If you are looking for a pair of wireless headphones that work well with Apple devices, you might be wondering whether to choose the Beats Studio 3 vs Airpods Pro. Both of these products are made by Apple and offer some similar features, such as active noise cancellation, fast charging, and easy pairing. However, they also have some significant differences in terms of design, sound quality, battery life, and price.
Beats Studio 3 vs Air Pods Pro: What’s Different?
In this blog, we will compare and contrast the AirPods Pro vs Beats Studio 3, and help you decide which one is better for you.
Design and Comfort
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Pro |
| Design | Over-ear headphones with a sleek and modern look | True wireless earbuds with a compact design |
| Build Material | High-quality materials for durability | Premium materials for a lightweight feel |
| Earcup Style | Over-ear design with plush cushioning | In-ear design with silicone ear tips |
| Headband | Adjustable and padded for comfort | Lightweight and flexible headband |
| Controls | Physical buttons on earcups for easy access | Touch controls for a seamless experience |
| Fit | Comfortable for extended use | Secure fit with customizable ear tips |
| Portability | Less portable due to over-ear design | Highly portable and comes with a charging case |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth with a reliable connection | Bluetooth with H1 chip for seamless pairing |
The first thing you will notice in the comparison of the Beats Studio 3 wireless vs Airpods Pro is their different form factors. The Beats Studio 3 are over-ear headphones that cover your entire ears with soft cushions and an adjustable headband. The Airpods Pro are in-ear earbuds that fit snugly in your ear canals with silicone tips. Both of them have a sleek and minimalist design, but they also have different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to comfort and portability.
The Beats Studio 3 are more comfortable for long listening sessions, as they do not put any pressure on your eardrums and have a good amount of clamping force to keep them in place. They also have a foldable design that makes them easy to store and carry in a case. However, they are also heavier and bulkier than the Airpods Pro, and they might not be suitable for wearing in hot or humid environments, as they can make your ears sweat.
The Airpods Pro are more lightweight and compact than the Beats Studio 3, and they come with a charging case that can fit in your pocket. They also have an IPX4 rating that makes them resistant to water splashes and sweat, which makes them ideal for working out or outdoor activities. However, they are also less comfortable for some people, as they can cause ear fatigue or irritation after a while. They also have a limited number of ear tips to choose from, and they might not fit well in some ear shapes.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Pro |
| Sound Quality | Powerful and dynamic sound with deep bass | Balanced sound profile with emphasis on clarity |
| Drivers | Large drivers for impactful audio | Custom high-excursion drivers for clear sound |
| Bass Response | Deep bass for a rich audio experience | Balanced bass with emphasis on clarity |
| Audio Transparency | Natural sound with minimal audio transparency | Adaptive EQ for a natural and immersive sound |
| Noise Cancellation Type | Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling (ANC) | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Noise Cancellation Levels | Adjustable noise cancellation for a personalized experience | Three modes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off |
| Transparency Mode | Limited transparency mode for ambient sounds | Transparency mode for hearing ambient sounds |
| ANC Performance | Effective in reducing ambient noise | Excellent noise cancellation for an immersive experience |
| Audio Processing Chip | Apple W1 chip for efficient wireless connectivity | Apple H1 chip for seamless Bluetooth connectivity |
| EQ Adjustments | Limited customization options for EQ adjustments | Adaptive EQ adjusts sound in real time based on ear fit |
| Spatial Audio Support | Does not support spatial audio | Supports spatial audio for a more immersive experience |
The second thing you will care about when choosing between the Airpods Pro vs Beats Studio 3 wireless is their sound quality and noise cancellation performance. Both of these headphones have active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that can block out unwanted ambient noises and let you focus on your music or calls. However, they also have different sound profiles and noise cancellation modes that can affect your listening experience.
The Beats Studio 3 has a warm and bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance the low frequencies and make your music sound more powerful and energetic. They also have a feature called Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) that can automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your environment and preferences. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as a lack of clarity and detail in the mid and high frequencies, and a tendency to distort or crackle at high volumes. They also do not have a transparency mode that can let you hear your surroundings when you need to.
The Airpods Pro has a more balanced and neutral sound signature that can reproduce the audio more accurately and faithfully. They also have a feature called Adaptive EQ that can automatically adjust the sound quality according to the shape of your ears and the fit of the ear tips. They also have a transparency mode that can let you hear your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as a lack of depth and richness in the bass, and a limited soundstage and imaging. They also do not have a customizable EQ that can let you tweak the sound settings to your liking.
