Latest news with #BeatsStudioBuds
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Beats earbuds that are 'identical' to AirPod Pros drop 56% to £70 in sale
Amazon shoppers praise the Beats earbuds for being of similar quality to Apple AirPods but for a much cheaper price. Wireless earbuds have become an everyday essential item for many Brits as they allow you to listen to your favourite music or podcast without having to get tangled up in wires while out and about. However, for those who are in the market for a new set, it can be a tough decision as there are so many to choose from. For shoppers looking for something budget friendly but from a well known brand, Amazon has dropped the price of the Beats Studio Buds. Normally retailing for £159.99, these earbuds have been said to provide the same sound quality as the popular Apple AirPod Pros - but for a much cheaper price. Currently on a limited time deal, shoppers can now get 56 per cent off these impressive earbuds in either black, red or white. Meaning tech lovers can pick them up for only £69 - saving a whopping £90. The Beats earbuds are said to surround users with sound as it supports Spatial Audio to deliver an immersive experience - ideal for when watching a film or playing a game on a connected device. In order to ensure a comfortable fit, the earbuds also come with three soft, silicone eatip sizes so shoppers can choose which suits them best. The earbuds are also compatible with both Apple and Android devices, although it should be noted that Android users will need to download the Beats app to have access to built-in controls, battery levels and updates. In terms of playback, these earbuds will provide up to 24 hours listening time when used with the charging case. The earbuds also come with two distinct listening modes that users can easily switch between - Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode. On top of this, the built-in microphones are said to deliver a high-quality call performance and allow voice assistant interaction. For those who would rather an Apple product, Amazon has slashed £40 off the Apple AirPods 2. Normally retailing for £229, savvy shoppers can now grab these popular earbuds for £189 in the sale. Equipped with the first-ever earbud hearing aid feature, many shoppers have been shocked by the quality of sound that this device brings. Alternatively, Argos has slashed the price of the JLab JBuds Air Pro Earbuds. Normally retailing for £69.99, shoppers can now buy these budget-friendly earbuds for only £39.99. With a total playback time of 36 hours with the charging case, these earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth Multipoint so they can seamlessly move between devices. However, for those interested in the Beats Studio Buds, they currently have a four-star rating thanks to more than 10,800 ratings from shoppers. Many reviewers have raved about the earbuds, with a few admitting that they were bought as a temporary replacement for Apple but ended up sticking with the Beats device instead. One happy shopper said: "I bought these as a temp replacement for my drowned AirPod pros. I won't be buying the AirPods - these have all the convenience of the AirPods with auto connect and noise cancellation but the sound , for me, knocks spots off the AirPod - deep bass and tingling high end - these are incredible." Another five-star reviewer added: "My old AirPods pro were defective with a rattling sound so I need a new one. I have tried these Beats headphones and it's the best choice I could ever have done. "The sound quality is basically IDENTICAL to the AirPods pro, with clean sound, loud enough and strong and deep bass, amazing. The buttons to change song are way easier to click with just one finger tap compared to apple" However, they did note: "The microphone quality is average, the person listening to us might struggle to hear our voice if we are on the street or in busy environments, but for me it's ok as the main thing is the music experience." Another shopper also grumbled: "Thought they would be better than they were. Very tinny for the price, low volume even if I turned it up on my phone. App did very little. Connectivity was poor as if I left a room it would disconnect with a range of 2-3 meters." Despite this, one person said: "Honestly very impressed with the product, the noise cancellation is great, you can choose between 3 settings and they are snug and sexy looking. But not to mention much cheaper than AirPods, I have an apple phone and they pair perfectly just like AirPods but more bang for your buck. I would rate this a good 9/10." While a fifth shopper praised: "Really easy to charge and seems to hold charge for ages. Really comfortable and not heavy in ear. Good sound quality too." Click HERE to buy the Beats Studio Buds. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Great gifts for college grads
