In the ever-evolving landscape of true wireless earbuds, the Beats Studio Buds + (often just called Studio Buds in shorthand) remains a standout in 2025.

Launched in 2023 as an upgrade to the original 2021 model, these buds blend Apple’s ecosystem smarts with Beats’ signature bass-forward sound.

At $169.99 (frequently discounted to $129), they offer active noise cancellation (ANC), cross-platform compatibility, and a sleek design that appeals to both iOS and Android users. But with fierce competition from Sony and Bose, do they still hold up? This review dives deep into their performance three years post-launch.

Specifications

The Studio Buds + pack a robust feature set into a compact form. Each earbud features an 8.2mm dual-element dynamic driver, delivering Beats’ characteristic punchy audio.

Bluetooth 5.3 provides stable, low-latency connectivity with support for SBC and AAC codecs, plus multipoint pairing for two devices. ANC is adaptive, blocking up to twice the noise of the original model, with a Transparency mode for situational awareness. Six microphones ensure clear calls via voice isolation tech.

Battery life shines:

up to 9 hours per charge with ANC off (6 hours on), extending to 36 hours total with the case. A 5-minute quick charge yields 1 hour of playback. The case supports USB-C and wireless charging, weighing just 49g with dimensions of 5.1 x 7.2 x 2.6 cm—pocket-friendly.

Earbuds tip the scales at 5g each, with IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts. Controls are capacitive touch, customizable via the Beats app, which includes spatial audio with head tracking on Apple devices. Available in colors like black, white, and transparent, they come with three ear tip sizes for a secure fit.

Value for Money Compared to Other Similar Earphones

At their street price of $129-$170, the Studio Buds + deliver strong value in the mid-tier ANC bracket, outpacing many rivals in ecosystem integration without the Apple premium. Compared to the Sony WF-C700N ($120), they match on ANC effectiveness but edge out with better bass depth and Apple’s Find My network—Sony’s app is clunkier for EQ tweaks.

The Nothing Ear (2) ($149) offers superior hi-res audio (LDAC codec) and customizable transparency, but its case feels cheaper, and battery dips to 6 hours with ANC.

Against the JBL Tune Flex ($100), the Beats win on build quality and call clarity, though JBL’s multipoint is smoother for heavy switchers. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299) crush on noise isolation, but at triple the price, they’re overkill for casuals—the Beats handle subway rumble nearly as well for everyday use. In 2025 sales, snag them for under $100, undercutting the Anker Soundcore Space A40 ($80) in premium feel and iOS perks, while matching its 50-hour total battery.

Overall, they’re a sweet spot: 85% of AirPods Pro performance (sans premium ANC) for half the cost, making them a budget audiophile’s gateway to spatial audio.Sound QualityBeats’ tuning philosophy—bold, energetic, bass-emphasized—defines the Studio Buds +. The 8.2mm drivers pump out rumbling lows that make hip-hop tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” visceral, with controlled mids ensuring vocals cut through on pop anthems.

Highs sparkle without harshness, though purists might crave more neutrality; the V-shaped profile favors fun over fidelity, scoring 7/10 on analytical charts like RTINGS.

ANC impresses for the price, muting low-frequency drone (e.g., engines) effectively, though it falters on erratic highs like chatter—Transparency mode shines here, blending ambient sound naturally. Spatial audio adds immersive depth to Apple Music Dolby tracks, rivalling pricier buds.

The app’s nine-band EQ lets you tame bass or boost treble, unlocking versatility. Calls are crisp, with wind reduction holding up outdoors. At max volume, distortion is minimal, but they’re no match for wired IEMs in resolution. For $150, the sound is engaging and party-ready, not studio-grade.

Reliability of the Brand

Beats, under Apple’s wing since 2014, has transformed from bass-bomb relics to dependable daily drivers. With a 4.4/5 average on Best Buy (over 10,000 reviews in 2025), users praise durable builds and seamless updates—firmware rolls out quarterly via the app, fixing glitches like early pairing hiccups.

Apple’s one-year warranty is hassle-free, with easy swaps at Apple Stores. Battery degradation is low after two years (retaining 90% capacity per user reports), outlasting budget brands like JBL. Minor cons: occasional touch control misfires in sweat, but overall, Beats’ reliability rivals Sony, with fewer DOA units than emerging players like Nothing.

Ideal User

These buds are perfect for bass-loving millennials and Gen Z crossing Apple and Android worlds—think iPhone users dipping into Spotify on Samsung tablets. Gym rats appreciate the secure fit and IPX4 rating for HIIT sessions, while commuters benefit from ANC and 36-hour stamina for door-to-door escapes.

They’re ideal for casual streamers bingeing Netflix (via spatial audio) or podcasters needing clear mics.

Skip if you’re an audiophile chasing planar drivers or need ultra-deep ANC for flights—these thrive on energy, not subtlety.

In 2025, the Studio Buds + endure as a vibrant, versatile pick.

They don’t reinvent the wheel but refine it with Apple’s polish, proving bass doesn’t need to sacrifice smarts.(Word count: 712)

• Active Noise Cancellation? Yes, adaptive with Transparency mode.
• Case type? Compact USB-C/wireless charging case.
• Bluetooth version? 5.3.
• App control and EQ? Yes, Beats app with 9-band EQ and customization.
• Water resistance rating? IPX4.
• Battery Life? 9 hours per charge (ANC off), 36 hours total.