If you like a flat-frequency response, then check out our article on headphones with the flat-frequency response.
Battery Life and Charging
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours of playback (with ANC off) | Up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC on) |
| Up to 12 hours of talk time | Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC off) | |
| Additional charges from the case for extended use | ||
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours for a full charge | About 5 minutes of charging provides around 1 hour of listening time |
| Charging Case | Not applicable (wired charging for the headphones) | Wireless and wired charging case included |
| Wireless charging compatibility with Qi-certified chargers | ||
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes of charging provides approximately 3 hours of playback | Fast Fuel feature provides 1 hour of listening time with 5 minutes of charging |
| Battery Indicator | LED lights indicate the battery level | LED lights on the case show the charging status |
| Auto On/Off Feature | Turns off when unplugged, no auto on/off when not in use | Auto on/off feature when placed in or removed from ears |
The third thing you will consider when choosing between the Airpods Pro vs Beats Studio 3 noise canceling is their battery life and charging options. Both of these headphones have a decent battery life that can last for several hours of continuous use, and a fast charging feature that can give you some extra juice in a short time. However, they also have different battery capacities and charging methods that can affect your convenience and flexibility.
The Beats Studio 3 has a longer battery life than the AirPods Pro, as they can last for up to 22 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours with ANC off. They also have a fast charging feature that can give you 3 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. However, they also have a longer charging time than the Airpods Pro, as they take about 1.5 hours to fully charge. They also use a USB-A to USB Micro-B cable for charging, which is less common and compatible than the Lightning to USB-C cable that the Airpods Pro use.
The Airpods Pro has a shorter battery life than the Beats Studio 3, as they can last for up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, and up to 5 hours with ANC off. However, they also come with a charging case that can provide an additional 19.5 hours of battery life, which means you can get a total of 24 hours of playback with ANC on, and 25 hours with ANC off. They also have a fast charging feature that can give you 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging. They also use a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging, which is more common and compatible than the USB-A to USB Micro-B cable that the Beats Studio 3 use. Moreover, they also support wireless charging, which means you can charge them with any Qi-compatible wireless charger.
Price and Value
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Generally falls in the higher price range for premium over-ear headphones | Typically priced in the premium range for true wireless earbuds |
| Value for Money | Offers premium audio quality and features, but at a higher cost | Provides a balance of advanced features, sound quality, and Apple ecosystem integration |
| Build Quality | High-quality materials and durable construction | Premium build with attention to detail |
| Brand Reputation | Well-known brand in the audio industry | Part of the Apple ecosystem, known for innovation |
| Connectivity | Wired and wireless options, Bluetooth connectivity | Seamless integration with Apple devices |
| Additional Features | Customizable sound settings, noise cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Spatial Audio support |
| Ecosystem Integration | Works with various devices, not limited to Apple | Optimized for Apple devices, iCloud, and seamless switching between devices |
| Warranty and Support | Typically comes with a manufacturer warranty and customer support | Backed by Apple’s customer support and warranty services |
The fourth and final thing you will look at when choosing the Beats Studio 3 vs the Apple Airpods Pro is their price and value. Both of these headphones are not cheap, as they are premium products from Apple that offer high-quality features and performance. However, they also have different price tags and value propositions that can affect your budget and satisfaction.
The Beats Studio 3 are more expensive than the AirPods Pro, as they cost around $350, while the Airpods Pro costs around $200. However, they also offer more value for some people, as they provide a more comfortable and immersive listening experience, a longer battery life, and a more powerful and dynamic sound quality. They are also more suitable for people who prefer over-ear headphones and a bass-heavy sound signature.
The Airpods Pro are cheaper than the Beats Studio 3, as they cost around $200, while the Beats Studio 3 costs around $350. However, they also offer more value for some people, as they provide a more lightweight and compact design, a more balanced and neutral sound quality, and a more versatile and convenient charging option. They are also more suitable for people who prefer in-ear earbuds and a more accurate and faithful sound signature.
