Beats Studio Pro Review

(Verdict: 8/10)

The Beats Studio Pro is a relatively affordable entry to high-end headphones that performs great for all types of audio entertainment and includes many cutting edge features, but may not be worth the upgrade for everyone.

There are a lot of options in high-end headphones, even Apple has some released another line that is comparable to these. There are many motivating factors that would have you pick one over another, while there are newer technologies and standards that you will start to often see in the most cutting-edge headphones. Then again, many people will put even the style above functionality when making a decision. Thankfully on this product line, you’re safe to expect both!

Beats Studio Pro: The Good

Excellent Sound Quality: Offering a re-engineered audio experience, significantly reducing distortion for a clear, balanced sound. They introduce a personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, immersing listeners as if surrounded by 64 speakers. Additionally, the headphones feature adaptive Active Noise Cancelling that operates at 48,000 times per second and a high-fidelity lossless audio through an in-built Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). They also come with distinct sound profiles tailored for music, entertainment, or conversation.

Active Noise Cancelling: Featuring a fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling technology, which continuously and intelligently monitors ambient noise to create a precision-tuned filter, eliminating external disruptions. This sophisticated system operates at an impressive rate, cancelling noise 48,000 times per second, ensuring listeners receive an unparalleled, immersive audio experience free from unwanted external sounds. Through the settings menu on your iPhone you’ll also have the ability to switch it off or on, in addition to a “Transparency Mode” that allows amplifies sounds from your environment in addition to your audio experience.

Impressive Bluetooth Range: Equipped with Class 1 Bluetooth® technology, providing users with an extended range for wireless connectivity. This advanced Bluetooth capability ensures fewer dropouts, even over significant distances, guaranteeing a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience. The extended range not only offers flexibility in movement but also enhances the overall convenience and usability of the headphones in various settings.

USB-C Port (Charing and Lossless Audio): Featuring a USB-C port, which serves a dual purpose: it facilitates high-fidelity lossless audio playback and also provides rapid charging capabilities. The inclusion of USB-C ensures that users can experience superior audio clarity when wired and also benefit from the modern, fast-charging technology. A mere 10-minute Fast Fuel charge via this port grants up to 4 hours of playback, exemplifying both the efficiency and versatility of the USB-C connection in these headphones.

Comfortable For Prolonged Use: Boasting an upgraded UltraPlush over-ear cushions constructed with seamless engineered leather. This design is meticulously crafted to ensure all-day comfort, allowing users to remain immersed in their audio experiences without the inconvenience of discomfort. Their premium materials and refined build not only enhance the wearing experience but also contribute to their exceptional durability, making them an optimal choice for those prioritizing extended listening sessions.

Beats Studio Pro: The Bad

No Audio Share: Notably lacks an Audio Share feature. This means users can’t easily share their listening experience with another set of headphones directly. For those who value communal listening or want to share content without disturbing others, this omission could be a consideration when weighing its overall capabilities against other headphones in the market.

No Auto-Pause and Auto-Switch: The absence of Auto-Pause means the headphones won’t automatically stop playback when removed (from some systems), potentially leading to missed content or battery drain. Similarly, without Auto-Switch, users cannot seamlessly transition their audio source between paired devices. These omissions might impact user experience, especially for those accustomed to these automated features in other premium headphones.

No Adjustable EQ Settings: This omission means users can’t tailor the sound profile to their personal preferences or specific genres of music. While the headphones offer predefined sound profiles like the Beats Signature and Entertainment modes, the absence of a customizable equalizer might be a drawback for audiophiles and those seeking a more personalized listening experience.

Mid-Tier Battery Life: Offering up to 40 hours of playback (with ANC off), it provides a satisfactory duration for most users, but falls short when compared to some competitors in the premium headphone market. However, a redeeming quality is its Fast Fuel feature, granting up to 4 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, which can be crucial for users in a pinch.

Beats Studio Pro: The Verdict

My rating on the Beats Studio Pro is: 8/10!

These headphones from Apple come with a promise of revolutionizing your audio experience while carrying brand recognition of one of the most popular lines on the market. The size is a bit scaled up from the Beats Solo³ Wireless, but it’s still very portable with many improvements over the former. This product while lacking some features of competitors, still manages to fit into the high-end market of headphones.

The sound quality is great and very well balanced, offering even higher quality through lossless playback. The Active Noise Cancelling is impressive, though it could be better (especially compared to other products in the high-end market). The extra feature of controlling it through your iPhone, in addition to the Transparency Mode make it so much more useful. The Bluetooth range provided is top-tier, as you’ll be greatly challenged to ever find a drop out even from relatively far distances. USB-C is an immediate signal that this device is cutting-edge and provides very fast charging. Most importantly for me, I can wear these headphones all day without feeling bothered.

While there are some drawbacks you may not expect to see in the high-end market, these are actually pretty niche and I haven’t been in a situation where they impacted me. I haven’t needed Audio Share and it’s something the vast majority of people don’t use. Auto Pause is often managed by many applications and operating systems, and Auto Switch is another niche feature that a lot of people don’t use either. The battery life isn’t too bothersome as it’s still better than a lot of headphones, though I understand in the high-end market you can find headphones that last over 60 hours. The rapid charging will make up for it anyway.

In conclusion, this Apple product is very similar in terms of build, to the previous entry. Just a bit bigger, which was unexpected but it’s still lightweight and portable. But the addition of USB-C and ANC makes the price increase override my preference for smaller headphone size. It’s a great purchase that you should consider if you’re in the market for headphones in this price range.

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