The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic offers a high-end, audiophile experience with superior overall sound quality and an exceptional soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying music with lots of details. However, they are bulky, lack portability, and are not suited for exercise or travel. On the other hand, Beats Studiobuds are more affordable with good noise isolation and the convenience of wireless connectivity, making them suitable for daily use like commuting, exercise, and casual listening. They also include active noise cancelling and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, providing versatility and functionality for calls and meetings. 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic
Excellent for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Studiobuds
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
9.2/10
7.2/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Beats Studiobuds is good.
Gaming
7.3/10
5.2/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8/10
7.0/10
The Beats Studiobuds is good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7/10
9.0/10
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
8.6/10
5.6/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.5/10
The Beats Studiobuds is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$799
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Beats Studiobuds costs $80.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.8/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Beats Studiobuds has very good build quality.
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
"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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Beats Studiobuds
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
125,600
Recommendations made
18,840
Consumer hours saved
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.