Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds

A Review By Comparison of the Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Vs. Beats Studio Buds

Last updated on May 18, 2023   8 minute read
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Overall Score 6.4 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
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds

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Reasons why you might like the Beats Studio Buds

Overall Score 6.2 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

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Beats Studio Buds
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating ipX4 ipX4
weight 10.6g 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 20hz 20hz
highest frequency 20,000hz 20,000hz
sound pressure level 100.5db/mw
POWER battery life 6hours 8hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 16hours
charge time 1hours 1.5hours
battery power 49.7mah
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.3 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
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) ipX4
Beats Studio Buds ipX4

Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first number 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 Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen) 10.6g
Beats Studio Buds 5.1g

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a weight of 10.6g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are easier to transport.

Beats Studio Buds, at 5.1g are lighter than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by -5.5g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a key difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds .

Beats Studio Buds also is true wireless because it has no cables linking the 2 earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have sweat resistance

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

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo 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 Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

ANC makes use of advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 hence "diluting" the noise.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds.

The Beats Studio Buds too have ANC making either of the devices ideal for flights and rush hour travels. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Beats Studio Buds operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the mode that suits your travel or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) sit well in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down background noise while preventing the device voice audio 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 technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 11mm
Beats Studio Buds 8.2mm

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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, its size determines the loudness of the device.

Beats Studio Buds driver unit is 8.2mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 2.8mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20hz
Beats Studio Buds 20hz

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device generates low audible frequencies 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 both devices can produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20,000hz
Beats Studio Buds 20,000hz

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well an audio device produces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal on its way through.

Beats Studio Buds's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices can produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen) 6hours
Beats Studio Buds 8hours

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen) by 2 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing 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 Pro (2nd Gen) 24hours
Beats Studio Buds 16hours

This is given by the vendor, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows 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 Pro (2nd Gen) by 8 hours

Charge Time

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 1hours
Beats Studio Buds 1.5hours

It takes 1 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully 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 Pro (2nd Gen) by 0.5 hours

Battery Power

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 49.7mah
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery capacity is 49.7mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging state of your device and case.

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

The Beats Studio Buds support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5.3, 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, older than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 10meters
Beats Studio Buds 10meters

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Beats Studio Buds have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides 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 Pro (2nd Gen) will work well with your MacBook. 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.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 6only
Beats Studio Buds 6only

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have 6 microphones.

Beats Studio Buds microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound so that they can still be heard even when wearing them

The Beats Studio Buds support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a find earbuds feature.

Beats Studio Buds too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your earbuds to help you locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

The Beats Studio Buds too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 2only
Beats Studio Buds 2only

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Beats Studio Buds support multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Beats Studio Buds too support this function. It means that you can turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

Beats Studio Buds also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

Beats Studio Buds too have voice prompts meaning the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Beats Studio Buds

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) come with their own special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your bag without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Beats Studio Buds too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.

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