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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer a midrange price point but are significantly more expensive than Beats StudioBuds. The AirPods have better build quality, but the StudioBuds boast superior overall sound quality. If you prioritize noise isolation and active noise cancelling, the StudioBuds should be your pick. For ease of use with Apple devices and longer battery life in the charging case, consider the AirPods. The StudioBuds offer sweat resistance making them more suitable for exercise, while AirPods are optimal for use during air travel due to their lighter weight and compact size. 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 (3rd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has no clear advantages over the Beats Studiobuds.
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Beats Studiobuds are both good for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Beats Studiobuds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Cost
$179
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.2
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music.
Gaming
5.4
5.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Beats Studiobuds are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Studiobuds to be excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.5
5.6
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Beats Studiobuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Beats Studiobuds
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
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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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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.
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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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