When it comes to true wireless earbuds in 2024, we're seeing an interesting divide between premium audiophile options and feature-rich mid-range choices. Today, we're comparing the $169 Beats Studio Buds+ and the $399 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 to help you understand what you get at different price points.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Modern earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages - things like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise), advanced Bluetooth codecs (the software that compresses and transmits audio), and smart features that automatically pause music when you remove an earbud.
The Beats Studio Buds+ launched in May 2023 as an update to the original Studio Buds, while the Pi8 represents Bowers & Wilkins' latest flagship offering from late 2023. Both bring meaningful improvements over their predecessors, but they target different types of users.
The Pi8 uses advanced 12mm Carbon Cone drivers - think of these as tiny but sophisticated speakers made from ultra-light, ultra-rigid carbon fiber material. This technology, borrowed from B&W's high-end headphones, delivers incredibly detailed sound with minimal distortion. When listening to complex orchestral pieces or layered electronic music, you can hear individual instruments with remarkable clarity.
The Studio Buds+ use more conventional drivers but still deliver enjoyable sound that most users will appreciate. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and vocals come through clearly. While they can't match the Pi8's exceptional detail and separation between instruments, they provide a well-balanced listening experience that works well for most modern music genres.
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but there are notable differences:
In real-world use, battery life breaks down like this:
Both support quick charging, but the Studio Buds+ edge ahead in total listening time with their case. This might matter if you frequently forget to charge your devices or take long trips.
Here's where these earbuds really differentiate themselves:
The Pi8 includes some unique audiophile features:
The Studio Buds+ focus on convenience:
For home theater use, the Pi8's support for advanced audio codecs and lower latency make them the better choice. The wireless retransmission case is particularly useful here - you can connect it directly to your TV or receiver and get better audio quality than standard Bluetooth typically allows.
The Studio Buds+ work fine for casual TV watching but may show slight audio delay in some cases. They're more suited to mobile use than home theater applications.
Let's be clear about what you're paying for:
The Pi8 at $399 delivers:
The Studio Buds+ at $169 offer:
Choose the Pi8 if:
Choose the Studio Buds+ if:
After spending time with both sets of earbuds, it's clear they serve different purposes. The Pi8 represents the cutting edge of what's possible in true wireless earbuds, while the Studio Buds+ deliver a more practical, value-oriented package.
For most users, the Studio Buds+ provide everything you need at a more reasonable price point. However, if you're passionate about audio quality and willing to pay for it, the Pi8's superior sound and advanced features justify their premium price tag.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use them. Consider your priorities - sound quality, convenience, ecosystem integration, or value - and choose accordingly.
| $169 Beats Studio Buds+ | $399 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 |
|---|---|
| Driver Technology - Determines overall sound quality and detail | |
| Custom two-layer transducer (good for casual listening) | 12mm Carbon Cone drivers (exceptional clarity and detail) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and travel | |
| Basic ANC with 1.6x improvement over previous model | Advanced adaptive ANC with automatic environmental adjustment |
| Battery Life - Important for daily convenience | |
| 6 hours (buds), 36 hours total with case | 6.5 hours (buds), 20 hours total with case |
| Codec Support - Determines maximum audio quality possible | |
| Standard SBC/AAC codecs | aptX Lossless and Adaptive support for Hi-Res audio |
| Special Features - Extra functionality that might matter to you | |
| Find My device tracking, Hey Siri, seamless Apple/Android switching | Wireless retransmission case for TV/airplane use, 5-band EQ |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP54 (dust and splash resistant) |
| Fit Options - Crucial for comfort and sound isolation | |
| XS, S, M, L ear tips (great range for most users) | S, M, L, XL ear tips (larger size options) |
| Use Cases - Where each excels | |
| Daily commute, workouts, casual listening | Audiophile listening, home theater, travel |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Excellent features and performance for the price | Premium audio quality and features at a significant cost premium |
The $399 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers superior sound quality with its 12mm Carbon Cone drivers and aptX Lossless support. The $169 Beats Studio Buds+ provides good but not exceptional audio quality suitable for casual listening.
The Pi8 excels for home theater use with its wireless retransmission case and low-latency codecs. The Studio Buds+ works adequately but may experience slight audio delay.
The Pi8 features advanced adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment. The Studio Buds+ offers improved but basic ANC that's 1.6x better than its predecessor.
The Studio Buds+ offers longer total battery life with 36 hours (including case), while the Pi8 provides 20 hours total. Both last about 6-6.5 hours per charge with ANC on.
The Pi8's wireless retransmission case makes it ideal for TV use, allowing direct connection to your television. The Studio Buds+ can connect via Bluetooth but may experience latency issues.
The Studio Buds+ offers better iOS integration with features like Hey Siri and Find My device support, though both models work with iPhones.
Both are water-resistant - the Studio Buds+ has IPX4 rating, while the Pi8 has IP54 rating, making both suitable for workouts.
The Studio Buds+ provides excellent value at $169 with good features and performance. The Pi8 is premium-priced at $399 but justifies its cost with superior audio quality and features.
The Studio Buds+ supports spatial audio for immersive listening. The Pi8 focuses on high-resolution stereo playback through advanced codecs.
Both offer multiple ear tip sizes, but the Studio Buds+ includes an extra XS size and generally receives better comfort ratings for extended wear.
The Pi8's lower latency makes it better for gaming, while the Studio Buds+ may experience noticeable audio delay during gameplay.
The Pi8 is the better choice for home theater use due to its superior codec support, wireless retransmission case, and lower latency compared to the Studio Buds+.
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 - techradar.com - thetechnovore.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - audioadvice.com - audioholics.com - avnirvana.com - bowerswilkins.com - audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com
