The finest-sounding Beats with Bluetooth noise cancellation and cross-platform capabilities
Following the success of its latest earbuds, Apple’s Beats brand returns with an update to the iconic Studio Pro headphones that gained popularity in 2008. Priced at £349.99 ($349.99), these new headphones mark the fourth generation of the Studio line, which was originally launched by Dr. Dre 15 years ago, replacing the Studio 3 Wireless from 2017. Positioned as Apple’s second most expensive Bluetooth headphones after the £549 AirPods Max, they cater not only to iPhone users but also actively court Android users.
Similar to the recently released Studio Buds+ earbuds, these headphones offer advanced features compatible with both Android and iOS platforms—a feat unmatched by other brands. Pairing and syncing across iCloud or Google devices ensure a seamless connection, requiring only one-time pairing with each platform. Moreover, they can be located using either Apple’s or Google’s Find My systems if misplaced. For iPhone users, the headphones offer hands-free Siri functionality, and on Apple devices, they seamlessly integrate into the Control Centre. On Android, comparable features are available through the Beats app, creating a truly seamless and polished user experience.
The ear cups, though shallow compared to some, securely clamp on your head to ensure a stable fit during extended three-hour-plus listening sessions while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable feel.
On the left cup, you’ll find a multifunction “b” button for playback controls, accompanied by a volume rocker encircling it. Meanwhile, the right cup houses the battery gauge and a power button, which, when double-pressed, switches noise-cancelling modes. Unlike many competitors, these headphones do not automatically pause the music when removed from the head.
Specifications
Weight: 260 grams
Dimensions: 181 x 178 x 78 millimeters
Drivers: 40 millimeters
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C (for charging and audio)
Supported Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC
Battery life: 24 hours (with ANC on)
The interior of the headphones has been completely revamped. The Studio Pro features a proprietary Beats chip and is compatible with Apple’s personalized spatial audio for Dolby Atmos surround sound in both movies and music, incorporating “head tracking.” This technology ensures that the audio remains anchored to the screen in front of you as you move around. However, when using the headphones with Android devices, you will have access to standard spatial audio without the head tracking feature.
Sustainability
Apple does not provide a specified lifespan for the batteries, but they are estimated to endure over 500 full-charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their original capacity.
After a year, Apple plans to introduce a “battery service” for the headphones, which is projected to cost approximately £95. While Apple does not directly offer repair options or replacement parts, third-party ear cushions and other components are readily available. The headphones are constructed using recycled plastic, tin, and rare earth elements. However, Apple does not publish environmental impact reports specifically for accessories like headphones. Nevertheless, the company does offer trade-in and free recycling programs, even for non-Apple products.
Excellent audio quality and effective noise cancellation
Undoubtedly, the Studio Pro headphones stand as the finest-sounding Beats product to date. Since Apple’s acquisition of the brand in 2014, their audio quality has been gradually improving. However, with the Studio Pro, Beats takes a significant step forward, aiming to compete on par with top contenders like Sony and Sennheiser.
These headphones deliver deep bass notes and crisp treble and highs. Even in the most intricate compositions, they maintain excellent tonal separation, and vocal clarity is exceptional. Unlike previous versions, the Studio Pro showcases a much better overall balance. While they sound excellent across most genres, they tend to shine brightest when the volume is turned up a bit. Though they may lack some dynamism compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Studio Pro still offers a highly enjoyable listening experience.
Moreover, the Beats headphones do justice to movies, especially when paired with various Apple devices featuring spatial audio. The user can personalize the spatial audio by taking ear scans using an iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, resulting in a truly immersive cinematic experience.
Price
The Beats Studio Pro is priced at £349.99 ($349.99).
In comparison, here are the prices of other popular headphones:
- Beats Solo 3 Wireless: £199.95
- Apple AirPods Max: £549
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: £309.99
- Bose QC45: £319.95
- Sony WH-1000XM5: £319.
Verdict
The Studio Pro represents an evolution of the iconic Beats headphones that initiated the brand’s journey. At first glance, they may not appear drastically different from their recent predecessors, but substantial upgrades lie within.
The audio quality is truly commendable, falling just slightly short of the top-tier offerings from Sennheiser and Sony. The noise-cancellation capabilities are also quite impressive, just a notch below the leading models from Bose and Sony. However, their standout feature lies in their seamless integration with both Apple and Android devices. This unique trait sets them apart from competitors since no other brand can offer a similar level of compatibility. As a result, the Studio Pro headphones are particularly appealing to users who utilize a combination of Android and Apple products.
Their full support for spatial audio on Apple devices is especially beneficial for an immersive movie-watching experience. Additionally, their flexibility to connect via Bluetooth, 3.5mm, or USB-C for audio playback is a highly welcomed feature.
