We’ve all been there. You’re about to hit “buy” and then… bam! Two almost identical products show up, and now you’re stuck. That’s exactly what happens when you stumble across the Beats Studio Buds and the Beats Studio Buds Plus. Same shape, same brand, same vibe—but are they really the same thing? We had the same doubt, and we couldn’t just walk past it. Because on paper, the “Plus” sounds like a marketing stretch. But you look closer—listen closer—and yeah, things start to shift.
What caught us off guard first was how much more thought out the Plus version feels. It’s not like they threw in a random upgrade and called it a day. No. Beats actually went back to the drawing board. They didn’t change the basics—they refined the details. And we all know: when it comes to earbuds, the devil is in those details.
So if you’re stuck between the two and trying to make the smarter choice, we get it. We’ve been there. Let’s break it all down and see where the differences really matter—and where they don’t.
Small design changes that don’t scream, but whisper premium
You know how some earbuds just sit weirdly in your ears? That chunky feeling, like something’s wedged in too far? That was the first thing we noticed with the original Beats Studio Buds. They’re not uncomfortable, but they have a certain bulbiness that makes them more noticeable when you wear them for hours.
The Studio Buds Plus, though, they’ve trimmed that down. The overall form is sleeker and sits more snugly in the ear, giving off this subtle, “I’m not even here” vibe. It’s not a huge change on paper, but it feels different the second you put them on.
Then there’s the case. Same dimensions, sure. But hold the black version of the Plus and look at those gold accents—they’re not just aesthetic fluff. They give the case a more finished, polished feel, like they paid attention to things that didn’t have to be better—but are. And let’s not ignore the new transparent color option. It’s not for everyone, but man, it makes you look twice.
Both models come with an IPX4 rating, so they’re good for sweat and a few splashes, but you’ll want to keep them away from the pool. This isn’t about waterproofing—it’s about daily practicality.
Bigger microphones that do more than just look good
Now we’re getting into the stuff that actually changes how these earbuds work. Microphones. On paper, both the original and the Plus models have three mics per bud: two on the outside, one on the inside. Cool. Sounds the same, right?
But it’s not. The Plus model’s mics are three times larger, and this isn’t some “go big or go home” stunt. Those bigger mics pull in your voice more clearly, with less of the muffled, boxy sound you sometimes get in noisy spots.
Here’s where it shows: Noise cancellation is 1.6 times better on the Plus. That means the rumble of the bus, the hum of a plane, even background chatter—it fades out more smoothly. And when you flip over to transparency mode, things don’t feel so artificial. Ambient sounds come in more naturally, like you’re not even wearing earbuds at all.
So yeah, same number of mics—but the Plus actually uses them in a way that changes the game.
Same features, better performance
Both versions offer Active Noise Cancellation and transparency mode, and switching between the two is as easy as tapping the earbuds. That’s kind of a baseline at this point for wireless buds. But—and it’s a big but—what you do with those features is where the Plus earns its name.
Because it’s not about having ANC—it’s about how it handles real-world chaos. The Plus model’s ANC crushes low-frequency noise more convincingly, especially the kind you feel more than you hear. Like, on a subway, the Studio Buds feel like they’re trying. The Plus? They get it done.
And when you need to hear the outside world? Transparency mode on the Plus model sounds fuller, less metallic, like there’s less tech standing between you and your surroundings.
More hours, more freedom
We always think we’ll charge our earbuds before heading out. Then life happens. So when we realized how the battery life differs, it definitely mattered.
The regular Studio Buds give you up to 8 hours of playback, and with the case, you’re looking at a total of 24 hours. Not bad. But the Plus version extends it to 9 hours per charge and up to 27 hours total. On paper, it’s a tiny bump. But in practice? That’s an extra commute, an extra walk, or a couple more episodes without hunting for a charger.
Both cases support fast charging, which is a must. Ten minutes gives you an hour of playback. No wireless charging here, but USB-C keeps it clean and simple.
Better fit means better everything
Fit is that thing you don’t talk about until it sucks. If you’ve ever had earbuds that slide out mid-run or just don’t sit right, you know what we mean.
The original Studio Buds include three silicone tip sizes: small, medium, and large. Enough for most people. But the Plus adds an extra-small size—and for smaller ears, that’s not a bonus, it’s survival.
But here’s the sneaky smart part: the Plus model has a built-in Ear Fit Test through the app. Pop in the tips, run the test, and it tells you if the seal is good enough for proper ANC and sound. No more guessing. That better fit also improves passive noise isolation, so even without ANC, you get more focus and less distraction.
It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed—until you try it, and now you can’t go back.
Smarter syncing and helpful touches
Both models work smoothly with iPhones and Android phones. Both use the Beats app to tweak settings, check battery life, and keep firmware up to date. No real difference there.
But again, the Plus goes a step further. It integrates with Google’s Find My Device service, so if you’re an Android user and your buds go missing, you’ve got a decent shot at finding them. That one feature alone has saved us from panic more than once.
And those little things add up. Even voice assistant access works more cleanly with the Plus. There’s less lag, fewer weird misfires when you’re trying to ask something quickly.
It’s all about the daily vibe
So much of this comparison comes down to how these earbuds feel when you live with them. The Studio Buds Plus just feel less present—in the best way. They’re lighter in the ear, more streamlined, and somehow less fussy. We’ve worn them through long flights, grocery store runs, workouts, and Zoom calls without that urge to take them out and “let our ears breathe.”
The better mic quality also means you’re not repeating yourself on calls, and voice recordings don’t sound like you’re talking through a sock.
Design isn’t just visual. The Plus model’s slimmer profile and better seal translate into a quieter, more immersive experience—even when ANC is off.
What really separates them in the end
Here’s where we land after using both back to back, day in, day out. The Beats Studio Buds Plus don’t blow the original out of the water—but they quietly outperform them in ways that count.
Better microphones, cleaner ANC, longer battery life, smarter fit tools, and small features like Find My Device—none of this is flashy on its own. But together? They change the experience. They make the earbuds feel less like tools and more like part of your day.
What disappointed us? The lack of wireless charging, even on the Plus. For something that feels this upgraded, that’s an odd omission. And maybe the name “Plus” sets expectations for even bigger jumps—spatial audio support, better codec handling, things like that. But those didn’t come. Still, what did arrive? It works.
The original Studio Buds still have their place. If you’re on a tighter budget or just want the core experience, they’re fine. But let’s be honest: when you can get the Plus model and remove the guesswork around fit, boost your call clarity, and skip one extra recharge every week?
Yeah, we know what we’d pick.