Introduction
When it comes to premium headphones, Beats by Dre is one of the most recognized names in the market. Their signature design, powerful bass, and Apple integration have made them popular worldwide. But if you’re shopping today, you’re likely stuck between the Beats Studio 3 and the newer Beats Studio Pro.
Overview: What’s the Main Difference?
The Beats Studio 3 was launched in 2017, while the Studio Pro came out in mid-2023. While Studio 3 focuses on wireless comfort and Apple ecosystem compatibility, the Studio Pro is aimed at professionals who want lossless audio, USB-C support, and more modern features. In short:
- Studio 3: great for casual Apple users
- Studio Pro: Ideal for premium audio performance and flexible use across devices
Beats Studio Pro vs. Studio 3: Design and Comfort
Beats Studio 3 features a familiar over ear design with soft ear cushions and a folding headband. It’s available in several color options, including matte black, red, blue, and white. The design is sleek, but it hasn’t changed much since its release in 2017.
Beats Studio Pro, launched in 2023, brings a more refined design with slightly slimmer ear cups and a more balanced weight distribution. The ear cushions and headband have been updated to provide enhanced comfort, especially during extended listening periods. Studio Pro is available in four elegant colors: Black, Deep Brown, Navy, and Sandstone.
Beats Studio Pro vs. Studio 3: Sound Quality
1. Driver & Tuning
Beats Studio Pro
- 40mm custom drivers (optimized for clarity)
- Deeper sub bass with tighter punch (less bloated than Studio 3)
- Improved mids and vocals; Less drowned out by bass
- Crisper highs; Cymbals, strings, and vocals sound cleaner
- Supports lossless audio via USB-C (24-bit/48kHz)
Beats Studio 3
- Older proprietary drivers (tuned for heavy bass)
- Bass dominates Can muddy mids in complex tracks
- Rolled off highs, Less sparkle in treble
- No lossless support (Bluetooth only audio compression)
2. Frequency Response
Studio Pro:
- Sub bass (20-60Hz): Strong but controlled (no distortion at high volumes).
- Mid bass (100-300Hz): Slightly recessed vs. Studio 3 (reduces “muddy” effect).
- Mids (500Hz-2kHz): More forward guitars and vocals cut through better.
- Treble (5kHz+): Brighter but not harsh.
Studio 3:
- Sub bass: Overpowering (can bleed into mids).
- Mid bass: Boomy (great for hip-hop, bad for rock/acoustic).
- Mids: Veiled (vocals sound distant in busy tracks).
- Treble: Soft (lacks airiness).
3. ANC & Soundstage
- Studio Pro: ANC improves clarity by blocking external noise. Wider soundstage, Instruments feel more spaced out. Transparency mode lets in ambient sound naturally.
- Studio 3: ANC is weaker, More sound leakage. Narrower soundstage Music feels “inside your head.”
4. Codecs & Wired Audio
- Studio Pro: AAC (Bluetooth) Lossless (USB-C), Better for high res streaming (Apple Music, Tidal). 3.5mm jack (with included adapter) supports analog audio.
- Studio 3: AAC only, no aptX/LDAC. No USB audio 3.5mm jack is the only wired option.
5. Real World Testing
- Hip Hop (Drake, Travis Scott): Studio 3’s bass is fun but less precise. Studio Pro delivers tight, low end, clearer vocals.
- Rock (Arctic Monkeys, Metallica): Studio 3 tends to blur guitar details in rock tracks, making riffs from bands like Metallica or Arctic Monkeys sound less sharp.
- Podcasts and Vocals: Studio Pro’s mid-forward tuning makes voices more natural.
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3: Noise Cancellation & Transparency
The Beats Studio 3 features Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC), which uses real-time audio calibration to block external sounds. However, it lacks a transparency mode, meaning you have to remove the headphones to hear your surroundings.
In contrast, the Studio Pro is equipped with upgraded adaptive ANC and a transparency mode, allowing users to switch between full noise isolation and ambient awareness. This makes the Studio Pro more versatile, especially for commuting, office work, or travel, where situational awareness is important.
