There’s a sea of options when it comes to headphones, but some of them naturally stand out from the crowd. We can think of a few models that have become very popular, and all of them are discounted today, thanks to Amazon Prime Day.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 may be the most popular of the bunch, and today, you can get them for just $298, which is a 25% discount on the full $400 price point. The previous-generation Sony WH-1000XM4 are also on sale for only $198, slashing the price by a whopping 43%. If you prefer Beats, you can also go for the Studio Pro headphones, which are currently $170, a massive 51% discount. Lastly, you can get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199, instead of paying the full $349.

Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 for $298

Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 for $198

Get the Beats Studio Pro for $170

Get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199

Some of these deals only apply to specific color versions of the headphones. Make sure to look at the options before making the purchase, as you may be able to save just by picking a different colorway.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you’re looking for the best of the best, with honors, many would agree the Sony WH-1000XM5 would be the headphones to get. And for good reason, these are amazing. The active noise canceling is among the best the industry has to offer. We also loved the microphone, audio quality, and ample feature set. There’s Bluetooth multipoint connectivity to connect and switch between multiple devices. You can even find it using Find My Device, which is really handy. Battery life is also great; our test results prove it can last nearly 32 hours on a single charge.

Our main complaint with the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the price, but at $298, the deal is looking much sweeter. Of course, you can check out our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review for all the details. If you want the summary, these are among the best, and very few competitors even get close to them.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Of course, $298 is still a good chunk of change, and there is no denying the previous-generation Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still amazing at $198. You’re not missing too much. The sound quality and ANC are still insanely good. You also get to use features Bluetooth multipoint technology and auto-pausing when you remove the headset.

The one downside is that battery life isn’t as great; we were able to make them last almost 20 hours. That is still really good, but nothing close to the Sony WH-1000XM5’s 32 hours. But are you going to get that picky when you’re paying $100 bucks less?

Beats Studio Pro

We weren’t the biggest fans of the Beats Studio Pro construction and fit, but there is no denying these headphones look great and have plenty to offer in other departments. The sound quality is great, as is ANC performance. They also did amazingly in our internal battery tests, lasting over 31 hours on a single charge.

This is also one of the best deals on this list, as it brings the $350 price down to just $170, which is a 51% discount.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

The real battle of the high-end headphones is really between Bose and Sony. If you prefer the former, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a very nice proposition at just $199. We especially liked these for their comfort, ANC performance, and battery life. We were able to make them last a bit over 27 hours on a single charge.

Again, one of our main complaints in our Bose QuietComfort Headphones review was the price. But at a buck under $200, these are pretty awesome.

While heavily discounted, all of these are still pretty expensive headphones. Check out the Sound Guys deals hub to find more deals, especially during Amazon Prime Day.

Editor’s note: this article was published on May 28, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Beats Solo 4 compared to the Beats Studio Pro?

At first glance, the two headphones seem quite similar in their Beats DNA. Both tout features like Spatial Audio with head tracking and share the brand’s iconic design language. However, dig deeper, and you’ll find some critical differences that will likely make your decision between the Solo 4 and Studio Pro an easy one.

Let’s start with design and fit. The Solo 4 opts for an on-ear form factor, with oval-shaped earpads designed to sit directly on your outer ears. This proves problematic for extended listening sessions, as the outer ears generally can’t bear much weight or pressure before becoming fatigued. Sure enough, the seemingly lightweight Solo 4 starts feeling uncomfortable for most after just 1-2 hours of use.

Do you prefer on-ears or over-ears?

The Studio Pro, on the other hand, adopts an over-ear design that distributes its weight more evenly. In theory, this should allow for longer, fatigue-free listening periods. However, Beats made the puzzling decision to give the Studio Pro relatively small oval earcups. This means anyone with average-sized ears or larger will likely encounter fit issues, compromising the over-ear design’s comfort and noise isolation advantages.

