The Beats Studio Buds were one of the most popular true wireless headphones in their price range, especially among Apple users. Their minimalist design, powerful bass, and comfort won over the masses, but they also received criticism - mainly for their mediocre call quality and average noise cancellation. Now here are the Beats Studio Buds+, which promise more or less improvements in all the key areas. Better sound quality, better microphones, better noise cancellation, longer battery life - and as a bonus, a transparent version that attracts more views than a desperate TikTok influencer. But do all these improvements actually justify the purchase?
The biggest technical improvement in the Studio Buds+ lies in their renovated acoustic architecture. Beats has built in brand new transducer, which is said to provide cleaner bass with ultra-low distortion. In addition, they have added three new valves, which improve breathability and comfort and provide a more natural sound experience.
How does this affect the sound? In testing, most reviewers confirm that the Studio Buds+ retain the distinctive Beats sound signature – i.e. strong, punchy bass – but they are also more balanced in the mid and high frequencies. This means they are also more friendly to genres where only low-frequency explosions dominate.
Better noise cancellation and transparent mode
Beats Studio Buds+ have 1.6 times better active noise cancellation (ANC) than the original model. They achieved this with improved microphones and stronger noise processing. According to initial tests, they can't quite compare to the AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5, but they offer solid noise cancellation in their price range.
Also Transparency Mode has been greatly improved – it is now twice as effective, which means a more natural perception of your surroundings, without the feeling that you are listening to the world through a cheap walkie-talkie.
Bigger battery and faster connectivity
Battery life is one of the biggest advantages of the new generation. Headphones now offer 9 hours of listening time on a single charge, together with the charging box, up to 36 hours of use. This is significantly more than the first model, which offered 8+24 hours.
Another welcome improvement is Class 1 Bluetooth, which provides better connection stability and greater range. Apple Music users will also be pleased automatic spatial music (Spatial Audio), although without support for head tracking, which is reserved for more expensive Apple models.
Design: Eye-catching transparency
The biggest visual innovation? Transparent version of the headphones and case. Yes, Beats decided to emulate the Nothing Ear (2) and offer a model that feels futuristic and nostalgic at the same time. Although it is also available in more classic colors Black/Gold and Ivory, it is the transparent version that will attract the most views.
As for ergonomics, Beats promises even better fit, because in addition to the standard three sizes of ear tips, it also adds fourth, extra small size, for all those who usually struggle with finding the perfect seal.
Are the Beats Studio Buds+ worth buying?
The Beats Studio Buds+ are definitely a big step up from the original. They offer better sound, better ANC, better transparency mode, better microphone capabilities, and better batteryThe only major downside is that they don't have Apple's H1 or H2 chip, which means they don't support all the advanced features like seamless switching between Apple devices or lossless audio via Apple Music.
If you use the Apple ecosystem and are willing to pay extra, they are AirPods Pro 2 still a better choice. But if you're looking for attractive and good-sounding wireless headphones with good ANC and long battery life for around €200, the Beats Studio Buds+ are one of the best choices in this price range.
Price and availability: Beats Studio Buds+ are available for 199,99 €, they can be purchased at Apple stores and select retailers.