It's college graduation season, and that means it's time to come up with gift ideas for the college grad you want to congratulate on a job well done. So much hard work goes into achieving that diploma, so it's only natural to want to acknowledge this major milestone with a gift. When it comes to rewarding their hard work, you can go with something that's practical, meaningful or even a little fancy. While a recent survey shows cash is the top gift among the over $6 billion spent each year on graduation gifts, some people prefer to give something their new grad can unwrap. That's why we've gathered some ideas to help you come up with the perfect gift for the new grad in your life. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage Nothing says embarking on a new life journey like a good piece of luggage, and this expandable 28-inch suitcase with spinner wheels is the perfect choice. It comes in several colors and has a 10-year warranty, so your grad can travel with confidence. Beats Studio Buds A reliable and high-quality pair of earbuds can be invaluable for a newly minted grad. They can drown out unwanted sounds with the noise-canceling feature to help them focus on their new job or in grad school. They provide up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge, making them super convenient. Productivity Store Daily Planner Some young adults may prefer to keep their daily schedule digital, but there is something about paper and pen that has timeless appeal. Show a new grad that the old-school way of keeping track of important events still works with this planner that includes space for daily to-do lists along with monthly calendars. Bentgo Classic All-In-One Stackable Lunch Box A new grad on a budget will surely appreciate a good lunch box to help them tote food to the office (and avoid spending their monthly budget on expensive meals out). This bento-style lunch box is stackable and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient option. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set A college grad moving into their first 'adult' apartment will definitely need a decent set of cookware to get their kitchen properly outfitted. This set is nonstick and includes frying pans, sauce pans and a stock pot along with lids and utensils. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine If there's one thing most adults of any age need, it's a dependable coffee pot. This one is countertop-size to save space and can make coffee or espresso. It can make four different sizes of coffee and is compatible with Nespresso pods. Black + Decker Home Tool Kit Every adult just starting out in life needs a solid tool kit to tackle minor household repairs. This set features 66 different hand tools, including a cordless drill, a hammer, screwdrivers and more. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Because some events call for more than a phone camera, set up the new grad in your life with a reliable and high-quality digital camera. This one has built-in Wi-Fi and features 24.1 megapixels for clear, beautiful photos. All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Reading is a wonderful hobby to keep up with long after graduation, and this Kindle Paperwhite will help encourage a college grad to spend time with their nose in a book. The device can last 12 weeks on a single charge and helps make reading comfortable on the eyes and very accessible. New grads can download Kindle books from Amazon or hook up with their local library's app to read for free. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Best iPhone earphones in 2025: Top 10 wireless earbuds with noise cancellation and long battery life
Did you buy a new iPhone 16 Pro Max but found your current earphones aren't compatible or lack good sound quality? It's time to upgrade to earphones that perfectly match your iPhone and deliver excellent audio performance. While Apple's AirPods are popular for seamless compatibility and sound, not everyone prefers their design or style. If you're in the same boat, our curated list will help you find the perfect wireless earphones. Featuring top brands like Apple, Beats, Marshall and Samsung, this guide covers all price ranges and the latest tech, so you can choose the best earbuds that fit your style, budget and needs. The Beats Studio Buds are true wireless noise-cancelling earphones designed to deliver powerful and balanced sound through a custom acoustic platform. They feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block external noise and Transparency mode to hear your surroundings. These earbuds are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, offering simple one-touch pairing. They are also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts. With up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge and an additional 16 hours via the charging case, these earbuds provide a total of up to 24 hours of playback. A 5-minute Fast Fuel charging option gives up to 1 hour of playback when the battery is low. The built-in microphones offer high-quality call performance and voice assistant interaction. Excellent sound quality and ANC. Comfortable and snug fit. Microphone quality may not suit everyone's preferences. Some users have experienced connectivity issues. Beats Studio Buds - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Up to 8H Battery Life, Up to 24H w Charging Case, IPX4 Rating, Sweat Resistant, Apple & Android Compatible, Built-in Mic - White What are buyers saying on Amazon? Affordable and iPhone-compatible, but mixed reviews on sound, battery, fit, and durability raise reliability concerns. Why choose this product? Best for budget users wanting iPhone compatibility; sound and build may vary by unit. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium true wireless earbuds featuring industry-leading noise cancellation technology powered by two proprietary processors and multiple microphones for superior ambient noise reduction. They deliver stunning sound quality with the specially designed 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X, supporting a wide frequency response up to 40,000 Hz and High-Resolution Audio via LDAC codec. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, plus an additional 24 hours from the compact charging case. Fast charging offers about 1 hour of playback from just 3 minutes of charging. Connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.3, supporting a 10-meter range and seamless device pairing. Best-in-class noise cancellation with adaptive ambient sound control Excellent sound quality with rich bass and clear vocals Premium price point No wireless charging support (charging via USB-C only) Sony WF-1000XM5 Best Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic, TWS, Up to 36 Hours Battery Life - Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Praised for compact design and spatial audio, but sound, battery, comfort, and call quality receive mixed to poor feedback. Why choose this product? Ideal for light, compact use with spatial sound; may disappoint in call clarity and consistency. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are premium earbuds offering excellent sound quality with the TrueResponse transducer system, delivering rich bass and clear treble for an immersive listening experience. They feature advanced adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that automatically adjusts to your environment, along with a Transparency Mode to stay aware of surroundings. Battery life is strong, providing up to 7 hours of playback with ANC on and a total of 30 hours including the charging case. Fast charging delivers about 1 hour of playback from just 8 minutes of charge. The earbuds are IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance and include multiple ear tip and fin sizes for a secure, comfortable fit. Very good sound quality with detailed, balanced audio Effective adaptive noise cancellation and future-proof wireless features Transparency mode can introduce noticeable background noise at high levels Some users report occasional bugs and unintuitive app-earbud interactions Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 in Ear erabuds with BT v5.4 and AURACAST Technology, Qualcomm aptX Lossless CD-Quality Audio, Intelligent Adaptive ANC, Qi Fast Charge - (Black Graphite) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Praised for crisp sound, noise cancellation, and comfort. Touch controls work well, but battery, value, and connectivity receive mixed reviews. Why choose this product? Great sound and fit with responsive controls; may face connectivity and battery inconsistencies. The Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N are compact, lightweight true wireless earbuds featuring advanced noise cancelling powered by Integrated Processor V1. They deliver clear, immersive sound with a 5mm driver and support High-Resolution Audio via LDAC. Adaptive Sound Control smartly adjusts ambient sound based on your activity and location for an ideal listening experience. These earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on, extendable to 20 hours with the charging case. They feature Precise Voice Pickup Technology for clear calls, IPX4 water resistance, and quick charging that provides 60 minutes of playtime in 5 minutes. Excellent noise cancellation and adaptive ambient sound Best-in-class call quality with wind noise reduction design The charging case is not water resistant ANC can produce noise in very windy conditions Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Earbuds, TWS, Hi-Res Audio, Up to 23Hrs Battery-Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Comfortable and high quality, but noise cancellation, battery, and connectivity get mixed feedback. Right earbud issues and poor case quality reported. Why choose this product? Extremely comfortable with premium features, but may face reliability issues like disconnections, earbud failure, and poor battery performance. The Beats Solo Buds are compact, music-focused true wireless earbuds delivering balanced audio with custom acoustic architecture. Designed for all-day wear, they come with four ear tip sizes ensuring comfort and noise isolation. Class 1 Bluetooth provides a reliable connection with both Apple and Android devices. These buds offer up to 18 hours of listening on a single charge. The compact case lacks charging capabilities, and a 5-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to 1 hour of playback. They can charge from phones, tablets, or laptops using a USB-C connection. Long battery life on a single charge Compact and comfortable design No charging case included No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or transparency mode Beats Solo Buds — Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds | 18 Hours of Battery Life | Apple & Android Compatibility | Built-in Microphone - Matt Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Battery life is praised. Sound quality receives mixed reviews — some find it satisfactory, others report it as underwhelming. Why choose this product? Strong battery performance. Sound may vary by user preference, with inconsistent audio quality experiences. The Marshall Minor IV are true wireless earbuds known for their signature Marshall sound and open-ear design. They feature 12mm dynamic drivers, touch controls, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity. The earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playback per charge, with a total of over 30 hours using the wireless charging case. An IPX4 rating provides water resistance for everyday use. Customizable EQ and battery preservation features are available through the Marshall