Beats Studio Buds +

October 2023

What Hi-Fi UK

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, Awardwinning 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 WFC700N (£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.