We Tested the Beats Studio Buds and the AirPods Pro to Find Out Which Was Better

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Finding the right earbuds for your needs is no small feat, especially when the internet is flooded with options. Two names have reigned supreme in our testing: Beats and AirPods. While they’re both technically Apple headphones (Beats was acquired by the tech giant in 2014), Beats are designed with both iPhone and Android users in mind whereas AirPods have more thoughtful features for iOS devices. The Beats Studio Buds are an older, but still trusty, pair of earbuds packed with comparable features to the ever-popular AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).

Senior Technology Editor of Best Products, Stefan Vazharov, and I have gotten hands-on with popular models from each brand. We’re putting the two true wireless earbuds against each other to help you find the right fit for your needs. Earbuds like the options from Beats and Apple make a great tech gift that’s thoughtful, not too pricey, and ultra useful.

Beats Studio Buds

The Beats Studio Buds are my pick for quality earbuds that don’t break the bank, even when the buds aren’t on sale. Vazharov was a fan of the design and comfortable wear. The buds are IPX4 water and sweat-resistant, which makes them a great pair to wear during workouts. The headphones come in a wide range of colors, whereas AirPods Pro only come in Apple’s classic white finish.

“I like that the product’s bespoke noise-canceling tech constantly adjusts its intensity based on the ambient noise around you,” says Vazharov. During testing, the earbuds performed well in reducing outside Manhattan traffic sounds while working from home, and I’ve found they do a good job at drowning out the hum of the treadmill while running indoors. The noise cancelation is admittedly not as strong as the AirPods Pro, but the buds still do a solid job at letting you zone in on exactly what you want to hear, with very little outside noise.

Another key feature that sets the Beats Studio Buds apart is the control buttons, which are subtly embedded under the brand’s logo on the sides of the buds. They control audio play, answering and ending calls, and even adjust the noise cancelation levels. You don’t have access to volume controls through these, but it’s not a deal breaker.

Android users have to download a companion app to access noise cancelation adjustment, control customization, or update firmware, but pairing and using the device is nearly as seamless with an Android as with an iPhone.

AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the top-of-the-line earbuds from Apple. “I love Beats, but the Studio is a 2021 model. The AirPods Pro are nicer across the board and it’s reflected in their price,” said Vazharov. The buds will run you over $200 when they’re not on sale, but the top-notch features justify the cost.

You’ll have up to 6 hours of listening time, even in noise cancelation mode. The paired charging case gives the earbuds an impressive up to 30 hours of battery life. If you’re an iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch user, you’ll appreciate how AirPods Pro seamlessly integrate into your Apple ecosystem.

Noise cancelation is a key feature of the AirPods Pro since it’s the only pair of earbuds in Apple’s lineup with sound capability. “The AirPods Pro are more durable and capable of delivering better sound and stronger noise cancellation. Their adaptive audio feature is another reason I prefer them,” Vazharov says.

Both the AirPods and charging case are IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant, so you can safely wear them during workouts or inclement weather. While they don’t feature tactile buttons like the Beats Studio Buds do, you can adjust audio volume, pause and play music, pick up and answer calls, and more, all by tapping on the earbuds while in use.

The AirPods Pro sticks out from your ear more than the Beats Studio Pro will. This is a plus for some, as it allows others to see your headphones are in, plus it makes them a bit easier to pop in and out.

Beats Studio Buds vs. AirPods Pro: Which Is Right for You?

The Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer different experiences. Apple users will enjoy seamless pairing with both audio devices, while Android users will be able to get a lot more out of Beats than they will AirPods.

Both earbuds come with rubber tips in multiple sizes so you can fit them into your ears comfortably. Both also pair with charging cases that help boost battery life, and after testing, both provided clear audio to others during phone and video calls.

The Beats Studio Buds retail for $149.99, while the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is a bit pricier at $249.99. The right earbuds for you depend on your budget and connected devices, but you have two solid choices in both pairs.

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