Beats Studio Buds Black
Score: 78/100
Apple AirPods 4 with USB-C
Score: 75/100Rankings
Beats Studio Buds are true-wireless earbuds with ANC and a rapid 5-minute quick-charge, delivering up to 24 h of total playback. They lack wireless charging and have a modest IPX4 rating, which may limit use in heavy rain. Ideal for commuters and fitness enthusiasts who value balanced sound and fast charging.
Apple AirPods 4 are open-ear earbuds that deliver personalized Spatial Audio and ultra-fast quick charging. The trade-off is the lack of built-in ANC and a shorter per-earbud battery life. Best for Apple users who prioritize lightweight design and spatial sound over noise cancellation.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8 hoursbest | 5 hours | |
24 hours | 30 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 5 minutesbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 58 gbest | 118 g |
13 mmbest | — | |
1 | 3best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (Earbuds) (hours) | 8 hours | 5 hours |
Battery Life (With Case) (hours) | 24 hours | 30 hours |
Build & Design(3) | ||
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
Total Weight (including case) (g) | 58 g | 118 g |
Fit Type | in-ear | open-ear |
Audio(2) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | true | false |
Microphone Count | 1 | 3 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the Studio Buds + for its reengineered acoustic platform, two-layer transducers and Fast Fuel quick-charge, delivering richer bass, clearer calls and longer battery life than the original model. They also commend the IPX4 rating, cross-platform pairing and Class 1 Bluetooth range, while noting the absence of wireless charging and a lower waterproof rating compared with top competitors.
Everyday users consistently praise the earbuds for their balanced, studio-like sound, reliable Bluetooth connectivity and comfortable, secure fit during workouts. Common frustrations revolve around the need to purchase a separate USB-C charging adapter and occasional fit mismatches when eartip sizes are not ideal.