Active Noise Cancellation: Studio Pro vs Studio 3
| Feature | Studio Pro (2023) | Beats Studio 3 (2017) |
| ANC Type | Adaptive Hybrid ANC (Real-time calibration) | Basic Feedforward ANC (Fixed algorithm) |
| Microphones | 6 beamforming mics (2 per earcup + external) | 2 mics per earcup (older generation) |
| Noise Reduction | -35dB (tested), Blocks 90% of low-frequency noise (e.g., airplanes, traffic) | -25dB (tested), Effective in quiet spaces but struggles with deep rumbles |
| Adaptive Tech | Auto-adjusts ANC strength based on the environment | Static ANC with manual toggle only |
| Wind Noise Handling | AI wind-noise reduction (great for outdoor use) | No wind protection, noticeable hiss in breezy areas |
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3: Connectivity
With Apple’s W1 chip inside, Studio 3 pairs easily with iPhones and other Apple products for a smooth wireless experience. It provides easy pairing with iPhones and iPads, and the headphones can be used with Android phones via Bluetooth. However, some Android users report slower connectivity and fewer features.
Studio Pro uses USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and Class 1 Wireless, making it much more versatile across both Apple and Android devices. It also supports Android Fast Pair and Find My Device, which are helpful additions for non-Apple users.
For Apple users, Studio Pro also offers one touch pairing and hands free “Hey Siri” support, just like Studio
Connectivity & Bluetooth Features Comparison
| Feature | Beats Studio Pro (2023) | Beats Studio 3 (2017) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 (Class 1, 100m range) | 5.0 (Class 2, 30m range) |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC (No aptX/LDAC support) | AAC, SBC (Same, but less efficient handling) |
| Multipoint Support | Yes (Connects to 2 devices at once) | No (Single-device only) |
| Latency | 180ms (Smooth for videos) | 220ms (More lag, especially in games) |
| Auto-Switching | Works on both iOS and Android | Limited to iOS devices (W1 chip integration) |
Verdict: Which One Connects Better?
- Studio Pro Wins If: You use multiple devices daily (multipoint). Need wired lossless audio (USB-C). Own Android and Apple devices.
- Studio 3 Holds Up If: You’re all in on Apple (W1 chip perks). Don’t care about wired ANC or USB-C.
The Studio Pro is the most versatile Beats ever, but Studio 3 remains a solid Apple exclusive pick.
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3: Battery Life
Battery performance is crucial for wireless headphones, and both Beats Studio 3 and Studio Pro deliver solid results. However, under the hood, there are key technical upgrades in the Studio Pro that enhance efficiency and usability.
Beats Studio 3 Battery Specs
- Battery Capacity: Estimated at 710 mAh (not officially disclosed)
- Chipset: Apple W1 chip, optimizes power usage for longer playback
- Playback Time: Up to 22 hours with Pure ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) ON, Up to 40 hours with ANC OFF (standard Bluetooth mode)
- Fast Fuel Charging: A 10-minute charge provides 3 hours of playback
- Charging Port: Micro-USB (an outdated standard by today’s expectations)
Beats Studio Pro Battery Specs
- Battery Capacity: Estimated 750 mAh (optimized for modern features)
- Chipset: Custom Beats acoustic platform with Apple ecosystem compatibility
- Playback Time: Up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency Mode enabled Up to 40 hours in standard mode (no ANC/Transparency)
- Fast Fuel Charging: 10-minute charge yields 4 hours of playback
- Charging Port: USB-C for faster data and power delivery
- Charging Protocol: Supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD)
The Studio Pro benefits from USB-C charging, which allows not just faster charging, but also supports lossless audio playback when connected to compatible devices. This dual purpose USB-C port is part of a more modern hardware design that reduces power drain and increases efficiency.
Head-to-Head: Battery Life and Charging Features
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Beats Studio Pro |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 22 hrs | Up to 24 hrs |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to 40 hrs | Up to 40 hrs |
| Fast Fuel Charge (10 mins) | ~3 hrs playback | ~4 hrs playback |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C with USB-PD |
| Charging + Audio via Cable | No | Yes (USB-C Lossless Audio) |
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3: Microphone & Call Quality
When it comes to voice clarity, whether for calls, meetings, or voice assistants, the Beats Studio Pro and Studio 3 take very different approaches.
Beats Studio 3 Microphone Technology
- Microphone Type: Dual beamforming mic (integrated into the earcup)
- Performance: Acceptable for casual calls and voice commands
- Noise Filtering: Basic digital filtering (no advanced AI)
- Voice Pickup: Adequate in quiet settings but struggles in noisy environments
- Voice Assistant Support: Compatible with Siri (manual trigger)
Beats Studio 3 includes a basic built-in microphone system optimized primarily for iOS. It works fine for FaceTime and casual phone calls, but lacks advanced noise suppression features.
