Beats Studio 3 Wireless vs. Beats Studio Pro: Comparing the Specs

The Beats by Dre brand has long held a significant place in the world of headphones, known for its iconic design, sound quality, and trend-setting style. Two popular models in the Beats lineup, the Studio 3 Wireless and the Studio Pro, are frequently compared by audio enthusiasts and casual users alike. While both headphones

offer a high-quality audio experience, they have notable differences in technology, performance, and features that can impact user satisfaction depending on individual needs. Here, we’ll break down the specifications, key features, and performance of each model to help you decide which one is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Beats Studio 3 Wireless and the Beats Studio Pro are designed with style and durability in mind. At first glance, they may look similar with the brand’s recognizable over-ear design, but a closer inspection reveals differences in materials and construction.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: This model is crafted with a sleek plastic body and padded ear cushions. The plastic build keeps the headphones lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for long periods. They are available in several color options, including matte black, blue, red, and gray, appealing to a wide range of aesthetic preferences.
• Beats Studio Pro: Beats upped the ante with the Studio Pro by incorporating premium materials that contribute to a more durable and refined feel. The Studio Pro features metal hinges, adding strength to an area that can sometimes be vulnerable in plastic models. It also offers a luxurious leatherette finish on the ear cups, which enhances the comfort and sound isolation. While available in fewer colors than the Studio 3, the Studio Pro’s design exudes a premium aesthetic.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for its premium materials and refined feel.

Audio Quality

Sound quality is one of the primary factors when choosing headphones, and both models deliver Beats’ signature bass-forward audio. However, the audio technology and tuning differ between the Studio 3 Wireless and Studio Pro.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: The Studio 3 Wireless uses Beats’ proprietary audio technology, which focuses on delivering a powerful bass response. The low frequencies are punchy, making these headphones ideal for hip-hop, EDM, and pop music lovers. The midrange is present but may sound slightly recessed compared to higher-end models. Overall, the Studio 3 Wireless offers an engaging sound but may not satisfy those looking for a balanced, audiophile-grade experience.
• Beats Studio Pro: The Studio Pro is engineered with a more balanced sound profile. Equipped with custom drivers, it reproduces sound with greater clarity and depth. While the bass is still pronounced, it doesn’t overpower the mids and highs, resulting in a more natural and nuanced audio experience. Additionally, the Studio Pro offers high-resolution audio support when used with a compatible device, which can make a noticeable difference in sound quality for those who prioritize audio fidelity.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for its balanced sound profile and high-resolution audio support.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Noise cancellation and ambient sound modes are critical features for anyone who uses headphones in a noisy environment or who wants to enjoy music without external distractions.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: This model comes with Beats’ Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) technology, which effectively reduces background noise. The ANC performance is solid, particularly when it comes to blocking out low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or traffic. However, it may not be as effective with higher-pitched noises, and there is no dedicated transparency mode for listening to ambient sounds.
• Beats Studio Pro: The Studio Pro features Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC) with advanced algorithms that adjust to the environment in real time. This model offers a noticeable improvement in noise cancellation performance over the Studio 3, particularly in handling higher-pitched noises. Additionally, the Studio Pro includes a transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings with a quick toggle—a feature absent in the Studio 3 Wireless.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for its improved noise cancellation and the added transparency mode.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is an essential factor for wireless headphones, as it determines how long you can go without needing to recharge.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: The Studio 3 Wireless boasts up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, which can be extended to around 40 hours if ANC is disabled. It also features Fast Fuel charging, giving you up to 3 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge. For most users, the battery life on the Studio 3 is sufficient for everyday use.
• Beats Studio Pro: The Studio Pro extends battery life to 24 hours with ANC and up to 40 hours without ANC, which is similar to the Studio 3. It also supports Fast Fuel charging but with slightly more efficient power delivery, providing up to 4 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge. While the difference in battery life isn’t drastic, the Studio Pro offers slightly better efficiency with ANC enabled.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for a marginally better battery life with ANC and enhanced Fast Fuel charging.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Bluetooth connectivity and device compatibility can impact the ease of use and overall experience with wireless headphones.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: The Studio 3 Wireless is equipped with Apple’s W1 chip, which enhances pairing speed and connection stability with Apple devices. It is compatible with both iOS and Android, but iOS users experience additional benefits like seamless pairing and device switching. However, the Studio 3 lacks advanced codec support, which limits its audio quality when compared to high-resolution audio standards.
• Beats Studio Pro: The Studio Pro comes with the newer Apple H1 chip, which provides the same fast pairing and connection stability as the W1 but with better efficiency. The H1 chip also allows the Studio Pro to support hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality for iOS users. Additionally, the Studio Pro supports high-resolution codecs, making it compatible with a broader range of high-quality audio sources.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for its H1 chip, enhanced compatibility, and support for high-resolution codecs.

Additional Features

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: This model comes with basic controls, including buttons on the ear cups for playback and volume adjustments. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening, though high-resolution audio isn’t supported in wired mode.
• Beats Studio Pro: The Studio Pro offers touch-sensitive controls for a more intuitive user experience. Additionally, it supports high-resolution audio in wired mode, which makes it suitable for studio use or those who prefer wired listening without compromising on audio quality.

Winner: Beats Studio Pro, for its touch controls and high-resolution audio support in wired mode.

Price Comparison

The Beats Studio 3 Wireless is generally more affordable, often priced lower than the Studio Pro. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for quality wireless headphones without the premium price tag. However, the Studio Pro’s higher price reflects its additional features and upgraded materials, making it a worthy investment for users who prioritize premium sound and build quality.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Beats Studio 3 Wireless and the Beats Studio Pro ultimately depends on your priorities.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless: Ideal for those who want solid performance at a more budget-friendly price. The Studio 3 offers decent sound quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable design, making it suitable for everyday users.
• Beats Studio Pro: This model is designed for those who value premium audio quality, build materials, and advanced features like transparency mode, high-resolution audio support, and touch controls. Although it comes at a higher price, the Studio Pro offers a more refined listening experience and is better suited for users who demand superior sound and functionality.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an entry-level, dependable Beats experience, the Studio 3 Wireless will meet your needs. But if you’re willing to invest in a more advanced, studio-grade headset, the Studio Pro is the superior choice. Both models are excellent in their own right, but the Studio Pro provides a more comprehensive package for the discerning listener.