Both headphones feature a plastic construction with some metal reinforcement for durability. The Solo 4 can fold up into its included carrying case, making it the more portable option. The Studio Pro folds inward via hinges on the headband and can fit neatly into the carrying pouch. Neither headphone is waterproof as they lack any IP rating, so you’ll want to avoid wearing them in the rain or during a sweaty workout.

How do you control the Beats Solo 4 and Beats Studio Pro?

When it comes to controls, the two models again take divergent approaches. The Solo 4 keeps things minimal with a multifunction button and surrounding volume ring on the left earcup. The Studio Pro opts for a more comprehensive array of physical buttons – a center “system” button for power/pairing/ANC control, along with separate volume and track rings. However, the clicking action of these physical buttons is audible and can become quite grating over time.

Beats Solo 4 controls

Beats Studio Pro controls

Should you use the apps of either Beats Solo 4 or Beats Studio Pro?

Neither headphone offers a particularly robust or customizable companion app experience. The Beats app for Android is required for firmware updates on the Studio Pro but doesn’t add much extra functionality, like EQ adjustment, for either model.

Users with iPhones don’t need an app — which is good, given that the Beats app isn’t on the App Store anyway — so there are no decisions to be made on iOS. Everything is baked into the operating system.

How do the Beats Solo 4 and Beats Studio Pro connect?

Thankfully, both the Solo 4 and Studio Pro deliver on the wireless connectivity front, with support for Bluetooth 5.3 and the SBC/AAC codecs. They also each include 3.5mm audio cables for wired listening. Uniquely, the Studio Pro adds a USB-C port with an internal DAC, allowing it to connect digitally for improved audio quality when wired.

Is battery life better on the Beats Solo 4 or Beats Studio Pro?

Battery life is another clear differentiator between these two Beats headphones. The Solo 4 is an absolute marathon runner, lasting an astonishing 84 hours in testing before needing a recharge. The Studio Pro is still great by over-ear ANC standards at around 31 hours, but it doesn’t come close to the Solo 4’s ultra-enduring longevity.

Both headphones have fast charging, with 10 minutes of charging granting 5 hours of playback on the Beats Solo 4 and 4 hours of playback time on the Beats Studio Pro.

Do the Beats Solo 4 or Beats Studio Pro block noise better?

Of course, for an on-ear model like the Solo 4 to have such impressive battery life, there are certain trade-offs in other areas—chiefly noise isolation. Without the ability to create a proper seal around or over the ear, the Solo 4 inevitably struggles to block out environmental rumbles like bus engines or office chatter. They won’t isolate you from those low-end frequencies, even if they’re able to prevent a notable amount of high-end noise from reaching your ear.

The Studio Pro, conversely, packs active noise cancelation (ANC) along with its over-ear enclosure. With a secure fit, this allows it to hush 50-90% of outside noises across the entire frequency range. However, that “secure fit” proves elusive for many due to the headphones’ smaller-than-average earcups.

Do the Beats Solo 4 sound better than the Beats Studio Pro?

Lab tests and reviewers agree, the sound of the Beats Solo 4 is… not great.

Moving on to sound quality, neither headphone will blow you away like a dedicated audiophile model. But the Studio Pro at least delivers a consumer-friendly, bass-boosted tuning with some added treble emphasis for clarity. When connected digitally over USB, you can even cycle through three EQ presets, including options to further enhance bass or increase vocal projection.

The Solo 4, in contrast, fails to distinguish itself with any kind of standout sound signature. It actually comes up lacking in sub-bass compared to signature Beats tunings of the past. The overall frequency response is rather pedestrian, with mids and bass that simply can’t stack up to the competition at this price point.

See how the frequency response of both headphones compares to the SoundGuys preference curve below:

Do the Beats Solo 4 or Beats Studio Pro have a better microphone?

In terms of voice capabilities, the Studio Pro’s built-in microphone array again underwhelms. Ambient noise easily overpowers your voice in recordings, making these ill-suited for important calls, voice chats, or video conferencing. The Solo 4’s mic fares better with noise rejection, though it still clears only an average bar overall.

