In the ever-evolving world of wireless earbuds, choosing between Apple's AirPods 4 at $179.99 and Beats Studio Buds Plus at $129.99 isn't as straightforward as you might think. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you make the best choice for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the original AirPods debuted in 2016. Today's models pack impressive tech into tiny packages - active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and counter external noise), spatial audio (creating a 3D soundstage around your head), and advanced features like automatic device switching.
The AirPods 4 launched in early 2024, bringing Apple's latest H2 chip technology and improved noise cancellation to their open-ear design. Meanwhile, the Beats Studio Buds Plus, released in May 2023, represents Beats' most refined offering yet, with better cross-platform compatibility and impressive sound quality.
These earbuds take fundamentally different approaches to how they sit in your ears:
The AirPods maintain their iconic stemmed design but don't create a seal in your ear canal. This means:
The Beats opt for a more conventional in-ear design with silicone tips:
Having tested both extensively, I find the Beats' approach more versatile, though the AirPods are undeniably more comfortable for long work sessions where you need to interact with others frequently.
For home theater use, the Beats have a clear advantage due to their superior bass response and isolation. Watching action movies or gaming with the Beats provides a more cinematic experience, while the AirPods feel more suited to dialogue-heavy content.
The AirPods 4 shine in the Apple ecosystem with:
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer:
Both models have improved significantly over their predecessors:
AirPods 4:
Beats Studio Buds Plus:
Having used both for several months, here's what stands out:
The Beats are clearly superior for commuting, with better noise isolation and a more secure fit. The AirPods work fine but let in more train and traffic noise.
AirPods excel here, allowing you to hear colleagues without removing them. The transparency mode on the Beats works well but isn't quite as natural.
The Beats are the clear winner for workouts, staying secure during intense movement. The AirPods are fine for light activity but can fall out during vigorous exercise.
For movie watching, the Beats provide a more immersive experience with better bass response and isolation. However, the AirPods' spatial audio implementation feels more refined when watching supported content.
At $129.99, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer exceptional value, especially considering their superior noise cancellation and sound quality. The AirPods 4 at $179.99 are harder to justify purely on performance, but their deep integration with Apple devices and unique open design might be worth the premium for some users.
Consider these key factors:
The bottom line? For most users, the Beats Studio Buds Plus represent the better value, offering superior sound quality, better noise cancellation, and more versatile fit options at a lower price point. However, if you're primarily an Apple user who values the ability to hear your surroundings and appreciate the seamless ecosystem integration, the AirPods 4 remain a solid choice despite their premium price.
Remember, the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use them and choose accordingly.
| Apple AirPods 4 - $179.99 | Beats Studio Buds Plus - $129.99 |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| 53% reduction (moderate) | 80% reduction (excellent) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use | |
| 6.5 hours (no ANC), 5 hours (with ANC) | 8+ hours (with ANC) |
| Ear Tip Design - Affects comfort, fit security, and sound isolation | |
| Open-ear design (no tips) | 4 sizes of silicone tips included |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for exercise and outdoor use | |
| IP54 (better dust protection) | IPX4 (basic water resistance only) |
| Device Compatibility - Critical for multi-device users | |
| Optimized for Apple devices only | Works equally well with Apple and Android |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger | USB-C only |
| Sound Signature - Personal preference, but impacts different content types | |
| Strong mids, weaker bass | Balanced with enhanced bass |
| Special Features - May justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio, Hey Siri, automatic device switching | Basic spatial audio, works with all voice assistants |
For home theater use, the Beats Studio Buds Plus provide better performance due to stronger bass response and superior noise isolation. While the AirPods 4 offer good spatial audio, the sealed design of the Beats creates a more immersive movie experience.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better gaming performance due to their superior sound isolation and stronger bass response for explosions and action effects. However, the AirPods 4 have slightly lower latency when used with Apple devices.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus provide significantly better noise cancellation, reducing about 80% of external noise compared to the AirPods 4's 53% reduction. This is mainly due to the Beats' sealed design with silicone tips.
The AirPods 4 are generally more comfortable for extended use due to their open-ear design. However, the Beats Studio Buds Plus provide multiple tip sizes to find your perfect fit.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer superior battery life with 8+ hours (ANC on) compared to the AirPods 4's 5 hours (ANC on) or 6.5 hours (ANC off).
The AirPods 4 integrate better with Apple devices, offering instant pairing and automatic switching. However, the Beats Studio Buds Plus still work well with Apple devices while offering better sound quality.
Both support spatial audio, but the Beats Studio Buds Plus provide more immersive surround sound due to better noise isolation and bass response. The AirPods 4 offer more advanced head tracking for spatial audio.
At $129.99, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better value with superior sound quality and noise cancellation compared to the AirPods 4 at $179.99.
Both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but you may need a Bluetooth transmitter if your TV doesn't support Bluetooth. The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better sound isolation for late-night viewing.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus deliver better overall sound quality with stronger bass and better isolation. The AirPods 4 excel in mid-range clarity but lack low-end impact.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus are better for shared spaces due to superior noise isolation, preventing sound leakage. The AirPods 4 may disturb others at higher volumes.
Both perform well, but the AirPods 4 have slightly better microphone quality for voice chat. The Beats Studio Buds Plus still offer good voice clarity but with better background noise reduction.
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: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.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
