Teen Easter Basket IdeasPremade Easter BasketsEaster Gifts for HostsEaster Gifts for AdultsEaster Basket StuffersTechBeats Studio Buds vs. AirPods Pro: We’re Breaking Down Two of our Editors’ Top EarbudsWe put both pairs to the test—here’s what you need to know before buying.
By Ellen McAlpineSenior Technology Editor, Reviews
Finding the right earbuds for your needs is no small feat, especially when the internet is flooded with options. Two names have reigned supreme in our testing: Beats and AirPods. While they’re both technically Apple headphones (Beats was acquired by the tech giant in 2014), Beats are designed with both iPhone and Android users in mind whereas AirPods have more thoughtful features for iOS devices. The are an older, but still trusty, pair of earbuds packed with comparable features to the ever-popular .
Senior Technology Editor of Best Products, Stefan Vazharov, and I have gotten hands-on with popular models from each brand. We’re putting the two true wireless earbuds against each other to help you find the right fit for your needs. Earbuds like the options from Beats and Apple make a great tech gift that’s thoughtful, not too pricey, and ultra useful.
$100 at AmazonPros
Battery Life |
---|
Up to 6 hours (30 hours with charging case) |
Yes (up to 6 hours of battery life) |
IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant |
You’ll have up to 6 hours of listening time, even in noise cancelation mode. The paired charging case gives the earbuds an impressive up to 30 hours of battery life. If you’re an iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch user, you’ll appreciate how AirPods Pro seamlessly integrate into your Apple ecosystem.
Noise cancelation is a key feature of the AirPods Pro since it’s the only pair of earbuds in Apple’s lineup with sound capability. “The AirPods Pro are more durable and capable of delivering better sound and stronger noise cancellation. Their adaptive audio feature is another reason I prefer them,” Vazharov says.
Both the AirPods and charging case are IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant, so you can safely wear them during workouts or inclement weather. While they don’t feature tactile buttons like the Beats Studio Buds do, you can adjust audio volume, pause and play music, pick up and answer calls, and more, all by tapping on the earbuds while in use.
The AirPods Pro sticks out from your ear more than the Beats Studio Pro will. This is a plus for some, as it allows others to see your headphones are in, plus it makes them a bit easier to pop in and out.
The Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer different experiences. Apple users will enjoy seamless pairing with both audio devices, while Android users will be able to get a lot more out of Beats than they will AirPods.
Both earbuds come with rubber tips in multiple sizes so you can fit them into your ears comfortably. Both also pair with charging cases that help boost battery life, and after testing, both provided clear audio to others during phone and video calls.
The retail for $149.99, while the is a bit pricier at $249.99. The right earbuds for you depend on your budget and connected devices, but you have two solid choices in both pairs.
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