The Beats Studio Buds True Wireless are the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless' mid-range sibling. Like most Beats products, they come in a couple of sleek colorways to match your style but lack an H1 chip, which is unusual for this manufacturer. This means you can't seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. Instead, they feature a 'one-touch pairing' system that works for iOS and Android. On the upside, they support Apple's Spatial Audio feature for a more immersive experience, which is only supported on compatible apps like Apple Music.
The Beats Studio Buds are okay for neutral sound. While they have a fairly neutral sound profile, the underemphasized bass means mixes lack thump, rumble, and boom. A dip in the treble range also hurts the clarity of vocals and lead instruments. Unfortunately, they don't have an EQ or presets to help you customize their sound.
The Beats Studio Buds are decent for commute and travel. Thanks to their small and lightweight design, you can easily throw them into your pockets or bag when you're on the go. However, their ANC struggles to block out the low rumbles of bus or plane engines. They also provide roughly five hours of continuous playback time, which may not last through a long flight or road trip without recharging them.
The Beats Studio Buds are great for sports and fitness. They're comfortable, well-built, and are rated IPX4 for water resistance. They're also lightweight and portable but don't have stability fins, meaning they could fall out of your ears with more intense head movements.
The Beats Studio Buds are fair for office use. They're comfortable and don't leak much audio at high volumes, so you won't bother people around you if you want to crank up your favorite tunes. The ANC performance is adequate at cutting down office noise like ambient chatter. Still, their roughly five-hour continuous battery life may not last you throughout your entire day without pausing to recharge them.
The Beats Studio Buds aren't suitable for wireless gaming. You can use them with a Bluetooth-enabled PC, but their latency is too high for gaming, so your audio and visuals won't be in sync. They aren't compatible with PS4, PS5, or Xbox consoles.
The Beats Studio Buds are truly wireless headphones, and you can't use them wired.
The Beats Studio Buds are sub-par for phone calls. Their integrated mic has sub-par recording quality, so your voice sounds distorted, thin, and lacking depth. It also struggles to separate speech from ambient noise, so your voice can be drowned out on a busy street or in a subway station. Their ANC struggles to block background noise, so you may have trouble hearing your conversation clearly.
The Beats Studio Buds come in a few color variants: 'Black', 'White', 'Ocean Blue', 'Moon Gray', 'Sunset Pink', and 'Beats Red'. We tested the 'Black' variant; you can see our model's label here. If you encounter another variant, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
The Beats Studio Buds are sleek noise cancelling, truly wireless headphones. These in-ears stand out from other Beats products as they have a more neutral sound profile rather than one that's thumpy and bass-heavy, making them more versatile for different kinds of audio genres. However, their ANC's performance falls short of Beats' over and on-ear models, like the Beats Solo Pro Wireless, and they struggle to cut down the low rumble of bus and plane engines. They don't do much better at eliminating office chatter, either. They also lack an H1 chip, meaning you can't seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices, unlike the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless and Beats Flex Wireless.
If you're looking for more earbuds, check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best wireless earbuds for running and working out, and the best noise cancelling earbuds and in-ear headphones.
The Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless are the next generation of the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Plus model offer a couple of upgrades over their predecessor, including a significantly better noise isolation performance and a longer-lasting continuous battery life.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Apple headphones are better built, are more stable in-ear, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. As well as having better ANC and battery performance, they come with an H1 chip that lets you seamlessly pair them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless and the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer one over the other. While both headphones are comfortable, the Powerbeats are better for sports as they have a very stable in-ear fit. They also have a longer continuous battery life and an H1 chip so that you can seamlessly pair them up with other devices in your Apple ecosystem. However, the Studio Buds are better for commutes or in-office use. They have ANC, and while it offers a disappointing performance, it can still block out more background noise than the Powerbeats. They also leak less audio.
The Beats Fit Pro True Wireless offer better overall performance than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. Being the sportier sibling of the Studio Buds, the Fit Pro have a significantly more stable in-ear fit, thanks to their stability fins. Their mic also does a better overall job, and they have an additional charge in their carrying case. Unlike the Studio Buds, they also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices and can block out significantly more ambient noise.
