The Beats Studio Buds are notable for their support for convenient one-touch pairing for both iOS and, for the first time, Android devices. Simply unpack them and place the case near your phone. A rotating image of the case and earpieces appears on the screen, calmly inviting you to connect – a classy introduction to a product that costs significantly less than similarly specified alternatives developed by its parent company. This is a good starting point. Unlike Beats’ previous true wireless earbuds, which we reviewed in our Beats Powerbeats Pro review, the Beats Studio Buds come in a case that’s almost as small and sleek as the earbuds themselves. The egg-shaped case, similar to the new Google Pixel Buds Series-A, has a single USB-C port on the bottom and a status LED on the front. When you open it, you’ll find the earbuds. To remove them, pinch the outer control panel and pull them up. The raised control panel allows the buds to slip firmly into the ear without any over-ear hooks or a fin that pushes against the outer ear. The buds then sit almost flush with the ear, and while you won’t be able to sleep with them on (they protrude a little too far), they’re still extremely comfortable. The Beats Studio Buds are rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means they are sweat-resistant but not waterproof. That means you can wear them to the gym for a quick workout, but without the earhooks, they’re a little less secure, and the lack of outright waterproofing means they’re not something you should wear to the beach. A USB-C to USB-C charging cable and extra eartips are included in the box. Unfortunately, all of the included eartips are silicone rather than foam, and they only come in two extra sizes, but most people should be able to get a proper seal and a good fit.