Beats Solo 4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beats Studio Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beats Solo 4 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Beats Studio Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):

Beats Solo 4 vs Beats Studio Pro: Price and availability

Finally, we come to pricing—which may very well be the deciding factor for many. The Beats Solo 4 has a premium asking price of despite being a relatively basic on-ear wireless headphone without ANC. Meanwhile, the Beats Studio Pro costs a lofty as an over-ear ANC model with digital audio support.

Beats headphones are notorious for having steep sales even shortly after release, particularly during holidays such as Black Friday. So, if you do want to buy, we recommend waiting to snag either of these at a discount when you can. Keep an eye on our deals hub for the latest updates.

Should you get the Beats Solo 4 or Beats Studio Pro?

So, where does this leave prospective Beats buyers? If you can manage to get a good fit, the Studio Pro emerges as the more versatile, well-rounded pick. The ANC, enhanced sound tuning, and wired/wireless connectivity make it worthwhile…provided you’re among the lucky few who don’t have issues with the compact earcups, which, aside from ear size, will be the case if you wear glasses or have long hair.

For most, however, the Solo 4 is simply outclassed for general use. While its extreme battery life and portability are great for travel, the lack of noise isolation or sound quality can’t justify the high pricing. Audiophiles and commuters alike would likely be better served looking elsewhere.

If either of these Beats headphones strike your fancy, we recommend waiting for a sale.

In the end, Beats fans are stuck between the upgraded Studio Pro model that many can’t actually take advantage of due to fit issues or the more limited Solo 4 that fails to deliver on sound and features for the money. It’s a stark choice—spend up for features you may not fully benefit from or settle for an underwhelming experience from a premium brand. This conundrum keeps Beats more of a lifestyle purchase for most buyers rather than an ample audio investment.

Frequently asked questions

The latest and greatest over-ear Beats headphones from Beats only made their debut in the middle of last month, but you’re already being given the chance to make big savings on the retail price. A few colorways of the new Beats Studio Pro are down to just $249.99 in this Amazon deal.

Beats Studio Pro for $249.99 ($100 off)

The Beats Studio Pro succeeded the popular Beats Studio 3, and they have made their mark in the headphone market. While we loved the sound quality and noise cancelation, we were less enamored with the fit of the headphones. Surprisingly, they don’t house Apple’s H1 or H2 chip, but they do feature a USB DAC, allowing users to enjoy wired listening over USB-C — a feature not present in other Apple headphones like the AirPods Max.

Other nice features of the headphones include head-tracked Spatial Audio, fast-pairing, and Transparency Mode. They offer a battery life of over 31 hours on a full charge, with a 10-minute charge providing up to four hours of playback. The ANC performance is commendable and, sound-wise, they lean towards a treble-heavy profile, offering clear vocals and a consumer-friendly sound signature.

The Beats Studio Pro deal could end at any time. Hit the widget above to check it out for yourself.

Editor’s note: this article was published on August 16th, 2023, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Beats Studio Pro compared to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

Beats designed the Studio Pro to have a slimmer shape.

The Beats Studio Pro is a portable package with folding hinges and a zippered carry bag. While easy to stow and svelte looking when worn, the ear cups can prove too small even for average-sized ears. The clamping force is relatively high, which is expected for those familiar with the foibles of Beats headphones. You probably will want to avoid wearing these with glasses. The construction feels plasticky, and they’re lightweight at 270g. One gets the feeling Beats sacrificed some comfort to slim down the headphones.

With the Beats, you get a headphone jack cable and a USB-C cable. You can use that USB-C cable to listen to music using the headphone’s DAC, which is excellent for listening to your FLAC library with as little signal degradation as possible. You also get head tracking on the Beats Studio Pro when listening to spatial audio. A bugaboo for some folks is the input control buttons on the flat of the earcup housing, so you’ll hear each press loudly in your ear and feel the actuation.

These Sennheiser headphones aren’t the smallest but fit most people comfortably.

