**Beats Headphones and Earbuds: A 2024 Guide to the Best Models and What to Know Before Buying**
Since Apple’s acquisition of Beats in 2014, the brand has continued to thrive with its own distinctive style and product lineup, even as it benefits from Apple’s technological advancements. While early Beats headphones were criticized for prioritizing heavy, undefined bass over overall sound quality, the brand has made significant strides. Today, Beats headphones and earbuds offer impressive audio quality, strong noise-canceling capabilities, and excellent voice-calling performance, making them a contender among the best headphones and earbuds available.
**Top Beats Headphones and Earbuds**
Among the many Beats models on the market, the Beats Studio Pro and the Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out as the best over-ear headphones and true wireless earbuds, respectively. The Studio Pro headphones, now in their fourth generation, retain the iconic Beats look while incorporating major upgrades in sound and features. Though they lack some of the premium features of Apple’s own AirPods Max, the Studio Pro are more affordable and deliver a comparable listening experience for most users.
The Powerbeats Pro 2, meanwhile, represent a significant improvement over the first generation, which debuted in 2019. They feature a more ergonomic design, a lighter build, and a redesigned ear hook made from a durable nickel-titanium alloy. The new Apple H2 chip, updated drivers, built-in heart-rate sensor, and, for the first time, active noise canceling, make them a top choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Their secure fit makes them ideal for intense workouts, and they provide excellent sound and call performance—as long as you achieve a good seal with the included eartips. However, some users may find it hard to get the perfect fit and might need to try different eartips for optimal comfort and sound quality.
For those who prefer a different fit, the new Powerbeats Fit offers a compelling alternative. Essentially a rebranded and slightly updated version of the popular Fit Pro earbuds, the Powerbeats Fit feature redesigned wingtips for a more secure fit and a smaller charging case. While not a dramatic upgrade over the Fit Pro, they still deliver solid sound and reliable noise cancellation, often at a lower price point when discounted. However, it's worth noting these are fundamentally an updated version of a 2021 release, and some users may be waiting for a true next-generation model.
The Studio Buds Plus are another strong option, especially for Android users. They improve significantly on the original Studio Buds, with enhanced sound quality, better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and superior voice-calling performance. Powered by a new custom chipset and featuring upgraded microphones, the Studio Buds Plus are a versatile, Android-friendly choice—though Apple users may still get exclusive features like hands-free Siri activation.
For those seeking value, the Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones and the Solo Buds offer affordable alternatives. The Solo 4 make