The JBL Tune Buds True Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The JBL have a more neutral, versatile sound profile out-of-the-box and an app with sound customization features. They also have a longer continuous battery life and an auto-off timer to save power. However, the Beats have a one-touch pairing feature that works with Android and iOS. They support Apple's Spatial Audio feature, which works with apps like Apple Music and is designed to create a more immersive listening experience.
The Beats Studio Buds True Wireless and Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless are both geared as value-driven earbuds with noise cancelling, although neither have exceptional ANC. Both are comfortable, use buttons for controls, and have IPX4 ratings against water splashes. The Beats have a more neutral sound profile with better clarity for vocals and cymbals, but less boom and thump, and you can't customize the EQ in their more basic app. The Sony also has multi-device pairing, which the Beats can't do. You also get more control via the Sony app with a comprehensive equalizer. The Sony's continuous battery life is much longer than the Beats, although you get close to the same amount of total battery life if you include charges stored in the case of both.
The JBL Tune Flex Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The JBL have a more neutral, versatile default sound profile and an app with sound customization features. They also have a longer continuous battery life and an auto-off timer to save power. However, the Beats have a quick pairing feature that works with Android and iOS. They support Apple's Spatial Audio feature, which works with apps like Apple Music and is meant to create a more immersive listening experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Samsung have better noise isolation and a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. You can also customize the Samsung's sound using their companion app's EQ presets.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Samsung headphones have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their integrated mic offers better overall performance, they have a longer continuous battery life, and you can customize their sound when using their companion app's EQ presets. They're also able to passively isolate you from more noise than the Beats with their ANC on.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Sony are better built, and they have significantly better noise isolation. They also have a longer continuous battery life and you can customize their sound profile using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
The Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. They have a longer continuous battery life, better overall mic performance, and better noise isolation performance. Their default sound profile is more neutral, which some may prefer, and their app includes a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. On the other hand, the Beats are more comfortable.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Samsung have a more stable in-ear fit, significantly better noise isolation, and their companion app offers EQ presets. However, the Beats have a somewhat better battery performance.
The Beats Solo Pro Wireless are better headphones than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Solo Pro have a better build quality, better ANC, and a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have longer continuous battery life, and an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Studio Buds are more comfortable and lightweight.
The Beats Flex Wireless are better in-ears for their cost than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Flex are more stable in-ear, have a longer continuous battery life, and have a W1 chip for seamless pairing to Apple devices. However, the Studio Buds have a truly wireless design, which some users may prefer.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Sony have a better build, better ANC, and a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their companion app also offers a graphic EQ with presets to help you adjust their sound. The microphone offers better overall performance and their continuous battery life is longer too. However, the Beats are more comfortable.
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series Truly Wireless and the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless are similarly performing headphones. Both headphones are comfortable and well-built. The Google earbuds' sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, and their mic offers better overall performance. However, the Beats have ANC and can isolate you from more ambient noise. They also leak less audio, and you can use one bud while the other one charges.
The Beats Solo Buds True Wireless are slightly better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Solo have better noise isolation, a better mic, and a far superior battery life. They also supply a more accurate bass, which might be important for anyone who chooses Beats because of their famed low-end. On the other hand, the Studio Buds deliver audio a little more consistently.
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Apple headphones have better build quality, better overall mic performance, and a longer continuous battery life. However, the Βeats are more comfortable, have a more stable fit, and block out much more noise—though their ANC feature doesn't perform very well.
The Nothing Ear (1) Truly Wireless are slightly better headphones than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Nothing have better ANC and a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. The Nothing also have more extra charges in their carrying case and their companion app offers EQ presets. However, the Beats can deliver sound more consistently.
The Beats Studio Buds True Wireless are better in-ears than the Raycon The Fitness Earbuds (2021 Edition) True Wireless. While both earbuds are comfortable and well-built, the Beats have better noise isolation performance and a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the Raycon have a more stable in-ear fit and a significantly better battery performance.
