Both systems will do the job. I used beads before I got a couple of Oasis units. I like the Oasis much better, but then again I live in a very dry area and the Oasis recovers the humidity quickly when the humi is opened.

A couple pounds of beads - $50
for $40 more you get the Oasis.

One thing that you may need to consider depending upon your ambient humidity is whether you will ever have to pull humidity out of the air. The beads can do it - the Oasis can't.