The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don’t fold down like the Beats, although the ear cups articulate and rotate. They also provide more space for a greater variety of ear sizes than on the Studio Pro. Clamping force feels average to light, depending on your head size. Most people can easily don the 293g MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for hours comfortably, and they feel pretty solid from the cushioning to the choice of materials, even if they’re primarily plastic with tweed-inspired adornments and memory foam.

With the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, you get a headphone jack cable, an airplane adapter, and a USB-C cable which (like the Beats) can be used for listening to music over a digital connection. The case is nicer overall than the one provided with the  Beats Studio Pro, but whether you want a flatter, taller case with the Sennheiser headphones or a shorter, thicker case with the Beats. In terms of the everyday experience, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless can be a touch slower to connect wirelessly than the Beats, but they feel better to wear for long periods.

How do you control the Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

The touchpad commands on the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don’t cause any audible disruption, but you’ll need to memorize the gestures.

Clicky push buttons are employed exclusively on the Beats Studio Pro for on-ear controls, so you’ll hear and feel them each time you press. Some folks prefer to use their phones for playback controls for that reason. When you listen via the USB-C connection, you’ll have access to 3 built-in EQ presets, indicated by lights on the ear cup.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless controls mainly comprise touch gestures on the flat of the ear cup housing. A multi-function button resides on the side, so you won’t hear it click. Below are the audio playback controls.

Similarly, these are Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless call controls. The only downside of these controls is that you need to remember them.

Should you use Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless apps?

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has more Bluetooth codec options.

If you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, you don’t need to download any app for the Studio Pro. The somewhat minimal control experience for the Beats Studio Pro resides in your Bluetooth Settings menu. There you’ll gain access to updates, noise cancelation, transparency, or standard listening mode, and you can rename the headphones if you like. Android users can also download the Beats app, which supplies the same capabilities as the integrated iOS version. For most, it’s a set-and-forget experience useful for when you need updates.

Sennheiser has the same app for iOS and Android called the Sennheiser Smart Control. This supplies updates, command remapping, noise canceling modes, Bluetooth codec selection, an equalizer, and Sound Zones. Like the Beats, you still need to give permission for your data, but you get more in exchange. The equalizer, for instance, lets you dial in your preferences, and if you don’t like the default gestures for commands, you can alter those.

How do the Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless connect?

The Beats Studio Pro gives you three ways to connect.

If you have an iPhone, the Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless use the same AAC codec. Interestingly, unlike other Apple-owned properties, like the Beats Fit Pro, the Studio Pro does not feature H1 chip integration. However, the headphones connect using Bluetooth 5.3 over SBC or AAC, with a headphone jack, or with a USB-C cable. A USB-C connection allows you to listen to all those devices (like your phone) without headphone jacks.

Sennheiser provides a better codec selection on the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless (over Bluetooth 5.2) with aptX, aptX Adaptive (both great for Android users), AAC, and SBC. In addition, you get the same headphone jack and USB-C listening connectivity as the Beats for all your headphone jack-free devices.

Is battery life better on the Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

Clicky buttons and a USB-C port for charging or listening.

While not a terrible result by any stretch, the Beats Studio Pro battery life lasts 31 hours and 25 minutes with ANC on, according to our standard test. On the other hand, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless battery life is one of the best, reaching 56 hours and 21 minutes with ANC on.

Besides the convenience of not needing to juice up your battery as frequently, a longer-lasting battery can prolong the overall lifespan of your headphones, which is great from an environmental impact perspective. It’s also kinder to your wallet by reducing how frequently you need to get new headphones.

Do the Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless block noise better?

The active noise canceling is a bit better on the Beats.

Your experience with the Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless noise canceling will be comparable. To be clear, neither reach the ANC or isolation of Sony WH-1000XM5, for example. The Studio Pro reduce more noise between 100Hz and 900Hz than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless; you’ll notice the ANC with traffic sounds and air conditioners, for instance. The Beats Studio Pro can block more higher-pitched noise (above 5kHz) than the Sennheiser headphones. Meanwhile, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless isolate better between 1500Hz through 5000Hz, which tends to apply sounds like the clatter of dishes.

