I remember the feeling vividly. Months of clicking through tabs, comparing spec sheets, and falling down review rabbit holes. Bose or Sony? Sennheiser or Apple? The wireless earbud market is a labyrinth of promises, each brand vying for a piece of your auditory real estate. As one user aptly put it, you’re “dragging your feet for months, researching and researching for hours.” The paralysis is real. For many, the default choice is AirPods, but what if you don’t want to be just another “AirPod person”? What if you live a life split between a MacBook for work and an Android phone for personal use? This is the modern tech dilemma: finding a single audio solution that doesn’t just work, but excels, across every device you own, without compromising on sound, comfort, or style. That’s the very problem the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds aim to solve.
- BEATS’ CUSTOM ACOUSTIC PLATFORM delivers rich, immersive sound whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.
- HEAR WHAT YOU WANT with two distinct listening modes: personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode.
- MORE MUSIC, LESS CHARGING with up to 36 hours of listening time.
What to Consider Before Buying True Wireless Earbuds
A pair of Earbud & In-Ear Headphones is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your personal soundscape in an increasingly noisy world. Whether it’s for finding focus in a chaotic open-plan office, powering through a grueling workout with an energizing playlist, or simply enjoying a podcast on your daily commute, these devices provide an intimate, immersive audio experience. They offer freedom from tangled wires, the convenience of pocket-sized portability, and advanced features like noise cancellation that can transform your listening environment. The main benefits are clear: unparalleled convenience, enhanced audio immersion, and the ability to seamlessly integrate high-quality sound into every part of your active life.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is constantly on the move and values both audio fidelity and seamless connectivity. This includes daily commuters, fitness enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and professionals who rely on clear calls. They are tech-savvy individuals who might use devices across different operating systems (like Apple and Android) and need their accessories to keep up. Conversely, this might not be the best product for audiophiles seeking a purely analytical, flat-response sound signature best found in wired, open-back studio headphones. It might also be overkill for someone who only needs headphones for occasional use at their desk, where a less expensive wired option might suffice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Comfort: This is arguably the most critical factor. An earbud that doesn’t fit securely will not only be at risk of falling out but will also fail to create a proper acoustic seal, severely degrading sound quality and noise cancellation. Look for products that include multiple sizes of ear tips (like the four pairs included with the Beats Studio Buds +) to ensure you can find a personalized, comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
- Audio Performance & Features: Beyond basic sound, consider the features that matter to you. Do you need Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out external noise, or is a Transparency Mode more important for situational awareness? Look into driver size and tuning, support for features like Spatial Audio for a 3D sound experience, and the quality of the onboard microphones for calls.
- Battery Life & Charging: Evaluate the total battery life, which includes both the earbuds themselves and the additional charges provided by the case. A good benchmark is 5-7 hours on the buds and over 24 hours total with the case. Also, consider charging features like fast-charging (e.g., 5 minutes of charge for 1 hour of playback) and the charging port type (USB-C is now the standard).
- Connectivity & Ecosystem Integration: How well do the earbuds play with your devices? Look for modern Bluetooth versions (like 5.3) for a stable connection and extended range. If you use both Apple and Android products, consider earbuds that offer enhanced native features like one-touch pairing and device locating on both platforms, a standout feature of the product we are reviewing today.
Making the right choice means finding the perfect balance of these elements for your specific lifestyle and needs.
While the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【Sports Comfort & IPX7 Waterproof】Designed for extended workouts, the BX17 earbuds feature flexible ear hooks and three sizes of silicone tips for a secure, personalized fit. The IPX7 waterproof...
- 2-in-1 Charging Case and Phone Stand: Enjoy hands-free viewing without the hassle. Simply open the back panel of the case, place your phone on the stand, and catch up on your favorite shows—watching...
- [Ultra Lightweight and Compatible for Small Ear] The surface and Angle of A1 earbuds in-ear part have been polished and refined repeatedly to achieve a balance between beauty and comfort and make it...
First Impressions: Sleek, Agnostic, and Ready to Play
Unboxing the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds feels like a premium experience. We tested the Black/Gold variant, and the matte black case with the subtle, iconic gold ‘b’ logo is understated yet stylish. The case itself is smooth, pocketable, and has a satisfying magnetic snap when it closes. Inside, the buds are nestled securely. One of the first things we noticed, echoing a minor user complaint, is their low-profile design. While this makes them sit flush and comfortably in the ear, it does require a bit more precision to pluck them from their magnetic charging docks compared to stem-style earbuds. The package includes a USB-C to USB-C cable (a modern and welcome touch) and, crucially, four sets of silicone ear tips ranging from XS to L. This commitment to a custom fit is the first sign that Beats is serious about acoustic performance. Unlike AirPods, which are deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the setup process immediately showcases the Buds+’s platform-agnostic philosophy. Opening the case near our iPhone triggered the familiar instant pairing pop-up, but repeating the process with an Android device yielded a similarly seamless one-touch connection via Google Fast Pair. It’s a powerful first impression that promises a hassle-free experience for everyone, which is something you can see confirmed in its full feature set.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional cross-platform compatibility with enhanced features for both Apple and Android.
