When it comes to wireless earbuds in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Today, we'll compare two popular options: the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($169.99) and the Beats Studio Buds Plus ($169.99). While they share the same price point, they offer quite different experiences.
Modern wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods revolutionized the category in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - things like spatial audio (which creates a theater-like surround sound experience), active noise cancellation (ANC), and smart features that automatically pause music when you remove an earbud.
The key features most people care about are:
The AirPods 3, released in October 2021, follow Apple's distinctive open-ear design philosophy. Like their predecessors, they sit gently in your ear without creating a seal. This design lets you hear your surroundings naturally - great for safety when walking around, but not ideal if you want to block out the noise on an airplane.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus, launched in May 2023, take a more traditional approach with silicone ear tips that seal in your ear canal. They come with four different tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a good fit. This design naturally blocks some outside noise, and combined with active noise cancellation, can give you more isolation from your environment.
Both earbuds sound great, but in different ways. The AirPods 3 feature what Apple calls a "custom high-excursion driver" (basically, a specially designed speaker that can move more air) and a "custom high dynamic range amplifier" (which helps maintain clear sound at any volume). The open design means you get a more natural, spacious sound, but bass impact is reduced since there's no seal in your ear.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus use a dual-layer transducer (think of it as a more sophisticated speaker) that delivers punchier bass and what many find to be a more exciting sound. The sealed design helps maintain consistent bass response, and the active noise cancellation means you can hear more detail in your music without turning up the volume as much.
This is perhaps the biggest difference between these models. The AirPods 3 have no active noise cancellation - they rely on their automatic Adaptive EQ feature to adjust sound based on fit. The Beats include both ANC and a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed.
The Beats take the lead here:
Both earbuds offer instant pairing with Apple devices, but the Beats add equivalent features for Android users. The AirPods 3 offer slightly more seamless integration with Apple devices, including:
For home theater use, both support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking when watching supported content (like shows on Apple TV+). This creates a more immersive experience where sounds appear to come from fixed points in space, even as you turn your head. The Beats' noise isolation might give them a slight edge for focused movie watching, but both work well in this context.
Having tested both models extensively, I can share some practical insights:
The AirPods 3 are incredibly comfortable for long sessions - sometimes you forget they're there. However, they can feel loose during exercise. The Beats offer a more secure fit thanks to their ear tips, making them better for workouts, but some users find in-ear designs fatiguing after several hours.
Both perform well for calls, but the AirPods 3 have a slight edge in windy conditions thanks to their advanced beamforming microphones (which focus on your voice while reducing background noise).
The AirPods 3 excel at mixed use throughout the day - easily switching between watching videos, taking calls, and listening to music while maintaining awareness of your surroundings. The Beats Studio Buds Plus are better suited for focused listening sessions where you want to block out the world.
Choose the AirPods 3 if you:
Choose the Beats Studio Buds Plus if you:
At the same price point ($169.99), both offer good value but for different users. The AirPods 3 justify their price through seamless Apple integration and comfort, while the Beats offer more features like ANC and cross-platform compatibility.
Whether these features are worth the price depends on your specific needs. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and value convenience above all, the AirPods 3 are a natural choice. If you want more versatility and better noise isolation, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer more bang for your buck.
Remember that both models often go on sale, so it's worth watching for deals if you're not in a hurry to buy.
Both the AirPods 3 and Beats Studio Buds Plus are excellent earbuds that serve different needs. The choice really comes down to your personal preferences about fit, isolation, and ecosystem integration. Consider how and where you'll use them most often, and choose accordingly.
If you can, try both in a store - the feel of earbuds in your ears is highly personal, and no review can tell you what will be most comfortable for you. Whatever you choose, both options represent the current state of the art in wireless audio technology, and either can serve as a reliable companion for your daily listening needs.
| Apple AirPods 3rd Generation | Beats Studio Buds Plus |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects noise isolation and comfort preference | |
| Open-ear design (allows ambient awareness) | In-ear sealed design (better isolation) |
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting or noisy environments | |
| None | Active Noise Cancellation + Transparency mode |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without charging | |
| 6 hours buds, 30 hours with case | 9 hours buds, 36 hours with case |
| Fit Options - Impacts comfort and secure placement | |
| One size only | 4 ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) |
| Platform Compatibility - Crucial for multi-device users | |
| Best with Apple devices, limited Android support | Full features on both Apple and Android |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Special Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio, automatic device switching, precision finding | Spatial Audio (Apple Music only), dual-platform support |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $169.99 (better value for Apple-only users) | $169.99 (better value for multi-platform users) |
Both support spatial audio for movies, but the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better immersion due to noise isolation. While the AirPods 3 are comfortable, background noise can be distracting during quiet scenes.
Yes, both support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The AirPods 3 support it across all Apple devices, while the Beats Studio Buds Plus only support it with Apple Music.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer 9 hours per charge (36 with case), while AirPods 3 provide 6 hours (30 with case).
The Beats Studio Buds Plus work equally well with Android and iOS. The AirPods 3 work with Android but lose many special features.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus are better for workouts due to their secure in-ear fit with multiple tip sizes. The AirPods 3 may fall out during vigorous movement.
Yes, both work well for late-night viewing. The Beats Studio Buds Plus are better if you need to block household noise, while AirPods 3 let you hear if someone calls you.
Only the Beats Studio Buds Plus have active noise cancellation. The AirPods 3 have no noise cancellation features.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus deliver stronger bass and better isolation, while AirPods 3 offer a more natural, open sound. For home theater use, the Beats' isolation gives them an edge.
The AirPods 3 switch seamlessly between Apple devices. The Beats Studio Buds Plus work well with multiple devices but require manual switching.
At $169.99 each, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer more features like ANC and multi-platform support. The AirPods 3 are better value if you're exclusively in the Apple ecosystem.
Both work as standard Bluetooth headphones with consoles that support it. Neither offers specialized gaming features or ultra-low latency modes.
The AirPods 3 generally have better call quality, especially in windy conditions. The Beats Studio Buds Plus are good but not quite as clear for calls.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - support.apple.com - apple.com - portableone.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - apple.com - apple.com - techradar.com - soundguys.com - t3.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - cdw.com - beatsbydre.com - target.com - beatsbydre.com - marketplace.uvation.com - abt.com - beatsbydre.com - beatsbydre.com
