Beats Studio Buds review: Apple’s surprise hit gets slight improvements
The Beats Studio Buds, a highly anticipated earbuds from Apple, have finally hit the shelves and are attracting widespread attention. Though considered a surprise hit, they have drawn considerable interest from both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. In this review, we share our thoughts on the Beats Studio Buds and dive into the slight improvements they bring to the table.
Design and Fit
The design of the Beats Studio Buds is sleek and minimalist. They sport a compact, lightweight form-factor that is ergonomic and comfortable to wear for extended periods. One noticeable improvement over previous generations is the reduced stem size, giving them a more streamlined aesthetic.
Apple has also put considerable thought into the fit of these earbuds. The inclusion of three different sizes of silicone ear tips ensures compatibility with various ear shapes and sizes. Additionally, the earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Sound Quality
Beats products are known for their signature bass-heavy sound profile, but the Studio Buds deviate slightly from that heritage. These earbuds still have a decent bass presence but with greater emphasis on a balanced sound signature across other frequencies.
The Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) feature has received some improvements as well. While not as powerful as those found in Apple’s AirPods Pro, the ANC on the Beats Studio Buds does a good job of blocking out ambient noise without sacrificing overall sound quality.
Battery Life
The battery life on the Beats Studio Buds is respectable – you can expect to get around 8 hours of playtime on a single charge without ANC enabled. With ANC active, expect around 5 hours of playtime. Additionally, their charging case provides two additional full charges which should be sufficient for most users.
Connectivity
Apple has distinctly improved the connectivity options for the Beats Studio Buds. Now compatible with both iOS and Android devices, they feature a seamless setup and allow for quick switching between devices. Furthermore, Apple’s custom chip ensures that users experience minimal latency and enjoy uninterrupted audio, even in crowded environments.
What’s Lacking?
The Beats Studio Buds do not have a dedicated companion application for EQ customization. It would be an added value for users to be able to personalize the sound profile according to their preferences.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Beats Studio Buds are an appealing package that offers style, comfortable fit, improved sound quality, and respectable battery life. At a lower price point than Apple’s AirPods Pro, these earbuds provide great value without sacrificing many crucial features. While they may not be the absolute best when it comes to ANC capabilities or EQ personalization, they stand out as a strong contender in the crowded wireless earbud market.