with the charging case, while the AirPods Pro 2 extend this to 30 hours. Both models support quick charging, providing 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. The AirPods Pro 2 have the advantage when it comes to charging options, as they support USB-C, MagSafe, and Apple Watch chargers, while the Beats Studio Buds only support USB-C.

Additional Features

Feature	Beats Studio Buds	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Voice Assistant Support	Yes, via built-in microphone	Yes, Siri and other voice assistants
Touch Controls	Yes, multi-function button	Yes, swipe and press controls
Hearing Aid Function	No	Yes, with scientifically validated hearing health features
Personalized Audio	No	Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Case Features	Standard case	Case with Precision Finding and built-in speaker

The AirPods Pro 2 excel in additional features. The Hearing Aid functionality provides clinically validated hearing protection and a hearing test, making it a unique offering in the market. They also support Personalized Spatial Audio, adjusting the sound based on your ear shape for an immersive audio experience. The case has advanced features such as Precision Finding and a built-in speaker to help locate the earbuds, features absent in the Beats Studio Buds.

While both earbuds offer voice assistant support (with Siri on the AirPods Pro 2 and other assistants on the Beats), the AirPods Pro 2 come with more advanced controls and personalization options, including adaptive audio features and dynamic head tracking for a more immersive experience.

Price and Value

Feature	Beats Studio Buds	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Price	Generally lower	Higher (premium price)
Overall Value	Great for the price	Premium features justify the cost

While the Beats Studio Buds offer excellent sound quality, good ANC, and sweat resistance at a more affordable price, the AirPods Pro 2 come at a premium cost but justify this with advanced features like superior ANC, personalized spatial audio, a hearing aid function, and a more capable case. For users who want a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on sound and functionality, the Beats Studio Buds are a great choice. However, if you’re looking for the best in class with cutting-edge features and excellent integration with Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the investment.

FAQ

Which earbuds offer better noise cancellation?

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 provide superior noise cancellation compared to the Beats Studio Buds. With their advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, the AirPods Pro 2 can block out up to 2x more background noise. This makes them an ideal choice for people who need to focus in noisy environments or travel frequently. While the Beats Studio Buds also feature ANC, it’s not as effective as that of the AirPods Pro 2, especially in extremely noisy settings.

How is the sound quality between the Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro 2?

Both the Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods Pro 2 deliver impressive sound quality, but the AirPods Pro 2 edge ahead with their H2 chip and high-fidelity sound. They provide clearer high notes, rich bass, and more immersive audio. The Beats Studio Buds, on the other hand, offer a balanced sound with deep bass and clear mids, making them suitable for various genres, but they don’t match the level of detail and definition offered by the AirPods Pro 2.

Can I use these earbuds for working out or running?

Yes, both the Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are suitable for workouts. The Beats Studio Buds are IPX4-rated, making them sweat and water-resistant, which is perfect for light to moderate exercise. The AirPods Pro 2 go a step further with an IP54 rating, providing better protection against dust and sweat. Both models stay secure during exercise, thanks to their comfortable and adjustable ear tips.

How is the battery life on the Beats Studio Buds vs. AirPods Pro 2?

The Beats Studio Buds offer up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC turned off and 5 hours with ANC on, with a total of 24 hours of playback when you include the charging case. In comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 provide up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, with a total of 30 hours when you use the charging case. Both models support quick charging, giving you 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.

Do both earbuds support spatial audio?

While the Beats Studio Buds do not support personalized spatial audio, the AirPods Pro 2 do. The AirPods Pro 2 offer Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which creates an immersive surround sound experience, particularly useful for movies and music in Dolby Atmos. If you’re looking for an all-encompassing audio experience, the AirPods Pro 2 will deliver a more dynamic and engaging sound compared to the Beats Studio Buds.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods Pro 2 ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value high-quality sound, excellent ANC, and additional features like hearing health and personalized spatial audio, the AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers solid performance in sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, the Beats Studio Buds are a great choice.