

Secondly, although the multi-function ‘b’-branded buttons on each earpiece click reassuringly and work very well indeed for functions including playback control, call-handling and toggling between ANC and Transparency profiles, they cannot help with volume adjustments. A more readily available indication of battery life is desirable, especially in a product aimed at portability.

One is the single LED light on the charging case, which flashes red when charging, glows white when charged, or flashes white when pairing a second Bluetooth device (which is done by pressing the solo button inside the case while the buds are seated). Only two aspects of the build here feel a little disappointing. If you need a little extra juice, five-minute Fast Fuel charging gives up to an hour of playback thanks to the USB-C charger. The buds offer up to eight hours of listening time (or five when active noice cancelling is switched on) with two additional charges provided by the case, totalling up to 15 hours of playtime with noise-cancelling enabled, or 24 hours of combined playback without it – a shade under class-leading, but perfectly acceptable at this level. The case is svelte, pocketable and well-finished, and the earpieces snap in easily, staying put thanks to magnets in both the case and its lid.

The Beats Studio have a padded headband and leatherette earcups that swivel slightly to improve fit.

They fold for compact storage and come with a carry case. They have a sealed headphone design, blocking out outside noise. However, they put pressure on your ear after extended use. The Beats Pro have a metal headband and earcup holders, with thickly padded leather ear cushions.
