A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a more immersive audio experience and are willing to invest a bit more, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 could be the better choice for its slightly higher sound quality and more robust noise isolation. They offer active noise cancellation and support high-quality lossless codecs which can provide a richer sound, especially if you own devices that support these codecs. Additionally, they are optimized for both Android and Apple devices and include a feature for ear detection. They have a shorter battery life compared to the Beats Studiobuds but do offer wireless charging, which the Beats do not. On the other hand, the Beats Studiobuds are better if you're looking for a less expensive option with longer battery life, both in the buds and the charging case, and if you need earbuds that are sweatproof certified for exercise. They also provide better support for use during exercise due to their fit and durability. Both options are quite portable and offer app customization although the Bowers and Wilkins have a more comprehensive set of app control features. 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 Beats Studiobuds
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has no clear advantages over the Beats Studiobuds.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
5.2
The Beats Studiobuds is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0
5.6
The Beats Studiobuds is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.5
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Studiobuds is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Beats Studiobuds has 6 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$80
$127
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Studiobuds has a price of $80 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 costs $127.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
7.2
7.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Beats Studiobuds are both good for music.
Gaming
5.2
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Beats Studiobuds are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Studiobuds is poor.
Build Quality
8.8
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Beats Studiobuds both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Beats Studiobuds and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Studiobuds | Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$80 | $127 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.7/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.9 Hours | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 13 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Studiobuds
See more
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."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
Get a great deal on the Beats Studiobuds or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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.
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Beats Studiobuds vs. Jaybird Vista 2
VS
Compare Beats Studiobuds vs. Soundcore Life Q30
VS
Compare Beats Studiobuds vs. Soundcore Space A40
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 vs. EPOS PC38X
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 vs. Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 vs. Soundcore Space Q45
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,300
Recommendations made
14,295
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.
Featured in
