In gift-giving season, typically you get one thing you have already got or one thing that isn’t fairly what you wished. So, if you happen to can alternate the merchandise for one thing you really covet — like a killer pair of Apple AirPods or Beats earbuds — you most likely ought to.
However how do you select between earbuds made by Apple and earbuds made by Apple subsidiary Beats by Dre? We’ve laid out the specs for 4 standard units of buds, beneath, pitting AirPods Professional towards Beats Match Professional and the brand new AirPods (third gen) towards Beats Studio Buds. However all of the specs listed in every chart are the identical, so it’s not troublesome to match and distinction all 4.
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Many similarities, some variations
Among the many 4 merchandise, you see sure similarities and variations repeatedly. Utilizing the identical headphone chip, the Apple H1, the Beats buds are nicely in sync with Apple AirPods on many options, however come at decrease costs with extra shade selections.
And, some individuals say, Beats are inclined to have a greater match. However you don’t get a wi-fi charging case; it’s a must to plug in Beats charging instances.
Surprisingly, you get energetic noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode (for ambient noise) with all within the buds within the charts beneath besides the well-reviewed AirPods (3rd gen). Even the considerably cheaper Beats Studio Buds have that performance — and might at present be had for simply $99! And you will get them in a single limited-edition design or another now, too.
Concerning match, observe that the one buds within the tables missing totally different sizes of silicone ear suggestions for a custom-made match are the AirPods (third gen), which function {a partially} in-ear match that many individuals discover appropriate and even preferable.
Photograph: Apple
What fits you?
In the long run, choosing earbuds is a extremely subjective train and is determined by what issues most to you. I at all times say top-notch sound high quality and a cushty, safe match trump all else with earbuds. They should sound nice, clearly, but when they don’t match nicely, you may not put on them — otherwise you would possibly lose one or each of them.
For a fast have a look at different selections you may also think about, like AirPods (2nd gen), Beats Powerbeats Professional and Beats Flex, see the underside of the publish.
Desk 1: AirPods Professional verus Beats Match Professional
| Specification | AirPods Professional | Beats Match Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Value | $197 – $249 | $199.99 |
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Battery life | 4.5 hours with ANC | 6 hours with ANC |
| Battery life with case | As much as 24 hours | As much as 24 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wi-fi | Wired USB-C |
| Noise cancellation | ANC | ANC |
| Spatial audio | Sure | Sure |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Class 1 Wi-fi Bluetooth |
| Microphones | Twin beam forming; 1 inward going through | Twin beam forming |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Colours | White | White, Black, Stone Purple, Sage Grey |
| Earbud dimensions (in) | 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 | 1.18 x 0.94 x 0.75 |
| Earbud weight (oz) | o.19 | 0.197 |
| Case dimensions (in) | 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 | 2.44 x 2.44 x 1.12 |
| Case weight (oz) | 1.61 | 1.94 |
| Voice assistant | “Hey Siri” | “Hey Siri” |
| Stay pay attention | Sure | Sure |
| Ambient noise | Sure | Sure |
The place to purchase AirPods Professional: Amazon
The place to purchase Beats Match Professional: Amazon
Photograph: Apple
Desk 2: AirPods (third gen) versus Beats Studio Buds
| Specification | AirPods (third gen) | Beats Studio Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Value | $169 – $179 | $99 – $149 |
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Battery life | As much as 6 hours | 5 hours with ANC |
| Battery life with case | As much as 30 hours | As much as 24 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wi-fi | USB-C |
| Noise cancellation | No | ANC |
| Spatial audio | Sure | Sure |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Class 1 Wi-fi Bluetooth |
| Microphones | Twin beam forming; 1 inward going through | Twin beam forming |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Colours | White | White, Black, Purple |
| Earbud dimensions (in) | 1.21 x 0.75 x 0.76 | 0.81 x 0.81 x 0.73 |
| Earbud weight (oz) | o.15 | 0.17 |
| Case dimensions (in) | 1.83 x 2.14 x 0.84 | 2.83 x 2.Zero x 1.0 |
| Case weight (oz) | 1.34 | 1.69 |
| Voice assistant | “Hey Siri” | “Hey Siri” |
| Stay pay attention | Sure | No |
| Ambient noise | No | Sure |
The place to purchase AirPods (third gen): Amazon
The place to purchase Beats Studio Buds: Amazon
Photograph: Apple
Different selections
AirPods (2nd gen)
Often obtainable at costs between $129 and $159, a set of Apple’s final era of AirPods remains to be a viable selection. Gen 2 is analogous in type to AirPods (third gen), however they’ve an extended stem. They lack the third gen’s spatial audio, water and dirt resistance, and wi-fi / MagSafe charging capabilities. They usually come up about an hour shorter on battery life for playback (as much as 5 hours, not 6).
The place to purchase: Amazon
Beats Powerbeats Professional
At a brand new markdown to $169 to $179, Powerbeats Professional are, primarily, extra-sporty Beats Match Professional earbuds at a lower cost. They’ve an over-ear hook for a safe match. They’ve Apple’s H1 chip and all of its premium options — ANC included. Totally different ear suggestions are included for a custom-made match. These earbuds are available in ivory, black and navy blue colours. However you continue to don’t get a wi-fi charging case.
The place to purchase: Amazon
Beats Flex
A lower-end earbud that also packs good options could be the Beats Flex, which include Apple’s W1 chip and value about $5o. The Flex’s design quirk is a magnetic cable between the buds that snaps collectively whenever you take the buds out of your ears (so as a substitute of simply dangling, they turn out to be like a necklace). The buds are available in black, yellow, blue and grey colours.
The place to purchase: Amazon
