Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds

Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   8 minute read
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Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
VS
Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds

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Reasons why you might like the Beats Studio Buds

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

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Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds Review In Summary

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 ✓ ✓
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Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) IPX4
Beats Studio Buds IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is 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 resistance against liquids (sweat).

Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison 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

Weight

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 8.56g
Beats Studio Buds 5.1g

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

Beats Studio Buds, at 5.1g weigh less than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference -3.46g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

For a device to be true wireless it should 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 cables. This is a major difference as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds .

Beats Studio Buds also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the 2 earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance

Beats Studio Buds's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate 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

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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Active noise cancellation makes use of advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) and producing -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 therefore "diluting" the noise.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds.

Beats Studio Buds too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that suits your commute or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) stay well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds and also prevents the device sound from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which implies that both reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 11mm
Beats Studio Buds 8.2mm

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size determines the sound made 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 , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10Hz
Beats Studio Buds 20Hz

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Beats Studio Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can produce a juicier bass than the Beats Studio Buds

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20,000Hz
Beats Studio Buds 20,000Hz

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device produces high human 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 can produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗
Beats Studio Buds 100.5dB/mW

The sound pressure level, is the level of pressure 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.

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Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6hours
Beats Studio Buds 8hours

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

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 barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 30hours
Beats Studio Buds 16hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case is said to have a charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple 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

Charge Time

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 0.3hours
Beats Studio Buds 1.5hours

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 when they have been in storage for long periods.

Beats Studio Buds takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✗

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and charging case.

Beats Studio Buds too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Beats Studio Buds have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) v5
Beats Studio Buds v5.2

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers 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.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10meters
Beats Studio Buds 10meters

The 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)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPad. If you are planning 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.

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Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6only
Beats Studio Buds 6only

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.

The Beats Studio Buds microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to reduce noise from the desired sound.

The Beats Studio Buds too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The Beats Studio Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound so that they can still be heard even when wearing them

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✗

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.

The Beats Studio Buds too have the find earbuds feature. Use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge a device.

The Beats Studio Buds support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 2only
Beats Studio Buds 2only

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, 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 without missing notifications from another device.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The 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 the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can 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.

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 1Years
Beats Studio Buds ✗

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 that has followed instruction manuals.

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

Beats Studio Buds too support voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓
Beats Studio Buds ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them inside your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.

Beats Studio Buds too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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