Remember that if the Beats Studio Pro fit are too small to seal around your ears properly, your isolation will be worse than our chart. Oddly you can’t use ANC or Transparency modes when the USB-C cable is plugged into the Beats Studio Pro.

Do the Beats Studio Pro sound better than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

By default, the Beats have more treble, and the Sennheiser headphones have more low-end.

Both headphones have decent frequency responses. Compared to our headphone preference curve, the Beats Studio Pro give a small volume bump to the sub-bass, scoop the mids slightly, and exaggerate treble more than Sennheisers. In contrast, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless boosts bass below 100Hz, follows our headphone preference curve through the mids well and is slightly less pronounced in the treble frequencies above 2kHz, closer to our preference.

We give the edge to Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for sounding better and because you can adjust the EQ in the app. You can only change the EQ of the Studio Pro when listening using the USB-C cable. Your choices are limited to the sound profiles that Beats provides.

Do the Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a better microphone?

The most significant difference you’ll notice with the Beats Studio Pro is the relatively low volume output of the mic — the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless transmits your speech at a much higher volume. Both sound decent for headphones without a dedicated boom mic, and they tend to capture some of your environment, but your voice still comes through. Be warned if you listen to our samples below: the level difference here is pretty dramatic.

Beats Studio Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beats Studio Pro microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Street conditions):

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Beats Studio Pro vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless: Price and availability

Beats Studio Pro has more color variants than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless.

The Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless go for the same price of $349. Because the Sennheiser headphones came out first, you’ll find it easier to track down a discount.

Should you get the Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless?

Beats have come a long way since the comically exaggerated bass of the past.

The Beats Studio Pro are an upgrade over Beats of years of yore, but we can’t exactly say they entirely outdo the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. The Sennheiser headphones have drastically better battery life and better comfort. Objectively, the main pro of the Studio Pro is that they reduce midrange and low-pitched noises by up to 10dB more than the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless at roughly 250Hz, for instance. Beats don’t win that out by a landslide because the Sennheisers have slightly better overall isolation performance, but it’s worth mentioning if ANC is your number one priority.

There’s a lot to like about both headphones because they share similar features. This includes USB-C listening, a headphone jack, decent noise canceling, and variations on a consumer-friendly audio tuning. The aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs offer better quality wireless audio on the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless for Android users. For Apple users, the Beats integration with iOS seems more convenient in daily life for automatic updates, even if the placement of buttons could be better.

Despite the lack of metal, these feel sturdy.

If you prioritize sound quality, then the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have the better frequency response, slightly better connectivity, and come with a decent equalizer. Conversely, the Beats are slightly more portable with folding hinges and require (and offer) little customization. Despite the solid feature set on the Beats, most people want to feel comfortable. The cushioning, touchpad, and fit of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless should be better for longer — and not just because the battery life is greater — on a greater variety of people.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be a Beats Studio Pro series?

The Studio Pro ear pads will likely have the same look and feel as the Studio 3 Wireless (above), yielding similar passive isolation.

A trusted anonymous source has shared with 9to5Mac that the Studio Buds Pro will come to market this summer. This supports Twitter user @aaronp613’s findings in macOS Ventura 13.4. They cite a part of the code describing the Beats Studio Pro and its model number (A2924).

The Studio Pro seems inevitable, but Beats and Apple haven’t announced it yet.

What is the Beats Studio Pro release date?

According to 9to5Mac’s source, the Studio Pro will be available on July 19, 2023, and they will cost $349. A summer release like this deviates from Beats’ historical releases. The Studio 3 Wireless came out on October 31, 2017, three years after the Studio Wireless (December 1, 2014).

What features and specs will the Beats Studio Pro have?

More and more information is trickling out about the Studio Pro headphones. Here’s everything we know about the headphones based on industry changes, 9to5Mac’s reporting, and @aaron613.

