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

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

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

Weight

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

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

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

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 fit 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, 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

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Driver Unit Size

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

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.

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 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

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 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

Sound Pressure Level

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

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.

Power

Battery Life

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

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.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

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

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

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 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

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds use USB TYPE-C, an industry-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 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.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

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

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. 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.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

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

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.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Multipoint Count

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

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.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Warranty Period

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

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.

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

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.