The Beats Studio 3 has long held its place as a popular choice in premium headphones, delivering that signature Beats sound profile and reliable noise cancellation. But with the recent release of the Beats Studio Pro, there’s a new powerhouse on the scene, packed with updated features and fresh design tweaks.
So, what’s changed between these two models, and what stayed the same? If you’re deciding between these headphones, here’s everything you need to know.
Design and Comfort: New Look, Familiar Feel
Beats Studio Pro: A Sleeker, Modern Redesign
The Beats Studio Pro arrives with a subtly refined design that’s a bit sleeker and more streamlined than its predecessor. The look feels more understated and premium, with materials that give off a high-end vibe. You’ll notice that Beats has gone with subtle branding this time around, with smaller “b” logos on the ear cups and more color choices, including a new deep blue.
The ear cushions in the Studio Pro are a little thicker than the Studio 3, providing a snug fit that seals out more ambient noise. With memory foam that contours around the ear, the comfort level sees an upgrade for longer listening sessions without feeling weighed down.
Beats Studio 3: Iconic Look, Lightweight Comfort
The Studio 3’s design hasn’t aged too badly; it still has that iconic Beats style that’s recognizable. The materials, while not as refined as the Studio Pro, are lightweight and make the Studio 3 comfortable for long periods. The ear cushions do a great job at providing a comfortable seal, though they’re not quite as dense as those on the Studio Pro.
Verdict: Both headphones are comfortable for extended use, but the Studio Pro wins with slightly more premium materials and a sleeker design.
Sound Quality: Tuning Up the Beats Sound
Beats Studio Pro: A Balanced, Enhanced Listening Experience
The Beats Studio Pro represents a step up in audio quality. While the Studio 3 leaned towards heavy bass (a Beats signature), the Studio Pro introduces a more balanced sound signature that brings out the mids and highs more clearly. This refined tuning makes the Studio Pro ideal for all kinds of music, from bass-heavy hip-hop to instrumental tracks and podcasts. Enhanced with 24-bit audio processing and support for lossless audio playback, the Studio Pro can make high-quality tracks sound even richer when paired with compatible devices.
Another major upgrade with the Studio Pro is its Spatial Audio support. If you’re listening through Apple Music or other compatible apps, you can enjoy an immersive, 3D audio experience that makes it feel like the music is surrounding you, which is especially impressive for live recordings and movies.
Beats Studio 3: Bass-Heavy Sound, Clear Vocals
The Studio 3 offers that classic Beats sound profile with a powerful bass, which is perfect for fans of bass-driven genres. However, this can sometimes overshadow the mids and highs, making vocals and intricate details less prominent. For casual listening, the sound quality is satisfying, especially if you enjoy a bass-heavy experience. However, compared to the Studio Pro, it lacks the same level of clarity and depth across all ranges.
Verdict: If you want balanced sound with less focus on bass, the Studio Pro delivers a more nuanced listening experience, especially with 24-bit and Spatial Audio support.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes: Enhanced Control
Beats Studio Pro: Upgraded ANC and Transparency
Beats has significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with the Studio Pro. It’s more adaptive and able to filter out a wider range of frequencies, making it perfect for blocking out background chatter in coffee shops, plane engines, or even office noise. Transparency mode is another feature added to the Studio Pro, allowing external sound in when you need it, which is convenient when you want to stay aware of your surroundings.
Beats Studio 3: Reliable ANC, No Transparency Mode
The Studio 3 offers reliable noise cancellation, but it doesn’t have the transparency mode. While the ANC works well to block out noise, it doesn’t handle mid and high frequencies as effectively as the Studio Pro, meaning some voices or sharper sounds may still be heard in quieter environments. For most daily scenarios, it does a good job, but it’s not quite as adaptable as the Studio Pro.
Verdict: The Studio Pro’s advanced ANC and added transparency mode offer better control and a more versatile experience.
Battery Life: All-Day Listening
Beats Studio Pro: Extended Playtime and Quick Charge
The Beats Studio Pro offers an impressive 40 hours of listening time without ANC and around 24 hours with ANC active. Additionally, Fast Fuel charging gives you up to four hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, which is great for when you’re on the go and need a quick top-up.
Beats Studio 3: Still Strong on Battery Life
The Studio 3 is no slouch in the battery department, offering up to 22 hours with ANC on and up to 40 hours without it. While it doesn’t have quite as fast a quick charge feature as the Studio Pro, it’s still plenty of power for most listeners.
Verdict: Both models deliver solid battery life, but the Studio Pro’s Fast Fuel charging and longer ANC battery life are beneficial for heavy users.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Seamless Apple Integration
Beats Studio Pro: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and Cross-Platform Support
One of the standout upgrades in the Studio Pro is the shift to USB-C charging, which is more versatile and works seamlessly with both Apple and non-Apple devices. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 improves connectivity and latency, offering a more stable connection when switching between devices.
For Android users, the Beats Studio Pro has improved cross-platform compatibility and a dedicated Android app for adjusting settings. For iOS users, it seamlessly integrates with Apple’s ecosystem and supports Spatial Audio for Apple Music.
Beats Studio 3: Lightning Cable and Solid Apple Compatibility
The Studio 3 still relies on a Lightning cable, which is convenient for Apple users but less so for Android users or those who’ve fully transitioned to USB-C. It also lacks Bluetooth 5.3, though it still offers a reliable connection for Apple users and can pair easily with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Verdict: The Studio Pro is more versatile with USB-C and improved compatibility across Apple and Android devices.
Price and Value: Are the Upgrades Worth It?
Beats Studio Pro: Higher Price for Premium Features
With all the enhancements in sound quality, design, ANC, and connectivity, the Studio Pro comes in at a higher price point than the Studio 3. But for those looking for the latest features, improved sound, and modern conveniences, it might just be worth the investment.
Beats Studio 3: Affordable and Still Reliable
The Studio 3 is now more affordable, making it a great option for those who want solid ANC, that iconic Beats bass, and Apple ecosystem compatibility without needing the latest bells and whistles. While it doesn’t have every feature of the Studio Pro, it still delivers a fantastic listening experience.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget, the Studio 3 remains a solid choice, but if you want the latest upgrades, the Studio Pro brings more to the table.
Final Verdict: Which Beats Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Beats Studio Pro and the Beats Studio 3 comes down to what you value most:
- Choose the Beats Studio Pro if you want an improved listening experience, with balanced sound, Spatial Audio support, and a sleeker, modern design. The USB-C charging, enhanced ANC, and transparency mode make it a great pick for those who need versatility and plan to use it for long listening sessions.
- Opt for the Beats Studio 3 if you’re looking for a more affordable Beats experience that still delivers excellent noise cancellation, battery life, and that iconic bass-heavy sound. It may lack some of the latest features, but it still provides great value, especially if you’re an Apple user.
In the end, both the Studio Pro and Studio 3 have their own appeal, but the Studio Pro takes the experience a step further, positioning itself as the new go-to standard for Beats headphones.
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