Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Review
The Beats Studio Pro is the definition of a middle-of-the-road headphone. It's not bad, but in a crowded market, 'fine' just isn't good enough.
The 30-Second Version
The Beats Studio Pro is aggressively average. It's the audio equivalent of plain toast. Skip it and get something with a personality.
Overview
The Beats Studio Pro is a perfectly average headphone that's hard to get excited about. The one thing you need to know is that it's a middle-of-the-pack performer in every single category we track. It's not bad, but it's not great either. It's just... there. If you're buying these because you think Apple's ownership means they're AirPods Max Jr., you're going to be disappointed.
Performance
Nothing here surprised us, and that's the problem. Our database shows it scoring between the 48th and 50th percentile across the board. That means for every metric—sound, ANC, battery, comfort—it's smack in the middle of the pack. It's the definition of 'fine.' The sound is okay, the noise cancellation works, the battery lasts, but there's no standout feature that makes you think, 'Wow, this was worth it.'
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Looks sleek and has that classic Beats/Apple aesthetic. 98th
- Battery life is decent, hitting that 40-hour mark. 91th
- Includes both USB-C and 3.5mm cables, which is nice for a wireless headphone. 89th
- The spatial audio head tracking is a fun party trick if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem. 89th
Cons
- Mediocre sound quality for the price. You can do much better.
- Noise cancellation is just okay. It won't silence a noisy commute.
- Comfort is average. They get a bit clammy after a few hours.
- The microphone quality is nothing to write home about. Calls are passable at best.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Surround | Spatial Audio |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Battery
| Battery Life | 40 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=4hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | Android |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $170 to $200, it's not a terrible value, but it's not a good one either. You're paying for the brand name and the looks. For the same money, you can get headphones that sound better, cancel more noise, or are more comfortable. This is a 'buy it on a deep, deep sale' kind of product.
vs Competition
The most relevant competitors wipe the floor with it. The Sony WH-1000XM5, in the same price bracket, has vastly superior noise cancellation and sound quality. Even the older XM4 is a better buy. If you're an Apple loyalist, just save up for the AirPods Max—they're in a different league, though they cost a lot more. The Studio Pro sits in an awkward no-man's-land where it's not cheap enough to be a budget pick and not good enough to compete with the premium kings.
| Spec | Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | 40 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the noise cancellation any good?
It's fine for low, constant hums like an airplane engine, but it struggles with sudden noises or loud conversations. Don't expect it to create a silent bubble.
Q: Do they work well with Android phones?
Yes, the enhanced pairing works fine, but you're not getting any special Android features. They're basically just Bluetooth headphones on that side.
Q: Are they comfortable for all-day wear?
They're average. The ear cups aren't the deepest, so if you have larger ears, they might get sore after a few hours. For most people, they're comfortable enough for a workday, but not for a long-haul flight.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for best-in-class sound or top-tier noise cancellation, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead. If you just want a cheap, decent headphone, there are better-value options from brands like Anker. The Studio Pro is for someone who values the Beats logo above all else.
Verdict
We can't recommend the Beats Studio Pro. It's a jack of all trades and master of none, and in 2024, that's not good enough. There are too many excellent headphones in this price range that excel in specific areas. Unless you find these for a steep discount and your only criteria is 'looks cool,' you should look elsewhere.