Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Beats Studio Pro Review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026. I’ll also be comparing the Beats Studio Pro vs Apple AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, XM5, XM4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I bought these headphones with my own money, and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist. I also run the RecordingNow YouTube channel with over 24,000+ subscribers and over 5 million views.
Let’s dive right in!
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones Review in Short
When on sale under $200, the Beats Studio Pro is a surprisingly great value for a “flagship” headphone with decent sound quality, slightly above average noise cancelling performance, and plenty of features. It’s unique in that it has the convenient Apple ecosystem connectivity of AirPods, but also has native Android app support as well. It is worth upgrading to from the previous Beats Studio 3 Wireless. Competes against Apple AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony WH-1000XM5, Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort (2023), Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Sennheiser Momentum 5, and Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.
Watch the Full Review on YouTube!
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Beats Studio Pro Pros and Cons
- Decent noise cancelling
- iOS and Android support
- Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos
- Great value on sale
- Bass response is lacking
- Clamping force discomfort
- Cheaper build quality
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Sound Quality
The Beats Studio Pro improves significantly upon the Studio 3’s sound quality, and exactly in the areas that I criticized in my review of the Studio 3: Poor sub-bass response, weak dynamics, audible distortion, and overall “boring” sound signature.
The Studio 3 was actually not a bad sounding headphone by any means, it’s surprisingly balanced with good treble and detail. But it wasn’t true to the Beats brand of being a fun headphone primarily made for jamming out to modern music.
The Studio Pro goes back to its roots by adopting a much more “fun” and consumer-friendly sound signature, with the sub-bass response being turned up and even more emphasis on the treble.
Although the bass is slightly improved, it’s still lacking that satisfying slam that other headphones like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 offer. The overall sound is rather “thin” and the bass feels relatively missing, in favor of the mids and treble.
I’ll say it, the Studio Pro is definitely a FUN headphone to listen to when you are not trying to perform critical listening or striving for accuracy.
This is a surprisingly detailed, very treble-forward sound that works wonders for modern music with female vocals, but can work against it for other instruments and the mids.
There is very good layering and audible details like Ariana Grande’s ad-lib singing for example, but it’s clear that it is somewhat artificial and “in your face”.
The bass is fun albeit unfocused and emphasizes the sub-bass over the upper bass which is a request that I had with the Studio 3, and I think this bass presentation simply makes more sense for most genres.
I’m also very glad the audible distortion I could hear when turning up the Studio 3’s volume is mostly gone, with “near-zero distortion even at high volume – an improvement of up to 80% compared to Beats Studio3″, according to Apple.
Another area that is greatly improved is the weak dynamics of the Studio 3. Snare drums have much more pop in them, which translates to the music being more engaging and immersive, instead of flat. However, I still think the dynamics could improve even more.
Now for the downsides, the Studio Pro has a narrow and intimate soundstage, and is lacking information for vocals and instruments in the mids.
Again, this works for certain modern genres where an “in your face” sound is welcomed, but it is undesirable for more acoustic and classical genres where natural presentation and realistic timbre are a priority.
Even just going from female vocal to male vocal music, the Studio Pro starts to show less versatility as the voices and instruments in the mid range are thin-sounding.
This applies further to movies, gaming, and podcasts, where it’s better to have a greater sense of space and natural voices than to be closed-in and artificial-sounding with the forward treble.
Honestly, I find the Studio Pro’s sound a bit claustrophobic compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, and definitely the AirPods Pro 2 for example.
So to sum everything up, yes the Studio Pro has quite good sound quality with a fun sound signature that excels primarily for modern genres, but less so for other genres.
Sound Quality Score: 7.9 / 10
Comfort
At first glance, the newer Beats Studio Pro looks near identical to its predecessor, the Studio 3 Wireless released 6 years earlier.
On my trusty scale, the Studio Pro weighed in at a fairly light 268.6 grams, about 6.8 grams heavier than the Studio 3.