Side by Side Key Differences
Let’s look at the side by side key differences of beats studio 3 vs airpods pro:
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Airpods Pro |
| Form Factor | Over-ear headphones | In-ear earbuds |
| Driver Size | 50 mm | 11 mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off | Up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, up to 5 hours with ANC off, plus 19.5 hours with charging case |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Fast Charging Feature | 10 minutes of charging = 3 hours of playback | 5 minutes of charging = 1 hour of playback |
| Charging Cable Type | USB-A to USB Micro-B | Lightning to USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | Class 1 + W1 | Class 1 + H1 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| IP Rating | No | IPX4 |
| Color Options | Matte Black, Red, White, Blue, Shadow Gray, Black-Red, Midnight Black | White |
| Weight | 9.2 ounces | 0.19 ounces (each earbud) |
| Dimension | 6.3 x 4.7 x 8.9 inches | 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches |
| Sound Quality | Warm and bass-heavy sound signature, lack of clarity and detail in the mid and high frequencies, tendency to distort or crackle at high volumes | Balanced and neutral sound signature, accurate and faithful sound reproduction, lack of depth and richness in the bass, limited soundstage and imaging |
| Noise Cancellation | Pure ANC that can automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation according to the environment and preferences, no transparency mode | Adaptive EQ that can automatically adjust the sound quality according to the shape of the ears and the fit of the ear tips, transparency mode that can let you hear your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds |
Conclusion
So, which one is better for you? Beats Studio 3 or Airpods Pro? The answer depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want a pair of wireless headphones that can give you a comfortable and immersive listening experience, a longer battery life, and a powerful and dynamic sound quality, you might want to choose the Beats Studio 3.
However, if you want a pair of wireless earbuds that can give you a lightweight and compact design, a balanced and neutral sound quality, and a versatile and convenient charging option, you might want to choose the Airpods Pro. Either way, you will not be disappointed with these products, as they are both excellent choices for Apple users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between the Beats Studio 3 and the Airpods Pro?
Ans: The Beats Studio 3 are over-ear headphones that have a warm and bass-heavy sound, a longer battery life, and a foldable design. The Airpods Pro are in-ear earbuds that have a balanced and neutral sound, a wireless charging case, and a transparency mode.
Q: Which one is more comfortable to wear for long periods?
Ans: The Beats Studio 3 is more comfortable for long listening sessions, as they do not put any pressure on your eardrums and have soft cushions that cover your entire ears. The Airpods Pro are more lightweight and compact, but they can cause ear fatigue or irritation after a while.
Q: Which one has better noise cancellation performance?
Ans: Both of them have active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that can block out unwanted ambient noises. However, the Beats Studio 3 has a feature called Pure ANC that can automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your environment and preferences. The Airpods Pro have a feature called Adaptive EQ that can automatically adjust the sound quality according to the shape of your ears and the fit of the ear tips.
Q: Which one has better sound quality and clarity?
Ans: The sound quality and clarity of both headphones depend on your personal preferences and music genres. The Beats Studio 3 has a powerful and dynamic sound that can enhance the low frequencies and make your music sound more energetic. However, they also have a lack of detail and clarity in the mid and high frequencies, and they can distort or crackle at high volumes. The Airpods Pro has a more accurate and faithful sound that can reproduce the audio more faithfully. However, they also have a lack of depth and richness in the bass, and a limited soundstage and imaging.
Q: Which one is more compatible and convenient with Apple devices?
Ans: Both of them are compatible and convenient with Apple devices, as they are made by Apple and offer some similar features, such as easy pairing, Siri integration, and fast charging. However, the Airpods Pro has some advantages over the Beats Studio 3, such as using a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging, which is more common and compatible than the USB-A to USB Micro-B cable that the Beats Studio 3 uses.
Q: Which one is more suitable for working out or outdoor activities?
Ans: The Airpods Pro are more suitable for working out or outdoor activities, as they have an IPX4 rating that makes them resistant to water splashes and sweat. They also have a transparency mode that can let you hear your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds. The Beats Studio 3 is not water-resistant, and they might not be comfortable to wear in hot or humid environments, as they can make your ears sweat.
Q: Which one is more durable and reliable?
Ans: The Beats Studio 3 is more durable and reliable than the Airpods Pro, as they are made of high-quality plastic and metal, and have a foldable design that makes them easy to store and carry in a case. The Airpods Pro are also made of high-quality plastic, but they are more prone to scratches, dents, and loss, as they are very small and do not have a secure fit.
