As wireless earbuds continue to dominate the audio market, two models stand out for integrating smart assistant access into a comfortable true wireless design. I’m talking about the Amazon Echo Buds and Apple Beats Studio Buds. Both deliver quality sound and handy voice-based features at reasonable price points.
But if you could only choose one pair, which is the better buy? I took a deep dive into the specs, reviews and real-world details to find out. Read on for the definitive comparison of Echo Buds versus Beats Studio Buds!
An Overview of the Key Players
First, let’s briefly introduce our two contenders:
Echo Buds – First released in 2019 and updated in 2021, these Alexa-powered earbuds were Amazon’s first entry into the true wireless market. They combine Bose active noise reduction technology, Alexa voice integration, and balanced sound in a splash-proof, workout-friendly design.
Beats Studio Buds – Arriving in 2021 as the latest addition to Apple’s Beats lineup, these compact buds pack custom-tuned drivers, Apple W1 chip integration, active noise cancelling, and up to 24 hours of battery life into a tiny form factor. Sweat and water-resistant, their stemless shape provides a secure fit.
On the surface, both deliver compelling hands-free voice assistant access and audio performance in a portable package. But there’s plenty more beneath the surface! Let’s dig deeper…
Sound Quality & Audio Performance
Arguably the most important criteria for any set of earbuds is how they actually sound. Let’s break down how these buds compare sonically:
Frequency Response
- Echo Buds: 100Hz to 17.5kHz
- Beats Studio Buds: 20Hz to 20kHz
The Studio Buds achieve a slightly wider frequency range, reproducing ultra-low bass and super high treble tones that the Echo Buds can’t quite reach. However, both still cover the key range for strong audio reproduction.
Sound Profile
Echo Buds aim for a balanced sound profile that smoothly delivers lows, mids, and highs without huge variation. Acoustic tracks sound crisp and clear, while hip hop kicks thump with solid punch.
Beats Studio Buds tune their drivers for emphasize intense bass and airy treble, recreating a spirited, lively sound. The soundstage feels wider and more spacious as well. Mids take a bit of a backseat, somewhat veiling vocals, but audio still packs plenty of detail.
Most reviewers agree the Studio Buds deliver bolder, more dynamic audio compared to the smoother Echo Buds. But sonic preferences ultimately come down to personal taste.
Noise Cancellation Technology
Both models provide active noise cancellation courtesy of microphones that measure and cancel out ambient environmental noise. Beats leverages a unique inward-only microphone design to achieve surprisingly effective ANC that noticeably minimizes external sounds across a wide frequency range.
Echo Buds boast noise reduction technology from Bose, using sealed ear tips and electrical signals to dull ambient noise. While handy, their ANC doesn‘t quiet distractions as dramatically as the Beats solution.
For calls and voice assistant commands, the Echo Buds capture speech more accurately with beamforming microphones that hone in on the sound of your voice.
Audio Codec Support
Codecs determine the quality of wireless audio transmission from your device to your earbuds. More advanced codecs like AAC and aptX yield superior sound.
- Echo Buds: SBC, AAC
- Beats Studio Buds: AAC
So audio quality hinges largely on the device you’re using. iOS devices use AAC for rich, CD-like quality with either set of earbuds. For the best Android experience, the Echo Buds support aptX streams as well.
Design & Build Quality
You’ll be wearing these buds for hours on end, so comfort and durability are vital. Here’s how they compare on the design front:
Dimensions & Weight
- Echo Buds:
- Earbud: 0.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches; 0.2 ounces
- Charging Case: 3.5 x 1.7 x 1.0 inches; 2.8 ounces
- Beats Studio Buds:
- Earbud: 0.87 x 0.71 x 1.06 inches; 0.15 ounces each
- Charging Case: 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.10 inches; 1.8 ounces
The Beats Studio Buds carry less heft, with smaller, sleeker earbuds that nestle into your ears for a low-profile look. Their pocketable case is more compact than the Echo Buds’ rounded case as well. Those with small ears tend to find the Studio Buds more comfortable over time.
Fit & Comfort
Both models ship with three sizes of eartips to achieve a tighter seal that enhances sound isolation and bass response. The Echo Buds fit flush but slightly protrude, while the Studio Buds’ unique wingtip shape sticks close inside your bowl.
For gym sessions and running, the Studio Buds tend to stay put thanks to their light weight and grippy, sweat-resistant coating. Their rounded edges minimize contact irritation. Those with narrower ear canals may experience fatigue after an hour or so with the Echo Buds.
Controls
The Echo Buds offer incredibly intuitive, customizable tap controls across both earbuds. You can manage music, calls, volume and voice assistants with different gestures. Beats Studio Buds instead rely on automatic ear detection and your device’s touch controls.
Durability
With an IPX4 rating, both models can withstand splashes, sweat, and light rain. Their sweat-resistant finish ensures wet workouts or summer downpours won’t ruin your buds. The Beats case feels a bit more solid and scratch-proof.
Charging & Ports
You’ll refuel these cases via USB-C charging. But only the Beats Studio Buds case supports Qi wireless charging for added flexibility when you’re out and about.
