Beats Studio Buds + A Cross-Platform Contender

When the original Beats Studio Buds were released, they were a fresh take on the Beats brand, offering a more balanced sound and a sleek, stemless design. The new Beats Studio Buds + aims to build on that success by refining key features and improving performance, all while maintaining their unique appeal for both Apple and Android users. Do these earbuds offer enough of an upgrade to stand out from the crowd? Let’s find out.

Design and Comfort

The Beats Studio Buds + retain the same compact, stemless design as their predecessors. Weighing just 5g per bud, they are incredibly lightweight and discreet. This makes them a great choice for active use, and they fit snugly into the ear without the need for ear hooks or wings. For this updated model, Beats includes four different silicone ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a wider range of users. Getting the right seal is crucial for both sound quality and noise cancellation, so we recommend experimenting with the different sizes.

The charging case is compact and pebble-shaped, fitting easily into a pocket. A welcome change is the inclusion of a USB-C charging port, moving away from Apple’s Lightning connector and providing universal compatibility.

Sound Quality

The sound signature of the Studio Buds + is a noticeable step up. Beats has continued its move toward a more balanced sound profile, though it still has a fun, lively character. The new acoustic vents improve airflow, which contributes to better bass reproduction and a more open soundstage.

Mids & Treble: The mid-range is clean, and vocals sound clear and natural. The treble is well-extended and sparkly, adding a vibrant energy to the sound. The overall sound is enjoyable and engaging, though it may lack the fine detail and texture that more expensive audiophile-grade earbuds provide. connection, which allows for true lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz. This provides a noticeable boost in clarity and detail over Bluetooth.

Bass: The bass is punchy and energetic, with a pleasing texture that gives music a sense of rhythm. It’s not the over-the-top, boomy bass of old, but rather a clean and powerful low end that is well-integrated with the rest of the sound.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

The Beats Studio Buds + feature significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) thanks to a new processor and larger microphones. While it’s not on par with the absolute top-tier performance of models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Apple AirPods Pro 2, it is very effective at reducing low-frequency hums from things like bus engines or office air conditioners.

The Transparency mode is also excellent. It feels natural and airy, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly and have conversations without taking the earbuds out. This mode is a clear step forward from the previous generation.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is another area of major improvement. The buds themselves offer up to 9 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and up to 6 hours with ANC on. The charging case provides an additional three full charges, bringing the total listening time to an impressive 36 hours (24 with ANC). A quick 5-minute charge with the “Fast Fuel” feature gives you an hour of playback.

A key selling point of these earbuds is their robust cross-platform compatibility. They support one-touch pairing and “Find My” features for both iOS and Android. While they don’t feature the H1 or H2 chip, which means they miss out on some Apple-exclusive perks like seamless automatic device switching and dynamic head tracking, their universal appeal is a major advantage.

The Verdict

The Beats Studio Buds + successfully refine an already great product. They offer a comfortable fit, a significant boost in sound quality and ANC performance, and excellent battery life. Their compact design and cross-platform compatibility make them a fantastic choice for anyone who uses a mix of Apple and Android devices.

While they don’t quite match the market leaders in terms of noise cancellation or a few premium features, they deliver a fantastic balance of performance, style, and value. For listeners who want a high-quality pair of earbuds with a lively sound signature without being locked into a single ecosystem, the Beats Studio Buds + is an easy recommendation.

Overall Rating: 8.8/10


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