When it comes to wireless earbuds in 2024, two popular options stand out: Apple's AirPods 4 ($249) and Beats Studio Buds ($169). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs and budget.
Wireless earbuds have evolved significantly since the original AirPods launched in 2016. Modern earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages - from active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and counter outside noise) to spatial audio (creating a 3D surround sound effect). The latest models offer features we could only dream about a few years ago.
The AirPods 4 released in early 2024 brought several improvements over previous generations, including:
The Beats Studio Buds, released in mid-2023, introduced:
These earbuds take distinctly different approaches to how they fit in your ears. The AirPods 4 maintain Apple's signature open-ear design - they rest in your ear without sealing the canal. This design lets you hear your surroundings naturally, which many users prefer for safety or convenience.
The Beats Studio Buds use a traditional sealed design with silicone tips in different sizes. This creates a physical barrier that blocks outside noise and delivers stronger bass. I've found the Beats more secure during workouts, but the AirPods more comfortable for long work calls.
The latest AirPods deliver remarkably balanced sound despite their open design. They excel with:
However, they can't match sealed earbuds for bass impact or noise isolation.
The Beats take a different approach:
For home theater use, both support spatial audio, but the AirPods' head tracking creates a more cinema-like experience. The Beats' better isolation might be preferred in noisier environments.
The AirPods 4 shine brightest in the Apple ecosystem:
The Beats Studio Buds offer more universal appeal:
AirPods 4:
Beats Studio Buds:
Having tested both extensively, here's what stands out:
The AirPods 4 are notably better for calls, with improved voice isolation and background noise reduction. The Beats are adequate but not exceptional for calls.
The Beats' sealed design and water resistance make them better for workouts. The AirPods work fine for light exercise but might not stay secure during intense activities.
The Beats offer better noise isolation for trains and planes. The AirPods' open design lets in more environmental noise, though their active noise cancellation helps.
At $249, the AirPods 4 represent a premium investment, justified mainly by their Apple ecosystem integration and advanced features. The Beats Studio Buds at $169 offer excellent value, especially for users who want flexibility between platforms.
Choose AirPods 4 if you:
Choose Beats Studio Buds if you:
Both products excel in their intended use cases. The AirPods 4 are the clear choice for Apple ecosystem devotees who value seamless integration and top-tier features. The Beats Studio Buds offer fantastic value and versatility, especially for users who aren't exclusively in the Apple ecosystem.
Remember that personal preference plays a huge role - if possible, try both in a store. Pay attention to how they fit your ears and how their sound signatures match your listening habits. Consider your primary use cases and which features matter most to you.
Have you tried either of these earbuds? What features matter most in your wireless earbud choice? Let me know in the comments below.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($249) | Beats Studio Buds ($169) |
|---|---|
| Design Style - Affects sound isolation and comfort | |
| Open-ear design (lets in ambient sound) | Sealed in-ear design with tips (better isolation) |
| Battery Life - Important for daily use without charging | |
| 5 hours per charge, 30 hours with case | 8 hours per charge, 24 hours with case |
| Water Resistance - Critical for workout use | |
| IP54 (basic sweat/splash protection) | IPX4 (better for intense workouts) |
| Platform Compatibility - Affects features you can access | |
| Best with Apple devices, limited Android support | Full features on both Apple and Android |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting/travel | |
| Moderate (limited by open design) | Strong (benefits from sealed design) |
| Sound Signature - Affects music enjoyment | |
| Balanced, natural sound (lighter bass) | Enhanced bass, more dynamic range |
| Special Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio, head tracking, Hey Siri, automatic switching | Basic features only, button controls |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Superior voice isolation and clarity | Good but not exceptional |
| Fit Security - Matters for active use | |
| May need adjustment during exercise | Secure fit with multiple tip sizes |
| Case Size - Affects pocket comfort | |
| 10% smaller than previous gen | Slightly bulkier case |
For home theater use, the Apple AirPods 4 have an advantage with their spatial audio and head tracking features, creating a more immersive movie experience. However, the Beats Studio Buds offer better sound isolation and stronger bass, which some viewers may prefer.
The AirPods 4 at $249 are worth the premium over the $169 Beats Studio Buds if you're primarily using Apple devices and value features like spatial audio, automatic device switching, and superior call quality. For basic music and movie listening, the Beats offer better value.
The Beats Studio Buds offer 8 hours per charge, while the AirPods 4 provide 5 hours. However, with their cases, AirPods 4 provide 30 total hours compared to Beats' 24 hours.
Both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but the AirPods 4 offer better latency with Apple TV boxes. The Beats Studio Buds work consistently across all platforms but may experience slight audio delay with some TVs.
The Beats Studio Buds deliver notably stronger bass due to their sealed design. The AirPods 4 have improved bass over previous generations but can't match the Beats' low-end impact.
The Beats Studio Buds offer full functionality with Android devices, while the AirPods 4 work but lose several key features when used with Android.
The Beats Studio Buds are better suited for workouts with their secure fit and IPX4 water resistance. The AirPods 4 may require frequent adjustment during intense activity.
Both work well for video calls, but the AirPods 4 offer superior voice clarity and background noise reduction compared to the Beats Studio Buds.
The Beats Studio Buds provide better noise isolation due to their sealed design. While the AirPods 4 have active noise cancellation, their open design limits its effectiveness.
Neither product is optimized for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. For gaming, wired headphones are recommended over both the AirPods 4 and Beats Studio Buds.
The AirPods 4 support audio sharing with other Apple headphones, while the Beats Studio Buds don't offer this feature.
The Beats Studio Buds are better for late-night viewing due to their sound isolation, preventing audio leakage that might disturb others. The AirPods 4 are less ideal in this scenario due to their open design.
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: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.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
