Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Beats Studio Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 target different preferences within the premium headphone market. Beats delivers over-ear comfort with 24-hour ANC battery life, personalized spatial audio, and lossless USB-C connectivity—excellent for Apple ecosystem users and those prioritizing comfort during extended listening. Sony's true wireless design offers superior portability with 8-hour bud battery (24 hours total with case), LDAC hi-res audio, multipoint pairing, and IPX4 water resistance—ideal for active users and Android integration. Sound quality favors Sony's dual processors and upscaling tech, while Beats excels in spatial audio customization and wired versatility. Battery life slightly favors Beats in ANC mode, though Sony's wireless charging adds convenience. At $50 less, Sony delivers flagship features with true wireless freedom. Choose Beats for stationary use and Apple devotees; select Sony for mobility, water resistance, and tech-forward features.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 5.9 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (40 hours ANC off) | 8 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hours Fast Fuel | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm custom dynamic | 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X |
| Features | 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 | Integrated Processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, LDAC hi-res audio and DSEE Extreme upscaling, 360 Reality Audio, Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat, Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast support, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 (buds) |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WF-1000XM5
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation for true wireless earbuds
- LDAC hi-res audio support with rich, customizable sound
- Smaller and lighter than predecessor with improved comfort
- Bluetooth multipoint and LE Audio with Auracast
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
Cons
- Expensive at $300 launch price
- Reports of build-quality issues with case hinge
- Touch controls can be sensitive
- Only IPX4 water resistance (no dust rating)
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Studio Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM5.