Beats Studio3 vs AirPods Pro: The Ultimate Comparison (2025)
Struggling to choose between these premium headphones? Our detailed comparison breaks down everything from sound quality to battery life, helping you make the perfect choice for your lifestyle.
Choosing Between Audio Excellence
When it comes to premium audio experiences, Beats Studio3 and AirPods Pro represent two distinct approaches to personal audio. One offers the immersive over-ear experience with legendary bass, while the other delivers incredible technology in a tiny, portable package. Let’s help you decide which is right for your lifestyle.
What This Comparison Covers
We’ve thoroughly tested both headphones in real-world conditions to give you an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Our comparison includes sound quality, comfort, battery life, noise cancellation, and overall value.
Last updated: May 28, 2025
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | In-ear |
| Noise Cancellation | Pure ANC | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours | 4.5 hours (24+ with case) |
| Chip | Apple W1 | Apple H1 |
| Water Resistance | No | IPX4 (sweat/water resistant) |
| Best For | Long listening sessions, bass lovers | Commuting, workouts, calls |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Detailed Comparison
Design & Comfort
Beats Studio3
- • Plush over-ear cushions create excellent seal
- • Adjustable headband with premium feel
- • Foldable design for portability
- • Can cause heat buildup during extended wear
- • Weight: 9.17 oz (260g)
AirPods Pro
- • Lightweight design (5.4g per earbud)
- • Multiple silicone tip sizes for custom fit
- • Vented design to reduce pressure
- • Excellent for extended wear
- • May not fit all ear shapes securely
Our Take on Comfort
For long listening sessions at a desk or during travel, the Beats Studio3 provides superior comfort with its cushioned ear cups. However, for active use or all-day wear, the AirPods Pro’s lightweight design causes less fatigue. The AirPods Pro also excel in hot weather, where the Studio3 can become uncomfortable due to heat buildup around the ears.
Sound Quality & Bass
Beats Studio3
The Beats Studio3 delivers the signature Beats sound profile with powerful, punchy bass that hip-hop and EDM fans will love. While the bass can sometimes overwhelm the mids, the overall sound is energetic and engaging.
AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro offers a surprisingly balanced sound profile with clear mids and detailed highs. While the bass isn’t as powerful as the Beats, it’s tight and well-controlled. The Adaptive EQ technology automatically tunes music to your ear shape.
Sound Quality Verdict
For bass-heavy genres and immersive listening, the Beats Studio3 delivers a more powerful experience. For balanced audio across all genres, podcasts, and calls, the AirPods Pro offers superior clarity and detail. Audiophiles seeking neutral sound will prefer the AirPods Pro, while those wanting energetic, bass-forward sound will enjoy the Studio3.
Noise Cancellation
Beats Studio3: Pure ANC
-
Effective against low-frequency noise
-
Physical isolation from over-ear design
-
Real-time audio calibration
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Slight hiss when no audio is playing
AirPods Pro: Active Noise Cancellation
-
Surprisingly effective for in-ear design
-
Excellent against both low and mid frequencies
-
Transparency mode is natural-sounding
-
Requires good seal for optimal performance
Noise Cancellation Comparison
Surprisingly, the AirPods Pro offers superior active noise cancellation despite its smaller size. The combination of in-ear seal and advanced ANC technology makes it more effective at blocking a wider range of frequencies. However, the Beats Studio3 provides better passive noise isolation due to its over-ear design, which is beneficial in very loud environments.
For airplane travel, both perform well, but the AirPods Pro edges out with better overall noise reduction. For office environments, the AirPods Pro’s transparency mode makes it more versatile for switching between focused work and conversations.
Battery Life & Charging
Beats Studio3
22 hours
With ANC enabled
40 hours
With ANC disabled
Fast Fuel: 3 hours
From 10 min charge
Charges via Micro USB (not USB-C). Includes 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening when battery is depleted.