Design

Although the Studio 3 Wireless headphones fold at the hinges for travel, the ear cups don’t rotate 90 degrees, which will also apply to the Studio Pro.

Beats hasn’t changed the formula for its Studio headphones, and we expect that to stay true. Based on leaked renders, the Studio Pro will look almost indistinguishable from the Studio 3. You’ll get the same Beats logo on each ear cup and folding hinges to compact the Studio Pro for travel.

• Weight: 260g
• Dimensions: 178 x 78 x 181 mm

The Beats Studio Pro will have a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired playback. The package will include one 3.5mm jack-to-jack cable and one USB-C to USB-C cable. USB-C audio has three listening modes (Beats Signature, Entertainment, and Conversation).

We expect different color options with the fourth-generation Studio headphones (sandstone, navy, black, and deep brown). Beats will likely expand the color options throughout the life of the product.

App and software features on Android and iOS

Like other recent Beats releases, the Studio Pro will work with the Beats app on Android and the iOS Settings app. You’ll get similar but different features across operating systems.

You’ll get the same features as the Beats Studio Buds Plus when you use the Beats Studio Pro on Android. The first feature you’ll use is Google Fast Pair. This is a one-step pairing process with Android and Chrome devices. Next, you’ll want to download the Beats app from the Google Play Store. If the Studio Pro’s app features are akin to the Studio Buds Plus, you’ll be able to customize the controls, cycle through listening modes, rename the headphones, and locate them. You’ll also receive firmware updates for additional features and fixes throughout the headphones’ life.

The Beats Studio Pro will work almost identically on Android as they will on iOS.

Android Audio Switch will also work with the Studio Pro, so you can leap between Android and Chrome devices without manually disconnecting from the first device before connecting to the second. Android users can also integrate the Studio Pro into the Google Find My Device app. This will let you navigate to your headphones if you leave them at a different address. We expect the Studio Pro will work with Google’s spatial audio, as this is the case for the Studio Buds Plus.

There won’t be any H2 chip, and Beats’ OS-agnostic devices will play well on Android and iOS. You’ll get plenty of iPhone features with the Studio Pro, too. Like other Beats products, the Studio Pro will have a one-step pairing with Apple devices. Your other iCloud devices will then register the Beats Studio Pro, so you don’t have to pair them with each new device.

There is no Beats app for iOS. Instead, you’ll access all of the Studio Pro’s features in the iOS or iPadOS Settings app. Here you’ll get the same features as Android’s Beats app, including noise control toggles, firmware updates, and more. Personalized Apple Spatial Audio with head tracking will be coming to the Beats Studio Pro, matching the capabilities of the Apple AirPods Max. You can say, “Hey Siri,” with the Studio Pro and locate the headphones through Apple’s advanced Find My app.

Battery life

The Beats by Dre Studio3 Wireless charge via micro-USB.

We know the Studio Pro will have slightly better battery life than the Studio 3 (20 hours with ANC or Transparency on). Below are the Studio Pro battery specs under non-specific conditions:

• Studio Pro (ANC and Transparency off): 40 hours
• Studio Pro (ANC or Transparency on): 24 hours

As with other Beats headphones, the Studio Pro will use Beats’ Fast Fuel charging. Just 10 minutes of charging will grant four hours of playtime. This is better than the Studio 3, which yields one hour and 30 minutes of playtime after a five-minute charge. The Studio 3 charge via micro-USB; Beats will update this with a USB-C port.

Noise canceling, sound quality, and microphone quality

We expect the Studio Pro will have a 3.5mm headphone socket, just like the Studio 3.

The Beats Studio Pro will have active noise canceling (ANC) and Transparency mode, like the Studio 3. Also matching their predecessor, the Studio Pro will have 40mm dynamic drivers. The new drivers will offer less distortion at high-volume outputs, improving sound quality.

Microphone quality will also improve, and according to 9to5Mac, they will yield a 27% increase in vocal clarity. Based on the improvement in microphone quality from the Beats Studio Buds to the Studio Buds Plus, we expect this to ring true.

