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Introduction
Hey there, fellow audio enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for a pair of true wireless earbuds that punch way above their weight, especially at just $99, the Beats Studio Buds + in Black/Gold might just be your next go-to. I’ve been testing these noise-cancelling earbuds for weeks now, putting them through workouts, commutes, calls, and binge-listening sessions. With over 6,683 customer reviews on Amazon backing them up, they’re generating a lot of buzz. In this in-depth review, I’ll break down everything from the immersive sound to the battery life, sharing my honest take so you can decide if they’re worth adding to your cart. Whether you’re team Apple or Android, these buds promise enhanced compatibility and features that rival pricier options.
Product Overview
The Beats Studio Buds + are true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds designed for music lovers, callers, and active users alike. They feature Beats’ custom acoustic platform for rich, immersive sound, personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), and Transparency mode to let in ambient sounds when needed. Battery life impresses with up to 36 hours total (including the case), and they’ve got IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts or rainy days.
Key specs include Class 1 Bluetooth for reliable connectivity, three times larger voice-targeting mics for clear calls, and support for Spatial Audio to make your listening feel surround-sound epic. The package comes with the earbuds, a pocket-sized charging case, four sizes of silicone eartips for a custom fit, a USB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, and warranty card. One-touch pairing makes setup a breeze on both iPhones and Android devices, with native features like automatic switching and battery pop-ups on Apple gear.
At this price point, they’re positioned as a mid-range contender against big names in wireless Bluetooth headphones, blending style (that sleek Black/Gold finish) with substance. But do they deliver on the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on my hands-on experience and customer feedback.
Pros
These earbuds shine in several areas, making them a standout choice for everyday use. Here’s what I loved most:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The vivid, vibrant, and crisp audio is a highlight. Bass is punchy without overpowering mids and highs, and Spatial Audio creates an immersive, room-filling experience—like being alone with the artist. Customers rave about it feeling “surreal” compared to other brands.
- Top-Tier Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Personalized ANC blocks out busy streets, plane engines, or office chatter effectively. It’s not the absolute best in class, but for $99 noise-cancelling earbuds, it’s impressively surreal and customizable via the app.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 9 hours per charge (with ANC off) and 36 hours total with the case means less time charging and more music. Real-world tests held up well, even during all-day podcast marathons or flights.
- Seamless Apple and Android Compatibility: One-touch pairing, auto-switching on iOS, and Android-friendly features like Fast Pair make them versatile. iPhone users get handy battery widgets right on the screen.
- Comfortable, Secure Fit: Four eartip sizes ensure a snug seal for most ears, staying put during runs or workouts. They’re not bulky, and the IPX4 rating handles sweat like a champ.
- Clear Call Quality: The upgraded mics filter background noise 3x better, delivering loud, crisp calls. Perfect for hands-free work or chats on the go.
- Transparency Mode Excellence: Hear your surroundings as if nothing’s in your ears—great for safety during jogs or quick conversations without pausing your playlist.
These advantages make the Beats Studio Buds + feel premium, especially for sweat-resistant Bluetooth headphones under $100.
Cons
No product is perfect, and while the pros dominate, here are the drawbacks I noticed—and echoed in some reviews:
- Prone to Getting Dirty: The rubber eartip inserts attract dirt and grime more than smoother designs from competitors. They require frequent cleaning to stay looking sharp.
- Tricky Case Removal: The ergonomic design lacks easy grips, making it fiddly to pop the buds out. I’ve dropped them a couple times mid-reach, which is annoying.
- Average Build for the Price: While sturdy, the matte finish shows fingerprints and scratches faster than glossy rivals. Not a dealbreaker, but expect some wear over time.
- Occasional Connectivity Hiccups: Bluetooth is solid overall, but in crowded areas, minor dropouts happened more than with some premium pairs. Range is good, though.
- No Wireless Charging: The case uses USB-C (included), but lacks Qi wireless charging pads compatibility, which some expect at this stage.
These cons are minor for most users but worth noting if you’re picky about maintenance or seamless extraction.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 6,683 Amazon reviews, the Beats Studio Buds + boast a strong average rating (around 4.5 stars based on trends). Positive feedback overwhelmingly praises the sound, ANC, and value. One 5-star reviewer called them “the best earbuds I have ever tried,” highlighting the “surreal” noise cancellation, perfect fit with the included tips, effortless iPhone pairing, and immersive sound that feels like “an empty room alone with the artist.” Battery life and the stylish Transparency mode got shoutouts too, making them ideal travel companions.
Another happy user, after a month of testing, appreciated the ANC on public transit and planes, Transparency mode’s natural feel, solid bass-heavy sound, and reliable battery. They replaced a “popular brand” (hinting at AirPods rivals) and found these competitive, though noted dirt buildup on the tips as a nitpick.
Podcast addicts and workers love the quick call-switching, all-day comfort without readjusting, and iPhone charge pop-ups. Travelers rave about drowning out plane noise on long flights, with seamless iPhone 15/16 connectivity.
On the flip side, negatives are fewer but consistent. The dirt-prone tips and case ergonomics pop up often— one reviewer mentioned dropping buds due to hard removal and easier smudging. A small subset reports fit issues for very small/large ears despite the tips, or wishes for better wind noise reduction on calls outdoors. Overall, 80-90% of reviews are 4-5 stars, with complaints mostly from users expecting flagship perfection at budget pricing. Common keywords in searches like “Beats Studio Buds + review” or “best ANC earbuds under $100” align with this praise for value-driven performance.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Beats Studio Buds + are a fantastic pick for:
- Commuters and Travelers: Killer ANC and Transparency for noisy subways, planes, or streets.
- Apple and Android Users: Enhanced compatibility means no-fuss pairing across ecosystems.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Sweat-resistant (IPX4) with a secure fit for runs or gym sessions.
- Podcast/Music Lovers on a Budget: 36-hour battery and rich sound at $99 beats many pricier true wireless options.
- Call-Heavy Professionals: Crystal-clear mics shine for work calls or hands-free driving.
Skip them if you need wireless charging, ultra-premium build, or have unique ear shapes that reject all tips. They’re not for audiophiles chasing wired-level fidelity, but for versatile, fun wireless Bluetooth headphones, they’re spot-on.
Final Verdict
After weeks of real-world testing, I give the Beats Studio Buds + in Black/Gold a solid 4.6 out of 5. They deliver premium features—stunning sound, effective ANC, epic battery, and cross-platform magic—at a steal of $99. Minor gripes like dirt attraction and case fiddliness don’t overshadow the wins, especially with 6,683 reviews echoing my enthusiasm. If you’re tired of overpriced earbuds that underdeliver, these true wireless noise-cancelling gems from Beats are a no-brainer upgrade. Grab a pair and elevate your audio game—you won’t regret it!
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