Beats Solo Buds vs Beats Studio Buds

The Studio Buds are the better all-round earbuds: active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and a charging case that brings total listening time to about 24 hours. The Solo Buds have no ANC, no water rating and no battery in their case, but they are the smallest case Beats makes and can charge from a phone or laptop over USB-C. Owners of both report similar fit and sound character; the Studio Buds rate slightly higher and cost more, which is the main trade-off.

• Choose the Beats Solo Buds if you want the smallest possible case, long single-charge playback and the ability to top up from your phone, and you can live without noise cancellation and water protection.
• Choose the Beats Studio Buds if you want active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, sweat and water resistance, and a charging case that adds hours of playback.