Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods Pro vs AirPods: What’s the Difference?

The Apple ecosystem is pretty much unrivaled. One just needs to look at the plethora of Apple devices. The endless line of iPhones, the innovative iPads, and even the versatile Apple Watch models. But what about the wireless headphones market?

From the AirPods Max to the bestselling Apple AirPods Pro 2, it’s safe to say they’re also well-established in the headphones arena. So, let’s see how they compare to other brands when it comes to spatial audio, volume control, and audio quality.

In this comparison, we look at two of the best products from the IOS creators — the AirPods Pro and the classic AirPods — and we pit them against a great in the wireless earbuds industry, the Beats Studio Buds. What’s the difference between these three great options? All are great products with great sound, but let’s take a look at what sets them apart, and which one you’re more likely to use to listen to your favorite podcast.

Beats Studio Buds

Beats by Dr. Dre, a name known for rich color options and bass-heavy sound, has only improved in quality and functionality since the Beats brand was acquired by Apple in 2014. The Beats Studio Buds offer true wireless noise-canceling and are designed to deliver powerful, balanced sound in a compact, in-ear form. You get immersive studio-quality sound right in your ears!

These earbuds feature two listening modes: Active Noise Canceling and Transparency modes. Each earbud has up to eight hours of battery life, with two additional charges included with the pocket-sized charging case, to give you up to 24 hours of on-the-go charge. Other features include sweat and water resistance, easy pairing with both Apple and Android products, and hands-free Siri activation. The Beats Studio Buds come with three soft ear tip sizes for a stable and comfortable fit. Charge them with a standard USB-C charger. They come in assorted colors: Red, White, and Black.

2nd Generation AirPods

The 2nd Generation AirPods make wireless listening easy with one-touch settings. AirPods can also access Siri hands-free by saying “Hey Siri”. They come in a wireless charging case and have up to three hours of talk time on a single charge. Included is the new H1 headphone chip that makes Bluetooth connections even faster. Also, they offer a full 24 hours of battery life, are comfortable, easy to pair, and have a compact-sized charging case.

AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro is for the Apple user who wants a bit more than the basic AirPods can offer. Sweat- and water-resistant, it also has soft silicone tips in three sizes for a customizable fit. The AirPods Pro, like the Beats Studio Buds, has noise-canceling and transparency modes, and is equipped with hands-free Siri. Thanks to the rechargeable case, you’re able to get 24 hours of battery life between charges.

Which Is Right for You?

Of course, when deciding on which earbuds to choose, you should line up the three, side by side, and compare the qualities that are most important to you.

Noise Canceling

ANC or Active Noise Cancellation is when a set of microphones monitor the outside noises and cancel out the sounds to the earbud wearer. Both the AirPods Pro and the Beats Studio Buds offer noise-canceling and transparency modes. The AirPods 2nd Gen does not.

Size

Interestingly, the Beats Studio Buds are smaller in size than both the AirPods and the AirPods Pro. Part of the difference in the size of the buds can be attributed to the shape of the classic Apple AirPods. They are designed with the “stalk” that descends from the earpiece, making it a larger piece. Though the Beats Studio Buds are smaller, their case is a little chunkier, due primarily to their design.

Water Resistance

Both the AirPods Pro and the Beats Studio Buds are water- and sweat-resistant. This may be an important feature if you plan on using them outdoors or for exercising.

Cases and Battery Life

Charging cases are similar for all three products. All three get up to 24 hours of charging and all use a USB-C charger. The difference in battery life comes with the use of the ANC mode, with the Pro model getting approximately 4.5 hours when on and the Beats Studio Buds getting 5. Without the use of ANC, the Beats Studio Buds outperform the AirPods Pro with an eight-hour life compared to five with the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro case can be charged wirelessly, with a mat or other wireless device. The other two cannot.

Comfort

Comfort is a relative term. If you are accustomed to Apple Earbuds, AirPods may be the most comfortable option for you. The 2nd Gen AirPods may be more comfortable for some compared to the AirPods Pro simply due to their difference in size and weight. If you are not used to the stalk on the AirPods, you may find the Beats product more comfortable. It is smaller in size and does not protrude very far outside the ear and has no stalk that hangs down.

Sound Quality

The AirPods and AirPods Pro models both have the same H1 sound processor which gives a rich, full tone. As a bonus, the AirPods and Pro modes both have In-Ear Detection. This feature pauses play when the AirPods are removed from your ear and restarts once AirPods are replaced. The Beats Studio Buds have a different processor, and though it is adequate, the quality may not be as good as the Apple products.

Pricing

The AirPods 2nd Gen and the Beats Studio Buds are priced relatively close. At FlexShopper, you can lease-to-own¹ the AirPods or the Beats Studio Buds for only $8 per week*. If you’re looking to spend a little more in exchange for higher quality, the AirPods Pro can be yours for just$12 per week*.

Find the Perfect Headphones at FlexShopper

The AirPods Pro, AirPods 2nd Generation, and the Beats Studio Buds are all great products, with a variety of features that set them apart from their competition. If you are ready for some earbuds, there is no need to wait! FlexShopper offers convenient weekly-payment solutions to fit any budget along with a huge marketplace featuring thousands of top-name choices. Contact us today!