Apple‘s latest Beats true-wireless earbuds, the Studio Buds, blend essential audio features with an affordable price. While the Powerbeats Pro might be older and pricier, they still do some things better, including having features that the newer model doesn’t. The highly-anticipated Beats Studio Buds might have been unveiled a lot sooner than expected, but can they be deemed as a worthy successor?
For some time, Apple had been rumored to be working on a new set of Beats earphones to add to a lineup that could benefit from greater variety. The company had only produced one TWS entry bearing the iconic “b” branding since acquiring Beats Electronics back in 2014. This came in the form of the Powerbeats Pro, a set of completely wireless earphones designed for active users.
The Studio Buds have broken the Beats mold by becoming the first Beats-branded TWS model featuring Active Noise Cancellation. The Studio Buds utilize ANC to block out noise, come with a Transparency mode to let sound through, and feature a simple one-touch Apple and Android pairing mode, as well as a more universal charging method via USB-C. In comparison, the Powerbeats Pro don’t include any ANC or transparency mode, and still make use of a more limiting lightning-to-USB-A cable for charging.
Are Studio Buds Or Powerbeats Pro The Better Buy?
The many attractive features and cheaper $149 price makes the Beats Studio Buds a compelling alternative to the Powerbeats Pro which typically costs $249. However, the Studio Buds aren’t powered by either Apple’s W1 or H1 chips, which provide better power optimization, seamless connectivity between Apple devices and a more reliable wireless connection strength. The Powerbeats Pro, on the other hand, are not only equipped with a H1 chip, but also last one full hour longer than the Studio Buds’ eight-hour play time, and provide 30 minutes more juice following a quick five-minute charge. Furthermore, the Powerbeats Pro also come with more controls, such as multi-function buttons and a full volume rocker. They also have ear-hooks to help prevent them from falling out during workouts, while the Studio Buds only come with a single button on each earphone, and no wing-tips or hooks to help secure them in place during rigorous activities.
Those differences aside, both models do boast matching IPX4-rated water resistance, and charging cases that can provide an additional twenty-four hours of playback. Overall, the Studio Buds are better suited for casual users who regularly toggle between Apple and Android devices, or music lovers who simply want a pair of Beats with ANC. Meanwhile, Apple’s Powerbeats Pro are likely to remain the better option for power users who frequently have long commutes and want the best connection quality possible, as well as athletes or those who are always on the move.
Source: BeatsByDre
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