Beats Studio Pro Review

When Beats launched the Studio Pro in July 2023, it marked the first significant update to their flagship over-ear headphone line in nearly six years. As a brand synonymous with bold bass and streetwear swagger, Beats has spent the last decade refining its identity under Apple’s ownership. The Studio Pro arrives as a bridge between the brand’s legacy and its ambitions in a crowded premium headphone market. Priced at $349.99, these noise-canceling over-ears promise improved sound, enhanced features, and cross-platform compatibility. But do they deliver enough to stand out against fierce competition from Sony, Bose, and even Apple’s own AirPods Max? After spending time with the Beats Studio Pro, here’s an in-depth look at what they bring to the table—and where they fall short.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Beats Studio Pro could be mistaken for their predecessor, the Studio3 Wireless. The iconic silhouette—sleek headband, prominent “b” logos on the earcups, and folding hinges—remains largely unchanged. Weighing in at 260 grams (9.17 ounces), they match the Studio3’s weight exactly, suggesting Beats wasn’t ready to abandon a design that’s been a cultural staple since 2008. This continuity might thrill longtime fans but could disappoint those expecting a bold reinvention after such a long gap.

Subtle tweaks reveal a thoughtful evolution. The headband ditches the overt “Beats” branding and chrome accents of past models for a cleaner, tone-on-tone finish. Available in four muted colors—Black, Deep Brown, Navy, and Sandstone (plus three Kim Kardashian editions: Moon, Dune, and Earth)—the Studio Pro opts for sophistication over flash. The plastic construction, while lightweight, doesn’t exude the premium heft of metal-clad rivals like the AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM5. It creaks under pressure, and the matte finish (especially on darker shades) attracts fingerprints like a magnet. Still, the folding mechanism—complete with a satisfying, if slightly unnerving, crunch—makes them portable, a rarity among flagship headphones today.

The earcups feature new “UltraPlush” cushions, blending memory foam with synthetic leather. They’re a step up in comfort from the Studio3, creating a tighter seal for better noise isolation. However, the fit is snug—perhaps too snug for larger heads or ears. After an hour, the clamping force and heat buildup can become noticeable, especially in warmer climates. Compared to the airy openness of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra or the plush padding of Sony’s XM5, the Studio Pro feels like a compromise between style and all-day wearability. There’s no official IP rating for sweat or water resistance, though Beats claims they’re gym-ready. Without replaceable earpads directly from the company, heavy users might need to turn to third-party solutions down the line.

The included fabric carrying case is a highlight—compact, zippered, and equipped with pockets for the USB-C and 3.5mm cables. It’s a practical touch that outclasses the AirPods Max’s odd sleeve and rivals Sony’s more utilitarian cases. Overall, the design is a polished iteration of a proven formula, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that Beats played it safe when a bolder leap could have set them apart.

Features and Connectivity: A Cross-Platform Contender

One of the Studio Pro’s standout qualities is its attempt to cater to both Apple and Android ecosystems—a rarity in a market often split by proprietary tech. Eschewing Apple’s H1 or H2 chips, Beats opts for a custom processor, enabling features like one-touch pairing and Find My support on iOS, alongside Google Fast Pair and Find My Device on Android. For Apple users, integration is seamless: hands-free Siri, iCloud pairing, and native controls in iOS’s Control Center. Android users get similar perks via the Beats app, including audio switching between devices (though multipoint pairing is Android-only at launch).

Bluetooth 5.3 powers wireless connectivity, supporting SBC and AAC codecs but skipping higher-quality options like aptX or LDAC—a letdown for Android audiophiles craving richer wireless sound. The real audio trick, however, lies in the wired options. A 3.5mm jack offers analog playback (a jab at the dongle-dependent AirPods Max), while the USB-C port doubles as a charging and hi-res audio conduit. Plugging in via USB-C unlocks 24-bit/48kHz playback, tapping into lossless libraries from Apple Music, Tidal, or Amazon Music HD. Three EQ presets—Beats Signature, Entertainment, and Conversation—become available in this mode, though they’re inaccessible over Bluetooth, and there’s no fully customizable EQ.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes are onboard, leveraging improved mics and adaptive processing. The ANC is a marked upgrade from the Studio3, dampening low-frequency hums like train rumbles or office chatter with competence. It doesn’t quite match the near-silence of Sony’s XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, but it’s effective for most daily scenarios. Transparency mode, a first for Beats over-ears, amplifies ambient sound naturally—great for quick conversations or staying aware on a busy street. Oddly, neither mode works in USB-C playback, a quirk that feels like an oversight.

