Beats Studio Buds+ Review

Between the entry-level Beats Studio Buds and the fitness-oriented Beats Fit Pro, the Studio Buds+ is a middle-ground option that is designed to appeal to all consumers who want good sound without paying an excessive amount of money. They retain the stemless, compact look that Beats enthusiasts desire, but add tangible hardware enhancements, such as more advanced microphones, improved noise cancellation, and a transparent color choice that makes them visually distinct.

The review is accessible to everyone considering the purchase of new true wireless earbuds in 2025, particularly those comparing alternatives between Apple ecosystem compatibility and Android compatibility, as well as lifestyle-friendly features. You are either upgrading from the first version of the Studio Buds or searching for your first pair of Beats, and this review will guide you through all the necessary information before making a purchase.

The Buds+ retains the stemless, low-profile design of the original Studio Buds, allowing them to fit snugly in the ear without sticking out. These are portable and compact, allowing for use in extended listening sessions without fatigue. The three sizes of ear tips provide a moderate fit for the majority of users; however, individuals with very small or large ears may need to adjust them accordingly. Although lacking wingtips (like those on the Beats Fit Pro), the buds remain relatively stable during walks and mild exercises.

The clear cut of the Studio Buds+ is, perhaps, the most significant visual impact Beats has ever created in years. It is not a colorway but a complete change in design, that is both nostalgic and futuristic, halfway vintage tech with a 2025 feel to it. This version is a fresh breeze to users who get bored with the same black-and-white.

Mids are somewhat in-set yet sound well. Pop and acoustic tracks are vocally clear and well-defined. Musical instruments, such as the guitar and piano, are placed comfortably in the mix; however, more discerning users can detect a lack of richness in the upper mids. The treble is easy and soft on the ears – perhaps a little too smooth for those who prefer their highs to be brighter and more detailed. Nonetheless, the tuning ensures that any long listening session remains exhaust-free, and there is no apparent harshness even at higher listening levels.

Codec support is limited to AAC and SBC, so that you won’t find high-resolution options such as aptX or LDAC. This is not a deal breaker, particularly for iOS users, who have AAC as a reliable option. Android continues to perform well in terms of performance, but audiophiles may not find the additional resolution offered by earbuds that support more advanced codecs to be worthwhile.

 In practice, streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube provides a stable, non-drop performance. Watching video content has minimal latency, and competitive gamers will likely experience a slight delay; however, this is not enough to interrupt casual play. All in all, the Beats Studio Buds+ offer a full-bodied sound quality that is well-suited for daily listening across all genres. However, they do not strive for pure audiophile accuracy.

Another feature that stands out is the Transparency Mode, which Beats devices have. It allows external sound to pass through without the need to remove earbuds, so it is much safer to be aware of what’s happening around you. The transparency mode of the Studio Buds+ sounds clear and natural; voices and environmental sounds are delivered clearly and naturally without the sensation of being muffled or artificial, as in competing earbuds. It is ideal in instances where you need to be alert, such as in urban areas or when listening to an airport announcement.

On the fly, the feature of touching a few intuitive touch controls to switch effectively between ANC and Transparency modes can provide users with a flexible listening experience. Whether you need to tune out distractions while exercising or minimize disruptions when listening to a conversation with your audio on, the Studio Buds+ features a multifaceted noise management system that adds convenience and comfort to your day.

The Beats Studio Buds+ offer good battery performance, making them suitable for individuals with average usage habits. These earbuds provide approximately 8 hours of playback time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, representing a notable improvement over the original Studio Buds. When you switch ANC off and play with Transparency mode or simply play without noise control, the playback time can last approximately 10 hours. This makes the Studio Buds+ a good companion for lengthy journeys, intense exercises, or while binge-listening.

The charging case is also more convenient, as it provides an additional 24 hours of battery life to the earbuds, resulting in a total of approximately 32 hours of listening time. The case itself is compact and portable, making it simple to recharge your buds anywhere.

Among the outstanding characteristics is the rapid charging ability. A rapid 5-minute charge in the case offers up to 1 hour of playback, particularly handy when you are in a hurry and have forgotten to charge them fully. The case is in favor of USB-C charging, and even though wireless charging is not currently supported, the rapid wired recharge makes up for the difference fairly well.

The Beats Studio Buds+ utilizes Bluetooth 5.3, the most up-to-date version of Bluetooth technology, which is significantly more connected and efficient in terms of energy consumption than its predecessors. Practically, it translates to a reduced dropout rate and a more uniform wireless experience, both at home and on the go, in the field. The long distance will also enable you to remain attached to your device up to approximately 30 feet, which also means that the earbuds can be used on a daily basis without the irritating disconnection.

The long distance will also enable you to remain attached to your device up to approximately 30 feet, which also means that the earbuds can be used on a daily basis without the irritating disconnection. Associating Studio Buds+ with devices is a hassle-free and easy process on both iOS and Android. For Apple users, the earbuds work seamlessly with iOS-based devices, automatically triggering the pairing screen when you open the charging case.

They also favor the Apple Find My network, which makes it easier to locate misplaced earbuds. In Android, pairing via Bluetooth settings is equally easy, with no lag or complexity observed. The earbuds also feature the Google Fast Pair feature, enhancing the convenience of Android users with faster setup speeds and improved battery status. The Beats Studio Buds+ control scheme is designed to be simple and customizable.

Both earbuds feature a multi-function button that allows you to control music playback, toggle ANC and Transparency on or off, accept or reject calls, and use your voice assistant. These physical buttons will provide tactile feedback and minimize accidental input, which some users prefer in torkouts or outdoor activities, as opposed to touch-sensitive controls.

The Beats Studio Buds+ offers an easy and efficient software experience, along with specific support for both iOS and Android users. In the case of iOS, there is almost no integration. Being a subset of the Apple ecosystem, Studio Buds+ can be paired one-touch, automatically switch between iCloud-connected devices, and be tracked with Find My.

Each earbud features a battery, and the case also has a battery, which is displayed in the iOS battery widget. ANC / Transparency modes can be switched on and off using Control Center. They do not offer as many of the high-end features of AirPods Pro (such as spatial audio and head tracking), but they offer a surprisingly high-end experience for non-AirPods earbuds.

On Android, Beats offers a special application that provides the same functionality. The Beats app enables users to customize controls, turn listening mode on or off, monitor battery status, and update firmware. The addition of Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find My Device support ensures that Android users have a balanced experience, one that can compete with iOS integration.

When watching videos and playing casual games, the performance of the Beats Studio Buds+ is truly admirable, and you will not find them odd. However, if you want to use them for Super-Low-Latency Gaming, these are not for you. On both Android and iOS, watching videos on applications like Netflix and YouTube is enjoyable because the sound synchronizes with the picture.

And all the credit for this smoothness goes to Bluetooth 5.3 and the SBC and AAC Audio formats. However, for high-end games like PUBG or Call of Duty, users will notice lag between what they hear and what they see. Facing this delay is very common when using Wireless Earbuds, especially those that prioritize saving battery power and maintaining a stable connection over sound features.

The Gaming Mode is not supported by these earbuds, unlike earbuds such as the Nothing Ear and Soundcore. When you compare these earbuds with the AirPods Pro 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, you will find that the Studio Buds+ are slightly slower than those. However, casual gamers and those seeking earbuds for everyday use will certainly appreciate these earbuds. 

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