Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) vs Beats Studio Pro
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen deliver excellent portability and seamless Apple ecosystem integration with Spatial Audio, adaptive EQ, and IPX4 water resistance at an accessible $169 price point. Beats Studio Pro are premium over-ear headphones offering active noise cancellation, 24-hour battery life with ANC, lossless USB-C audio, and customizable sound profiles—justified for audiophiles and Android users needing cross-platform compatibility. Choose AirPods 3 for everyday convenience, fitness, and Apple users prioritizing wireless freedom; select Beats Studio Pro if you demand extended listening sessions, professional audio quality, robust ANC, and versatile device compatibility. The format difference makes direct comparison challenging—these serve distinct use cases rather than competing directly.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (per bud) | 260 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 30 hrs total with case | 24 hours ANC on (40 hours ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe (depending on case variant) | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hours Fast Fuel |
| Features | Apple H1 chip, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ adjusts sound to ear geometry, Skin-detect sensor for auto-play/pause, Force sensor controls, MagSafe Charging Case option | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, Lossless audio over USB-C, Native compatibility with both Apple and Android, Transparency mode, Three signature sound profiles via USB-C |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds and case) | None |
| Drivers | — | 40mm custom dynamic |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking at a mid-range price
- Comfortable open-fit design — no silicone tips needed
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance on both buds and case
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with quick pairing
- MagSafe charging case option is convenient
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Open-fit allows ambient noise in — poor passive isolation
- No aptX or hi-res codecs — AAC only
- Limited usefulness outside the Apple ecosystem
- Short per-charge battery life compared to ANC rivals
Beats Studio Pro
Pros
- Lossless USB-C wired audio playback
- Works well with both iOS and Android
- Comfortable, lightweight build
- Strong battery life
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- ANC trails Sony, Bose, Apple
- Same physical design as 2017 Studio 3
- No aptX or LDAC codec support
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Beats products. View full details for the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) or the Beats Studio Pro.