Beats Studio Buds + Review

Overview

The Beats Studio Buds + arrived in May 2023 as an evolutionary update to the original Studio Buds, which debuted back in 2021. Beats kept the familiar stem-free silhouette but refined the internals with a custom acoustic platform, larger microphones, and improved active noise cancellation. The result is a true wireless earbud that straddles the Apple-Android divide more effectively than most, offering one-touch pairing with both ecosystems alongside spatial audio support and an IPX4 sweat-resistance rating. Independent testing paints a picture of a capable but imperfect product: stellar battery life and top-tier call quality stand out, while sound quality and ANC performance trail behind class leaders. With nearly eight thousand Amazon ratings averaging 3.9 stars, the Studio Buds + clearly resonate with many users—but the devil is in the details.

Design and Build Quality

Beats offers the Studio Buds + in three finishes: black-and-gold, ivory, and a transparent model that PCMag’s reviewer found reminiscent of old-school semi-transparent iMacs and recent designs from Nothing. The earpieces are compact and low-profile, barely protruding from the ear, with a pocket-sized charging case that SoundGuys measured at 26 x 72.5 x 51.5mm. Each earbud weighs just 5 grams, making them among the lighter options on the market.

The build quality drew consistent praise across both expert and user reviews. One Amazon reviewer described the earbuds as so rugged they wouldn’t break even if stepped on, while SoundGuys awarded a durability score of 7.8 out of 10. GearLab noted the case is sturdy but pointed out a practical annoyance: the earbuds sit nearly flush in the case, leaving only a few millimeters to grab. Users with longer nails or larger fingers may find removal fiddly. The case charges via USB-C, but notably lacks wireless charging—an omission several reviewers flagged.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where opinions diverge most sharply. PCMag described the Studio Buds + as delivering a “bass-forward yet balanced sound signature,” noting that custom two-layer dynamic diaphragm drivers power the audio alongside acoustic vents that improve airflow during playback. Several Amazon users echoed this enthusiasm, praising crisp mids, clear vocals, and powerful bass that didn’t overwhelm other frequencies.

However, GearLab was far less impressed, awarding sound quality just 5.0 out of 10 and describing the signature as “somewhat compressed and thin.” SoundGuys’ MDAQS testing produced similarly middling scores: timbre rated 4.9, distortion 3.2, and immersiveness 3.7 out of 10. One Amazon reviewer reported that bass-heavy tracks caused the sound to crackle or break up, while another noted the bass wasn’t as punchy as expected given the earbuds’ small size.

A significant limitation: there’s no customizable equalizer. Neither the Beats app nor Apple’s settings offer EQ adjustment, which frustrated users who wanted to tailor bass and treble to different genres. GearLab confirmed the absence of both adjustable EQ and EQ presets in its testing. For listeners who rely on fine-tuning their audio profile, this is a notable gap.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

The Studio Buds + offer two distinct listening modes: personalized Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode, toggled via a long press on either earbud. PCMag noted that the ANC represents an improvement over the original Studio Buds, and SoundGuys awarded it an 8.0 rating—among the higher scores in their assessment. Several Amazon users praised the noise cancellation’s ability to adapt to specific environments, with one recounting how it effectively tuned out train rattling during a commute into Boston.

Yet the consensus is that ANC here is good but not class-leading. GearLab scored it 6.4 out of 10, noting it isn’t “significantly better than that of less inspiring earbuds.” Multiple Amazon users reported a humming or ringing sound when ANC is activated, and one noted it occasionally seemed to do the opposite of its intended purpose—adding noise rather than removing it. Placing the earbuds back in the case briefly appeared to resolve this glitch.

Another limitation: you can’t use ANC with only one earbud in, which disappointed some users. For those wanting stronger noise cancellation, PCMag pointed to the second-generation AirPods Pro as a superior alternative. Transparency mode fared better in user feedback, with multiple reviewers calling it effective and natural-sounding.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the Studio Buds +’s strongest selling points. Beats claims up to 36 hours of total listening time with the charging case, and GearLab’s independent testing actually exceeded the per-charge claim—measuring 9.7 hours versus the stated 8 hours per bud. The case provides approximately two full additional charges. SoundGuys rated battery life at 7.2 out of 10, and multiple Amazon users reported getting through full workdays, 20-mile runs, and cross-country train trips on a single charge.

Quick charging is supported via USB-C: a 5-minute charge delivers enough juice for roughly an hour of playback. However, wireless charging is absent entirely—a notable omission that several reviewers and users called out. SoundGuys listed USB-C fast charge and battery life among the product’s strengths while flagging the lack of wireless charging as a drawback.

The original Studio Buds suffered from shorter battery life (about 5 hours with ANC active, 15 total with the case), so the Plus represents a meaningful generational improvement. One user did note occasional battery quirks, including an earbud dying without a low-battery warning, though this appeared intermittent rather than consistent.

