Beats Studio Buds+ review: bringing Apple to Android

Introduction

Although Beats has been part of Apple for the best part of a decade, one of the best things about its headphones and earphones is that they still play nicely with Android. That remains true of Studio Buds+, which work natively with both Apple’s and Google’s ‘Find My’ services.

There are a lot of great true wireless earbuds out there – so we reckon Android users are really the key market for these. After
all, Apple users are a bit spoiled for choice with the more capable 3rd generation AirPods and AirPods Pro, both of which are regularly discounted. And that’s before you get to the other Beats models.

Design & build

Beyond the black, ivory and new transparent finishes, there’s still a huge amount that appeals here.

We had some issues with the fit of our Buds+. If you don’t twist them in enough, their diminutive size can mean they pop out. But more frustrating is that they don’t pause when you do remove them. That’s a pretty basic feature these days, and it’s a pity these in-ears keep playing until you manually pause them or put them in the case. And there’s no wireless charging for that case, just USB-C.

Features & battery life

There’s around 6hrs of battery life in the buds, though you can extend this to 9hrs if you’re not using the active noise-cancelling. The ANC isn’t as effective as on many more expensive rivals, but is decent given the buds’ size.

The Beats Studio Buds+ are fully compatible with Google Fast Pair on Android. With iPhones and other Apple devices they operate just like a pair of AirPods, even though the chip inside isn’t the H1 found in Apple’s earphones.

The buds support spatial audio through Apple Music, but don’t support head-tracking. Does this matter? Nah, not really.

Sound quality and noise cancellation

The sound quality is great if the fit is right, though they are on the bassier side (as you’d expect from a pair of Beats). A triple-vent system helps to decrease pressure for better comfort, air movement and therefore audio, while three mics, larger than in the standard Studio Buds, boost call quality.

Beats Studio Buds+ verdict

Although the Studio Buds+ are an improvement on their predecessors in every way, they are pressed on all sides – from rival brands, from Apple’s AirPods and from other Beats earphones.

Fitness is intrinsically linked with Beats but the Studio Buds+ are more traditional wireless buds… so if you want something for exercise, we suggest you opt for the similar-priced Powerbeats Pro or Beats Fit Pro.

Beats Studio Buds+ technical specifications

Drivers	Custom dynamic
Active noise cancellation	Yes
Connectivity	Bluetooth
Bluetooth version	Bluetooth 5.3
Codecs supported	SBC, AAC
Battery	6hrs + 18hrs (buds + case, ANC on)
Weight	5g (buds) 49g (case)