app. While they deliver clear mids and highs, the sound may lack bass depth, and there is no active noise cancellation. Long battery life and comfortable fit Customizable sound via app No active noise cancellation Bass response can feel limited for some genres Marshall Minor Iv Wireless in Ear Earbuds with 30+ Hours of Playtime, Water-Resistant, Wireless Charging- Cream What are buyers saying on Amazon? Mixed reviews on sound, build, and comfort—some find them good, others report poor audio, cheap construction, and discomfort. Why choose this product? May suit casual listeners seeking affordability, but quality and comfort may not meet all expectations. The Beats Studio Buds+ are true wireless earbuds delivering rich, immersive sound with a custom two-layer transducer and improved bass clarity. They feature active noise cancelling (ANC) that is 1.6x more powerful than the original Studio Buds, thanks to larger microphones and a new processor. The earbuds also offer a comfortable fit with three new acoustic vents to reduce pressure during extended use. Battery life extends up to 6 hours per charge with ANC on, and 24 hours total with the charging case. They support Dolby Atmos spatial audio, have IPX4 water resistance, and offer easy pairing with Apple and Android devices. Enhanced noise cancellation and clear, punchy sound Comfortable fit with pressure-relieving vents No wireless charging support Lacks EQ customisation in the app Beats Studio Buds + Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Up to 36H Battery Life, Charging Case, 5 Min Fast Charge for 1H Battery, Sweat Resistance, Apple & Android Compatible - Transparent What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users love the sleek design, immersive sound, and comfort. Noise cancellation and Android compatibility are praised. Some note minor limitations in button customisation. Why choose this product? Stylish, comfortable earbuds with great ANC, spatial audio, and seamless Android pairing. Ideal for everyday use and workouts. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are premium true wireless earbuds featuring a dual-driver setup with an independent woofer and tweeter for rich, balanced sound. They support 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio via Samsung's Seamless Codec, delivering detailed and immersive listening. Adaptive Noise Control intelligently adjusts ANC based on your environment, with excellent noise cancellation for constant sounds and smart voice detection. Battery life offers up to 6 hours with ANC on and 30 hours total with the charging case. The earbuds have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, six microphones for crystal-clear calls, and support features like 360 Audio, multipoint connectivity, and customizable EQ via the Galaxy Wear app. Excellent noise cancellation and sound quality with dual drivers Robust build with high dust and water resistance (IP57) Battery life is moderate for long trips with ANC on Full feature access best with Samsung ecosystem devices Samsung Galaxy in Ear Wireless Earbuds 3 Pro (Silver) with Galaxy Ai | Adaptive ANC | Real-Time Interpreter | 24-Bit Hi-Fi Audio | Up to 37H Battery | Ip57 What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the sound, ANC, and fit. Some report ANC issues and mixed battery performance, but overall quality and comfort are appreciated. Why choose this product? Great audio and build, with strong noise cancellation and comfort. Some inconsistency in ANC and battery, but still a reliable, stylish choice. The Apple AirPods 4 are true wireless earbuds featuring a custom high-excursion driver, active noise cancellation (ANC), and Adaptive Audio for an immersive sound experience. Powered by the H2 chip, they offer personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, voice isolation, and Siri interactions, including nod and shake gestures. The earbuds are IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them durable for everyday use. Battery life provides up to 5 hours of listening per charge, extendable to 30 hours with the USB-C charging case that supports wireless charging. Controls include force sensors for media and call management, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity across Apple devices. Excellent integration with Apple ecosystem and spatial audio Lightweight, comfortable design with effective ANC Shorter battery life compared to AirPods Pro 2 ANC less effective due to open-ear design compared to sealed earbuds Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalised Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate quality and easy use. Sound, fit, and value receive mixed feedback, with some praising and others finding faults in each. Why choose this product? Reliable quality and smooth Apple integration. Sound, comfort, and price may vary by user, but overall usability stands out. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are high-performance, true wireless earbuds designed for fitness, featuring secure-fit nickel-titanium earhooks and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. They deliver powerful sound with adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode, plus built-in heart rate monitoring for real-time workout tracking. Battery life is exceptional, offering up to 10 hours per earbud and a total of 45 hours with the wireless charging case. The redesigned case is 33% smaller and supports Qi wireless charging. Five ear tip sizes ensure a comfortable fit, and the earbuds include advanced microphones for clear calls and voice commands. Exceptional battery life and secure, comfortable fit Heart rate monitoring and advanced noise cancellation Large case compared to some competitors Premium price point Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Noise Cancelling, Heart-Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45 Hours Battery & Wireless Charging Case, Works with Apple & Android - Jet Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the unique design, strong sound, and fit during workouts. Many highlight battery life, comfort, and premium feel despite high price. Why choose this product? Ideal for fitness, long use, and stylish appeal. Great sound and battery life justify the price for Apple or Beats fans. Not all wireless earphones offer seamless integration with iPhones. For the best experience, look for models supporting Apple's AAC codec and features like Siri, Find My, and Spatial Audio. Some functionalities may be limited on non-Apple or non-MFi-certified earbuds. Noise cancellation is valuable if you frequently use earphones in noisy environments or during travel. It enhances audio clarity and immersion, but if you mainly use them in quiet settings, passive isolation or transparency modes may be sufficient for your needs. Water and sweat resistance is essential if you plan to use your earphones for workouts, commuting, or outdoors. An IPX4 or higher rating protects against moisture and extends product lifespan, making your investment more durable and reliable for active lifestyles. Top 3 features of best earphones for iPhone Similar articles for you Best earbuds with microphone in 2025 for hands-free convenience: Top 10 TWS earbuds from Sony, JBL, Apple and more Best type C earphones in 2025: Top 10 picks from boAt, JBL, Samsung with fast charging, great sound and all day comfort Best noise cancelling earbuds: Top 10 options for travel, work and play from JBL, Sony, OnePlus and other top brands Best earphones to buy: Top 10 options for exceptional audio experience Yes, most Bluetooth earbuds will connect to your iPhone, but Apple-certified models offer better integration and features. Spatial Audio creates a surround sound experience, making music and movies feel more immersive when used with compatible Apple earbuds. Look for an IP rating (e.g., IPX4 or IP54) in the product specs, which indicates protection against sweat and water. Many premium models include wireless charging cases, but always check the product details to confirm this feature. Yes, most modern iPhone-compatible earbuds support Siri, allowing hands-free control and voice commands. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Tom's Guide
20-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge Amazon headphone sale ahead of Memorial Day — 21 deals I'd shop from $19
With Memorial Day sales cropping up left and right, now is the perfect time to invest in that high-quality pair of headphones or earbuds you've been wanting. The good news? Amazon is currently hosting a Memorial Day sale with up to 40% off top-rated audio devices. Amazon's sale has deals to fit every budget. In fact, some of the best headphones we've tested from brands like Anker and JBL will cost you as little as $19. If you're open to spending a little more cash, we're seeing great deals from Sony, Bose and Apple. For instance, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are down to $229. Below, I've rounded up all my favorite deals on headphones and earbuds that will get you the most bang for your buck — all from Amazon! Keep scrolling to check them out. If you're willing to live without active noise-cancellation, these Soundcore by Anker P20i buds are fantastic value for money. Offering 10mm drivers for impressive "big" bass, along with Bluetooth 5.3, 30-hour battery life, water-resistance, 22 preset EQs and in-app customisation, which is great for this price. While they aren't technically true wireless, on account of the wire that connects the buds, the Flex are a great pair of fitness earbuds. They're super comfortable thanks to their lightweight, and this $20 saving is a solid discount. The Sony WF-C700N rank as one of the best wireless earbuds we've tested. In our Sony WF-C700N review, we praised their excellent sound, strong noise cancellation and great call quality. They're also lightweight and last for 7.5 hours of listening time with ANC on. The Sony WF-C710N are our new choice for the best wireless earbuds under $150. They excelled in pretty much every category in our Sony WF-C710N review, delivering impressive sound, strong active noise canceling and amazing bass. Plus, their battery life lasts up to 33.5 hours with ANC off or up to 30 hours with ANC on. And their Glass Blue colorway looks amazing. Amazon has slashed the price of the Beats Studio Buds. You get active noise canceling, sweat resistance and up to eight hours of listening time, or 24 hours when combined with the pocket-sized charging case. Our Beats Studio Buds review called these "a small but feature-stuffed set of wireless earbuds." The AirPods 4 boast a new design, which Apple has refined with "50 million data points" to create the most comfortable AirPods ever. They also feature Apple's H2 chip, which delivers clearer calls with Voice Isolation, and a new, hands-free way to interact with Siri. The AirPods 4 also have USB-C charging and include up to 30 hours of listening time. In our AirPods 4 review, we said the Editor's Choice earbuds bring Apple's wireless earbuds lineup into the modern day with