Connectivity and Platform Compatibility

The Studio Buds + occupy a relatively unique position in the true wireless market by offering genuinely strong integration with both major mobile platforms. Unlike Beats products that use Apple’s H1 or H2 chips, these earbuds rely on a proprietary second-generation Beats platform. This enables one-touch pairing with all devices linked to an iCloud account and a Handoff feature that can transfer playback to an Apple Watch when the phone is out of range. On the Android side, Google Fast Pair is supported, along with automatic pairing across Chrome and Android devices linked to a Google account.

Bluetooth 5.3 provides the wireless connection, with support for AAC and SBC codecs—but not AptX. Beats advertises Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts, and one Amazon reviewer reported remarkably stable performance: walking approximately 100 feet from the phone, through walls and outdoors, produced no stutter. Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, with seamless switching between them—a feature one user noted is rare among earbuds.

However, connectivity wasn’t flawless for everyone. One reviewer using the buds across multiple Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and Apple TV) reported frequent instances where only one earbud would connect, calling the experience “frustrating.” Another user noted slower connectivity compared to AirPods. The “Find My” feature also drew criticism for only functioning when the earbuds are actively connected to a device.

Call Quality

Call quality emerged as one of the Studio Buds +’s most consistently praised attributes. Each earpiece houses three microphones—one feed-forward, one feedback, and one voice-targeting—described by Beats as 3x larger than the previous generation. GearLab awarded call quality a 7.6 out of 10, the product’s highest scoring category, and PCMag highlighted it as a standout feature. Several Amazon users specifically praised voice clarity on both ends of calls, with one noting it was a dramatic improvement over cheaper earbuds that made phone conversations in noisy environments impossible.

One reviewer reported that background noise from barking dogs was effectively filtered out on calls. Another highlighted the earbuds’ ability to handle phone conversations even in loud environments like gyms. The original Studio Buds were criticized for lackluster call quality by TechRadar, so the Plus appears to represent a meaningful upgrade in this department.

However, opinions weren’t unanimous: one user complained that people on the other end could never hear them clearly, calling the call quality “pretty terrible.” Results clearly vary by environment, device, and individual experience. Still, the aggregate picture is positive—call quality is where the Studio Buds + most consistently outperform expectations.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit proved to be among the more divisive aspects of the Studio Buds +. The earbuds ship with four pairs of silicone tips in XS, S, M, and L sizes—more size options than many competitors offer. At just 5 grams per bud, they’re lightweight and low-profile, and several users reported forgetting they were wearing them. One reviewer who had previously used AirPods, JBL, B&O, and Marley earbuds called these the most comfortable in-ear option they’d tried. Another noted they stayed secure during workouts without falling out.

However, not everyone agreed. GearLab scored comfort and fit at 6.7 out of 10, and SoundGuys was even less generous at 4.5—the product’s lowest individual metric. One user reported that while the buds were comfortable for the first hour, they became painful after extended use, even after swapping ear tip sizes. Another mentioned the earbuds felt like they might fall out during more vigorous activity.

SoundGuys also noted that the physical button design, while avoiding accidental touch-panel triggers from hoodies and clothing, requires firm pressure that can shift the earbud in the ear. There’s no ear fit test in the app, unlike some competitors, leaving users to trial-and-error their way to a proper seal. The lack of on-ear detection also means playback doesn’t automatically pause when you remove an earbud—a feature AirPods users may miss.

App and Controls

The Studio Buds + use physical push-button controls rather than touch panels—a design choice that drew both praise and criticism. The button mapping is straightforward: a single press handles playback and call management, double press skips forward, triple press skips backward, and a long press cycles between ANC and Transparency modes (with an optional ANC Off mode that can be added through settings). One Amazon reviewer strongly preferred physical buttons, noting that touch panels on other earbuds would accidentally trigger when brushed by clothing.

However, another user complained that the buttons are too easy to press accidentally when inserting or removing the earbuds, and unlike some competitors, there’s no option to disable this behavior in the app. Volume control via the earbud buttons works in coarse increments rather than smooth adjustments, which one user found frustrating when trying to find a specific medium volume level.

The Beats app itself drew criticism for its limited functionality. SoundGuys listed “limited app function” as a key drawback, and GearLab scored app features at 6.2 out of 10. Beyond toggling listening modes and checking battery levels, the app offers little customization. There’s no adjustable EQ, no EQ presets, and no ear fit test. On the positive side, Siri integration works well on Apple devices, reading notifications and texts and allowing voice responses—a feature one user missed when using non-Apple brands.

What Customers Are Saying

With over 7,800 ratings averaging 3.9 stars on Amazon, the Studio Buds + have generated substantial user feedback. The highest praise centered on build quality, battery life, and call clarity. Multiple users described the earbuds as exceptionally durable, with one claiming they could survive being stepped on. Battery performance consistently impressed, even with ANC active. Call quality drew enthusiastic remarks from several users who had struggled with cheaper alternatives in noisy environments.

