Beats Studio Buds +: Better than AirPods (but not AirPods Pro)

The newest Beats earbuds have a better design than the AirPods Pro, but Apple's highend buds are still the best choice for most Apple users.

- JASON CROSS

In our review of the original Beats Studio Buds (fave.co/2UkzdEB), we found they outclassed AirPods Pro in several ways but lacked some Apple-specific features. That, along with mediocre noise canceling, made them less desirable for Apple enthusiasts.

The revamped version, Beats Studio Buds +(fave.co/3PQ2WQz), improves on the original in many important ways. But Apple also has a new model-the second-generation AirPods Pro (fave.co/ 3XITLCC) that seriously raise the stakes. Again, I enjoyed the design and usability of these Beats earbuds but find the latest AirPods Pro easier to recommend.

These are earbuds made for both Apple and Android users, and they lack Apple's homegrown H1 or H2 chip, which enables certain features within the Apple ecosystem. I'd take them over the AirPods any day, but they don't quite match the AirPods Pro.

PLAYFUL DESIGN

You can get AirPods in any color you want, as long as it's white. Boring! Apple's Beats brand has always been unconstrained with its colorways, and the Studio Buds + is no exception with its retro frosted transparent plastic for both the buds and case. If that's not your thing, they're available in black and ivory, too.

The charging case is a bit larger than that of the AirPods or AirPods Pro but still easy to pocket. You'll find a USB-C charge port on the bottom, but there's no wireless charging capability.

The buds themselves are of average size and fit...well...like most in-ear buds do. With the right eartips (four sizes are included), it's easy to get a good seal, and they stay in even through a fair bit of jostling around. While they don't fall out, I lost the seal a couple of times on almost any trip to the gym, while I didn't have that issue with the Beats Fit Pro (fave.co/3CMMFny), thanks to the little wingtips.