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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The decision between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Beats StudioBuds may depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and prefer a more open design that doesn't seal off your ear canal, the AirPods could be a better choice. However, if you're looking for earbuds with active noise cancellation, better isolation with a sealed in-ear design, and the potential for a more secure fit during activities like working out, then the Beats StudioBuds might suit you better. Keep in mind that although AirPods may come at a higher price, they offer features like automatic device switching and audio sharing that you may find valuable. On the other hand, if cost is a significant factor and you desire noise cancellation, the lower-priced Beats could be the way to go. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Beats Studiobuds.
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.2
The Beats Studiobuds is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.0
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Beats Studiobuds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$80
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
Build Quality
7.6
8.8
The Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.2
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Studiobuds to be good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Beats Studiobuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 0.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Beats Studiobuds
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Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | May 2023
"For less than the price of the AirPods, the Beats Studio Buds delivers a good fit, great sound, and active noise cancellation. This is also the first set of Apple-owned Beats earbuds to feature quick pairing with Android devices, albeit at the expense of some key features for Apple users."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Beats Studiobuds
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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