Pro-level features for less. The Powerbeats Pro are a solid pair of Apple wireless fitness earbuds. They have a seamless setup, just like AirPods, and good battery life. The earbuds themselves can play music for 9 hours, and the charging case adds an additional 18 hours. If you have an iPhone and need earbuds for your workout, these are a great pick — not that they aren't great for Android, too. Our AirPods 4 review found a pair of earbuds with surprisingly effective ANC, solid sound and a comfortable open fit. Though four hours of battery life with ANC on isn't the best, these pack a more open fit than Apple's last earbuds with ANC, the AirPods Pro 2, and transparency mode is a nice extra touch. If you're not a fan of over-ear designs, the QuietComfort Earbuds II bring Bose's elite-level noise cancellation tech to in-ear 'buds instead. They can withstand sweaty workouts, have head-tracking tech supporting a new Immersive Audio feature, and last up to 6 hours on a single charge. Plus, a 20-minute top-up gives you an extra 2 hours of playback. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds give the competition a serious run for their money. In our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review, we said they have well-balanced audiophile sound, class-leading aptX Lossless audio support, and effective ANC. In our best wireless earbuds rankings, they take the spot for the best mid-prices earbuds we've reviewed. A budget friendly option, these wireless headphones offer playback for up to 40 hours, and recharge in as little as 2 hours. They also have JBL Pure Bass sound. Although we haven't tested this model, they receive 4.6 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers for sound quality and value for money. Our Sony WH-CH520 headphones review said these headphones "deliver on battery life and performance." They're 360 Reality Audio compatible for more 3D sound and you can customize EQ in the Sony Headphones app. Although there's no active noise cancelling function, they have built-in mics for hands-free voice and video calls and noise suppression processing to keep your voice sounding clear in noisy environments. They're also rated for up to 50 hours of battery life. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 aren't top-of-the-line headphones and don't pretend to be. They're just a nice pair of over-the-ear headphones that won't cost you too much money. With the 40mm dynamic drivers, they still pump out powerful sound, so don't think just because they're cheaper, they won't sound great. The Beats Studio Pro are specifically designed to bring back that thumping bass Beats is known for. They offer improved active noise cancelation and boosted battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC turned off). There's also Spatial Audio support and Beats' signature strong brand look. However, our Beats Studio Pro review found the clamping force high, which may affect comfort levels for some wearers. Although now superseded by the WH-1000XM5, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still a solid buy. They offer effective ANC, superior comfort, excellent sound quality, and an epic battery life that runs up to 38 hours. In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we said they're one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. As we noted in our Bose QuietComfort Headphones review, these are "excellent always-on noise-cancelers with enhanced sound and battery life." They come with enhanced sound, more features, and the same celebrated noise cancelation as their QC45 predecessor. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 have some of the best battery life of any active noise canceling headphones we've tested. They last up to 60 hours of playtime with ANC enabled, which is incredible. They also offer excellent sound quality, effective noise canceling performance and a robust design. The XM5s are Sony's premium noise-canceling headphones and our pick for the best headphones on the market. The large, over-ear cushions are incredibly comfortable and the active noise cancelation is excellent. Plus, despite ANC being a drain on battery life, these amazing headphones still give you up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. You can push that up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned off. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e are incredible sounding and feeling noise cancelling headphones. They're made out of super luxurious materials, including foam earpads with a fabric finish and metal detailing. And their sound wraps you up in comforting, warm audio. You also get 30 hours of battery life. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 made our list of the best headphones as the best luxury pair of 'phones you can get. Their sophisticated sound, top-notch sound and up to 30 hour battery life make them a winner. Now that they're on sale, you can get that premium feel for an even better price. The AirPods Max are Apple's premium, retro-style headphones. They feature large ear cushions, a digital crown, active noise cancellation, and Spatial Audio. The latter feature uses head tracking to offer a surround sound experience. In our AirPods Max review, we said the 'phones offer exceptional noise-cancelling, a luxurious design, and sophisticated soundstage.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Forbes
Beats Studio Buds Review: Luxe, Affordable Earbuds For iPhone Fans
