When it comes to true wireless earbuds in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Today, I'll help you decide between two popular options: the budget-friendly Soundcore P40i ($59.99) and the premium Beats Studio Buds ($149.99). As someone who's tested dozens of earbuds, I'll break down exactly what you get for your money.
True wireless earbuds (meaning no wires whatsoever, even between the buds) have come a long way since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Modern earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages, including:
The Soundcore P40i uses 11mm drivers (the components that create sound) with something called BassUp technology. In practice, this means punchy bass that casual listeners will appreciate. The sound is engaging and fun, if not technically perfect.
The Beats Studio Buds take a more balanced approach. Their custom acoustic platform delivers what audio enthusiasts call a "neutral" sound - meaning it's closer to how the music was recorded. The bass is still there, but it's tighter and more controlled.
From my testing, both sound great for their price points. The P40i punches above its weight, while the Studio Buds deliver the refinement you'd expect at their premium price point.
Here's where things get interesting. The P40i dominates with:
The Studio Buds offer:
This massive battery life difference is one of the P40i's strongest selling points.
Both models offer ANC, but there's a noticeable difference in effectiveness:
The P40i's adaptive ANC is decent for the price, handling constant background noise like airplane engines or office chatter reasonably well. It won't compete with flagship models, but it's impressive at this price point.
The Studio Buds feature more sophisticated ANC that better handles varying noise types. They also include a high-quality transparency mode (letting outside sound in when needed) that sounds more natural.
Released in early 2023, the P40i supports standard Bluetooth connections and works well with both Android and iOS. It's simple and reliable, but lacks advanced integration features.
The Studio Buds, launched in 2021 but updated in 2023, offer deeper integration with both Apple and Android devices. This means:
An often-overlooked feature, call quality can make or break your experience with wireless earbuds. The P40i surprisingly leads here with its 6-microphone array and AI noise reduction. In my testing, callers consistently reported clear audio even in noisy environments.
The Studio Buds, despite their premium position, offer merely adequate call quality. They're fine for casual use but not exceptional.
For movie watching, both models support standard Bluetooth audio. The Studio Buds have an edge with their spatial audio support, creating a more immersive experience with compatible content. However, the P40i's longer battery life means you can binge-watch longer without recharging.
Neither model supports aptX Low Latency, so you might notice slight audio delay during gaming or videos. For serious home theater use, you might want to consider alternatives specifically designed for that purpose.
The P40i delivers exceptional value at $59.99. You get:
The Studio Buds at $149.99 justify their premium with:
Choose the P40i if:
Choose the Studio Buds if:
Both products represent different approaches to wireless earbuds. The P40i proves that excellent features don't require premium prices, while the Studio Buds show what's possible when price isn't the primary constraint.
For most users, I'd recommend starting with the P40i - it's simply tremendous value. However, if you're an audio enthusiast or want the best possible integration with your devices, the Studio Buds remain a compelling option despite their higher price tag.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider how you'll primarily use them and choose accordingly.
| Soundcore P40i - $59.99 | Beats Studio Buds - $149.99 |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 12 hours per charge, 60 hours total with case | 8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with case |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Basic adaptive ANC, good for constant noise | Advanced ANC with better variable noise handling |
| Sound Quality - Core feature affecting daily enjoyment | |
| 11mm drivers, bass-forward fun sound | Custom acoustic platform, more balanced audiophile sound |
| Call Quality - Essential for work use | |
| 6-mic array with AI, excellent clarity | Basic mic setup, adequate for casual use |
| Water Resistance - Matters for exercise and rain | |
| IPX5 (protected against low-pressure water jets) | IPX4 (protected against water splashes) |
| Device Integration - Important for seamless daily use | |
| Basic Bluetooth connectivity | Advanced Apple/Android integration, one-touch pairing |
| Charging Speed - Crucial for quick top-ups | |
| 10 min charge = 5 hours playback | 5 min charge = 1 hour playback |
| Extra Features - Added value considerations | |
| Case doubles as phone stand, customizable EQ | Spatial audio support, Find My device support |
The Soundcore P40i offers significantly better battery life with 12 hours per charge and 60 hours total with the case, compared to the Beats Studio Buds at 8 hours per charge and 24 hours total.
Both work well for movies, but the Beats Studio Buds offer spatial audio support for a more immersive experience. The P40i has longer battery life for extended viewing sessions.
The Beats Studio Buds feature superior noise cancellation technology that better handles variable noise, while the P40i offers basic ANC that works best with constant background noise.
The Soundcore P40i costs $59.99, while the Beats Studio Buds are priced at $149.99 - a $90 difference.
The Beats Studio Buds offer better overall sound quality and spatial audio support, making them superior for home theater use, though the P40i still provides good performance at a lower price point.
Yes, both work with all phones, but the Beats Studio Buds offer better integration features with both platforms, including one-touch pairing and device switching.
The Soundcore P40i has superior call quality with its 6-microphone array and AI noise reduction, outperforming the Beats Studio Buds in this area.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. Both the P40i and Studio Buds will have slight audio delay during gameplay.
The Soundcore P40i has slightly better water resistance (IPX5) compared to the Beats Studio Buds (IPX4), making it more suitable for intense workouts.
Yes, both can connect to smart TVs with Bluetooth. The Beats Studio Buds offer better range and stability, while the P40i provides longer battery life for extended viewing.
Both offer touch controls, but the P40i provides more customization options through its app, while the Studio Buds have more reliable touch response.
The Soundcore P40i offers exceptional value at $59.99 with competitive features, while the Beats Studio Buds at $149.99 justify their premium price with better sound quality and device integration.
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 - youtube.com - soundcore.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - soundcore.com - verizon.com - nfm.com - insight.com - soundcore.com - youtube.com - soundcore.com - dexgen.com.bd - ictmirror.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
