Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
See price on AmazonOverall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Beats Studio Buds
See price on AmazonOverall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Beats Studio Buds |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
weight | 8.56g | 5.1g | |
has no wires or cables | ✓ | ✓ | |
sweat resistance | ✓ | ✓ | |
has stereo speakers | ✓ | ✓ | |
SOUND QUALITY | has active noise cancellation (noise control) | ✓ | ✓ |
has passive noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | |
driver unit size | 11mm | 8.2mm | |
lowest frequency | 10Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 20,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | ✗ | 100.5dB/mW | |
POWER | battery life | 6hours | 8hours |
battery life of charging case | 30hours | 16hours | |
charge time | 0.3hours | 1.5hours | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✗ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✓ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✗ | ✓ |
has in/on-ear detection | ✓ | ✗ | |
has find earbuds feature | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports fast charging | ✓ | ✓ | |
multipoint count | 2only | 2only | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
warranty period | 1Years | ✗ | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings refer to the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.
Compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Beats Studio Buds have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
The Beats Studio Buds, at 5.1g
are lighter than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference -3.46g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds .
Beats Studio Buds also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds together.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance
Beats Studio Buds's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Beats Studio Buds and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers
ANC utilises more advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and after inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero therefore "diluting" the noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears as you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.
The Beats Studio Buds too have ANC which makes either of the earbuds ideal for flights and morning commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that suites your relaxation time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, creating a sound seal that tones down your environment sounds well as preventing the device sound from leaking out at the same.
Both Beats Studio Buds, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size determines the sound produced by the device.
Beats Studio Buds driver unit is 8.2mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2.8mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they deliver better quality sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.
Beats Studio Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can make sound with a juicier bass than the Beats Studio Buds
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component makes high audible frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.
Beats Studio Buds's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices generate equal treble
SPL, is the pressure level of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Beats Studio Buds's measurement is 100.5dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.
Beats Studio Buds's battery life is
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours
. Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before having to recharge the case itself.
Beats Studio Buds's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 14 hours
It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.
Beats Studio Buds takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a compatible charging pad.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging state of your earbuds and charging case.
Beats Studio Buds too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.
Beats Studio Buds use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Beats Studio Buds has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Beats Studio Buds have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Beats Studio Buds support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
While the Beats Studio Buds microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound.
The Beats Studio Buds too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy areas.
Beats Studio Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing them
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused.
If lost in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.
Beats Studio Buds also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to find them.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to fully charge a device.
Also the Beats Studio Buds support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Beats Studio Buds support multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications coming from another connected device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
The Beats Studio Buds also support this function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.
The Beats Studio Buds too have a control panel on them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.
The Beats Studio Buds also support voice prompts meaning the device notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them in your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.
Beats Studio Buds also have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.