Looking for high-end wireless earbuds with noise cancellation? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of Apple's AirPods 4 ($179.99) and Beats Studio Buds ($169.99), two popular options that take different approaches to personal audio.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and counter external noise), spatial audio (creating a 3D sound experience), and advanced voice isolation for calls.
The key features most people care about are:
The AirPods 4 stick with Apple's signature stem design but with some refinements. Think of them as premium earbuds that sit lightly in your ears rather than seal them off completely. This open design lets you stay aware of your surroundings, which can be great for office work or walking outdoors. However, without a tight seal, you'll get less bass and more ambient noise.
The Beats Studio Buds take the traditional in-ear approach, using silicon tips that create a seal in your ear canal. They come with multiple tip sizes to find your perfect fit. This design naturally blocks more noise and delivers stronger bass. They're also more secure for workouts, though some people find the sealed feeling less comfortable for long periods.
Here's where things get interesting. The AirPods 4's open design presents both advantages and challenges:
The Beats Studio Buds counter with:
For home theater use, the Beats generally provide a more cinematic experience due to better isolation and bass response. However, the AirPods 4's spatial audio feature (which creates a virtual surround sound effect) works exceptionally well with Apple TV+ content.
The AirPods 4 shine in the Apple ecosystem with:
The Beats Studio Buds offer more platform-neutral features:
Both models have improved their battery life since previous generations:
AirPods 4:
Beats Studio Buds:
Having tested both models extensively, here's what stands out:
The AirPods 4 excel at:
The Beats Studio Buds shine with:
At $179.99 for the AirPods 4 and $169.99 for the Beats Studio Buds, price shouldn't be the deciding factor. Instead, focus on which features matter most to you.
For Apple users, the AirPods 4's ecosystem integration could justify the slightly higher price. For everyone else, the Beats offer more versatility and potentially better sound quality for slightly less money.
Consider these key questions:
The AirPods 4 and Beats Studio Buds are both excellent earbuds that serve different needs. The AirPods 4 are perfect for Apple users who value convenience and awareness of their surroundings. The Beats Studio Buds are ideal for those wanting better sound isolation and cross-platform flexibility.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs rather than which has the most features. Consider how you'll primarily use them, what devices you own, and whether you prefer an open or sealed fit.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) | Beats Studio Buds ($169.99) |
|---|---|
| Design Style - Affects comfort, fit stability, and sound isolation | |
| Open-ear design with stems | In-ear sealed design with multiple tip sizes |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for noisy environments | |
| ~50% noise reduction (moderate due to open design) | ~80% noise reduction (better with sealed design) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use | |
| 6 hours (24 total with case) | 8 hours (36 total with case) |
| Ecosystem Integration - Matters most for Apple users | |
| Full Apple integration, automatic device switching | Basic Apple/Android features, cross-platform friendly |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise use | |
| IP54 (dust and splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Sound Signature - Affects music enjoyment and preferences | |
| Strong mids, lighter bass, fit-dependent | Rich bass, balanced sound, consistent performance |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Wireless and USB-C charging | USB-C charging only |
| Controls - Impacts daily usability | |
| Stem pinch controls, head gestures | Physical button controls on each bud |
| Special Features - Can enhance user experience | |
| Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio, Find My support | Basic Find My, customizable EQ, one-touch pairing |
| Fit Customization - Critical for comfort and sound | |
| One size fits all | 3 ear tip sizes included |
For home theater use, the Beats Studio Buds ($169.99) provide better immersion due to their sealed design and stronger bass response. However, AirPods 4 ($179.99) offer superior spatial audio with Apple TV+ content, creating a virtual surround sound experience.
AirPods 4 are generally more comfortable for extended viewing due to their open-ear design. The Beats Studio Buds' sealed design can cause fatigue after several hours, though this varies by user.
The Beats Studio Buds offer superior noise cancellation (about 80% reduction) compared to AirPods 4 (about 50% reduction) due to their sealed design, making them better for blocking out household distractions.
Yes, both models work with any Bluetooth-enabled TV. However, the Beats Studio Buds tend to have more universal compatibility, while AirPods 4 work best with Apple TV devices.
Beats Studio Buds offer longer battery life (8 hours, 36 with case) compared to AirPods 4 (6 hours, 24 with case), making them better for extended viewing sessions.
AirPods 4 have slightly lower latency when used with Apple devices, while Beats Studio Buds maintain consistent performance across all platforms. Both perform adequately for casual gaming.
AirPods 4 excel at switching between Apple devices, while Beats Studio Buds offer more flexible cross-platform compatibility between Android and iOS devices.
While both support spatial audio, AirPods 4 offer more advanced implementation with dynamic head tracking, especially when watching Apple TV+ content.
Beats Studio Buds typically deliver better bass response and more impactful sound effects, making them preferable for action-heavy content.
AirPods 4 support audio sharing with other AirPods when connected to Apple devices. Beats Studio Buds don't offer this feature.
At $169.99, Beats Studio Buds offer better value for pure home theater use due to superior noise isolation and bass response. However, AirPods 4 ($179.99) provide more features within the Apple ecosystem.
Neither model requires special adapters for TVs with Bluetooth. However, for older TVs without Bluetooth, you'll need a separate Bluetooth transmitter for either model.
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 - rtings.com - beatsbydre.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - abt.com - odpbusiness.com - marketplace.uvation.com - target.com - panthertech.fiu.edu - support.apple.com - youtube.com - beatsbydre.com
