Can these Beats march to a new rhythm?
In-ear headphones | £180 | whf.cm/StudioBudsPlus
Beats has had a rebirth of sorts in recent years. Shedding its once loud, brash and boomy identity that attracted plenty of young fans but repelled many audiophiles, the company has now evolved into a more elegant offering for today’s demanding wireless earbuds market. “Like Apple, but more fun” – that seems to be the unspoken tagline.
The Beats Studio Buds + (or Studio Buds Plus) are the newest wireless earbuds in the company’s range, offering all the bells and whistles you would expect from a modern, mid-priced pair of in-ear headphones. There are upgrades galore from the previous model and acoustic technology inspired by the company’s aforementioned, more decorated parent company – which surely can mean only good things, right?
Let’s talk price first. The Beats Studio Buds + enter the market at £180, which is a perfectly sensible amount to pay for a pair of well featured ANC wireless earbuds. But the competition at this price is ferocious, with rivals poised to strike from every angle.
That includes the superb, Award-winning Sony WF-1000XM4, which have been around for a couple of years and can now be picked up for less than £200. Formidable. On the more budget end, there are two five-star rivals: JBL’s Live Pro 2 TWS (£130) and the Sony WF-C700N (£100), as well as competition from within in the shape of the top of the range Beats Fit Pro (£200).
Basically, the Studio Buds + don’t simply have to better the performance of the original Studio Buds (which are now the cheapest option in Beats’ earbuds line-up at £130), they also have to stand alongside and be heard above some of the best-in-class performers. A tall order.
If it ain’t broke…
Anyone familiar with the original Buds won’t find any surprises with the new model’s design. They are nigh-on identical, with small cosmetic changes – a smaller ‘b’ icon on the smaller control plate – the only obvious differences.
The buds remain dinky and lightweight but well built, and nestle snugly in our ears. The charging case is a smooth pebble-shaped affair that is easily pocketable and even feels sturdier than the larger, plasticky-feeling case of the Fit Pro. As a nod to offering better fit for everyone, the new Buds + come with a new XS ear-tip size alongside the usual S, M and L options.
We would highly recommend playing around with the different ear tips to get the best performance; one size might fit securely, but may not offer the best
