Let's dive into a detailed comparison of Beats' two latest wireless earbud offerings - the premium Beats Studio Buds Plus ($169) and the budget-friendly Beats Solo Buds ($79.99). Whether you're looking for top-tier features or value for money, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple first removed the headphone jack from iPhones. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages, offering features that were once exclusive to full-size headphones. The key things most people care about are sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, and comfort - but how much you need of each depends on how you'll use them.
The Studio Buds Plus launched in May 2023, bringing significant improvements over the original Studio Buds, including better noise cancellation and microphone quality. The Solo Buds are brand new as of June 2024, representing Beats' entry into the budget wireless earbud market.
The Studio Buds Plus deliver impressive audio quality with custom-designed dual-layer drivers (these are like tiny speakers that produce the sound). They offer what audio folks call a "balanced sound signature," meaning no single part of the music overwhelms the others. Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, vocals are clear, and high notes sparkle without becoming harsh.
The Solo Buds take a simpler approach to sound. While they still use Beats' custom acoustic platform, the audio quality is more basic. Bass isn't as refined, and you'll notice less detail in complex music. However, for casual listening to podcasts or pop music, many users won't mind the difference.
Here's where we see one of the biggest differences between these models:
These include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create opposite sound waves to cancel it out - think of it like adding negative numbers to positive numbers to get zero. They also have a Transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, great for quick conversations or staying aware while walking.
The Solo Buds rely solely on passive noise isolation - basically, how well the eartips physically block outside noise. While this works okay for some situations, it won't match the Studio Buds Plus for commuting or air travel.
I've tested both models in various situations, and here's what stands out:
The Studio Buds Plus excel here, with ANC making a real difference on buses and trains. The Solo Buds work fine but don't block much noise.
Both models stay secure during workouts, but the Studio Buds Plus have better sweat resistance (IPX4 rating).
For watching TV or movies, both work well, but the Studio Buds Plus offer better audio separation and detail. Neither has significant audio lag, which is great for video content.
The Studio Buds Plus have notably better call quality, with improved noise reduction for clearer voice transmission.
Both models come with multiple eartip sizes, but they approach fit differently:
The Solo Buds offer remarkable value at $79.99, providing solid basic performance for less than half the price of the Studio Buds Plus. They're perfect for anyone who wants quality wireless earbuds without extra features.
The Studio Buds Plus justify their $169 price tag with superior sound quality, ANC, and better call quality. They're the clear choice for commuters, audio enthusiasts, or frequent video callers.
Consider these scenarios:
Both products serve their intended markets well, but they're aimed at different users. The Studio Buds Plus are the clear technical winner, offering more features and better performance across the board. However, the Solo Buds provide impressive value, delivering solid basic performance at an accessible price point.
For most users, the decision will come down to how much they value noise cancellation and superior sound quality versus saving money. If you can afford them, the Studio Buds Plus are the better choice, but the Solo Buds are a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers who don't need premium features.
Remember, the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and budget - there's no one-size-fits-all solution in personal audio.
| Beats Studio Buds Plus | Beats Solo Buds |
|---|---|
| Price - Your budget will be the first deciding factor | |
| $169 (premium features justify cost) | $79.99 (excellent value for basics) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Critical for commuting or noisy environments | |
| Yes, with transparency mode | No ANC (passive isolation only) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day listening | |
| 36 hours total with case (8 hours per charge) | 18 hours standalone (no case charging) |
| Water Resistance - Essential for workouts or rain | |
| IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant) | No IP rating (avoid water exposure) |
| Sound Quality - Impacts overall listening experience | |
| Premium balanced audio with enhanced bass | Good basic sound, less refined detail |
| Microphone Quality - Crucial for calls and meetings | |
| Advanced noise reduction, clear calls | Basic call quality, adequate for casual use |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Larger case with charging capability | Ultra-compact case, no battery |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 5 min charge = 1 hour playback | 5 min charge = 1 hour playback |
| Ear Tip Options - Determines comfort and fit | |
| 4 sizes (XS, S, M, L) with better seal | 4 sizes (XS, S, M, L) basic fit |
| Device Compatibility - Affects features available | |
| Full features on iOS/Android, Find My support | Basic features on iOS/Android, Find My support |
The Beats Studio Buds Plus ($169) offer better audio separation and detail for movie watching, plus active noise cancellation helps immerse you in the content. The Beats Solo Buds ($79.99) work fine for basic movie watching but lack the enhanced sound stage and noise isolation of the Studio Buds Plus.
Neither the Studio Buds Plus nor Solo Buds have noticeable audio lag, making both suitable for video content and gaming. They use modern Bluetooth technology to maintain audio sync.
The Studio Buds Plus offer 36 hours total with the charging case (8 hours per charge), while the Solo Buds provide 18 hours of continuous playback but lack a charging case battery.
If you value noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and better call quality, the Studio Buds Plus justify their higher price. For basic listening, the Solo Buds offer excellent value at less than half the price.
The Studio Buds Plus have significantly better call quality with advanced noise reduction, while the Solo Buds provide basic call functionality suitable for casual use.
Yes, both the Studio Buds Plus and Solo Buds work equally well with iOS and Android devices, offering features like one-touch pairing and Find My device support.
Both models come with four ear tip sizes, but the Studio Buds Plus generally provide a more secure fit and better seal. The Solo Buds are lighter but may need more frequent adjustment.
Both models can connect to Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the Studio Buds Plus offer better range and connection stability. Consider using a Bluetooth transmitter if your TV doesn't have built-in Bluetooth.
The Studio Buds Plus deliver superior sound with better bass response and clearer detail. The Solo Buds provide good basic sound quality suitable for casual listening.
Both models work for gaming, but the Studio Buds Plus offer better audio positioning and detail. Neither model has ultra-low latency gaming modes like some gaming-specific earbuds.
The Studio Buds Plus are better for late-night viewing due to their active noise cancellation and superior seal, letting you listen at lower volumes. The Solo Buds require higher volumes to block external noise.
Yes, both the Studio Buds Plus and Solo Buds support voice assistants on iOS and Android, though activation methods may differ between models.
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: 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 - bestbuy.com - store.appogee.com - therunningchannel.com - cnet.com - apple.com - beatsbydre.com - expercom.com - appleinsider.com - target.com - youtube.com - middlebury-college-store.shoplightspeed.com - connection.com
