For a long time, Beats were ubiquitous in music, appearing in music videos and ads everywhere. Since Apple’s acquisition of Beats in 2014, the brand has steadily refined its audio products to balance its signature bold style with audio performance that matches the hype. The Beats Studio Pro represents the latest evolution of the company’s over-ear flagship headphones, and they are striking.
With updates like USB-C audio support, spatial sound features and improved active noise cancellation, these headphones aim to bridge the gap between fashion-forward design and functional performance. But is it enough to sway people away from the top brands on the market?
At first glance, the Studio Pro mirrors the aesthetic of its predecessors, featuring the iconic rounded ear cups and streamlined headband. These are the headphone designs seen in countless ads, and that design language remains consistent in these latest iterations. The matte finishes—available in black, deep brown, navy and sandstone—offer a subdued sophistication compared to older Beats models.
The Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian edition I am currently reviewing introduces muted skin-tone options. Though the Kim Kardashian name caters to niche tastes, it adds a flair of style to the brand while staying true to its roots.
Weighing 268 grams, the headphones are lightweight enough for extended wear, though the shallow ear cups and firm clamping force may cause discomfort for users with larger ears or glasses—like yours truly. The plush ear cushions and adjustable headband provide adequate padding, but the rigid plastic construction can creak over time.
Unlike some of the other Beats Wireless headphones, which include a hard case, the Studio Pro ships with a soft carrying pouch in the colour of the headphones—a cost-cutting compromise that leaves the headphones more vulnerable during travel. However, through my testing and when I took them on a trip, I found the case sufficient to keep them safe. Just don’t pack them with anything too heavy, or you may be in for a bad time.
I had long associated the Beats brand with bass-heavy profiles, but the Studio Pro marks a shift toward balance, moving away from the idea that louder is better. The default tuning emphasizes crisp highs and controlled low frequencies, a departure from the boomy lows of older models. It is not perfect, but I do love to see the Beats audio engineers taking audio seriously and working to make the headphones a more versatile option.
“I had long associated the Beats brand with bass-heavy profiles, but the Studio Pro marks a shift toward balance, moving away from the idea that louder is better.”
Tracks like Lilith by Halsey showcase articulate vocals and detailed percussion, though the elevated treble can render higher sounds a bit harsher than I would have liked. Basslines in hip-hop and electronic tracks, such as Trauma Team by Vector Seven, retain warmth without overwhelming mids, making the Studio Pro versatile across genres. I would have preferred a slightly more neutral audio profile, but that is more of a nitpick.
As with all modern wireless headphones, the Beats Studio Pro includes an app that lets you adjust settings as needed. However, when using Bluetooth, your options are limited, with some features only accessible when connected via USB-C.
When connected directly, the built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) unlocks three EQ presets: Beats Signature (neutral), Entertainment (bass and treble boost) and Conversation (reduced bass). While these profiles are welcome, the requirement to be connected directly rather than allowing Bluetooth customization feels limiting compared to rivals like the Technics A800 or Sonos Ace.
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking adds immersion for supported Dolby Atmos content on Apple devices, though the effect remains subtle compared to the enveloping soundstage of open-back designs or what was experienced with the Sonos Ace on Dolby movies, games or shows.
The Studio Pro’s active noise cancellation effectively dulls low-frequency rumbles from airplanes and traffic, though it lags behind Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra in neutralizing office chatter. During testing, the headphones reduced ambient noise by approximately 70 percent in bustling environments, with transparency mode adequately amplifying voices and announcements.
However, wind noise or fan sound remains a persistent issue during outdoor use, as the noise-cancelling microphones struggle to filter gusts. For commuters and frequent travellers, the Studio Pro strikes a reasonable balance, but for audiophiles who demand complete silence from the outside world while listening to music, better options are available.
Beats claims up to 40 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled—a figure that held true during testing, surpassing the 30-hour average of competitors. The USB-C Fast Fuel feature delivers four hours of use after a 10-minute charge, ideal for last-minute top-ups.
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity, though the absence of multipoint pairing complicates switching between devices. iOS users benefit from one-touch setup and Find My integration, while Android compatibility extends to Google Fast Pair. Wired listening via USB-C offers latency-free audio for gaming and video editing, though the Studio Pro’s microphone remains unusable in analog mode.
Priced at $179.99 US, the Beats Studio Pro carves a niche for Apple loyalists seeking a blend of style, seamless integration and competent active noise cancellation. The USB-C digital-to-analog converter, spatial audio and robust battery life are compelling upgrades, while the refined sound profile caters to modern music tastes. I just wish Beats had addressed issues such as comfort and the lack of customization, as it would make these headphones much easier to recommend—especially given their premium price.
For Android users or those prioritizing acoustic fidelity, the Sonos Ace or Sennheiser Accentum Plus offer superior customization and comfort. But if you’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and value aesthetics as much as performance, the Studio Pro justifies its place in your rotation—especially at sale prices.
As Beats continues to refine its formula, this iteration proves the brand is inching closer to harmonizing its bold identity with audiophile-grade polish. And who doesn’t like a dash of Kim Kardashian style thrown into the mix?