The Skullcandy Sesh ANC True Wireless are better noise-cancelling earbuds than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. Their ANC can isolate you from lower-frequency background noise, like the deep rumble of a bus or plane engine. Their companion app also lets you fine-tune their sound profile using a graphic EQ and presets, a feature that the Beats' companion app does not have. The Beats' battery life also isn't as long, but if you're a dedicated Apple user, you'll benefit from the Beats' H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices, as well as their compatibility with Apple Music's Spatial Audio feature, which creates a more immersive virtual soundstage via head tracking.
The Sennheiser CX True Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Sennheiser are better built, more stable, and have better performing ANC. They also have a longer battery life along with an auto-off timer, and a companion app with a graphic EQ. However, the Beats do charge faster, have superior microphone recording quality, and feel more comfortable to wear.
The Skullcandy Grind Fuel True Wireless are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Skullcandy have a longer continuous battery life, a better companion app, and a superior overall mic performance. Despite having no ANC, the Skullcandy have better noise isolation passively than the Beats do with ANC on. They also have a more stable fit, a better control scheme, and 'Skull-iQ' features, including built-in voice commands. On the other hand, the Βeats are more comfortable and better built.
These earbuds have a small, understated design. The glossy front face of the buds has the same protruding pill-shaped grip as the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless, with a small logo printed on the lower side. However, unlike Beats Fit Pro, these buds don't have stability fins. They come in a few color variants to suit your style: 'Black', 'White', 'Ocean Blue', 'Moon Gray', 'Sunset Pink', and 'Beats Red'.
These buds have a comfortable fit. They're lightweight and don't put too much pressure on your ears. Registering commands using the physical buttons doesn't push the buds deeper into your ear. They come with three pairs of differently-sized tips to help you get the best fit.
These headphones have mediocre controls. They're easy to use since the left and right buttons have the same controls. The buttons have mechanical feedback, but they're not very clicky. The earbuds beep to let you know when they've registered a command, but there aren't voice prompts. While they didn't have volume controls when first launched, firmware update 1B56 allows you to enable volume controls on the buds via the companion app.
On either bud:
The carrying case is decent, but it's a step down from their successor, the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless. It's small and made of semi-glossy plastic that feels durable but retains fingerprints if you have oily skin. One small light near the bottom indicates when it's charging. However, the lid doesn't stay open easily due to its flimsy hinge.
These headphones have good build quality. They're made of plastic and feel durable enough to survive a couple of accidental drops without taking damage. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance against water splashes, making them a solid choice for sports use. Unfortunately, the silicone ear tips are flimsy and feel like they can rip over time.
These in-ears are decently stable. Unlike the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless, they lack stability fins to hold them in place when you're on the move. They won't fall out of your ears if you use them at your desk, but they can move around during workouts or runs.
These earbuds have a somewhat neutral sound profile, which makes them versatile enough for most audio content. It's different from other Beats products, known for their bass-heavy sound. The Beats Studio Buds lack bass, so your audio sounds a bit veiled. However, there's a boost in the high-mid that makes vocals and instrumentals sound clear in the mix. Unfortunately, their companion app doesn't have any sound customization features like an EQ to help you tweak their sound.
The frequency response consistency is outstanding. Once you get a good fit and seal, you'll get consistent audio delivery each time you use them.
Their bass accuracy is decent. It's underemphasized across the range, so songs like Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé lack warmth and thump, punch, and boom in their bassline. They're much less neutral-sounding than the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless earbuds, which have more prominent bass well-suited for thumpy genres like EDM and hip-hop.
These earbuds have good mid accuracy. The low to mid-mid is underemphasized, so in songs like Juice by Lizzo, vocals seem thin and nudged to the back of the mix. The high-mid is very flat, so vocals and lead instruments still have clarity and intensity.
The treble accuracy is decent. The response is underemphasized across the range, so vocals and lead instruments are veiled and lacking in detail. Sibilants like cymbals are also dull and lispy.
The peaks and dips performance is great. The peaks and dips are quite minor, meaning the headphones can control their sound profile well. A bump in the low-bass adds thump and rumble to mixes, while a dip between the high-bass and low-mid thins out vocals and lead instruments. Another dip in the mid-mid nudges these sounds to the back of your mix, while a bump in the high-mid to low-treble makes the upper harmonics of vocals and lead instruments harsh. The uneven mid-treble makes sibilants like cymbals alternatingly bright and sharp.