Features & Functionality
Beyond audio performance, wireless earbuds play an expanding role managing notifications, device integration, access controls and voice commands. Here’s a breakdown of core features:
Voice Assistant Support
Both pairs of earbuds connect hands-free access to popular voice assistants. With the Echo Buds, you enjoy full integration with Amazon Alexa for music requests, smart home controls, information lookup, reminders, and more.
The Beats Studio Buds offer quick access to Siri or Google Assistant. You can handle basic commands like setting timers and creating calendar events, but functionality feels more limited compared to the Echo Buds’ robust Alexa capabilities.
Mobile Device Pairing
Thanks to Apple’s H1 chip, Beats Studio Buds pair instantly with Apple devices via a proprietary one-touch setup. Android pairing follows standard Bluetooth protocols. Multi-point connectivity allows pairing to two devices simultaneously.
The Echo Buds lack fancy pairing technology but quickly connect to both Android and iOS devices as standard Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds. Their ability to stream audio to two paired Echo Buds devices enables sharing playlists or movies with a friend.
Companion Apps
Amazon’s Alexa app for iOS/Android helps you customize Echo Buds controls, adjustable noise cancellation levels, find lost buds, and update firmware. It provides handy tools but lacks any audio adjustment capability.
The Beats app for Android/iOS allows you to check battery status, control listening modes, customize ambient sound pass-through levels, and adjust two bands of EQ to tweak audio playback.
Other Notable Features
Echo Buds support Announce Notifications with Alexa providing a read-out of incoming texts, alerts and emails if desired. Support for native Find My tracking and audio sharing is missing, however.
Studio Buds offer handy iOS features like Find My tracking, Audio Sharing with other Apple headphones, and Automatic Switching across devices connected to your iCloud account. No notification support though.
Battery Life & Charging Performance
There’s nothing worse than earbuds dying mid-playlist! Here’s a breakdown of expected battery performance:
Playback & Talk Time
- Echo Buds: Up to 5 hours music, 4 hours talk per charge
- Beats Studio Buds: Up to 8 hours music, 5 hours talk per charge
The compact Studio Buds manage to deliver around 60% longer listening time from their tiny onboard batteries. Both sets meet key phone call needs.
Charging Case Performance
- Echo Buds: Up to 15 hours extra (3 charges)
- Beats Studio Buds: Up to 16 hours extra (2 charges)
You can recharge these earbuds on the go roughly 2-3 times via their bundled cases. Pretty comparable overall capacity that should cover the average user’s daily needs.
Recharging Speed
- Echo Buds: 1.5 hour full charge via USB-C
- Beats Studio Buds: 1 hour full charge via USB-C w/Fast Fuel (10 minutes = 1+ hour battery)
When run empty, the Beats case charges to 100% exceptionally quick thanks to their Fast Fuel tech. The Echo Buds take a bit longer to fully rejuice. Both use USB-C cables.
Wireless Charging
Only the Beats Studio Buds case offers the convenience of wireless Qi charging – they play nice with any standard Qi mat. Sadly there’s no such capability for the Echo Buds as of yet.
Value Breakdown & Price Comparison
Let’s tally up what you’re getting to help determine overall value:
||Amazon Echo Buds|Apple Beats Studio Buds|
|:-|:-|:-|
|MSRP|$129.99|$149.95|
|Audio Performance|Very good|Excellent – deeper bass & brighter treble|
|Noise Cancellation|Decent ANC and isolation|Excellent noise blocking|
|Microphone Quality|Excellent – optimized speech pickup|Good|
|Comfort & Fit|OK for most ears|Excellent fit & featherlight|
|Durability Rating|IPX4 – sweat/splash-proof|IPX4 – sweat/splash-proof|
|Battery Life|Up to 5 hrs playback per charge|Up to 8 hrs playback per charge|
| Charging Case Battery|Up to extra 20 hrs (USB-C only)| Up to extra 24 hrs (USB-C & Qi wireless)|
| Voice Assistant Access|Full Alexa integration|Limited Siri/Google support|
|Key Features|Announce notifications, audio sharing|Apple integration features|
The Beats Studio Buds edge out the Echo Buds is several areas while costing around 13% more. Key advantages like longer battery life, richer sound, adjustable EQ, Apple device perks, wireless charging, and lighter carrying weight make that premium worthwhile overall.
But the Echo Buds remain a smart option costing nearly 20 bucks less. Alexa support is unmatched. Just expect to compromise slightly on sound dynamics and noise reduction capabilities.
Which Should You Buy?
Summing it all up — the Beats Studio Buds shine as the superior all-around wireless earbuds with lush audio, a space-age design, extensive Apple-focused features, and long-lasting battery life. For iPhone devotees or those seeking maximum versatility, they earn our top recommendation.
That said, the Amazon Echo Buds still punch above their weight, coupling handy Alexa voice features with balanced, crisp audio quality for a very reasonable price. Android users on a budget get capable hands-free assistance in a gym-friendly package.
Ultimately it comes down to your smartphone ecosystem, use cases, and budget! Hope this comprehensive feature breakdown gave you the details needed to choose between Echo Buds and Beats Studio Buds with confidence. Let us know if you have any other questions.
