Over All Rating 3.5/5
Price Starts From ₹37,900
PROS 👍
- ANC
- Battery Life
- Sound quality
CONS 👎
- Comfort
- Construction
- Confusing indicators
It’s often said you can’t please everyone, but Beats seems determined to challenge that notion. Known for its bold design and bass-heavy sound, the Apple-owned brand recently launched a special edition of the Beats Studio Pro where they collaborated with Kim Kardashian. These headphones aim to blend features for both Apple and Android users, offering ecosystem-neutral perks like one-touch pairing, device syncing, and a headphone-finding feature. But does this jack-of-all-trades approach make it a true master in the competitive premium headphones market?
Here's an in-depth review of the Beats Studio Pro X Kim Kardashian
Beats Studio Pro X: Design
The Beats Studio Pro X Kim Kardashian sticks closely to its roots, resembling the older Studio3 Wireless. While the design isn’t revolutionary, it still boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with three newly offered colours – Moon, Dune, and Earth. We received the Earth variant for a review, which adds a style tone to the otherwise contemporary look. The headphones feel light and portable, but their plastic build doesn’t quite exude premium quality, especially compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45.
The physical buttons, while intuitive, can feel clunky and make loud clicks, detracting from the overall experience. However, the right-side power/ambient sound button, complemented by sleek LED indicators, adds a touch of sophistication. The redesigned earpads, cloaked in soft engineered leather, provide decent cushioning, but the overall fit is snug, almost like a helmet. While stability is excellent, extended listening sessions may leave some users yearning for the plush comfort offered by Sony or Sennheiser headphones.
Beats Studio Pro X: Features
One of Studio Pro’s key selling points is its attempt to cater equally to Apple and Android users. There’s one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri access, and Find My compatibility for Apple users. On Android, the Beats app ensures smooth pairing, device locating, and seamless switching between Android devices.
Battery life is another area where the Studio Pro performs respectably but not exceptionally. With active noise cancellation (ANC) on, you get around 20-22 hours, extending to 40 hours without ANC. While sufficient for most use cases, competitors like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer better longevity.
Beats Studio Pro X: Sound and Noise Cancellation
When it comes to sound, the Beats Studio Pro delivers a well-rounded performance. The headphones strike a balance between the brand’s signature bass-heavy profile and a more refined, balanced sound. The new 40-mm drivers provide a relatively expansive stereo, solid detail, and a crisp upper register. That said, bassheads may find themselves wishing for a bit more thump, while audiophiles might miss the customisation offered by multi-band EQs in competing models.
Active noise cancellation is another strong point. The Studio Pro effectively dampens ambient sounds, from the hum of an air conditioner to the din of a busy street. During a test at a bustling family gathering with kids, dogs, and plenty of chatter, the headphones created a haven of tranquillity. Transparency mode is a welcome addition, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings or engage in conversations without removing the headphones. While it’s not as seamless as the AirPods Pro’s adaptive transparency, it’s clear and functional, a notable upgrade over previous Beats models.
Beats Studio Pro X: Calling and Connectivity
The call quality on the Studio Pro is stellar, which makes the headphones a reliable choice for professionals who frequently take calls on the go. Connectivity is where Beats’ ecosystem-neutral approach shines. The Class 1 Bluetooth connection offers an impressive range, ensuring a stable connection even across large spaces.
USB-C Playback
The introduction of USB-C audio playback is a notable enhancement, allowing for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48-kHz. Plugging the headphones into compatible devices like iPhones or Macs enhances audio clarity, making music sound more vibrant and immersive. However, the included USB-C cable is disappointingly short, limiting usability.
Room for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Beats Studio Pro has a few shortcomings that are hard to ignore. The physical buttons, while reliable, can disrupt the fit and seal of the headphones, affecting both comfort and sound quality. Their loud clicking sound inside the earcups is another minor but noticeable annoyance.
The snug fit might also be problematic for users with larger heads or those who wear glasses. The smaller earcups struggle to create a perfect seal, which can impact ANC and overall audio performance. These design quirks make the Studio Pro less accommodating than competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Max.
Verdict
The Beats Studio Pro is a solid offering that caters to a broad audience with its ecosystem-neutral features, impressive sound quality, and effective noise cancellation. It’s an especially compelling choice for longtime Beats fans who appreciate the brand’s signature style and balanced bass-forward sound. However, the competition in this price range is fierce. Brands like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser offer more robust features, greater comfort, and better battery life.
The Studio Pro’s lack of auto-pause, limited EQ options, and occasionally awkward fit may give pause to those seeking the best bang for their buck. For Apple users looking for an alternative to the AirPods Max or Android users seeking stylish ANC headphones with balanced sound, the Beats Studio Pro is worth considering, especially if you can snag them on sale. But if comfort, feature-rich designs, or cutting-edge technology is your priority, exploring other options might be a better call.