In July, Apple launched the rebranded Beats Studio Pro with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio, support for iOS and Android, a USB-C port, and much more.
More attractively, Beats Studio Pro is lightweight, delivers up to 40 hours of listening time, and features the same iconic design as its predecessor Studio 3 with slight changes like removed Beats logo on the head strap, added more comfortable ear pads, and a soft carrying case.
Apple acquired Beats by Dre company in 2014 but continued to sell Beats headphones under the same branding. In 2017, Apple launched Beats Studio 3 with a W1 chip, ANC, up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC and up to 40 hours of listening time in low-power mode, a micro USB connector, and more.
Since Studio 3 has been discontinued, Apple now retails 2 very different types of over-ear headphones: the Studio Pro and AirPods Max.
If you are looking to upgrade your headphones, then we have a comprehensive comparison of Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Max to help you in deciding which premium headphone is suitable for you.
Beats Studio Pro vs. AirPods Max: Specs comparison
| Specs | Beats Studio Pro | AirPods Max |
| Chip | Custom Beats chip | Apple h1 chip |
| Weight | 260 grams | 384.8 grams |
| Design | Premium plastic body, metal slides and leather over-ear cushions. | Metal body |
| Features | Fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Transparency mode Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking Music and movies available in Dolby Atmos Hey Siri and Find My support on iOS Audio switch on Android | Active Noise Cancellation Transparency mode Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking Adaptive EQ Hey Siri |
| Connectivity | Class 1 Wireless Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Sensors | None | Optical sensor Position sensor Case-detect sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours of listening time (ANC off) Up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC or Transparency mode | Up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode Up to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio Up to 20 hours of talk time |
| Price | $349 | $549 |
Is the audio quality on Beats Studio Pro as good as AirPods Max?
AirPods Max has an amazing sound quality which is enough to overlook the high price tag and extra weight. But how is the sound quality of the Beats Studio Pro?
CNET’s David Carnoy found the sound quality on the new Studio Pro to be “really good overall” with effective noise cancellation, and transparency mode. Although it was not like the AirPods Max, it was close.
“It may not be the best out there, but it approaches what you get from top noise-canceling headphones from Sony and Bose, and the transparency mode allows you to hear the outside world in a pretty natural sounding way with virtually no hiss. I thought the AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 were slightly more natural sounding in their transparency modes, but the Studio Pro were close. It’s a step down, but just a slight one.”
Studio Pro offers additional audio features in wired modes:
- Lossless audio when plugged into a 3.5mm headphone port or to a computer or smartphone via USB-C.
- Three EQ modes in USB-C mode:
- Beats Signature Sound, an Entertainment mode for movie-watching and game-playing.
- Conversation mode optimizes the frequency response for voice, ideal for calls.
- No EQ settings when listening in wireless mode.
YouTuber Marques Brownlee also commended the sound quality of Studio Pro.
Conclusion: Studio Pro offers good quality sound for a cheaper price than AirPods Max
Studio Pro
| Pros | Cons |
| Price Lightweight design great for portability Wired option Enhanced iOS and Android compatibility Good battery life | Lacks ear-detection Old design Prones to finger prints Find My only shows last location the headset was on at Lose ANC and Transparency mode when connected via USB-C |
In comparison to AirPods Max, the new Beats Studio Pro offers good sound quality and portability for a cheaper price, $200 less. Their lightweight and foldable design makes them good headphones when you are on the move like walking in the park, traveling, or working out at the gym.