The Beats Studio Pro is actually one of the lighter in this class, as weighed on my scale:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 311.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
Just for reference, the Apple AirPods Max weighed in at 387.8 grams on the same scale, which is 44% heavier than the Beats Studio Pro!
Compared with the Studio 3, the headband material seems identical and there is just a very slight top-of-head pressure.
The headband barely has any real cushioning, it almost just feels like a strip of rubber. That said, it doesn’t have as much top-of-head pressure as I expected due to the headband being quite wide and distributing the weight evenly.
The biggest difference seems to be in the earpad material and cushions, which seems to be improved.
The biggest issue with the Beats Studio Pro is that the clamping force is VERY strong. It has loosened up slightly since new, but I can still clearly feel the pressure coming from the earcups. So it loses some points here.
Like all other over-ear headphones, these will make your ears warm after 1-2 hours, pretty much the only thing keeping these from a perfect comfort score.
Are Beats Studio Pro good for working out in the gym?
I’m a big fan of the Beats Studio Pro when used for working out in a gym environment and outside as well. The fun sound signature and noise cancelling is perfect for lifting weights or doing cardio. I like the over-ear design as well which feels secure on the head.
Prior to the Studio Pro, I had used the Studio 3 extensively in the gym so I already had high hopes.
It’s actually a good thing in this scenario that the noise cancelling isn’t world-class like Bose or Sony, because it is good to at least hear a little bit of outside ambient noise and be aware of your surroundings.
Comfort Score: 7.5 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Features
Being a newer headphone just released in 2023 and under parent company Apple, the Beats Studio Pro is feature-packed.
In addition to being Bluetooth wireless and noise cancelling with transparency mode, these include Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
With built-in microphones, the Studio Pro can also take phone calls and be used for Zoom meetings.
If you’re an Apple ecosystem user then you’re in luck, these seamlessly switch between multiple devices just like any AirPods product.
Even if you aren’t an Apple user, these should work flawlessly with any Bluetooth device such as Android and Windows, although it should be noted that it’s easier to manage the Studio Pro natively with iOS.
Also included is a soft shell carrying case which is actually a step down from the hardshell case included with the Studio 3, most likely to save costs.
Luckily, I can fit the Studio Pro into the Studio 3’s hardshell case.
There are also 2 cables included, first being a standard 3.5mm cable, and the second a USB-C to USB-C cable for lossless audio.
Looks
I had already dubbed the Studio 3 the best-looking pair of headphones, and now the Studio Pro surpasses it with some very subtle changes.
The biggest difference is that the Studio Pro removed the “Beats” branding on the top headband of the Studio 3, along with any markings or model name on the side of the headband.
Being a fan of the more minimalist aesthetic, I wholly welcome this reduction in loud branding.
I picked up my pair in the gorgeous matte black color, which is understated yet stylish. The only issue with this color is that it is a huge fingerprint and smudge magnet, compared to the grey on my Studio 3.
Beats Studio Pro Battery Life
The Beats Studio Pro has 24 hours of battery life on a single charge with noise cancelling ON, and up to 40 hours with it OFF, which is average for its category of wireless noise cancelling headphones.
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Beats Studio Pro – 24 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off)
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, the long battery life claims are as advertised, with rarely needing to charge the Studio Pro more than once per week or two.
Build Quality
The Beats Studio Pro is mostly plastic and could benefit from more premium materials.
There is some metal in the sliders and hinges, which is nice to see and helps with long-term durability.
One area where I think the Beats Studio Pro is improved over the previous-generation Beats Studio 3 Wireless is the earpad cushion material that is more plush and supportive.
Practicality
Thanks to its very compact design and foldability, the Beats Studio Pro is one of the more practical daily drivers for the class.
When folded neatly inside its soft-shell case, it has arguably the smallest footprint of any “flagship” wireless headphone in the class, making it a great travel headphone.
Also factor in that it has decent noise cancelling performance, along with features like Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, and Apple connectivity like AirPods, and the Beats Studio Pro is a very usable everyday headphone.
