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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a primary concern, Apple EarPods will save you money and offer decent sound quality for casual listening. However, if you prefer a wireless experience with better sound isolation and bass response, the Beats StudioBuds might be worth the extra investment. StudioBuds also provide active noise cancellation, which EarPods lack, making them better for noisy environments. The EarPods, with their wired connection, might be less prone to connection drops than wireless earbuds, which is something to consider if you plan to use them in situations where a stable connection is critical. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.2
The Apple Earpods and Beats Studiobuds are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3
5.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
7.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Beats Studiobuds is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
9.0
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
5.6
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Beats Studiobuds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
Build Quality
7.6
8.8
The Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Beats Studiobuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Beats Studiobuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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