AirPods Pro
4.5 hours
Single charge with ANC
24+ hours
Total with charging case
1 hour
From 5 min in case
Charges via Lightning or wireless charging. Case battery indicator lights show remaining charge level.
Battery Life Comparison
The Beats Studio3 is the clear winner for marathon listening sessions, offering nearly 5 times the battery life of the AirPods Pro on a single charge. However, the AirPods Pro’s charging case makes it more practical for all-day use, allowing multiple recharges throughout the day. For travelers on long-haul flights, the Studio3 is more convenient, while for daily commuters who can recharge between uses, the AirPods Pro offers sufficient battery life.
Connectivity & Features
| Feature | Beats Studio3 | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Apple Chip | W1 | H1 |
| Device Switching | Manual switching between Apple devices | Automatic switching between Apple devices |
| Voice Assistant | Siri (button activated) | “Hey Siri” hands-free |
| Controls | Physical buttons | Force sensor stems |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes, with head tracking |
| Find My | No | Yes |
Connectivity Verdict
The AirPods Pro offers more advanced connectivity features with its newer H1 chip, enabling automatic device switching, hands-free Siri, and lower latency. For Apple ecosystem users, the AirPods Pro provides a more seamless experience. The Beats Studio3, while still offering good integration with Apple devices through the W1 chip, lacks some of the newer conveniences. However, the Studio3 offers a 3.5mm wired option that the AirPods Pro lacks, which can be important for certain use cases like in-flight entertainment systems.
Price & Value for Money
Beats Studio3
$349.95 MSRP
Often available for $200-250 on sale. Prices vary by color and retailer.
What you’re paying for: Premium over-ear design, long battery life, powerful bass, and the Beats brand.
Value highlights: Comfortable for long sessions, excellent for bass lovers, and includes carrying case.
Value concerns: Older technology (W1 chip, Micro USB), not water resistant.
AirPods Pro
$249.00 MSRP
Frequently on sale for $190-220. Price is consistent across retailers.
What you’re paying for: Compact design, excellent ANC, seamless Apple integration, and spatial audio.
Value highlights: Water resistance, wireless charging, automatic device switching, and Find My support.
Value concerns: Limited battery life per charge, potential for misplacing small earbuds.
Value Comparison
While the Beats Studio3 has a higher MSRP, it’s often available at significant discounts that bring it closer to the AirPods Pro’s price point. For pure sound quality per dollar, the Beats offers excellent value, especially for bass enthusiasts. The AirPods Pro, while smaller, packs more modern technology and features that justify its price, particularly for those already in the Apple ecosystem. Consider your primary use case: for home/office listening, the Beats may offer better value, while for on-the-go use, the AirPods Pro’s portability and features make it worth the investment.
Pros & Cons Summary
Beats Studio3
PROS
- ✓ Exceptional 22-hour battery life with ANC
- ✓ Powerful, deep bass response
- ✓ Comfortable over-ear design for long sessions
- ✓ Foldable design with carrying case
- ✓ Can be used wired when battery depletes
- ✓ Fast Fuel charging (3 hours from 10 minutes)
CONS
- ✗ Bulky compared to in-ear alternatives
- ✗ Uses outdated Micro USB charging
- ✗ No water or sweat resistance
- ✗ Bass can overwhelm mids in some tracks
- ✗ Ear cups can get warm during extended use
AirPods Pro
PROS
- ✓ Extremely compact and portable
- ✓ Superior ANC for in-ear headphones
- ✓ IPX4 water and sweat resistance
- ✓ Wireless charging case
- ✓ Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- ✓ Seamless integration with Apple devices
CONS
- ✗ Limited 4.5-hour battery per charge
- ✗ Higher risk of losing individual earbuds
- ✗ No customizable EQ in settings
- ✗ Less bass impact than over-ear options
- ✗ May not fit all ear shapes comfortably
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose Beats Studio3 If:
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You prefer over-ear headphones with plush comfort
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You need extended battery life (20+ hours)
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You love bass-heavy music genres (hip-hop, EDM, etc.)
