The Beats Studio Pro, launched in 2023 and refreshed with a Kim Kardashian special edition in 2024, offer a stylish alternative in the premium headphone market. Priced at $350, they undercut competitors like the Apple AirPods Max but face stiff competition from the likes of Bose, Sony, and Sonos. While the “Kim K” edition boasts trendy neutral colorways like Moon, Dune, and Earth, the core design remains unchanged from the 2023 model, featuring foldable earcups (albeit with a less-than-premium single-hinge design) and color-matched accessories. Though stylish, the Beats Studio Pro fall short in build quality and comfort compared to rivals like Bose, Sony, and particularly Sonos, whose Ace model offers superior elegance and comfort. While the Beats’ headband is comfortable, the earpads tend to heat up quickly, limiting wear time for some users.
Control-wise, the Beats Studio Pro prioritize functionality with physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing, and ANC control, a welcome alternative to gesture-based systems. The inclusion of a USB-C port allows for direct connection to PCs with selectable sound profiles and also supports enhanced audio quality. A classic 3.5mm headphone jack caters to wired listening preferences. The cross-platform compatibility, facilitated by a custom Beats chip, is a key selling point, offering seamless pairing with Android devices via Google Fast Pair and connection to iCloud on iOS. However, the absence of automatic device switching on iOS, a standard feature on AirPods, is a notable omission. Further hampering its competitive edge is the lack of on-ear detection for automatic pausing, a feature now ubiquitous in this price range and offered by all major competitors.
Performance-wise, the Beats Studio Pro deliver a distinct sound signature characterized by aggressive bass and strong highs, powered by upgraded 40mm drivers. While this energetic profile may appeal to some, the comparatively weak mids result in less-than-stellar instrument separation and a lack of depth. While listening fatigue isn’t a significant issue, the overall audio quality doesn’t quite match the nuance and balance offered by Bose, Sonos, or the feature-rich Sony options. Connecting via USB-C unlocks higher-resolution audio (24-bit/48kHz) and access to three EQ presets, significantly elevating the listening experience even with standard streaming services like Spotify.
Noise cancellation on the Beats Studio Pro is competent but not class-leading. While passive isolation provided by the earpads is decent, the active noise cancellation (ANC) doesn’t reach the levels achieved by Sony, Bose, or Sonos. Battery life, rated at 24 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off, is respectable but falls short of the endurance offered by some competitors.
Ultimately, the Beats Studio Pro, even in its stylish Kim Kardashian edition, face a challenging value proposition. At $350, the lack of auto-pause and a merely decent performance across key areas like sound quality and noise cancellation make them a tough sell against rivals offering superior features and performance for similar or lower prices. The lack of a standout feature further diminishes their appeal.
While the Beats Studio Pro offer cross-platform compatibility, decent sound (especially in USB-C mode), good call quality, and the convenience of foldable earcups, the absence of auto-pause and the price point relative to performance are significant drawbacks. For those prioritizing audio fidelity and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sonos Ace offer superior experiences. Consumers focused on top-tier noise cancellation should look to Bose or Sony’s WH-1000XM5. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones present a compelling alternative for those seeking a more balanced sound signature. However, if cross-platform compatibility, decent sound, good noise cancellation, and excellent call quality are paramount, and the stylish aesthetic of the Kim Kardashian edition resonates, the Beats Studio Pro might still find a niche. The improved audio quality in USB-C mode adds value for users willing to utilize this feature. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons against the competition before making a purchase.