On the critical side, ANC performance was the most common complaint. Several users reported a humming sound when noise cancellation was active, and one noted it occasionally amplified rather than reduced background noise. Connectivity issues also surfaced, with one user frequently experiencing only one earbud connecting across multiple Apple devices. Sound quality divided users: while many praised the clarity and bass response, others found the audio thin or experienced crackling on bass-heavy tracks. The lack of an equalizer frustrated several reviewers.

Comfort was another split topic. Some users found the earbuds invisible in their ears; others experienced pain after an hour of use. The absence of on-ear detection—meaning playback doesn’t automatically pause when an earbud is removed—bothered some users transitioning from AirPods. Several reviewers noted the earbuds are difficult to extract from the case, and the lack of wireless charging was a recurring complaint. A few users also mentioned occasional software glitches, including repetitive battery notifications and ANC malfunctions that required resetting the earbuds by placing them back in the case.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent battery life, with independent testing exceeding the claimed 8 hours per charge
Top-tier call quality with three microphones per earbud
Strong dual-platform compatibility (Apple and Android)
Lightweight, compact, and durable build
Physical buttons prevent accidental clothing-triggered controls
Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection with multipoint support
IPX4 sweat and water resistance
Four ear tip sizes for fit options
Spatial audio support

Cons:

Sound quality described as compressed and thin by expert testers
No customizable equalizer or EQ presets
ANC performance trails class leaders, with reports of humming
No wireless charging
Limited app functionality
No ear fit test
Comfort issues reported by some users over extended sessions
Earbuds sit flush in case, making removal difficult
Volume adjustments are coarse rather than smooth
Occasional connectivity glitches reported across multiple Apple devices
No on-ear detection for auto play/pause

Verdict

The Beats Studio Buds + are a solid but imperfect true wireless offering that excels in specific areas while falling short in others. Their greatest strengths—battery life, call quality, and cross-platform compatibility—make them particularly appealing to users who split time between Apple and Android devices, or who prioritize phone calls and longevity over audiophile sound quality. The physical button design and IPX4 rating also make them a practical choice for workouts and active use.

Where they falter is in the areas that most distinguish premium earbuds from mid-range ones. The sound signature, while enjoyable to many casual listeners, lacks the richness and detail that expert testers expect at this tier. The ANC is functional but unremarkable, and the absence of both wireless charging and an equalizer feels like unnecessary corner-cutting. For users deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro remain the stronger choice. For Android users seeking better value, alternatives from Google and Nothing offer competitive features.

Ultimately, the Studio Buds + are a jack-of-all-trades earbud that does most things well but few things exceptionally. They’re easy to recommend for call-focused users, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants one pair of earbuds that works seamlessly across both major platforms. Audiophiles and power users who demand granular control over their audio experience will want to look elsewhere.

Specifications

Brand: Beats
Model: Beats Studio Buds +
ASIN: B0C2W1KLSS
Item Model Number: MQLH3LL/A
Release Date: May 17, 2023
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Codecs: AAC, SBC (no AptX)
Bluetooth Class: Class 1
Chip Platform: Proprietary second-generation Beats platform
Active Noise Cancelling: Yes
Transparency Mode: Yes
Spatial Audio: Yes
Water/Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Ear Tip Sizes: 4 (XS, S, M, L)
Microphones Per Earbud: 3 (feed-forward, feedback, voice-targeting)
Drivers: Custom two-layer dynamic diaphragm
Claimed Battery Life (per bud): Up to 8 hours
Claimed Total Battery Life (with case): Up to 36 hours
Measured Battery Life (per charge): 9.7 hours (GearLab)
Charges Per Case: Approximately 2
Quick Charge: 5 minutes for approximately 1 hour of playback
Wireless Charging: No
Multipoint Connectivity: Yes
Ear Fit Test: No
Adjustable EQ: No
EQ Presets: No
Controls: Physical push-buttons
Charging Port: USB-C
Earbud Weight: 5g (per bud)
Case Weight: 50g
Earbud Dimensions: 16 x 18 x 27mm
Case Dimensions: 26 x 72.5 x 51.5mm
Product Dimensions: 2.83 x 2.01 x 1 inches
Item Weight: 3.84 ounces
Colors Available: Black/Gold, Ivory, Transparent
What’s in the Box: Beats Studio Buds +, charging case, 4 pairs of silicone ear tips, USB-C to USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty card
Apple Features: One-touch pairing, iCloud device pairing, Handoff, Siri integration
Android Features: Google Fast Pair, automatic pairing with Chrome/Android devices
Amazon Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (7,815 ratings)

Sale

Beats Studio Buds + | True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Enhanced Apple & Android Compatibility, Built-in Microphone, Sweat Resistant Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio - Black/Gold

BEATS’ CUSTOM ACOUSTIC PLATFORM delivers rich, immersive sound whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.
HEAR WHAT YOU WANT with two distinct listening modes: personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode.
MORE MUSIC, LESS CHARGING with up to 36 hours of listening time.