Beats Studio Buds Renewed Review: Solid but Flawed
Surprising finding: Despite Apple’s polished marketing, the Beats Studio Buds Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones – Black (Renewed) score a solid 8.2/10 among users, but their real-world performance reveals both standout strengths and subtle weaknesses. The earphones win praise for comfort, bass-heavy sound, and Apple/Android compatibility, yet persistent complaints about case quality, fit during workouts, and call clarity surface repeatedly.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best for casual listening, commuting, and mixed Apple/Android households. Less ideal for high-intensity workouts or those prioritizing premium noise cancellation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong bass and clear sound across genres | Fit may loosen during workouts, especially with sweat |
| Seamless pairing with Apple and Android devices | Case hinge feels flimsy and slippery |
| Comfortable in-ear design with multiple tip sizes | No wireless charging, no in-ear detection |
| IPX4 sweat/water resistance | Mic quality underwhelms for calls |
| Physical “clicky” buttons for reliable controls | Noise cancellation weaker than AirPods Pro or Bose |
| 8-hour battery life per charge, 24 hours with case | Volume degradation reported over long-term use |
| Affordable price — often under $80 refurbished | Transparency mode not as effective as competitors |
Claims vs Reality
Apple and Beats market the Studio Buds as “powerful, balanced sound” with “industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth” and “active noise cancelling (ANC) comparable to premium models.” While the ANC is indeed functional, user reports show it doesn’t reach the level of AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort. Reddit user juliusxx said: “Active noise cancellation works quite well… though I haven’t really tried out transparency mode since I don’t like it in general.” Others call ANC “slightly better than average” but not exceptional.
Battery life claims of 8 hours per charge and 24 hours with the case are mostly accurate, with several Trustpilot buyers noting all-day use without recharge. However, longevity varies — one Amazon buyer cautioned: “Battery life is noticeably bad compared to what I was used to… maybe it’s just this particular one that’s defective.”
Beats also tout “custom acoustic platform” and “balanced sound,” yet real-world impressions lean toward a bass-focused profile. Twitter feedback echoes this: “Bass is punchy without being overpowering… highs are bright and distinct.” Some listeners, especially audiophiles, find mids and highs lacking in detail compared to AirPods Pro 2.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is a consistent high point. The three silicone tip sizes allow a secure seal, essential for ANC performance. Reddit user sasquatchwade emphasized: “Proper fitment = superior sound… switched to the larger tip and it was a world of difference.” Apple users benefit from instant pairing and “Find My” integration, while Android owners enjoy full Beats app support. The IPX4 water resistance earns praise from gym-goers; one ProductReview.com.au user noted using them “in the sauna” without issue.
Sound quality resonates with bass lovers. As one Twitter review put it: “That bass! You can hear and distinguish the mids from the highs and the lows are just hitting!” Physical “clicky” buttons are preferred over touch controls, reducing accidental taps mid-workout.
Common Complaints
Fit stability during exercise is the most repeated frustration. Amazon and Best Buy reviewers mention buds sliding out with sweat, even after trying all tip sizes. The case draws criticism for feeling “poorly made and plastic-feeling” (Reddit user juliusxx) with a weak hinge that may open on drops, sending buds flying. Call quality is another weak spot; Trustpilot reports like “No one can hear me when speaking on the phone” appear multiple times.
Transparency mode underwhelms compared to AirPods Pro, and users lament missing features like in-ear detection and wireless charging. Over time, some owners report volume degradation — a Twitter buyer said: “After a year…the audio seemed to degrade and it doesn’t bump like it used to.”
Divisive Features
Noise cancellation splits opinion. Casual users in offices find it “wonderful,” while frequent travelers compare it unfavorably to Sony and Bose. The bass-heavy tuning delights hip-hop and EDM fans but can overwhelm vocals in softer genres — one X reviewer commented: “Bass is heavy… great for hip hop, but for rock or acoustic it’s grating sometimes.”
Price perception depends heavily on purchase timing. At under $80 renewed, buyers call it a steal; at full $149 retail, some say it “loses significant value” without AirPods Pro-level features.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished units generate mixed trust signals. Many Best Buy and eBay buyers receive “like-new” products with full functionality, praising value for money. One Trustpilot user wrote: “They look and work brand new at a third of the original price.” Others encounter defects quickly, such as charging failures within weeks.
Long-term durability stories vary. Reddit and Amazon have posts from 1-year owners still satisfied, while others note case hinge wear and battery decline. ProductReview.com.au user hannah reported: “Have had these for 3 years now and are as perfect as the day I got them.” In contrast, chase lien described a first-day firmware issue that rendered them unpairable, leading to a lengthy repair process.
Alternatives
The Beats Fit Pro offers similar sound with wingtips for secure fit during intense workouts, solving a key Studio Buds weakness. AirPods Pro 2 deliver superior ANC, transparency, and soundstage, but at ~2x the price. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro add noise amplification and better fit for some, yet lack Apple ecosystem integration. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds remain the ANC benchmark but are larger and pricier.
Price & Value
Refurbished pricing hovers between $69–$85 on eBay, often with a 1-year warranty. Amazon Renewed listings average ~$77. Community advice stresses buying on sale or refurbished; one Reddit review noted: “At this price point…it’s fine. At full retail, it kind of makes sense, but…” Resale value is moderate, with used units holding ~50% of retail after a year, partly due to Beats’ brand recognition.
FAQ
Q: Do Beats Studio Buds work equally well with Apple and Android?
A: Yes. Apple devices enjoy instant pairing and “Find My” integration, Android users get app-based controls and firmware updates. Both platforms support ANC and transparency mode.
Q: Is the noise cancellation strong enough for travel?
A: It reduces background noise effectively in offices and moderate environments but falls short of AirPods Pro or Bose for plane travel.
Q: Can you use them for workouts?
A: Light to moderate workouts are fine thanks to IPX4 resistance, but fit may loosen with heavy sweat or rapid movement.
Q: How is call quality?
A: Acceptable for casual calls, but multiple users report muffled or unclear voice transmission in noisy settings.
Q: Do they support wireless charging?
A: No. Charging is via USB-C cable only, with 5-minute Fast Fuel providing 1 hour of playback.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want affordable ANC earbuds with strong bass, comfortable fit, and Apple/Android versatility — ideal for commuting, office work, and casual listening. Avoid if you need top-tier ANC, flawless workout stability, or premium call quality. Pro tip from community: invest time in finding the right ear tip size to maximize noise cancellation and comfort.
