Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds+ Noise-Canceling True Review
The Beats Studio Buds+ have a unique transparent look, but their performance is firmly middle-of-the-road. We break down if they're worth your cash.
The 30-Second Version
The Beats Studio Buds+ are a mid-pack performer with a cool look. Their ANC and sound are just okay, and they're outclassed by cheaper rivals. Only worth it if you really want those clear earbuds.
Overview
The Beats Studio Buds+ are an update to the original, aiming to fix some of the gripes with better sound, improved ANC, and a more comfortable fit. They're transparent, which is a neat look, and they keep the IPX4 rating for workouts. But in our database, they're scoring in the middle of the pack across the board.
Performance
Performance is just okay. Battery life lands in the 56th percentile, so it's decent but not a standout. The ANC and sound quality are both below average, sitting in the 40th and 47th percentiles respectively. They'll get the job done for casual listening, but don't expect them to blow you away or compete with the best in class.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transparent design is unique and looks cool. 91th
- IPX4 rating makes them sweat-proof for workouts. 86th
- Battery life is solid for the price. 84th
- Comes with extra-small ear tips for a better fit. 72th
Cons
- Noise cancellation is just average. 32th
- Sound quality isn't a strong point.
- Build quality feels a bit cheap.
- Connectivity can be spotty compared to rivals.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless Earbud |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 9 |
| Fast Charging | 5min=1hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 27 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 2 |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
Value & Pricing
For around $100 to $130, you're paying mostly for the Beats brand and that clear aesthetic. The performance metrics don't justify a premium, so value really depends on how much you care about the look. If you want the best sound or ANC for your money, there are better options at this price.
Price History
vs Competition
Stacked up, they get smoked. The Nothing Ear (a) offers better sound and a similar transparent vibe for less cash. The Anker Soundcore P3i often beats it on ANC and battery for half the price. And if you can stretch your budget, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is in a completely different league for noise cancellation. The Beats are stuck in a tough spot with stronger competitors on all sides.
| Spec | Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds+ Noise-Canceling True | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 27 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Yes | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: How is the noise cancellation?
It's improved over the old model, but our data puts it in the 40th percentile, so it's just average. Don't expect it to block out everything.
Q: Do they work well with Android?
Yes, they have one-touch pairing for both Apple and Android, but the connectivity score is below average, so you might get the occasional dropout.
Q: Are they good for working out?
The IPX4 rating means they're sweat and water-resistant, so they're fine for the gym. Their fitness score is their weakest area, though, so they're not specialized for it.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you prioritize sound quality or top-tier noise cancellation. The Nothing Ear (a) or Anker Soundcore P3i are better for that, often for less money. Also, if you need rock-solid connectivity, look elsewhere.
Verdict
Buy these if you're a Beats fan who absolutely must have the transparent design and don't care about having top-tier performance. They're fine for casual use and the gym, but that's about it.