I’ve been using the Beats Studio Buds for a few weeks now, and I feel like I finally have enough experience with them to give a solid review. To cut to the chase: I’m impressed—but with a few caveats. These aren’t perfect, but they’re a really solid pair of earbuds that surprised me more than I expected.
If you want to get it, you can check it out on Amazon here. (Disclaimer, as an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
First off, the design is sleek and compact. I got the black version, and I love how minimal and clean they look. The case is smaller than I thought it would be—fits easily in my pocket without feeling bulky. The buds themselves are lightweight and sit comfortably in my ears. I’ve worn them during long walks, while working, and even during a quick jog, and they never felt loose or irritating.
Now, the sound. I was genuinely surprised by how punchy the bass is. These are Beats, after all, and they definitely lean into that signature low-end. But it’s not overpowering like some older Beats models. The mids and highs are decently balanced, though I wouldn’t say these are “audiophile-grade” by any stretch. If you’re into bass-heavy music—hip-hop, EDM, pop—you’ll probably love these. Podcasts and calls also sound crisp and clear.
One of the standout features for me is the noise cancellation. It’s solid. I’ve tested them in cafes and while commuting, and they do a good job of filtering out background chatter and engine hums. It’s not quite on the level of something like the AirPods Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM5, but for the price, it holds its own. There’s also a transparency mode that works well when you need to hear what’s going on around you—like when someone’s talking to you or you’re walking near traffic.
Battery life is decent. I get around 5 to 6 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and the case adds a few more charges, bringing the total to somewhere around 20-24 hours. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s enough to get through a full day without worrying.
One thing I really like: they work seamlessly with both iOS and Android. I’m on an iPhone, and the pairing experience felt just like AirPods—quick, simple, and reliable. But I’ve also tried them on a friend’s Android phone, and the integration there is actually great too. That cross-platform friendliness is a big win in my book.
Now, a couple of downsides. The controls are physical buttons, which I personally don’t mind, but I know some people prefer touch sensors. The button press can feel a bit awkward in your ear if you’re trying to pause or skip quickly. Also, there’s no wireless charging on the case, which feels like a bit of a miss in 2025.
Overall though, the Beats Studio Buds have been a great addition to my daily routine. They’re stylish, sound good, and offer solid noise cancellation at a price that doesn’t make me wince. They don’t quite beat the top-tier premium earbuds, but for what they offer, I’d say they’re absolutely worth checking out—especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t sacrifice too much in performance.
