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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a midrange-priced option that's typically more expensive than the Beats StudioBuds, which are at a lower midrange price. If you're looking for earbuds specifically optimized for Apple devices with features like ear/head detection, a stem design providing easier access to built-in controls and active noise cancelling for a more immersive listening experience, the AirPods Pro 2 would be a suitable choice. They also offer additional convenience with wireless charging and slightly better durability. However, for activities like exercise, both offer similar performance, and StudioBuds might give you better value without compromising much on sound quality. 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 2
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
Good for exercise
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
8.4/10
5.2/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
7.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Beats Studiobuds are both good for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.6/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Studiobuds is only fair.
Cost
$199
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
The Beats Studiobuds and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Studiobuds to be excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro 2 to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"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 2 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.