Battery life is a strong suit: 40 hours with ANC off, 24 hours with it on, and a 10-minute quick charge yielding 4 hours of playtime. That’s competitive with Sony and outpaces the AirPods Max’s 20-hour cap. Physical controls—a multifunction “b” button on the left earcup for play/pause and track skipping, plus volume rockers—offer tactile precision over gesture-based rivals, though the clicks can feel clunky. A power/ANC toggle button on the right earcup rounds out the setup, with a five-light battery indicator for quick checks.

Missing features sting, though. There’s no ear detection to auto-pause playback when you remove the headphones, a standard perk on premium models. Multipoint Bluetooth, while promised for iOS via future updates, wasn’t universal at launch. For $350, these omissions feel glaring when rivals deliver more polish.

Sound Quality: A Balanced Evolution

Beats has long been the poster child for bass-heavy sound—a reputation that’s both a blessing and a curse. The Studio Pro dials back the boom, aiming for a more neutral profile powered by 40mm dual-layer drivers. The result is a cleaner, more restrained low-end compared to the Studio3 or older models like the Solo Pro. Basslines in hip-hop or EDM tracks still thump—think Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” or Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”—but they don’t drown out mids and highs as aggressively as before.

Mids are warm and present, making vocals in folk or pop tracks (like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”) stand out, though they lack the crystalline detail of Sony’s XM5 or Sennheiser’s Momentum 4. Highs are sculpted with a slight boost, lending sparkle to cymbals and strings, but they can tip into sharpness at higher volumes—something the USB-C EQ presets (especially “Beats Signature”) help tame. The soundstage, typical of closed-back over-ears, feels intimate rather than expansive, which suits focused listening but won’t mimic a live concert.

Spatial Audio with head tracking, a nod to Apple’s ecosystem, adds a 3D layer to compatible content. Watching films or listening to Dolby Atmos mixes on Apple Music (like Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever”) feels immersive, with sound anchored to the screen as you move. Android users get standard spatial audio sans tracking, a minor disparity. Lossless playback via USB-C elevates clarity—Spotify tracks gain punch, and hi-res files shine—but it’s a niche perk tied to wired use.

Overall, the Studio Pro’s sound is a crowd-pleaser: punchy yet controlled, versatile across genres, and a leap forward from Beats’ bass-bloated past. It’s not the last word in fidelity—Sony and Bose edge it out for nuance—but it’s the best-sounding Studio model yet.

Performance in Practice: Strengths and Shortfalls

For commuting, the Studio Pro’s ANC and long battery life make them a reliable companion. They cut through subway noise and last through a workday without a recharge. The folding design and solid case enhance portability, though the snug fit might irk during long trips. Gym-goers will appreciate the stability during moderate workouts, but intense sweat sessions highlight the lack of an IP rating and the earpads’ heat retention.

In the office, call quality shines—six mics with beamforming ensure clear voice pickup, even in noisy environments. The ANC handles chatter well, though all-day comfort lags behind plusher rivals. For home listening, the wired lossless option and Spatial Audio cater to audiophiles and movie buffs, but the absence of wireless EQ customization limits tweaking.

Against the competition, the Studio Pro holds its own but doesn’t dominate. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 ($399) offers superior ANC, sound finesse, and app-based EQ for a similar price. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra ($379) excels in comfort and noise cancellation. The AirPods Max ($549) justify their cost with premium build and seamless Apple integration, though the Studio Pro undercuts them by $200 with comparable features. At a discount (often dipping below $200), the Studio Pro becomes a stronger value proposition.

Final Thoughts

The Beats Studio Pro is a worthy successor to the Studio3, blending modern tech with a familiar aesthetic. Improved sound, robust ANC, and cross-platform versatility make it a compelling pick for fans of the brand or those seeking a middle ground between Apple and Android ecosystems. The USB-C lossless audio and folding design are standout perks, while the price—especially on sale—sweetens the deal.

Yet, it’s not without flaws. The dated design, middling comfort, and missing features like ear detection keep it from dethroning class leaders. For $350, you’re paying for style and convenience as much as performance—a trade-off that won’t suit everyone. If you prioritize sound and ANC above all, Sony or Bose might sway you. If you’re deep in Apple’s orbit, the AirPods Max beckon (at a premium). But for those who vibe with Beats’ legacy and want a versatile, bass-forward pair with a few tricks up its sleeve, the Studio Pro delivers—imperfectly, but confidently.

In 2025, nearly two years post-launch, the Studio Pro remains relevant, especially at discounted rates. It’s not the bold reset some hoped for, but it’s proof Beats can evolve without losing its soul. Whether that’s enough in today’s cutthroat headphone landscape depends on what you value most.