AirPods vs Beats – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds have some difference. AirPods Pro 2 are the newer and more advanced option, with Apple’s latest audio technologies and more premium features. Beats Studio Buds deliver solid performance in a lighter, more affordable package. This article will help you understand the differences between these two models and guide you to the right choice for your needs.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • AirPods Pro 2 features the Apple H2 chip that delivers faster processing for improved audio quality and ANC performance.
  • Beats Studio Buds use a custom Beats chip that provides solid performance.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):

  • AirPods Pro 2 has advanced ANC that adapts in real time to block more background noise in different environments.
  • Beats Studio Buds include standard ANC with consistent noise reduction.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Custom Driver and Amplifier:

  • AirPods Pro 2 includes a high-excursion driver and custom amplifier that produce clear highs and deep bass.
  • Beats Studio Buds use a proprietary dual-element driver tuned for balanced sound.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Listening Time:

  • AirPods Pro 2 features a battery that lasts up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the case.
  • Beats Studio Buds provide up to 5 hours with ANC on and 24 hours with the case.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Adaptive Audio:

  • AirPods Pro 2 supports Adaptive Audio that blends ANC and Transparency automatically based on surroundings.
  • Beats Studio Buds do not have Adaptive Audio.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Charging:

  • AirPods Pro 2 supports both wired and wireless charging with MagSafe compatibility.
  • Beats Studio Buds support only wired charging.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Advanced Inward-Facing Microphone: 

  • AirPods Pro 2 features inward-facing microphones that optimize Adaptive EQ and improve ANC precision.
  • Beats Studio Buds have inward-facing microphones for basic sound adjustment.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Hearing Aid Function:

  • AirPods Pro 2 supports Live Listen and Conversation Boost to help with hearing in noisy places.
  • Beats Studio Buds do not have hearing aid features.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Transparency Mode: 

  • AirPods Pro 2 has Adaptive Transparency that reduces loud noises while keeping voices natural.
  • Beats Studio Buds include a standard transparency mode.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Personalized Spatial Audio: 

  • AirPods Pro 2 supports personalized spatial audio with head tracking for immersive sound.
  • Beats Studio Buds do not support personalized spatial audio.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Swipe Gestures: 

  • AirPods Pro 2 includes swipe controls on the stem to let you adjust volume directly without pulling out your phone.
  • Beats Studio Buds do not have swipe gestures.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Ear Tip:

  • AirPods Pro 2 comes with four ear tip sizes to provide a better and more customized fit.
  • Beats Studio Buds include three ear tip sizes.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Durability:

  • AirPods Pro 2 has an IP54 rating design for both earbuds and case to resist dust and water splashes.
  • Beats Studio Buds have an IPX4 rating for earbuds only.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Built-in Speaker & Lanyard Loop (Case):

  • AirPods Pro 2 includes a speaker in the case for Find My alerts and a lanyard loop for carrying.
  • Beats Studio Buds do not have these case features.
Winner:

AirPods Pro 2

Specs at a Glance

Feature AirPods Pro 2 Beats Studio Buds
Processor Apple H2 chip Custom Beats chip
Active Noise Cancellation Advanced ANC with Adaptive Transparency Active Noise Cancellation
Custom Driver & Amplifier High-excursion Apple driver and custom amp Proprietary dual-element diaphragm driver
Listening Time 6 hrs ANC on, 30 hrs with case 5 hrs ANC on, 24 hrs with case
Adaptive Audio Yes No
Transparency Mode Advanced Adaptive Transparency Standard Transparency
On-Device Volume Controls Yes (swipe gestures) No swipe volume control
Case MagSafe, Qi wireless, USB-C, built-in speaker, lanyard loop USB-C wired charging only
USB-C Charging Port Yes Yes
Charging MagSafe wireless + USB-C USB-C wired only
Advanced Inward-Facing Microphone Yes Yes
Hearing Aid Function Yes (Live Listen, Conversation Boost) No
Built-in Speaker & Lanyard Loop (Case) Yes No
Durability IP54 buds & case IPX4 buds only
Ear Tip 4 sizes 3 sizes
Personalized Spatial Audio Yes No
Bluetooth 5.3 5.2
Swipe Gestures Yes No
Design In-ear with stem Compact stemless in-ear

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the AirPods Pro 2 if you:

  • Want advanced features like Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Conversation Boost.
  • Need top-tier ANC for commuting, travel, or noisy environments.
  • Prefer a secure in-ear fit with four ear tip sizes.
  • Use multiple Apple devices and want seamless ecosystem integration.
  • Value both wireless and wired charging with MagSafe support.

Check AirPods Pro 2 Best Price

Buy the Beats Studio Buds if you:

  • Want a more affordable option with good ANC and balanced sound.
  • Prefer a compact stemless design that is less visible.
  • Use both Android and iOS and want easy pairing with either.
  • Don’t need features like Adaptive Audio or wireless charging.
  • Want a lightweight earbud with simple controls and IPX4 water resistance.

Check Beats Studio Buds Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor AirPods Pro 2
Active Noise Cancellation AirPods Pro 2
Custom Driver & Amplifier AirPods Pro 2
Listening Time AirPods Pro 2
Adaptive Audio AirPods Pro 2
Transparency Mode AirPods Pro 2
On-Device Volume Controls AirPods Pro 2
Case AirPods Pro 2
Charging AirPods Pro 2
Advanced Inward-Facing Microphone AirPods Pro 2
Hearing Aid Function AirPods Pro 2
Built-in Speaker & Lanyard Loop AirPods Pro 2
Durability AirPods Pro 2
Ear Tip AirPods Pro 2

FAQ

Are the AirPods Pro 2 better than the Beats Studio Buds for noise cancellation?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 have more advanced adaptive noise cancellation that blocks a wider range of background sounds compared to the standard ANC in Beats Studio Buds.

Do both AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds support wireless charging?
No, only the AirPods Pro 2 case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, while Beats Studio Buds only support wired USB-C charging.

Which has longer battery life between AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds?
AirPods Pro 2 last up to 6 hours with ANC on and 30 hours with the case, while Beats Studio Buds last up to 5 hours with ANC on and 24 hours with the case.

Do the Beats Studio Buds work well with Android devices?
Yes, Beats Studio Buds are designed for both iOS and Android, making them more flexible for cross-platform use compared to AirPods Pro 2 which work best within the Apple ecosystem.

Which earbuds are more water-resistant?
AirPods Pro 2 have an IP54 rating for both earbuds and the case, while Beats Studio Buds have an IPX4 rating for the earbuds only.

Do either of them have personalized spatial audio?
AirPods Pro 2 support personalized spatial audio with head tracking, while Beats Studio Buds do not have this feature.

Can I adjust volume directly on the earbuds?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 have swipe gestures on the stem for volume control, but Beats Studio Buds do not have swipe-based volume adjustment.

Do they both come with multiple ear tip sizes?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 come with four ear tip sizes for a more customized fit, while Beats Studio Buds include three sizes.

Do either of them have hearing aid functions?
AirPods Pro 2 support Live Listen and Conversation Boost to assist with hearing in noisy places, while Beats Studio Buds do not have hearing aid features.

Which is better for Apple users?
AirPods Pro 2 are better for Apple users because they integrate more deeply with iOS features like Adaptive Audio, Find My tracking with case alerts, and personalized spatial audio.

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