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Beats Studio Pro.
Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones →
For years, Beats headphones were synonymous with a bass-heavy, “fun” sound signature.
The Beats Studio Pro, however, attempts to bridge the gap between that iconic sound and the neutral, detailed audio that audiophiles crave. With a new custom acoustic platform, improved noise cancellation, and a sleek, familiar design, these headphones aim to be a serious contender in the premium wireless market. Let’s see if they hit their mark.
Design, Comfort, and Build
At first glance, the Beats Studio Pro looks nearly identical to its predecessor, the Studio3. It’s a classic, no-nonsense design with a plastic build, which keeps the weight down to a comfortable 260g. The earcups feature plush, seamless engineered leather cushions that are soft and breathable for long listening sessions. However, the clamping force can be quite tight out of the box, and while it may loosen over time, it’s something to be aware of if you have a larger head. The headphones fold down easily into a compact case, making them highly portable.
A key improvement is the move from a micro-USB to a modern USB-C port for charging and audio. The physical button controls on the earcups are intuitive and reliable, though they do produce a noticeable click when pressed.
Sound Quality
This is the most significant change in the Studio Pro. Beats has moved away from the overtly bloated bass of its past, but don’t think they’ve gone completely neutral. The sound signature is best described as a V-shape, with a clear emphasis on bass and treble.
- Bass: The bass is a highlight. It is powerful and punchy, yet it remains surprisingly tight and well-defined without bleeding into the mids. It’s a bass that gives life to pop, hip-hop, and electronic music without becoming distorted, even at high volumes.
- Mids: The mid-range is warm and detailed, but it can sound slightly recessed compared to the more dominant bass and treble. Vocals and instruments are clear, but they don’t have the same forward presence as on more neutral headphones.
- Treble: The highs are clean and crisp, adding an exciting layer to the music. On some tracks, they can become a bit too “crispy” or sharp, but for the most part, they provide excellent detail retrieval.
The Studio Pro also offers three distinct EQ profiles when connected via USB-C: “Beats Signature” (the default V-shape), “Entertainment” (for movies and games), and “Conversation” (for podcasts and calls). This is a welcome feature for those who want to fine-tune their experience.
A standout feature is the USB-C audio connection, which allows for true lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz. This provides a noticeable boost in clarity and detail over Bluetooth.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Beats promises up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC turned off and a still-impressive 24 hours with ANC enabled. In our testing, these numbers held up, making them a great option for long flights or extended work sessions. The Fast Fuel feature is a life-saver, providing up to 4 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
The headphones support both Apple and Android, with one-touch pairing and iCloud integration. However, a major downside is the lack of multi-point connectivity for seamless switching between devices, which is a standard feature on most premium headphones today.
The Verdict
The Beats Studio Pro is a significant leap forward for the brand. It retains the stylish aesthetic and powerful bass that Beats is known for while introducing a more refined and detailed sound signature. The inclusion of lossless USB-C audio and excellent transparency mode are major wins.
However, they face stiff competition. For the same price or less, you can find headphones with better overall ANC (Sony/Bose) and more seamless multi-point connectivity. If you’re an audiophile who values a neutral, analytical sound, the Sennheiser HD 560S might be a better choice. But if you want a pair of headphones with a fun, dynamic sound, a sleek design, and excellent features for both iOS and Android, the Beats Studio Pro is a very strong and enjoyable option.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
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