Beats Studio Buds review: the best wireless headphones for Android and iPhone

Beats with its Studio Buds presents a product with great ambitions. With these headphones, the American brand is reaching out to Android users but also those who cannot afford AirPods Pro. MeilleurMobile was able to test them for a few weeks and gives you its impressions of an affordable, high-quality product.

Design: Beats breaks with its old products

Until then, the American company had offered a different philosophy on the shape of its wireless headphones. The Powerbeats Pro, offered a flexible frame surrounding your ear. Studio Buds are thought of differently. These are very compact headphones that barely stand out when you use them. Their shape is almost cork-like, except for a small straight bar that is quite versatile in its function. You will only need two fingers to remove them without them slipping.

On this bar, there is a multifunction button. This acts as a touch control for the entire product. It stands out for its glossy appearance, while the rest of the headphones sport a more matte tone. The Beats logo is stamped at the bottom of each bar. To be completely complete, you will also find two small magnets on each end for charging. If the shape is inconspicuous, depending on the viewing angle it can also seem a bit rough. Especially since the choice of in-ear devices is not suitable for everyone. Indeed, this type of product can cause discomfort since they are based on a specific area of ​​your auricular pinna.

The Studio Buds are however designed to combine elegance and efficiency. No matter what color you choose, headphones from Beats stand out. A final word on the storage box, since it also acts as a charger. The indicator light at the bottom of it tells you the battery status. The Beats logo is also there. It opens like a small screen to house the headphones.

Our complete test of Powerbeats Pro available on MeilleurMobile

Use: a desire to support all aspects of everyday life

In their design, the support of the headphones is ideal to accompany you on your journeys. To ensure a more comfortable lifespan, the brand’s headphones are IPX4 certified. This gives them real protection against water and accidental falls. With a weight of 5 grams for each of the elements and their shape, sports use is perfectly supported.

Regarding connectivity, the setup is quite simplified. Studio Buds are compatible with both iPhone and Android products. If the experience of connection between the two ecosystems is so similar, it is because of the absence of an Apple circuit. Unlike Powerbeats or even the Pro version, the lack of this element can be detrimental for some owners of Apple products. Be careful, however, this does not mean that the connection experience is faulty, on the contrary.

For our test, we were on the Android side of the experiment. From the first detection of the headphones, the installation was simple and efficient. They are compatible with the Google Fast Pair protocol to help you better. Full control of the product is enabled by the Beats mobile app. This offers you daily management as close as possible to your headphones. It is possible to assign functions to each element. On the other hand, the software does not set up sound equalizers, a regrettable feature for this kind of product.

A final word on the tactile use of the Beats Studio Buds. If the application makes it possible to manage the functions of each element, the American brand has set up a fairly precise protocol on the physical buttons. One press pauses the music, two skips the next track and three skips to the previous track. No volume management is supported nor even active noise reduction.

The complete test of Powerbeats headphones on MeilleurMobile

Sound quality: the signature of Beats remains at the rendezvous

The American brand has been rolling its bump for several years on the market. If Beats products sometimes suffered from too much bass, the problem is definitely resolved with these headphones. The Studio Buds offer optimal sound immersion with fairly deep bass and above all well anchored for incomparable listening quality. Moreover, the sound quality is enhanced when noise reduction is activated.

In the components of the product, some have been tested by the 01net.com laboratory. The measured power of the headphones reaches 84 decibels, a rather high average compared to devices of the same kind. In terms of frequency response, Buds range from 34.8 up to 15,130 Hz. Wide versatility that will be appreciated by music fans.

A small black point stands out in the use of this phone: active noise reduction. The main marketing argument for these wireless headphones. When this is activated, it is much less effective than expected. She manages to stifle noises like the subway without completely suppressing them. Passive insulation is excellent, in particular thanks to the construction of the Studio Buds. In the end, it is especially during calls that the headphones stand out.

Our complete test of Beats Flex available on our website

Battery life: Studio Buds leave the Lightning port on the bottom side

This kind of wireless earphones must offer quality autonomy to appeal. Once again, the lifespan of Beats products have been put to the test in the laboratory. Two versions are implemented: one with the ANC and the other without. Initially, you are entitled to five hours of use while once deactivated you have almost nine hours of life.

The added value is the presence of the case. This serves as a backup charging station, once you have stored the headphones. On the bottom of the product you will find a UBS Type-C port. This allows you to put all the elements at 100%.

Conclusion: what to remember about wireless headphones from Beats?

The Studio Buds are the bearers of a new philosophy for the American brand. In terms of technology, they offer a less Apple-dependent experience in favor of wider accessibility. Headphones are easier to use, more accessible to beginners and above all more versatile. All these elements are to be put in relation with its selling price at 149 euros.

However, the entire experience is not perfect, some flaws are to be noted, in particular with a construction that is not harmonious enough on a few angles. The other problem is the active noise reduction which lacks thickness in some situations. The versatility of the Buds from Beats is however beneficial and is easily placed at the level of Galaxy Buds or even AirPods.

It is possible to find the wireless headphones at a price of 149 euros