Beats Studio Buds vs. Buds Plus – Which Beats headphones are most worthwhile?

Beats is one of the wireless headphone brands that has grown the most in recent years, not only in business volume, but also in trust and reputation among users. In addition, we particularly love its aesthetic proposal in most of the models it has. Today we focus on comparing two headphones that, apparently, are very similar, but between which there are interesting subtle differences: Beats Studio Buds and Beats Studio Buds Plus.

At first glance, we notice that there is a slight change in the aesthetics of the headphones. The Beats Studio Buds have a larger bulb than the Buds Plus, which are more collected. Likewise, the black Beats Studio Buds Plus case (both are available in more colors, but we have tested the black ones) has gold details that give it a more sophisticated touch (it is the Plus model, don’t forget).

But are there practical and technical differences? Yes, some that are worth taking into account. For example, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer more autonomy than the Buds, both with each earbud and with the charging case. Additionally, although both have 3 microphones inserted, the microphones on the Buds Plus are larger than those on the standard Buds, which translates to better sound quality and more transparency. On the other hand, in the Studio Buds Plus we find 4 different sizes of ear tips, compared to the 3 that we see in the Studio Buds.

To give you a clearer idea about which wireless headphones are worth the most, we invite you to read our full article. In it, we analyze all the differences that you should know.

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Studio Buds Plus – Comparison Table

Next, we tell you what the most important differences are between the two Beats wireless headphones. In fact, we reflect them in this table, and later, we explain them in more detail:

Small design changes

As we mentioned in the introduction, the visual line of the two models is quite similar, although there are some details that make it easy to differentiate each of them. The Beats Studio Buds have a larger bulb than the Buds Plus, and that makes the Buds Plus seem more comfortable at first glance. If you think about it, the perception of inserting a thicker earphone into your ear makes us think that it will be more uncomfortable.

In addition, the case of the Beats Studio Buds Plus has touches of gold color that give it a more sophisticated look, in line with the definition of “plus.” On the other hand, both models can be purchased in different colors, although they are not exactly the same. And, in case you plan to take them to the pool, we tell you that both have the IPX4 resistance level, which means that they have a medium tolerance against splashes.

Bigger microphones, better audio quality

The two Beats Studio wireless headphones have 3 microphones built into each earbud, of which 2 are external and one is internal. However, according to the brand itself, the microphones of the Beats Studio Buds Plus are 3 times larger than those of the original Buds. This makes noise cancellation 1.6 times better and transparency around 2 times better. In addition, the microphones of the Buds are more sensitive, and those of the Buds Plus have more capacity to isolate external noises and transmit sound more clearly.

Noise cancellation and transparency mode

One of the similarities that the two headphones share is that they have active noise cancellation and transparency mode. That is, they can completely isolate the outside sound or leave it as an ambient background sound, depending on the instructions we give them.

Now, to be honest and after having tested them, it seems to us that the Beats Studio Buds Plus have better noise cancellation than the originals. In part, because of what we commented in the previous point, which is 1.6 times better in the Plus model. This is especially noticeable in the lower frequencies, which are isolated much better with the Buds Plus.

More autonomy in the Plus version

The battery life of wireless headphones is another of the main issues of interest to users. In this sense, the Buds Plus once again gain an advantage. These headphones can last up to 36 hours without activating ANC mode and adding the charging time provided by the case. With noise cancellation active, the autonomy is reduced to about 24 hours. For their part, the Studio Buds have a maximum autonomy of 24 hours adding the charge of the case and without activating the ANC mode.

However, battery life depends a lot on how we optimize it, so we recommend that you take this as a reference. That said, it is interesting that you know that both models have a fast charging option, and that they have wireless charging thanks to the case.

Pad size: custom test

Typically, wireless headphones offer several sizes of ear tips, so that each person can use the one that best fits the shape of their ear. In this case, the Beats Studio Buds have 3 sizes available (S, M and L), which increase to 4 in the Buds Plus (they add up to size XS). This is not the only difference in this sense, there is another one that we find very interesting.

With the Studio Buds Plus, it is possible, through the app, to carry out a test with which you can check which size best fits your ear more precisely. And not only that, but you will also see the differences in sound with and without noise cancellation. It is what Beats calls an “Ear fit test”, and we do not find it in the app with the Beats Studio Buds.

App and compatible devices

As we just mentioned, the two headphones can be synchronized with the Beats app, although the Plus model has more features. In addition to the ear fit test, the Studio Buds Plus can be located thanks to synchronization with Google Find My Device, something that, at the moment, is not possible with the Studio Buds. Maybe this will be updated in the future, but for now, it’s a difference. However, both the Studio Buds and Studio Buds Plus are compatible with iOS and Android operating systems.

Which Beats wireless headphones do we like best?

Now that you are clear about the most significant differences between Beats wireless headphones, it is time to decide which one we opt for. In this case, we are quite clear: the Beats Studio Buds Plus are a better alternative. Not only because they implement improvements in practically all aspects, but, above all, because the price difference with respect to the Studio Buds is very small.

In fact, we expected it to be much larger after seeing that they have more autonomy, better noise cancellation sound quality, and more complete features such as the fit test, in addition to a larger eartip size. Overall, they are wireless headphones that offer a more qualitative and complete user experience, for a price that is hardly different.

In addition, and this is a private matter, we find the design of the Studio Buds Plus much more comfortable, because, being somewhat narrower, they fit our ear better. But, as you already know, the final decision is yours alone.