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You want the option for wired listening
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You primarily use headphones at a desk or during travel
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You want a more immersive soundstage
Perfect for: Music enthusiasts, frequent travelers, office workers, and anyone who prioritizes sound quality and battery life over portability.
Choose AirPods Pro If:
-
You need ultra-portability and convenience
-
You’re deeply integrated in the Apple ecosystem
-
You want water resistance for workouts
-
You value transparency mode for awareness
-
You want spatial audio with head tracking
-
You prefer balanced sound over heavy bass
Perfect for: Commuters, active lifestyles, frequent callers, Apple device users, and anyone who values convenience and portability above all.
Final Verdict & Where to Buy
Our Recommendation
The Bottom Line
Both headphones excel in different scenarios, making this less about which is “better” and more about which better suits your lifestyle.
- • For audiophiles & travelers: Beats Studio3 wins with its immersive sound, long battery life, and comfortable design.
- • For commuters & Apple users: AirPods Pro excels with its portability, seamless integration, and impressive ANC for its size.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do AirPods Pro work with Android?
Yes, AirPods Pro work with Android devices as standard Bluetooth headphones. However, you’ll miss out on several features exclusive to Apple devices, including:
- Automatic switching between devices
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- “Hey Siri” functionality
- Automatic pausing when removed from ears
- Battery status in the notification area
Basic functions like music playback, calls, and even active noise cancellation will work, but the experience is significantly better with Apple devices.
Can Beats Studio3 be used wired?
Yes, the Beats Studio3 comes with a 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable that allows you to use the headphones in wired mode. This is particularly useful in several scenarios:
- When the battery is depleted
- For connecting to non-Bluetooth devices like airplane entertainment systems
- When you want zero latency for gaming or music production
Note that the ANC features will not work in passive (powered off) wired mode, though you’ll still get some passive noise isolation from the ear cups.
Which has better mic quality?
The AirPods Pro offers superior microphone quality for calls and voice recordings. Its beam-forming microphones and advanced voice isolation algorithms provide clearer voice capture, especially in noisy environments.
The Beats Studio3 microphone is adequate for casual calls but doesn’t match the clarity of the AirPods Pro. In our testing, the AirPods Pro consistently delivered better call quality, with recipients reporting clearer voice transmission and better background noise suppression.
If call quality is a priority for your use case, the AirPods Pro is the better choice.
Are Beats Studio3 good for workouts?
The Beats Studio3 are not ideal for intense workouts for several reasons:
- They lack water and sweat resistance
- The over-ear design can become hot and uncomfortable during exercise
- They’re relatively heavy and may shift during high-impact activities
For light workouts like walking or gentle yoga, they may be fine. However, for running, HIIT, or other intense exercise, the AirPods Pro with their IPX4 rating and secure fit are much better suited.
If you specifically want Beats for workouts, consider the Beats Fit Pro or Powerbeats Pro instead, which are designed for active use.
Can you use Beats Studio3 with Android?
Yes, the Beats Studio3 works well with Android devices. While they’re optimized for Apple products with the W1 chip, they function as standard Bluetooth headphones with Android.
Android users can download the Beats app from the Google Play Store to access additional features like:
- Firmware updates
- Battery status
- Product registration
You’ll still get the full sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life benefits. The main features you’ll miss compared to Apple devices are the instant pairing and seamless device switching.
Is AirPods Pro noise cancelling better than Beats?
In our testing, the AirPods Pro’s active noise cancellation outperforms the Beats Studio3 in most environments. The AirPods Pro is more effective at canceling:
- Constant low-frequency noise (airplane engines, HVAC systems)
- Mid-range frequencies (office chatter, traffic)
- Variable environmental sounds
However, the Beats Studio3 provides better overall noise isolation due to its over-ear design, which physically blocks more sound. This gives the Studio3 an advantage in very loud environments where passive isolation helps.
For pure active noise cancellation technology, the AirPods Pro is superior, which is impressive considering its much smaller size.
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