- Rich, powerful, and immersive sound quality with effective ANC and Spatial Audio.
- Impressive total battery life of up to 36 hours with the charging case.
- Secure and comfortable fit for most users, thanks to four included ear tip sizes.
Potential Drawbacks
- Microphone performance can be subpar in very noisy environments.
- Lacks on-bud volume control and wireless charging.
A Deep Dive into the Beats Studio Buds + Performance
After weeks of rigorous testing—on crowded subways, in the gym, during long work calls, and through late-night music sessions—we’ve formed a comprehensive view of where the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds truly shine and where they have room for improvement. This isn’t just about specs on a page; it’s about how this product integrates into the rhythm of daily life.
Audio Performance: The Custom Acoustic Platform Delivers
At the heart of any earbud is its sound, and this is where the Buds+ make a compelling case. Powered by Beats’ custom acoustic platform, the sound signature is energetic, engaging, and undeniably fun. We found the bass to be deep and impactful without being muddy or overwhelming the other frequencies—a common pitfall for bass-forward headphones. Listening to tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” the low-end thump was palpable and satisfying, while the intricate vocal layers remained clear and distinct. This confirms user reports describing the sound as “surprisingly rich and full,” with “deep and powerful bass.”
Mids and highs are also handled with impressive clarity. Vocals in acoustic tracks and the crisp percussion in rock songs come through with detail and precision. While they may not have the neutral, analytical profile of studio monitors, they deliver a sound that makes music exciting to listen to. The support for Spatial Audio is another significant advantage, particularly for Apple Music users or when watching movies on compatible devices. It creates a genuine sense of three-dimensional space, making the audio experience far more immersive. We found it transformed our movie-watching on an iPad into a mini-theatrical experience. For those seeking a vibrant and dynamic sound for daily listening, the audio quality is a major win and a feature that really sets it apart from more sterile-sounding competitors.
ANC and Transparency: Your Personal Sound Bubble
The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds is remarkably effective. We tested it against the low-frequency rumble of a train commute, the mid-range chatter of a busy coffee shop, and the hum of an office air conditioner. In all scenarios, the ANC created a significant cone of silence, allowing music and podcasts to be enjoyed at lower, safer volumes. It’s an adaptive system that adjusts in real-time, and we found it performed nearly on par with competitors in much higher price brackets.
Equally impressive is the Transparency mode. With a long press on either earbud, the external microphones intelligently feed in ambient sound, allowing you to have a conversation or be aware of your surroundings without removing the buds. The sound is natural and doesn’t have the artificial, digitized quality that plagues lesser implementations. This is crucial for city dwellers who need to hear traffic or for office workers who need to be available for a quick question. One user noted a quirk: ANC doesn’t work with only one earbud in. We can confirm this is by design, as the system requires both buds for optimal processing. While a potential annoyance for those who prefer single-bud use for calls, the robust Transparency mode serves as an excellent alternative in those situations.
The Cross-Platform Champion: Unifying Apple & Android
This is, without a doubt, the defining feature of the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds. For too long, users have been forced to choose an ecosystem. Apple users get seamless integration with AirPods, and Android users have their own set of native-friendly options. The Buds+ shatter that wall. On an iPhone, you get one-touch pairing, iCloud device syncing, hands-free “Hey Siri,” and integration into the Control Center and Find My network. We switched from our iPhone to our MacBook and iPad flawlessly, just as one user praised.
Critically, the experience on Android is just as rich. Thanks to Google Fast Pair, setup is instantaneous. The dedicated Beats app for Android provides access to customization, battery status, and locating your earbuds via Google’s Find My Device network. This level of deep, native integration on both platforms is virtually unheard of in the market. It makes the Buds+ the single best option for anyone who uses a mix of devices—a Windows PC for gaming, an Android phone, and an iPad for media, for example. This universal compatibility and ease of use are major reasons to consider these earbuds over the competition.
All-Day Comfort, Battery Life, and Call Quality
We wore the Buds+ for hours on end and found them to be exceptionally comfortable and lightweight. Many users who experienced discomfort with other models, including AirPods Pro, praised the fit of the Buds+. The key is experimenting with the four included ear tip sizes to get a secure seal. Once seated properly, they stay put during workouts and walks without issue. The IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating provides peace of mind during exercise, confirming their suitability for fitness. The battery life is another strong point, clocking in at up to 9 hours per charge with ANC off, and a total of 36 hours with the case. This is more than enough to get through several days of heavy use.
The one area with mixed results is call quality. Beats claims the 3x larger microphones precisely filter background noise. In quiet to moderately noisy environments, we found our voice came through clearly. However, in very loud settings, like a windy street or a noisy gym, callers reported that background noise was still quite prominent. This matches user feedback, with some finding it perfectly adequate for work calls and others stating “it’s impossible to speak to someone on the phone” in a loud gym. While an improvement over the previous generation, they still lag behind the absolute best-in-class for microphone performance in challenging conditions. Despite this, for most everyday use cases, they are perfectly capable and their overall package remains compelling.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds is overwhelmingly positive. Many users, like one who replaced their old AirPods, were “beyond surprised,” praising them as “affordable, quality, Apple earbuds” that look cool and get the job done for daily commutes and work calls. The comfort is a recurring theme, with a reviewer noting, “What I like the most is how comfortable they are! I had the beats fit and they were just not comfortable to wear. These are much better!” The excellent battery life is another point of celebration, with one user exclaiming that “each charge lasts forever!”
