
Beats Studio Pro Review: Is It Just About the Brand Name?
Beats by Dre has long been synonymous with stylish, bass-heavy headphones. With the release of the Beats Studio Pro, the brand aims to elevate its reputation by offering a premium over-ear experience. But does it live up to the hype, or is it merely riding on its iconic name?β
π§ Design & Comfort
The Beats Studio Pro retains the brand’s signature aestheticβsleek, modern, and bold. Available in colors like Black, Deep Brown, Navy, and Sandstone, these headphones cater to a variety of tastes . However, while the design is visually appealing, some users have reported that the build quality feels plasticky, and the headband lacks sufficient padding, leading to discomfort during extended use .βPCMAG+2Tom’s Guide+2What Hi-Fi?+2SoundGuys
π΅ Sound Quality
Equipped with 40mm drivers, the Beats Studio Pro delivers a sound profile that’s rich in bass, aligning with the brand’s legacy. The inclusion of a USB DAC allows for high-resolution audio playback when connected via USB-C . While the sound is vibrant, some audiophiles might find it less balanced compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the AirPods Max .βWIRED+1The Verge+1SoundGuysNew York Magazine
π Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode
The Studio Pro boasts adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode, effectively reducing ambient noise and allowing environmental sounds when needed. Users have found these features to be on par with other premium headphones, providing a satisfactory listening experience in various settings .βWhat Hi-Fi?+1Compsmag+1
π Battery Life & Charging
With up to 40 hours of playback without ANC and 24 hours with ANC enabled, the Beats Studio Pro offers competitive battery life. The Fast Fuel feature provides approximately 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, ensuring you’re not left without music during tight schedules Compsmag.β
π Call Quality & Connectivity
The Studio Pro includes voice-targeting microphones and machine learning algorithms to enhance call clarity. While it performs well in reducing constant background noises, some users have noted that calls can sound tinny compared to other high-end headphones Tom’s Guide. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, and the headphones support both wired and wireless connections What Hi-Fi?.β
β οΈ Limitations
- Lack of Apple H1/H2 Chip: Absence of Apple’s proprietary chip means missing out on features like seamless device switching and spatial audio integration.β
- No Multipoint Pairing: The inability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously can be inconvenient for users who frequently switch between devices.β
- Build Quality Concerns: Some users have reported that the headphones feel less premium due to the plastic construction and lack of padding on the headband SoundGuys.β
π‘ Verdict
The Beats Studio Pro offers a compelling package with its stylish design, robust sound, and effective noise cancellation. While it may not surpass some competitors in terms of sound balance and advanced features, it stands out for users seeking a blend of aesthetics and performance. If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the lack of certain Apple-specific features might be a drawback. However, for those who value design and brand legacy, the Studio Pro is a worthy contender.β
π External Resources
- The 5 Very Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Review: Beats Studio Pro – Wired
- Beats Studio Pro review: What I love and hate | Tom’s Guide
- Beats Studio Pro review 2024: high performance headphones
- Beats Studio Pro review – SoundGuys
- Beats Studio Pro review: competent wireless headphones, but fall behind class leaders when it comes to sound | What Hi-Fi?
- Beats Studio Pro Review | PCMag
- Beats Studio Pro headphones review: leaning on a legacy – The Verge
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