I’ve spent time testing both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and the Beats Studio 3, and each delivers a unique listening experience for different types of users.
The Buds Plus focus on portability, comfort, and strong ANC in a compact form, while the Studio 3 brings full-bodied sound and immersive over-ear performance.
In this Beats Studio Buds Plus review, I’ll walk you through their sound, design, and real-world performance while also sharing key insights from the Beats Studio 3 review.
By the end, you’ll know which one fits your lifestyle best, whether you want true wireless convenience or the deep, powerful sound of over-ear headphones.
What the Beats Studio Buds Plus Offer
The Beats Studio Buds Plus are true wireless earbuds manufactured by Beats, a brand renowned for its exceptional sound quality and stylish design.
They’re built for users who want reliable performance, clean audio, and seamless pairing without paying top-tier prices.
They sit between higher-end Beats models and entry-level wireless earbuds. Their design is compact and lightweight, featuring a new transparent finish alongside classic colors like black and beige.
Key Upgrades in Beats Studio Buds Plus
The Studio Buds Plus come with several improvements that stand out in everyday use:
- Improved active noise cancellation (ANC) for stronger background noise reduction.
- Upgraded microphones that capture voices with better clarity.
- Enhanced transparency mode for a more natural, ambient sound experience.
- Extended battery life that lasts longer between charges.
- New color options, including a transparent version that highlights internal components.
These changes make the Studio Buds Plus more refined and user-friendly than the earlier version.
Audio Quality and Overall Performance
The Beats Studio Buds Plus are built to deliver balanced and detailed sound for both music and calls. Their upgraded drivers and microphones create a smoother, clearer listening experience in any environment.
1. Music Playback and Detail
The Studio Buds Plus deliver clear and balanced sound. Bass is strong but not overwhelming, and vocals stay crisp across most genres.
There’s a noticeable improvement in midrange clarity, making songs sound open and detailed. From pop to podcasts, these earbuds provide consistent quality and good energy without distortion.
2. Call and Mic Quality
The upgraded microphones are one of the biggest highlights. Calls come through clean, even in busy places or windy environments.
The mic design reduces echo and picks up voices with precision, giving them a reliable edge for phone and video calls.
3. ANC Strength
The active noise cancellation is impressive for earbuds in this range. It effectively cuts out everyday sounds like engines, fans, and crowd noise.
While not at the level of high-end over-ear headphones, it’s ideal for travel and work use.
4. Transparency Mode
Transparency mode allows outside sounds to pass through naturally, so you can stay aware while walking or talking.
It’s smoother and clearer than before, making it easier to switch between listening and awareness without removing the buds.
Overall, the Studio Buds Plus offer dependable audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and consistent performance for listeners who prioritize clarity and comfort in their everyday use.
Beats Studio Buds Plus: Comfort, Fit, and Build Quality
The Beats Studio Buds Plus stand out for their comfort and thoughtful design. Every detail, from shape to materials, supports long-term use without strain or distraction.
- Lightweight Design: Each earbud is compact and lightweight, ensuring comfort even after extended wear. The low-profile shape fits naturally and stays secure during movement.
- Customizable Fit: Three ear tip sizes let you find the right seal for comfort and sound. A proper fit enhances bass and effectively blocks outside noise.
- Long-Wear Comfort: The ergonomic design reduces pressure, allowing extended listening during work, travel, or workouts without irritation.
- Stable and Secure Hold: The buds stay firmly in place during exercise or walking, making them dependable for both active and casual use.
- Durable Construction: The sturdy build handles daily wear, resisting scratches and minor drops while keeping its shape.
- Distinctive Finishes: The transparent model looks modern and tech-inspired, while matte options feel sleek and understated.
- Premium Feel: Both the earbuds and charging case have a smooth finish and solid hinge, reflecting quality craftsmanship and durability.
Overall, the Beats Studio Buds Plus strike a balance between comfort, fit, and build quality, supporting all-day listening while maintaining a stylish and durable design.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery performance of the Beats Studio Buds Plus is dependable for everyday use. You can enjoy up to nine hours of playbackwith ANC off, or around six hours with it on.
The compact charging case adds several extra charges, giving you power for a full day or more without needing an outlet.
Fast charging is another plus, just a few minutes in the case provides over an hour of playback, making it perfect for quick top-ups on busy days.