However, the feedback isn’t without criticism, which aligns with our own findings. The most common complaint revolves around call quality in noisy environments. One detailed review stated, “people have a hard time hearing me when I take a call with them on. 90% of the time I have to take them out to finish my conversation.” Another mentioned that while music playback is good, the “voice quality is still poor” compared to the seamless Apple device integration. These honest critiques highlight that while the Buds+ are a fantastic all-around option, those whose primary use is making important calls from loud places might want to weigh this limitation.
How Do the Beats Studio Buds + Compare to the Alternatives?
The Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds occupy a competitive space, but their unique blend of features sets them apart. Here’s how they stack up against three notable alternatives.
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds Noise Cancelling
- Powerbeats Pro 2 is the most advanced headphone we’ve ever made, with secure-fit earhooks that stay locked in as you train. With over 1,500 hours of athlete testing to help ensure a secure,...
- For absolute workout focus, we added the best-performing Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) we’ve ever developed, plus Transparency mode to let you hear the world around you, ensuring the best listening...
- Heart Rate Monitoring sensors pulse over 100 times per second to measure your pulse in real time. And Powerbeats Pro 2 is sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they’re tough enough to...
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the clear choice for serious athletes and fitness fanatics. Their defining feature is the secure-fit ear-hook design, which provides unparalleled stability during the most intense workouts, from running to CrossFit. While the Buds+ are secure for general fitness, the Powerbeats Pro 2 eliminate any possibility of an earbud coming loose. They also boast a massive 45 hours of total battery life and include advanced features like a heart rate monitor. If your top priority is a rock-solid fit for high-impact activity and you want fitness tracking built-in, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are likely the better choice, despite their larger, less pocketable case.
2. aggoo Mini ANC Wireless Earbuds 48H Playtime
- Comfort Designed for Side Sleepers: The D20 Mini Wireless Earbuds are designed for side sleepers, fitting snugly in your ears without any pressure—even when lying on your side. Activate Sleep Mode...
- ANC for Deep Uninterrupted Sleep: Equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the D20 earbuds noise cancelling effectively block out snoring, noisy roommates, or street sounds. Whether you're at...
- Immersive 3D Hi-Fi Bass + Clear Calls with ENC:Powered by 14.2mm dynamic drivers, the D20 Sleep Headphones delivers expansive sound with crisp highs, deep bass, and a true Hi-Fi listening experience....
This alternative from aggoo targets a different user entirely: the budget-conscious consumer looking for specific features like an ultra-compact design for sleeping. Their main selling points are the massive 48-hour playtime, a tiny form factor ideal for side sleepers, and an impressive IP7 waterproof rating, which surpasses the IPX4 of the Buds+. However, you will likely be sacrificing the audio fidelity, ANC quality, and the seamless cross-platform integration that makes the Beats Studio Buds + special. For those who need an inexpensive pair for specific situations like sleeping or don’t want to risk a premium pair at the beach, the aggoo earbuds are a practical, low-cost option.
3. Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
- BATTERY LIFE - Up to 12 hours of listening time
- CUSTOMIZED FIT - All-day comfort with Flex-Form cable and four eartip options
- APPLE HEADPHONE CHIP - Powered by the Apple W1 headphone chip for seamless connectivity
The Beats Flex represents the entry point into the Beats ecosystem. Their key differentiator is the neckband design, which some users prefer as it keeps the earbuds accessible around the neck when not in use, preventing loss. They feature Apple’s W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices and offer a respectable 12 hours of listening time. However, they are not “true wireless,” lack Active Noise Cancelling and Spatial Audio, and their overall sound quality and build are a step down from the Studio Buds +. The Flex is the ideal choice for someone on a tight budget who wants the Beats brand and Apple W1 chip integration but doesn’t need the advanced features or true wireless freedom of the more premium Studio Buds +.
The Final Verdict: Are the Beats Studio Buds + Worth It?
After extensive testing, our verdict is a resounding yes. The Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds successfully carve out a unique and valuable space in the crowded market. They are the great unifiers, delivering a premium experience that no longer forces you to choose between the Apple and Android worlds. They offer a vibrant, powerful sound signature that makes music a joy to listen to, backed by highly effective noise cancellation and a comfortable, secure fit for all-day wear. The battery life is stellar, and the design is both stylish and practical.
While the microphone performance in loud environments isn’t best-in-class and the lack of wireless charging is a minor omission, these are outweighed by the sheer versatility and quality of the overall package. If you’re a user who lives a multi-platform life, values great sound for music and media, and wants a stylish, comfortable alternative to the mainstream options, this product was made for you. They deliver on their promise of being a truly universal premium earbud. For anyone ready to end their exhaustive search and invest in a pair of earbuds that just works—and works beautifully everywhere—we highly recommend you check the latest price and color options for the Beats Studio Buds + today.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API