I just wish the 24 hour battery life with noise cancelling on was a little longer compared to the class average of 30 hours today.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 8.0 out of 10
Beats Studio Pro Noise Cancelling performance
I would rate the Beats Studio Pro noise cancelling performance as slightly above average, compared to today’s standards. It’s on par with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds and previous generation Sony WH-1000XM4.
It is clearly a step below the current “elite tier” of noise cancelling headphones like the AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2.
For this reason of noise cancelling, the Studio Pro just barely misses a perfect score in this segment, because all the features and battery life is there.
Unlike the top competitors in this segment, there isn’t any customization to the noise cancelling and mix between outside noise. There is just a single setting, and it is supposed to adapt to your surroundings.
Like many modern noise cancelling headphones, these also feature a transparency mode which is decent enough for hearing your surroundings.
Noise Cancelling Performance Score: 8.0 out of 10
Value
The Beats Studio Pro has a full retail price of $349.95 USD, but is currently down to a sale price of just $149 to $199 these days.
At that full retail price, I would’ve said “no way”.
But down to just $149, and the Beats Studio Pro is one of the best values for a “flagship” headphone in the class.
Although it doesn’t score “best-in-class” in any category, $149 is well below the average price for the flagship headphones that easily cost in the $300 to $400 range.
It’s a very feature-rich headphone when you consider that it basically has similar connectivity to the AirPods lineup like the AirPods Max, but is more versatile because it also has a native Android app unlike the AirPods.
Value Score: 9.5 out of 10
Is the Beats Studio Pro worth it?
At under $200 when on sale, the Beats Studio Pro has turned into one of the better value plays today.
Most flagship headphones from Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and Apple cost around $400+ these days, so to get a somewhat competitive headphone for half the cost or less is kind of a steal.
What you’re getting with the Beats Studio Pro is a feature-packed headphone that is similar to the AirPods Max in its Apple ecosystem connectivity, Dolby Atmos support, and Personalized Spatial Audio.
Unlike the AirPods Max, the Beats Studio Pro also has native Android app support, so it’s more versatile in that sense.
Add in that it has decent sound quality, slightly above average noise cancelling performance, and one of the most compact designs for travel, and you have a solid daily driver.
A few alternatives worth checking out would be the Sennheiser Momentum 4 that also reached its lowest price ever of just $179 USD, Bose QuietComfort (2023) at $179 on sale, Nothing Headphone 1 at $213 on sale, and the Nothing Headphone (a) at $151 on sale recently.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model)
- Apple AirPods Max 2
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- Nothing Headphone 1
- Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
- Sennheiser Momentum 5
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Apple AirPods Max
- Sony WH-1000XM5
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 7.9 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 7.5 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 8.0 / 10
Value (10% of score): 9.5 / 10
Overall: 8.05 / 10
Order Here for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Save money with RENEWED!
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Beats Studio Pro better than Beats Studio 3?
Yes, the Beats Studio Pro is the successor to the Beats Studio 3 Wireless released in 2017, and has improved sound quality, noise cancelling, and more features like Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The Beats Studio Pro is the current flagship model in the entire Beats headphone lineup.
What are the best Beats headphones to buy?
As far as the Beats headphone lineup is concerned, the Beats Studio Pro is the best model to date, surpassing both the Studio 3 and Solo 3 in sound quality, noise cancelling, features, and more. Aside from headphones, some may prefer Beats’ line of wireless earbuds such as the Beats Fit Pro or Powerbeats Pro instead.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Post Update History
- June 2026: Updated scores to “Version 2.0” of our Headphone Scoring System. Added long-term “1 Year Review” updates throughout post. Included comparisons to newer models including AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2. Updated to 2026 market sale prices and adjusted Value score accordingly.
- January 2025: Original publication date.
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphone Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review
Bose QuietComfort Review (2023 Model)
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Review
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Review
Beats Studio Pro vs AirPods Max: Which is Better?
