Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Beats Studio Pro is the cheaper of the two at $350 versus $450, a difference of about $100. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Beats Studio Pro stands out for lossless usb-c wired audio playback, while Sony WH-1000XM6 is praised for qn3 processor delivers industry-leading anc. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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-1000XM6 if…
- →QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- →40-hour battery life with ANC
- →Foldable design returns (compact case)
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-1000XM6
Pros
- QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- Foldable design returns (compact case)
- LDAC + LC3 codec support for hi-res audio
- Charge while listening via USB-C
Cons
- $450 is $50 more than XM5
- 230g is still heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours ANC on (40 hours ANC off) | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 4 hours Fast Fuel | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 40mm custom dynamic | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| 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 | QN3 HD processor (7x faster than QN1), 12 microphones for ANC, Foldable design, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Cinema upmix mode, Speak-to-chat |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Studio Pro or the Sony WH-1000XM6.