Beats Studio Pro Microphone Technology
- Microphone Type: Multi microphone array with voice targeting beamforming
- AI-Powered DSP: Yes, uses real time digital signal processing to reduce noise
- Voice Isolation: Advanced adaptive beamforming focuses solely on your voice
- Transparency Mode Mic: Dual function mic system works for both ANC and voice clarity
- Voice Assistant Support: “Hey Siri” hands free and Google Assistant support on Android
Additionally, this setup directly integrates ANC and Transparency Mode, allowing the Studio Pro to dynamically adjust microphone input based on your surroundings. This ensures consistent voice clarity regardless of ambient conditions.
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3:Price Comparison
| Feature / Model | Beats Studio 3 | Beats Studio Pro |
| Launch Year | 2017 | 2023 |
| Retail Price (MSRP) | USD 349 | USD 349 |
| Discounted Street Price (2025) | Typically $199–USD 249 | Rarely discounted; around $299–USD 329 |
| Major Sale Events | Big discounts during Black Friday, holiday sales | Occasional discount but more limited availability |
| Availability | Widely available via online and brick‑and‑mortar retailers | Newer release: stocked but not always discounted |
| Trade‑in / Exchange Programs | Common in refurbished and used markets | Starting to appear in certified pre‑owned programs |
As of mid-2025, Beats Studio 3 can often be found at discounted prices, typically around $199 or lower. It’s a great value if you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest tech.
Beats Studio Pro, being the newer and more feature rich model, usually sells for around $349. While it’s more expensive, you’re paying for upgraded sound, better ANC, newer connectivity, and a more premium build.
Beats Studio Pro vs Beats Studio 3: New features And Extras
The Beats Studio Pro comes with a fresh new look for its carrying case. Instead of the compact, Pill style case that came with the Studio 3, it now features a larger, rectangular case with rounded edges, offering better protection and more space. In terms of connectivity, Studio Pro steps up with Bluetooth 5.3, which gives you a more stable connection and longer wireless range. That’s a solid upgrade from the Studio 3’s older Bluetooth 4.2 and Apple W1 chip combo.
When it comes to sound quality, the difference is clear. The Studio Pro includes a two-layer diaphragm, improved micro venting, and 25% more powerful magnets in each earcup.
Where to Buy Beats Studio Pro and Studio 3 Worldwide?
You can buy Beats Studio Pro and Beats Studio 3 from a variety of trusted retailers worldwide. They are available through the official Apple Store, Beats by Dre website, and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target in the U.S. In the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, popular tech retailers like Currys, JB Hi-Fi, MediaMarkt, and Amazon regional sites also stock them. In Asia and the Middle East, you’ll find them at authorized resellers, including Noon, Sharaf DG, Reliance Digital, and Daraz.
FAQs: Beats Studio Pro vs Beats Studio 3
Q1: Is Beats Studio Pro better than Studio 3?
A: Yes, Beats Studio Pro offers major upgrades in sound quality, ANC, connectivity, and support for Dolby Atmos, making it a superior choice over Studio 3.
Q2: Does Beats Studio Pro support Dolby Atmos?
A: Yes, the Studio Pro supports Dolby Atmos for immersive spatial audio, unlike the Studio 3, which lacks this feature.
Q3: What is the difference between Beats Studio 3 and Studio Pro?
A: Studio Pro features improved ANC, USB-C audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, and upgraded drivers, while Studio 3 uses older tech like Bluetooth 4.2 and lacks spatial audio support.
Q4: Can I use Beats Studio Pro with Android?
A: Absolutely. Beats Studio Pro supports fast pairing and seamless use on both Android and iOS devices.
Q5: Does Beats Studio Pro have better battery life than Studio 3?
A: Both offer up to 40 hours of playback without ANC, but Studio Pro charges faster via USB-C and performs more efficiently with ANC on.
Q6: Are Beats Studio 3 still worth buying in 2025?
A: They’re still a solid choice for casual listening and Apple users on a budget, but Studio Pro is more future-proof and feature-rich.
Q7: Do both models support wired listening?
A: Yes, both Studio Pro and Studio 3 have a 3.5mm jack, but Studio Pro also supports USB-C wired audio with lossless quality.
Beats Studio Pro vs Studio 3: Final Verdict
The Beats Studio Pro outshines the Studio 3 with superior ANC, USB-C lossless audio, clearer mics, and cross-platform versatility, making it the best upgrade for audiophiles and frequent travelers. However, the Studio 3 remains a solid budget pick for Apple loyalists who prioritize bass-heavy sound. If you choose Studio Pro, then you can get Next gen tech, pro calls, and Android compatibility. But if you get a purchase with Studio 3, then you want deep bass at a lower price.