If you're an iPhone user, you have a few choices for earbuds specifically built for the Apple ecosystem. One of your options is the Beats Studio Buds, a budget-friendly pair of wireless earbuds that pack a ton of features while keeping a small physical profile. But are they worth the hype? As the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted, and as a classically trained musician and audiophile, I sought to find out exactly that. I tested the Beats Studio Buds for more than a month, considering audio quality, design and more. I tested the Beats Studio Buds for over a month to check their audio quality, comfort, active noise cancellation (ANC) and more to determine whether these wireless earbuds should be your go-to earbuds. I also cross-tested them against other iPhone options, most notably the Apple AirPods 2. Read on for my full review. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Battery life (buds): Up to 8 hours | Battery life (case): Additional 16 hours | Waterproof rating: IPX4 | Drivers: 8.2mm Best for: Skip if: The Beats Studio Buds aren't very large compared to many of the best wireless earbuds I've tested. They skip the earbud stem, instead opting for an in-ear design. One of my favorite features about this design is the earbud's shape; 'pinch' the oval shape and you can adjust the fit in your ear, so you don't have to grab a stem or try to finagle a rounded ear tip. It's so easy to place in your ear and adjust for a comfortable fit. While I have small ears and the profile juts out just a bit, the profile should be discreet if you have larger ears. I'm also a huge fan of the red hue of the Buds. As someone who thrives on color, I'm all for Beats' color choice here. Plus, the color makes them easy to spot around my house when I lose them on a table. The Beats Studio Buds use physical controls and don't have any kind of stem. There's also another feature I'm enamored with: The Buds come with physical buttons. While most companies have opted to remove physical controls in favor of touch controls, I'm fully in favor of physical controls. It's easier not to accidentally skip songs or pause my music, especially when my voluminous hair is a smidgeon wet or damp. One of the first things that surprised me about the Beats Studio Buds is that there's no equalizer or EQ—or at least not in the traditional sense. Odds are, if you're considering the Beats Studio Buds, you're pairing them with an iPhone, which tucks EQs and listening preferences under an Accessibility section. If you're looking to customize your music, you'll probably want to skip those. Rather than have full control over the bass, mids and trebles, the iPhone EQ experience has you listen to a series of EQ presets to choose your preferences. From there, it builds your listening profile. It's useful, and while I received a dynamic audio setting, there's no way to manually adjust the listening profile. If you want to 'set it and forget it,' then these are a lovely pair. My only beef with the audio quality is that during testing, the Beats Studio Buds just miss some of the lowest bass frequencies. Take Ashnikko's 'Daisy,' which is my go-to for bass testing because the artist uses some of the deepest basses I've heard to date. While the Buds can register the bass, they can't fully register the correct notes—it sounds probably a half-step above what's intended there. If you're not listening to EDM or deep bass music, you shouldn't expect to notice, and even then, it's only if you're really listening for those frequencies. Note the low profile of the Beats Studio Buds in my ear. Outside of those deep basses, the Buds sound lovely, with a clear profile that rivals their more expensive competition. I would go so far as to say these earbuds are like a luxe listening experience without spending a ton. When I compared the Apple AirPods Pro versus the Beats Studio Buds, I felt that the Buds punched well above their weight in terms of audio quality, and I still stand by that. Even out of the box, the profile sounds pretty balanced. Another thing I really appreciated? Its lack of Spatial Audio. For context, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 automatically turn on Spatial Audio when I'm watching content on my iPhone. The Beats Studio Buds don't, and it's for the better when I watch shows and movies. One of the most impressive features of the Beats Studio Buds is that for the price—around $150, but frequently found on sale for $100—they still offer active noise cancellation. It's not the best, but it does reduce outside and ambient noise. You won't get the powerful ANC that other earbuds like Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds or the Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer, but it's still good enough that you can tune out the world around you and enjoy your music. For around $100, the Beats Studio Buds offer much more than their price suggests. iPhone users who want a good pair of earbuds but don't want to spend too much can't go wrong with this pair; the Beats Studio Buds are a great choice. Audiophiles will probably want to look elsewhere, as the Buds can't hit the lowest bass frequencies. But for most needs, the Beats Studio Buds are just fine, and if you're seeking a pair of earbuds that don't require any EQ adjustments, they're a great option. Also, if you like physical controls, the Beats Studio Buds offer this increasingly unique feature. The case is larger, which may dissuade some users, but it's still easy to tuck into your pocket for on-the-go listening. 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