Beats has added a new model to its wireless earbuds line, the Studio Buds Plus, which is an enhanced version of the initial Studio Buds. Both earbuds have a similar look and fundamental features such as active noise canceling (ANC) and smooth Android support, but the Studio Buds Plus has some added features like improved ANC, improved microphones, and an innovative translucent color. With these upgrades, one wonders if the additional cost of the Plus model is worth it or if the base Studio Buds remain a budget option.
Selecting earbuds of the right variety is based on aspects such as sound quality, battery life, noise cancelation, and fit. In this in-depth explanation of the variance between Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus, we compare their features so that you may choose which ones are best suited for your preferences. Whether ANC is more important, battery life is longer needed, or prices are more critical, this comparison will provide a clear picture of which model fits your needs best.
Design And Comfort: Beats Studio Buds Plus Vs Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds Plus vs Beats Studio Buds appear to be almost the same at first sight. They have a similar design, IPX4 water protection, and they are both easy to wear. Beats, though, has launched a bold new translucent colorway for the Studio Buds Plus, and that provides them with a stylistic upgrade over the standard Studio Buds.
One of the most important comfort differences is that the Studio Buds Plus comes with four ear tip sizes (XS-L), whereas the Studio Buds come with three sizes (S-L). The extra size option allows people with smaller ears to get a more secure and comfortable fit.
Key Takeaways:
- Both earbuds have the same IPX4 rating and ergonomic design.
- Studio Buds Plus adds a translucent colorway.
- Studio Buds Plus has four sizes of ear tips to fit better.
Read Post: Beats Studio Buds Plus Vs Nothing Ear a
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Another of the most significant enhancements in the Beats Studio Buds Plus vs Beats Studio Buds comparison is the enhanced active noise canceling (ANC) on the Plus variant. According to Beats, the Studio Buds Plus features up to 1.6x better ANC and a 2x enhanced transparency mode than the standard Studio Buds.
Testing verifies that the Studio Buds Plus does well to suppress low-frequency sounds such as traffic or engine noises, while the ANC on the Studio Buds is not effective against such frequencies. Transparency mode is similarly cleaner on the Studio Buds Plus, providing more natural conversation and ambient sounds when required.
Key Takeaways:
- Studio Buds Plus has much-enhanced ANC and transparency mode.
- Both support ANC, but the Plus version is better at noise isolation.
Sound Quality and Performance
In terms of sound quality, the difference between Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus is negligible. Both earbuds adhere to Beats’ signature sound, providing punchy bass, clear mids, and slightly boosted treble. If you like music with heavy bass, both versions will meet your listening needs. But neither version of earbuds has an EQ customization feature within the Beats app, so you can’t customize the sound profile yourself.
Key Takeaways:
- Both models provide identical sound quality with bass-biased tuning.
- Neither model allows EQ customization.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is also where the Beats Studio Buds Plus trumps the Studio Buds. With active noise cancellation turned on, the Studio Buds Plus has 8 hours and 22 minutes of playback time, while the Studio Buds manages 4 hours and 24 minutes. The charging case also provides 27 more hours of battery life for the Studio Buds Plus, versus 18 more hours for the Studio Buds.
Key Takeaways:
- Studio Buds Plus provides almost twice the battery life of the Studio Buds.
- Both earbuds have fast charging through USB-C.
- Both models do not support wireless charging.
Also Read: Difference Between Beats Studio Buds Plus vs. Beats Fit Pro
Controls and Features
Both earbuds incorporate a physical button on both earbuds to handle controls, enabling users to control playback, toggle ANC modes, and answer calls. The Studio Buds Plus includes an ear tip fit test in the Beats app to assist users in determining the proper ear tip size for the best sound quality and ANC performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Both earbuds have a physical button for controls.
- Studio Buds Plus comes with an ear tip fit test for enhanced fit.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Beats Studio Buds Plus vs Beats Studio Buds have Bluetooth connectivity with SBC and AAC codecs. AAC works well with iOS devices but can deliver intermittent audio quality because AAC works less than perfectly with non-Apple devices. Neither model has Apple’s H1 or H2 chip, so you don’t have automatic device switching between Apple devices. Android users do get Google Fast Pair and Audio Switch, though, for easy switching between paired devices.
Key Takeaways:
- Both models have SBC and AAC codecs.
- No Apple H1 or H2 chip for auto Apple device switching.
- Android users receive Google Fast Pair and Audio Switch support.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re deciding between the Beats Studio Buds Plus and Studio Buds, here’s a simple breakdown:
Choose the Beats Studio Buds Plus If:
- You want the best active noise canceling and transparency mode.
- You need longer battery life.
- You prefer a more customizable fit with four ear tip sizes.
- You like the new translucent color option.
Choose the Beats Studio Buds If:
- You want a more budget-friendly option.
- You don’t mind weaker ANC and shorter battery life.
- You are satisfied with the standard three ear tip sizes.
Final Thoughts
The main difference between Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus is ANC performance, battery life, and color choices. The Studio Buds Plus is the better model, with much better noise canceling, longer battery life, and a better transparency mode. It’s an excellent option for users who value an immersive listening experience and high-end features.
But if you have a budget constraint and can compromise on ANC performance and battery life, the Studio Buds are still a good choice. They still sound great and are fashionable, making them a good substitute for casual listeners. Your decision is based on whether you value performance optimization or cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The Studio Buds Plus comes with enhanced active noise canceling (ANC), enhanced transparency mode, more extended battery life, and another size of ear tips. It adds a see-through colorway as a distinguishing look.
A. Yes, the Studio Buds Plus boasts up to 1.6x stronger ANC and 2x better transparency mode, which are more efficient at canceling out background noise than the original Studio Buds.
A. The sound quality of both earbuds is quite decent, with punchy bass, clean mids, and snappy treble. Neither model, however, has customizable EQ, so listeners won’t be able to adjust the sound profile manually.
A. With ANC enabled, the Studio Buds Plus has an 8 hours and 22 minutes battery life, whereas the standard Studio Buds can only last 4 hours and 24 minutes. The Plus model provides 27 more hours when using the charging case, versus 18 hours for the Studio Buds.
A. No, neither the Studio Buds nor the Studio Buds Plus have wireless charging. They both charge through USB-C.
A. Yes, the Studio Buds Plus has four ear tip sizes (XS-L), whereas the standard Studio Buds has three (S-L). This makes the Plus model more comfortable for people with smaller ears.
A. No, neither of them includes Apple’s H1 or H2 chip, so they don’t support automatic device switching between Apple devices. They do support Google Fast Pair and Audio Switch for Android users, though.
A. Yes, both the Studio Buds and the Studio Buds Plus carry an IPX4 rating, which means they are resistant to sweat and light splashes but are not waterproof.
A. The Studio Buds are available in black, white, red, and blue, while the Studio Buds Plus add a translucent finish, plus black/gold, ivory, and transparent finishes.
A. No, both models have physical buttons for playback control, ANC, and voice assistants. The Studio Buds Plus, however, includes an ear tip fit test in the Beats app for a better fit.
A. Yes, the Studio Buds Plus costs more because of its improved ANC, improved microphones, and extended battery life. The basic Studio Buds are cheaper but miss some features of the higher-end model.
A. Both models are compatible with Android, providing Google Fast Pair and Audio Switch. But the Studio Buds Plus is the best choice for those who desire more robust ANC, enhanced transparency mode, and improved battery life.