Listen to our Studio 3 mic demos below to get an idea of the Studio Pro’s baseline mic performance.

Beats Studio 3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beats Studio 3 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Beats Studio 3 microphone demo (Office conditions):

What will the Beats Studio Pro price be?

Historically, the Studio series’ price has fluctuated with every release.

Again, 9to5Mac’s source states the Studio Pro will cost $349, the same as the Studio 3. The Beats Studio pricing is all over the place:

• Beats Studio (2013): $299
• Beats Studio Wireless: $379
• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: $349

It will be great if the Studio Pro costs the same as the Studio 3, but we won’t be surprised to see a minor price hike either. Beats released the Studio Buds Plus in May 2023 and increased the price by $20 from the original Studio Buds.

Beats Studio Pro: What we want to see

The Beats Studio 3 were good headphones at the time, but they’re less competitive than they once were. Although we know a lot about the upcoming Studio Pro, these are the improvements we’re crossing our fingers for.

Better sound quality

This is an odd frequency response.

The Beats Studio 3 boost the bass and low midrange oddly, and we want Beats to tweak the Studio Pro’s frequency response. On the Studio 3, the boost from 40-600Hz makes basslines stand out; it can also make it harder to hear mid-range sounds like vocals. This is the case when we listen to the song “Never Look Back” by Slow Club. For example, the intro’s finger snaps sound very different than how they do through the AirPods Max. Ideally, we’d like to see the Beats Studio Pro trend closer to our headphone preference curve. However, this would detract from that characteristic Beats bass bump, so it’s not too likely, but sound customization with the Studio Pro would be nice.

In-app custom EQ for Android and iOS

There are many ways to create an in-app EQ, and anything would be better than nothing for the Studio Pro.

Currently, no set of AirPods or Beats have a customizable EQ in their apps. Adding a three- or five-band equalizer would offer some customization without overcomplicating things. Even something as simple as a bass boost slider, as seen with the Google Pixel Buds Pro, would add functionality to the Studio Pro. This feature is still unlikely, but we can dream.

Flagship noise canceling performance

We know the Studio Pro will have better noise canceling than the Studio 3 Wireless. If Beats wants its ANC to be a selling point of the Studio Pro, it will have to improve quite a bit. The noise canceling on the Studio 3 is similar to the Anker Soundcore Space Q45, which isn’t great news for Beats. Anker’s headphones have an original retail price of $149 — $200 less than the Studio 3.

To compete with the big dogs, the Studio Pro must have noise canceling that’s between the AirPods Max () and Bose QuietComfort 45 (). When comparing the AirPods Max and Bose QC 45’s ANC to the Studio 3 Wireless, it’s clear the Apple and Bose’s headphones block out way more noise than the Studio 3. You’ll struggle to hear low-frequency hums and engine rumbles through the AirPods Max and Bose QC 45, which will audibly come through the Studio 3.

Adaptive Transparency mode

The AirPods Max headphones have Transparency mode, and the AirPods Pro 2 have Adaptive Transparency mode.

For the unfamiliar, Transparency mode allows the surrounding noise into your headphones, making it easy to hear your environment without removing them. The Studio 3 and other Apple products have Transparency mode, but newer ones feature Adaptive Transparency.

This more advanced mode reduces the levels for sounds that exceed 85dB (like a car horn or construction noise), making for a more comfortable pass-through listening experience. It’s also a feature for further preventing noise-induced hearing loss. I first experienced Adaptive Transparency with the AirPods Pro 2 and found it especially handy as a city dweller.

Improved durability

The now discontinued JBL Project Rock were water-resistant wireless headphones.

Few wireless headphones merit dust- and water-resistance ratings, which are critical for product longevity. If Beats gets the Studio Pro IP-certified, this will set it apart from other flagship headphones. Even something as minimal as an IPX2 rating (resistant against drips 15 degrees off-axis) would make the Studio Pro a solid pair of workout headphones.

Frequently asked questions