Battery Comparison:
| Feature | Studio Buds Plus | Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Playtime | 9 hours | 22 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes |
Overall, the Beats Studio Buds Plus offer reliable battery life for daily use, while the Beats Studio 3 provide extended playtime for those who prefer longer, uninterrupted listening sessions.
Connectivity and Features
Finding a pair of earbuds that balances simplicity, sound quality, and cross-platform ease can be tough. The Beats Studio Buds Plus aim to deliver just that.
- Seamless Pairing: One-touch setup works smoothly with both Apple and Android devices.
- Reliable Connectivity: Stable Bluetooth and easy firmware updates via the Beats app.
- Intuitive Controls: Tap gestures manage playback, calls, and ANC modes with precision.
- Sound Profile: Clear, balanced tuning suited for daily listening and mixed genres.
- Limitations: No multipoint connection or in-app EQ customization.
Whether you’re streaming, commuting, or working, the Beats Studio Buds Plus keep things simple — reliable, stylish, and ready for everyday use.
Price, Value, and Deals
The Beats Studio Buds Plus sit in the mid-range price category, offering strong performance and practical features. Priced
between $99 and $169 in the U.S. (depending on color, retailer, and ongoing deals), they often go on sale, making them an excellent value for the quality they provide.
Even at a lower price than over-ear models, they deliver premium sound, sleek design, and dependable functionality.
Their balance of performance and affordability makes them a smart choice for daily listening, commuting, and travel – ideal for users who want great sound without overspending.
Beats Studio 3 Review
The Beats Studio 3 are over-ear wireless headphones known for their rich, bass-forward sound and powerful noise cancellation. Designed for immersive listening, these headphones feature soft ear cushions and a sturdy headband for all-day comfort.
They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that adapts to your surroundings, effectively cutting out ambient sounds.
The battery lasts up to 22 hours with ANC on, and Fast Fuel charging gives three hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
The sound quality leans toward a warm, bass-heavy profile, making it ideal for listeners of hip-hop, pop, and EDM. While not as compact as earbuds, their sound depth, comfort, and isolation make them a great pick for long sessions, travel, or studio use.
Beats Studio Buds Plus vs. Beats Studio 3
Both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and Beats Studio 3 deliver excellent performance, but they cater to different listening needs.
| Feature | Studio Buds Plus | Studio 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear earbuds | Over-ear headphones |
| Sound | Balanced, crisp | Deep, bass-heavy |
| ANC | Strong | More powerful |
| Battery | ~9 hrs (buds) | ~22 hrs (headphones) |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
If you want something light, compact, and easy to carry, the Beats Studio Buds Plus are the better fit. But if you prefer rich, room-filling sound and all-day comfort, the Beats Studio 3 are a top choice in the Beats lineup.
Real-World Use and Long-Term Impressions
The Beats Studio Buds Plus and Studio 3 have earned strong reactions from users worldwide. Here’s what real people are saying about their comfort, sound quality, and daily performance.
Studio Buds Plus
“The studio buds plus fit amazingly… I feel like they were exactly made for my ears, comfortability and sound quality wise.” -Wild_Efficiency_1379, Reddit
“Not seeing a lot of discussion about these…I feel like they sound very flat. There’s almost no bass at all.” -Tom_Aatje, MacRumors Forums
Studio 3
“These headphones blow my old headphones out the water in terms of sound quality. Instruments are way more clear, bass has a greater punch, and it just sounds well balanced.” – Member Review, LinusTechTips Forum
“The demo sounded kinda thick – even a bit muffled… while they get the middle frequencies about right … the extreme lows seem to have excess distortion.” – dalethorn, What Hi-Fi Forum
Overall, users praise both models for their reliable performance and sleek design. The Studio Buds Plus win points for comfort and portability, while the Studio 3 remain favorites for deep, punchy sound and immersive listening.
Final Thoughts
Both the Beats Studio Buds Plus and the Beats Studio 3 deliver strong performance, but they suit different listening styles.
The Buds Plus stand out for their portability, comfort, and solid ANC, making them ideal for daily use and travel.
The Studio 3, meanwhile, offers immersive sound and superior noise cancellation for those who prefer an over-ear design.
If you’re looking for lightweight convenience, opt for the Buds Plus. But if you crave deep, powerful sound, the Studio 3 is still a top pick in the Beats lineup.