Beats tend to have good quality control and ergonomics, which helps ensure that their products have well-matched drivers. In turn, well-matched drivers have a high imaging performance, so objects like voices are accurately placed in the stereo image. Imaging varies between units, though. Our unit's L/R drivers are well-matched in group delay, amplitude, frequency, and phase response.
The Beats Studio Buds' passive soundstage is bad. Because they're earbuds, they don't interact with your outer ear, which needs to be activated by sound to create an open and immersive soundstage. The resulting soundstage seems small and as if coming from inside your head. They also have a closed-back design, meaning their passive soundstage seems less spacious than open-back headphones.
These headphones don't have any virtual soundstage features. While they support Apple's Spatial Audio, it only works on tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos via Apple Music, and you'll need a subscription to access these features. Spatial Audio can create a more 3D soundstage to immerse you in your audio.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance is good. There are a couple of small peaks in the treble range. However, these peaks are hard to hear with real-life content, and we lose our sensitivity to high-pitched sounds over time. The rest of the frequencies fall within good limits, producing clear and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the Beats Studio Buds. Our results are only valid when using these headphones with these settings.
These earbuds have disappointing noise isolation, and do a worse job of blocking out sound than their successor, the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless. Their ANC hardly blocks bass-range sounds like rumbling bus and plane engines and is just okay at reducing office chatter. However, it does a better job of reducing high-pitched sounds like a humming A/C unit. Unlike other ANC earbuds, like the Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless, the Beats also block out more noise if you just turn the ANC off, which isn't ideal. Unfortunately, we noticed that when the ANC is on, you can sometimes hear more white noise in your audio in a quiet environment. If you've experienced this issue, let us know in the forums.
The buds' leakage performance is outstanding. Noticeable frequencies are concentrated in the bass range, and while escaping audio sounds somewhat full, it's not very loud. It won't bother people sitting nearby, even if you're listening to your music at high volumes.
The integrated mic has sub-par recording quality. Your voice sounds thin, distorted, and lacking in depth.
The microphone's noise handling performance is sub-par and performs worse than the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. The mic struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you, and speech can be drowned out. If you're taking a call while commuting, it can be difficult for someone to hear you on the other end.
The Beats Studio Buds have a sub-par battery performance. They have roughly five hours of continuous playback time, which likely won't last throughout your workday unless you pause to recharge them. If you need wireless buds that'll get you through long workdays, it's worth checking out the JBL Tune Buds True Wireless instead. Keep in mind that battery life varies depending on use, though. Luckily, the case holds two extra full charges, making it easy to top up their battery when not in use. You can also use one bud while the other one is charging, and they have a 'Fast Fuel' feature that gives you one hour of playback from five minutes of charging. Thanks to firmware update 10M359, iOS devices now show the battery status of both buds if the carrying case is nearby and open.
The Beats app is mediocre. You can see how it works here. It doesn't offer any sound customization features like an EQ or presets. You can rename your buds in-app and remap the press-and-hold command to summon your device's voice assistant or cycle between ANC modes (On/Off and Transparency Mode). Firmware update 1B56 also added volume controls, although you have to disable ANC controls to make room for them, as you can't have both simultaneously. You can also register your buds for updates using the Android app, but this feature isn't available on iOS. Consider the Sennheiser CX True Wireless or the JBL Tune Flex True Wireless if you're looking for a pair of truly wireless in-ears with a fuller-featured companion app.
Unlike other Beats headphones, like the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless, the Beats Studio Buds don't have an H1 chip. They also lack multi-device and NFC pairing. That said, they can quickly pair to iOS devices once you open up their case, and they support Fast Pairing with Android devices.
These buds only support the default SBC codec. Their latency using it is very high, so if you're streaming video, your audio and visuals will be out of sync. Some apps and devices compensate for latency differently, though.
These headphones are only compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. You'll have full audio and mic compatibility, though.
The Beats Studio Buds have a carrying case with two additional charges. It has a USB-C port to charge the case. This case doesn't support wireless charging, just like their successor, the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless.