The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a solid upgrade for those seeking a balance of Apple’s ecosystem benefits and a more universal Android-friendly experience in a compact earbud. While they might not dethrone the absolute kings of noise cancellation or audio fidelity for audiophiles, they deliver a highly competent performance, particularly in terms of active noise cancellation ANC and transparency mode, which are noticeably improved over their predecessors. For daily commuters, gym-goers, or anyone looking for a reliable, well-designed pair of true wireless earbuds that just work, the Studio Buds Plus hit a sweet spot, offering enhanced comfort and battery life to boot.

Feature / Product	Beats Studio Buds Plus	Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen	Sony WF-1000XM5	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II	Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro	Jabra Elite 7 Pro	Google Pixel Buds Pro
ANC Performance	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Very Good
Transparency Mode	Very Good	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
Audio Quality	Balanced, Punchy Bass	Balanced, Clear	Rich, Detailed	Balanced, Clear	Balanced, Clear	Balanced, Clear	Balanced, Clear
Battery Life Buds	Up to 6 hours ANC on	Up to 6 hours ANC on	Up to 8 hours ANC on	Up to 6 hours ANC on	Up to 5 hours ANC on	Up to 8 hours ANC on	Up to 7 hours ANC on
Battery Life Case	Up to 36 hours total	Up to 30 hours total	Up to 24 hours total	Up to 24 hours total	Up to 18 hours total	Up to 30 hours total	Up to 31 hours total
Connectivity	Class 1 Bluetooth	H2 Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.0
Spatial Audio	Yes with Dolby Atmos	Yes Personalized	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Water/Sweat Resistance	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4	IPX7	IP57	IPX4
Unique Features	Enhanced ANC, Transparency, Android Fast Pair, Find My	Adaptive Audio, UWB for Find My, Personalized Spatial Audio	DSEE Extreme, LDAC	CustomTune sound calibration	24-bit Hi-Fi Audio, Auto Switch	MultiPoint, MyFit	Google Translate, Fast Pair
Best For	Apple/Android users seeking balanced performance	Apple users seeking top-tier integration & ANC	Audiophiles & ANC lovers	Best-in-class ANC	Samsung users, Hi-Res audio	Professional use, long battery	Google users, seamless integration

Table of Contents

Design and Comfort: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

The Beats Studio Buds Plus largely retain the compact, stem-less design of their predecessors, but don’t let that fool you. Apple has made some crucial, subtle improvements that significantly enhance the overall user experience. The most notable change is the inclusion of four ear tip sizes XS, S, M, L, which is a must for fit and, consequently, for passive noise isolation and comfort.

Enhanced Fit and Feel

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-most frustration.

The additional XS tips mean a wider range of users can achieve a proper seal, which is paramount for both audio quality and effective ANC.

A snug fit not only keeps the earbuds securely in your ears during workouts or commutes but also forms a crucial barrier against external noise.

This seemingly minor addition elevates the comfort level dramatically, allowing for longer listening sessions without ear fatigue.

The buds themselves are still lightweight and sit discreetly in the ear, avoiding the “dangly” look of some other designs.

Material Upgrades

While the core aesthetic remains, Beats has incorporated a new transparent color option, which is a cool nod to early 2000s tech and gives them a distinctive look. Beyond aesthetics, the materials feel premium and durable, ready to withstand daily wear and tear. The charging case also maintains its compact, pebble-like shape, making it easy to slip into any pocket. The IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating remains, making them perfectly suitable for gym sessions or light rain, which is a crucial consideration for active users.

Audio Performance: Balanced and Punchy

When it comes to audio, the Beats Studio Buds Plus stick to the brand’s signature sound profile: bass-forward yet balanced, ensuring that your podcast has energy without overwhelming the mids and highs. They’re not going to satisfy the absolute purists who demand flat, analytical sound, but for the vast majority of listeners, they deliver a highly enjoyable and engaging experience.

Signature Beats Sound Profile

The 2023 model maintains the custom acoustic platform and dual-element diaphragm drivers that were lauded in the original. This means you get crisp highs, clear vocals, and, as expected from Beats, a satisfyingly deep and resonant bass. Whether you’re into hip-hop, electronic podcast, or pop, the Studio Buds Plus provide that punchy, rhythmic foundation that makes you want to tap your feet. Importantly, this bass doesn’t muddy the midrange, allowing vocals and instruments to cut through clearly.

Clarity Across Frequencies

Even with the enhanced bass, the Studio Buds Plus manage to retain good clarity across the frequency spectrum. Lenovo Ideacentre Aio 5I 24 Review

Highs: Remain crisp and articulate, preventing cymbals and higher-pitched instruments from sounding harsh or distorted.
Mids: Vocals are present and forward, making podcasts and phone calls sound natural and easy to understand.
Bass: Provides a strong foundation, giving tracks a sense of depth and power without becoming boomy or overpowering.

This balanced approach means they are versatile enough for various genres, from podcasts to rock anthems.

They won’t replace a high-fidelity over-ear headphone experience for critical listening, but for everyday use, they’re more than competent.

Active Noise Cancellation ANC and Transparency Mode: Significant Gains

This is where the Beats Studio Buds Plus truly shine and show significant improvements over the original model.

The ANC and Transparency Mode have been retooled and are now genuinely competitive with some of the best on the market, offering a more immersive listening experience and better situational awareness.

ANC That Actually Works

Beats claims a 1.6x improvement in ANC performance, and it’s noticeable. The Studio Buds Plus utilize new algorithms and three times larger microphones, leading to a much more effective suppression of ambient noise.

Low-frequency rumble: Excellent at canceling out the hum of an airplane engine, the drone of a bus, or the general background noise of an office.
Mid-frequency chatter: While not completely silent, they significantly reduce the distracting chatter of conversations or the clatter of a coffee shop, allowing you to focus on your audio.
Consistent performance: The ANC is consistent and doesn’t introduce a noticeable “pressure” feeling that some ANC headphones can. This makes them comfortable for extended use, especially in noisy environments.

This improved ANC is a major selling point, making them a great option for commuters or anyone who needs to carve out a quiet space in a busy world.

Enhanced Transparency Mode

Equally impressive is the Transparency Mode, which allows external sounds to pass through naturally, making it feel as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all. This is crucial for:

Situational awareness: Hearing traffic when walking near roads.
Conversations: Being able to chat with colleagues or cashiers without removing your earbuds.
Announcements: Not missing important public transport announcements.

The implementation is seamless, allowing for quick toggling between ANC and Transparency with a simple press of the multi-function button.

The new microphones pick up external sounds clearly and reproduce them naturally, without the artificial or hissy quality that can plague lesser transparency modes. This is a huge win for daily usability.

Battery Life: All-Day Endurance

Battery life is a critical factor for true wireless earbuds, and the Beats Studio Buds Plus deliver a robust performance that ensures you’re powered through your day. Acer Chromebook Spin 514 2023 Review

Beats has managed to eke out more juice from these compact earbuds, making them a reliable companion for extended listening sessions.

Improved Listening Time

The official figures are impressive:

Up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC/Transparency off.
Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC or Transparency mode active.

This is a significant improvement over the original Studio Buds, which offered 8 hours total and 5 hours with ANC.

For most users, 6 hours with ANC on is more than enough for a commute, a workout, and several hours of work without needing to pop them back in the case.

Even if you’re listening constantly, you’ll get a full morning or afternoon of audio before needing a top-up.

Extended Total Playback with Case

The compact charging case provides multiple additional charges, extending the total listening time significantly.

Up to 36 hours of total listening time with ANC/Transparency off from the case.
Up to 24 hours of total listening time with ANC/Transparency on from the case.

This means you can easily go several days, or even a full week for lighter users, without needing to plug the case into a charger.

This level of endurance makes the Studio Buds Plus excellent for travel or just for peace of mind, knowing your earbuds won’t die on you unexpectedly.

Fast Charging Capabilities

For those times when you’re in a rush, the Fast Fuel feature is a lifesaver.

5 minutes of charging in the case provides 1 hour of listening time.

This rapid charging capability means you can quickly get enough power for a workout or a short commute, even if you forgot to charge them overnight. Eve Flare Review

The case charges via USB-C, which is a welcome standard that many users already have cables for, though wireless charging is notably absent, which is a minor drawback for some.

Connectivity and Ecosystem Features: Bridging the Divide

One of the standout features of the Beats Studio Buds Plus is their ability to offer a surprisingly seamless experience for both Apple and Android users.

Unlike AirPods, which are heavily optimized for Apple devices, the Studio Buds Plus bring some of that “just works” magic to the Android side, making them a truly versatile option.

Apple Ecosystem Integration Simplified

While they lack the H1/H2 chip found in AirPods, the Studio Buds Plus still offer a good level of integration within the Apple ecosystem:

Instant pairing: Once paired with one Apple device, they automatically appear as an available audio output on all other iCloud-connected devices.
“Find My” support: You can locate your lost earbuds using Apple’s Find My network, playing a sound to help you track them down.
Siri support: Activate Siri hands-free by saying “Hey Siri” or by pressing and holding the button on the earbud.
Over-the-air updates: Firmware updates are delivered seamlessly through your connected Apple device.

What’s missing compared to AirPods Pro 2 is the seamless automatic device switching and the precision finding via the UWB chip.

However, for a pair of Beats, the integration is robust enough for most Apple users.

Android Fast Pair and More

This is where the Studio Buds Plus truly differentiate themselves from other Apple-owned audio products.

They offer features specifically designed for Android users, making them a compelling choice:

Google Fast Pair: Just open the case near an Android device, and a pop-up will appear for instant pairing. This mirrors the AirPods experience on iOS.
Audio Switch: Seamlessly switch between Android and Chromebook devices.
Find My Device Android: Similar to Apple’s Find My, you can locate your lost Studio Buds Plus on the Android platform.

These features eliminate the traditional friction of pairing Bluetooth devices on Android, making the user experience far more fluid.

This universal appeal is a significant advantage over Apple’s own AirPods line. Sony Zv 1M2 Review

Class 1 Bluetooth

The Studio Buds Plus utilize Class 1 Bluetooth, which provides a stronger and more stable connection with a longer range than standard Class 2 Bluetooth. This translates to fewer dropouts and a more reliable listening experience, whether your phone is in your pocket or across the room.

Call Quality: Clear Conversations

For many, earbuds aren’t just for listening to podcast.

They’re essential tools for calls, especially in a hybrid work environment.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus make a concerted effort to improve call quality, and it pays off.

Enhanced Microphones

The Studio Buds Plus feature three times larger microphones than their predecessors, which are specifically designed to pick up your voice more clearly. They also incorporate voice-targeting algorithms that intelligently filter out background noise, focusing on your speech.

Performance in Different Environments

Quiet environments: In a quiet room, your voice comes through crystal clear and natural. They perform admirably for professional calls and casual chats alike.
Noisy environments: This is where the improvements really shine. While they won’t magically eliminate a jet engine, they do a commendable job of suppressing ambient noise like wind, traffic, or office chatter. Your voice remains discernible, albeit with some compression or slight robotic qualities in extremely loud settings. Compared to many competitors in this price bracket, they hold their own.

Wind Resistance

Wind noise is a perennial challenge for earbud microphones.

While no earbud is immune, the Studio Buds Plus show noticeable improvement in mitigating wind interference during calls, thanks to their enhanced microphone array and algorithms.

This makes them a more reliable option for calls while walking outdoors.

For casual and business calls, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are a strong performer, ensuring you’re heard clearly without much effort.

Controls and Customization: Intuitive and Universal

The physical controls on the Beats Studio Buds Plus are a highlight, offering a tactile and reliable way to manage your audio and calls without fumbling with touch sensors. Lensbaby Double Glass Ii Review

Furthermore, the universal app support ensures customization is available to everyone.

Physical Press Controls

Unlike many earbuds that rely on finicky touchpads, the Studio Buds Plus feature a multi-function button on each earbud that you physically press. This offers several advantages:

Reliability: No accidental presses or missed commands due to sweaty fingers or slight misalignments. A physical click provides satisfying feedback.
Consistency: The controls work the same way regardless of whether your hands are wet, cold, or gloved.
Common Commands:
- Single press: Play/pause, answer/end call.
- Double press: Skip forward.
- Triple press: Skip backward.
- Press and hold: Toggle between ANC and Transparency Mode, or activate voice assistant configurable.

The default setup is intuitive, and the physical buttons are comfortable to use without jamming the buds deeper into your ears.

Beats App for Android and iOS Settings

While Apple users can manage settings directly within the iOS Bluetooth settings, Android users benefit from the dedicated Beats app. This app provides:

Battery status: View the battery levels of each bud and the charging case.
Firmware updates: Ensure your earbuds are always running the latest software.
Customizable “Press and Hold” function: Choose between ANC/Transparency toggle or voice assistant activation.
Ear tip fit test: Helps you determine the best ear tip size for optimal sound and ANC. This is a crucial tool for getting the most out of your Studio Buds Plus.

This unified approach to software management across both platforms is a testament to Beats’ commitment to universality, providing a consistent user experience regardless of your mobile operating system.

The simplicity of the controls combined with the essential customization options makes these earbuds highly user-friendly.

Value Proposition: Are They Worth the Investment?

When evaluating any tech product, the ultimate question comes down to value: what do you get for your money, and how does it compare to the competition? The Beats Studio Buds Plus carve out a unique niche, offering a compelling blend of features at a competitive price point.

Price Positioning

The Studio Buds Plus are typically positioned in the mid-to-high range for true wireless earbuds, often costing less than premium options like the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen or the Sony WF-1000XM5, but more than budget-friendly alternatives.

This pricing places them in direct competition with products like the Google Pixel Buds Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Campaigner Review

What You Get for Your Money

For the price, you get:

Improved ANC and Transparency Mode: A significant upgrade that brings them close to top-tier performance.
Signature Beats audio: Punchy bass and clear sound for enjoyable everyday listening.
Excellent battery life: With up to 36 hours total, they’re ready for long days.
Universal compatibility: Near-identical seamless experience for both Apple and Android users. This is a huge differentiator.
Comfortable and secure fit: Thanks to the additional ear tip sizes and lightweight design.
Reliable physical controls: No more frustrating touch gestures.
Good call quality: Clear conversations even in moderately noisy environments.

Who Are They For?

The Studio Buds Plus offer a fantastic value proposition for:

Cross-platform users: If you switch between an iPhone and an Android tablet, or have friends and family on different platforms, these are ideal.
Apple users who find AirPods Pro too expensive: You get excellent ANC and transparency at a lower cost, with most core Apple features.
Android users wanting premium features: Fast Pair, Find My Device, and robust ANC without needing to buy a Samsung or Pixel phone for optimal performance.
Active individuals: The IPX4 rating and secure fit make them great for workouts.
Commuters: The enhanced ANC makes noisy commutes much more tolerable.

While they lack some premium features like wireless charging or advanced spatial audio tracking found in the AirPods Pro 2, the Studio Buds Plus deliver on their core promises with significant improvements, making them a very strong contender in their price bracket.

They represent a smart investment for a broad range of users seeking a balanced, high-performing true wireless earbud experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main improvements of the Beats Studio Buds Plus over the original Studio Buds?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation ANC and Transparency Mode, longer battery life up to 36 hours total with the case, and enhanced call quality due to larger microphones and new algorithms.

They also include four ear tip sizes XS, S, M, L for a better fit.

Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus work well with Android phones?

Yes, the Beats Studio Buds Plus work exceptionally well with Android phones, offering features like Google Fast Pair for instant setup, Audio Switch for seamless device transitions, and Find My Device integration, providing a near-identical experience to what Apple users get.

Is the ANC Active Noise Cancellation on the Beats Studio Buds Plus effective?

Yes, the ANC on the Beats Studio Buds Plus is very effective and noticeably improved over the original model.

Beats claims a 1.6x improvement, effectively suppressing low-frequency hums and significantly reducing mid-frequency chatter in noisy environments.

What is the battery life of the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge without ANC and up to 6 hours with ANC or Transparency Mode active. Apple Macbook Air 15 Inch Review

The charging case extends the total listening time to up to 36 hours without ANC and 24 hours with ANC.

Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus have wireless charging?

No, the Beats Studio Buds Plus charging case does not support wireless charging. It charges via a USB-C port.

Are the Beats Studio Buds Plus comfortable for long periods?

Yes, thanks to their lightweight design and the inclusion of four ear tip sizes XS, S, M, L, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are designed for enhanced comfort and a secure fit, making them suitable for extended listening sessions.

What is the water resistance rating of the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus have an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating, meaning they are resistant to splashes from any direction and suitable for workouts and light rain.

How do I control the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus feature physical press controls on each earbud.

A single press controls play/pause and calls, a double press skips forward, a triple press skips backward, and a press-and-hold toggles ANC/Transparency or activates the voice assistant.

Can I customize the controls on the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

Yes, you can customize the press-and-hold function to either toggle between ANC/Transparency modes or activate your voice assistant.

This can be done in the iOS Bluetooth settings or via the Beats app for Android.

Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus support Spatial Audio?

Yes, the Beats Studio Buds Plus support Spatial Audio for content mixed in Dolby Atmos.

They do not, however, offer personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking like some higher-end Apple AirPods. Razer Blade 14 2023 Review

How is the call quality on the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The call quality on the Beats Studio Buds Plus is good, with improved performance over the original model.

They feature larger microphones and voice-targeting algorithms to ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.

Are the Beats Studio Buds Plus good for workouts?

Yes, with their IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating and secure, comfortable fit thanks to multiple ear tip options, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are well-suited for workouts and active use.

What ear tip sizes are included with the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus come with four ear tip sizes: extra small XS, small S, medium M, and large L to ensure an optimal fit for a wide range of users.

How do the Beats Studio Buds Plus compare to Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer comparable ANC and Transparency at a lower price point, with better cross-platform compatibility.

However, AirPods Pro 2nd Gen offer more advanced Apple ecosystem features H2 chip, UWB for Find My, Adaptive Audio, personalized Spatial Audio, seamless auto-switching and generally superior overall audio fidelity and ANC.

How do the Beats Studio Buds Plus compare to Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Sony WF-1000XM5 generally offer superior audio quality for audiophiles and slightly better overall ANC.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus are more compact, offer better cross-platform integration, and are often more affordable, focusing on a more balanced and punchy sound.

Is there a companion app for the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

For Android users, there is a dedicated Beats app that allows for battery status checks, firmware updates, and control customization.

IOS users can access similar settings directly within their iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. Lexmark Mb3442I Review

Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus have a low-latency mode for gaming or video?

While not explicitly advertised as having a “low-latency mode,” the Beats Studio Buds Plus utilize Class 1 Bluetooth, which provides a stable connection and generally good synchronization between audio and video for most streaming and gaming.

What is the Fast Fuel feature?

Fast Fuel is a fast charging feature that provides 1 hour of listening time from just 5 minutes of charging the earbuds in their case.

Do Beats Studio Buds Plus have auto-pause when you take them out of your ears?

No, the Beats Studio Buds Plus do not feature in-ear detection, so they do not automatically pause audio when removed from your ears.

You need to manually pause using the earbud controls.

Can I use just one earbud at a time?

Yes, you can use either the left or right earbud independently for mono listening or calls while the other remains in the case.

What is the charging time for the Beats Studio Buds Plus case?

A full charge for the Beats Studio Buds Plus case typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours when charging via USB-C.

Are the Beats Studio Buds Plus good for hands-free calls?

Yes, with improved microphones and voice-targeting algorithms, they are good for hands-free calls, making your voice clear even in moderately noisy environments.

What is the audio profile of the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus feature a signature Beats sound profile, characterized by punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, offering an energetic and enjoyable listening experience for various podcast genres.

Do they come with a charging cable?

Yes, the Beats Studio Buds Plus typically come with a short USB-C to USB-C charging cable in the box.

Are the Beats Studio Buds Plus compatible with laptops and tablets?

Yes, the Beats Studio Buds Plus can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device, including laptops, tablets, and smart TVs, just like any other Bluetooth headphones. Cherry Stream Keyboard Review

How do I reset my Beats Studio Buds Plus?

To reset the Beats Studio Buds Plus, place both earbuds in the charging case with the lid open.

Press and hold the system button on the case for 15 seconds until the LED indicator light flashes red and white.

Do the Beats Studio Buds Plus have a physical button or touch controls?

They have physical press buttons on each earbud, offering tactile feedback and reliable control over audio and calls.

Can I track my Beats Studio Buds Plus if I lose them?

Yes, they support Apple’s Find My network for iOS users and Google’s Find My Device for Android users, allowing you to locate your lost earbuds.

What are the available colors for the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Beats Studio Buds Plus are available in several colors, including Black, Ivory, and the new Transparent clear option.

Is the sound quality significantly better than the original Studio Buds?

While the overall sound profile remains similar, the improved fit from the additional ear tips on the Studio Buds Plus can lead to better passive noise isolation and, consequently, a fuller and more consistent audio experience.

The core acoustic platform is largely the same, but the overall listening experience is enhanced due to better ANC and fit.

Beats Studio Buds Plus Review