Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM3
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid performance at the same price point, but they target different priorities. Beats Studio Pro emphasizes Apple ecosystem integration and modern conveniences like lossless audio over USB-C and personalized spatial audio with head tracking. The 24-hour battery life with ANC on falls short compared to Sony's 30-hour rating, though Fast Fuel charging recovers 4 hours in just 10 minutes. Sony WH-1000XM3 excels in codec flexibility with LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD support, plus multipoint connectivity that Beats lacks. The QN1 processor and Adaptive Sound Control remain industry-strong for noise cancellation. Sony's extra 6 hours of battery life and broader Bluetooth 4.2 device compatibility make it the more versatile choice for mixed-ecosystem users. Beats wins if you're invested in Apple products and value modern features like seamless spatial audio. For Android users or those needing multipoint switching between devices, Sony delivers better value and proven noise cancellation performance. Weight difference is negligible at 255g versus 260g.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Studio Pro if…
- →Lossless USB-C wired audio playback
- →Works well with both iOS and Android
- →Comfortable, lightweight build
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- →Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- →Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- →30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
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 WH-1000XM3
Pros
- Outstanding ANC performance that still competes with newer models
- Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at 255 g
- 30-hour battery with quick charge is excellent
- Wide codec support including LDAC and aptX HD
- 10-minute quick charge gives 5 hours — great for travel
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks the stability and range of newer versions
- No water resistance — not suitable for workouts
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- Creaks and pressure can build on larger heads over time
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (40 hours ANC off) | 30 hrs with ANC |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hours Fast Fuel | USB-C, 10 min = 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40mm custom dynamic | 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer dome |
| 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 | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Adaptive Sound Control, Touch controls on ear cup, Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat (via update), DSEE HX upscaling |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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