When it comes to true wireless earbuds, the Beats Studio Buds ($149.99) and JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) represent two compelling options in the mid-range market. Both were released in 2021, and while newer models have emerged, these remain popular choices thanks to their feature sets and competitive pricing. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple first popularized them with AirPods. Unlike traditional Bluetooth earbuds that have a wire connecting the two earpieces, true wireless earbuds are completely independent units that connect wirelessly to your device and each other. The technology has matured significantly, with better battery life, more reliable connections, and advanced features like active noise cancellation (ANC) becoming standard.
Both the Beats Studio Buds and JBL Tour Pro+ represent this mature technology, offering features that were once reserved for premium models costing much more. Let's look at what makes each special.
Sound quality remains the most important factor for most buyers, and these earbuds take different approaches:
The Beats brand has evolved from its bass-heavy origins to offer a more balanced sound profile. In my testing, the Studio Buds deliver clear, detailed audio that works well across different types of music. The sound signature is relatively neutral, which means no single part of the music (bass, midrange, or treble) overwhelms the others.
JBL sticks closer to its traditional sound signature, emphasizing bass frequencies. This makes the Tour Pro+ particularly good for modern music genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The included app lets you adjust the sound using an equalizer (EQ), giving you more control over how your music sounds.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to detect external noise and creates inverse sound waves to cancel it out. Here's how our contenders stack up:
The ANC performance is decent but not class-leading. It's best at handling consistent, low-frequency sounds like air conditioners or airplane engines. In my experience, it struggles more with irregular noises like voices or traffic.
JBL's approach focuses on low-frequency noise cancellation. While effective against rumbling sounds, it doesn't do as well with higher-frequency noises. However, its customizable settings through the app give you more control over the level of cancellation.
Since you'll likely wear these for hours at a time, comfort is crucial:
The compact design sits nearly flush with your ears, making them more comfortable for side-sleepers and hat-wearers. They come with three sizes of ear tips, and in my testing, they stayed secure during workouts.
The more traditional design protrudes more from your ears but offers physical buttons that some users prefer over touch controls. The fit isn't quite as universal as the Beats, but they're still comfortable for most users.
Both models offer similar battery performance:
Both support quick charging, giving you about an hour of playback from a 5-minute charge.
While neither model is specifically designed for home theater use, they can work well in this context. The Beats Studio Buds support Spatial Audio, which can enhance the movie-watching experience with compatible content. The JBL Tour Pro+ doesn't offer this feature but compensates with stronger bass response that can make action scenes more impactful.
However, both models suffer from typical Bluetooth latency, which can cause slight audio/video sync issues. For serious home theater use, dedicated wireless headphones with their own transmitters would be a better choice.
Both models launched at similar price points and have seen occasional discounts since their 2021 release. The Beats Studio Buds often see deeper discounts due to their Apple connection and wider distribution. Both have proven durable in long-term use, though battery degradation is inevitable in any true wireless earbud.
Choose the Beats Studio Buds if:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if:
Both the Beats Studio Buds and JBL Tour Pro+ are solid choices that have aged well since their 2021 release. While newer models offer incremental improvements, these remain competitive options at their price points, especially when on sale.
Technology moves quickly, but these earbuds still deliver where it matters most: sound quality, comfort, and reliability. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use them most often.
| Beats Studio Buds ($149.99) | JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) |
|---|---|
| Sound Signature - Determines how your music will feel and what genres work best | |
| Balanced, neutral sound profile | Bass-forward, emphasized low frequencies |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Moderate ANC, better for office environments | Average ANC, focuses on low frequencies only |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day listening | |
| 8h + 24h case (32h total) | 8h + 24h case (32h total) |
| Water Resistance - Essential for workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Comfort & Fit - Critical for long listening sessions | |
| Compact, flush design, excellent for extended wear | Traditional design, less comfortable long-term |
| Device Integration - Affects ease of use and features | |
| Seamless Apple integration, good Android support | Universal compatibility, more customization options |
| Controls - Impacts daily usability | |
| Touch controls, sometimes finicky | Physical buttons, more reliable but bulkier |
| Sound Customization - Important for personal preferences | |
| Limited EQ options | Extensive EQ and sound customization through app |
| Call Quality - Essential for work use | |
| Average, struggles in noisy environments | Average, similar limitations in noise |
| Special Features - May justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio support, Fast Pair | More ANC modes, customizable controls |
The Beats Studio Buds ($149.99) offer Spatial Audio support, making them better for home theater use. While the JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) has stronger bass, the Beats' Spatial Audio creates a more immersive movie experience.
Yes, the Beats Studio Buds offer good value for their price point, especially for Apple users. Their balanced sound profile and comfortable design make them versatile for both music and movies.
Neither excels at noise cancellation. The Beats Studio Buds perform better in office environments, while the JBL Tour Pro+ handle low-frequency noise better. Both are adequate but not class-leading.
Both models can experience slight Bluetooth latency. For dedicated TV watching, we recommend specialized wireless TV headphones instead of either the Beats Studio Buds or JBL Tour Pro+.
Both offer similar battery life: 8 hours of playback plus 24 hours from the charging case. The JBL Tour Pro+ drops to 6 hours with ANC on, while the Beats Studio Buds maintain better consistency with features enabled.
Both models provide average call quality. If video calls are your primary use, neither the Beats Studio Buds nor JBL Tour Pro+ stand out, though they're adequate for occasional use.
The Beats Studio Buds offer more balanced sound across all genres, while the JBL Tour Pro+ excel with bass-heavy music. Choose based on your preferred music style.
Both support Bluetooth multipoint connection, but the Beats Studio Buds offer smoother switching between Apple devices. The JBL Tour Pro+ work equally well across all platforms.
The Beats Studio Buds are more comfortable for extended wear due to their compact, lightweight design. The JBL Tour Pro+ are bulkier and may cause fatigue during longer sessions.
Both work well with all streaming services. The Beats Studio Buds offer Spatial Audio support for compatible content on Apple Music and select streaming platforms, giving them an edge for immersive content.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. For gaming, we recommend dedicated gaming headsets over either the Beats Studio Buds or JBL Tour Pro+.
Both have IPX4 water resistance and are suitable for workouts. The Beats Studio Buds stay in place better during activity due to their more secure fit, making them the better choice for exercise.
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: 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 - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
