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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancelling and compatibility with Apple devices, the AirPods Pro are a strong option; their design also supports comfortable extended wear. However, the Beats Studiobuds offer better overall sound quality and superior secure fit options, which make them more suitable for exercise, and they still work well for both Android and Apple users. The Beats also have a slightly longer battery life for the earbuds themselves. Keep in mind, while the AirPods Pro are costlier, they provide superior portability and a more compact carrying solution with wireless charging for the case. 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 Pro
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
- Good for music
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
9.0
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro is very good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Studiobuds is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Studiobuds to be good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
5.2
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
7.4
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Studiobuds are both good for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Studiobuds are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Beats Studiobuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | 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 | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 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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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
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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