Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones have been on the market since 2018, but they have never stopped attracting attention among fans of music, regular listeners, and even people on the go who need a pair of headphones that they can rely on.
With their slick design and bass-friendly sound, the headphones are one of the most successful audio products of Apple produced under the Beats brand. And yet, the question begs: Do they continue to stand the test of time in 2025 as compared to new models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45?
Here is everything you need to know about them in a nutshell, including comfort, fit, sound quality, noise cancelling, ease of connectivity, battery life, and whether they will be worth your money. By the end, you will understand exactly who these headphones are targeted to-and whether these are the right headphones to get.
Comfort and Fit: Are They Good for Long Listening Sessions
When you first put on the Beats Studio 3 Wireless, the design immediately makes a statement. The headphones have that signature Beats style—minimal, modern, and available in multiple colors that stand out without being too flashy. But when it comes to headphones, comfort is just as important as looks, especially if you plan to wear them for hours.
The earcups are well-padded with soft cushions that are comfortable to the skin. With a snug fit like that around the ears, they ensure passive noise isolation as well as the overall listening experience.
Some users may find that the clamping force has a little more power than brands such as Bose. With shorter sessions (commuting or workouts), this will not be a great challenge, but with sessions of up to three or four hours, you may experience fatigue.
The headband is adjustable and lined with padding, though not as plush as premium competitors. On the positive side, the headphones are lightweight for an over-ear model, which reduces strain on the neck and head. Travelers and students often appreciate this because it means they can carry them around all day without discomfort.
Another thing worth noting is how portable they are. The Studio 3 headphones fold neatly into their included carrying case, making them easy to toss into a backpack or suitcase. For people who are constantly on the move, this is a small but useful detail.
Sound Quality Review: Bass, Clarity, and Overall Performance
The biggest reason people buy Beats headphones has always been their sound signature—punchy, powerful, and bass-driven. The Beats Studio 3 Wireless continues that tradition, but with a little more balance than older Beats models that were criticized for being “all bass and nothing else.”
When you listen to hip-hop, EDM, or pop, the low end immediately stands out. The bass is deep and thumping, giving tracks a sense of energy and weight. For example, songs like Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE” or Calvin Harris’s “Summer” hit hard, making you feel the beat rather than hear it. This makes them an excellent choice for bass lovers.
That said, the midrange—where vocals and instruments like guitars live—doesn’t always shine as brightly. Vocals sound clear, but they can sometimes get overshadowed when heavy bass is present.
If you enjoy acoustic music, podcasts, or classical genres, you might find the sound less natural compared to brands like Bose or Sennheiser, which focus more on balance and detail.
Treble is smooth and never too sharp, which is good news for people who are sensitive to piercing highs. However, audiophiles looking for sparkling clarity or a wide soundstage might feel underwhelmed.
One feature that enhances the sound is Apple’s W1 chip, which optimizes audio and ensures stable playback when paired with Apple devices. This means less audio lag and smoother transitions when switching between iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
In short, Studio 3 offers a fun and energetic sound that works best for casual listeners who want excitement in their music. But if you’re a detail-focused listener who craves accuracy and balance, you may prefer other headphones in the same price range.
Pros for Sound Quality: Strong bass, energetic sound, optimized with Apple devices.
Cons for Sound Quality: Midrange lacks depth, not ideal for audiophiles.
Sound Quality Comparison
Noise Cancelling Test: How Well Do They Block Out Distractions
Noise-cancelling is an area in which the Beats Studio 3 Wireless struggles. They are equipped with what is called Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC) by Apple, which aims at cancelling undesired background noise.
At home, coffee shops, in offices, or on your commute, the ANC can significantly reduce background chatter, low-level hums, and constant noise such as electric airplanes or bus engines. It works best on low-frequency noises, and this brings them as a trustworthy traveling mate.
However, compared to newer models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Studio 3 ANC feels slightly outdated. Sudden, high-pitched sounds—like a baby crying on a plane or someone typing loudly—still manage to sneak through. The ANC is good, but not the best in class.
One advantage is that the ANC doesn’t distort the music. Some headphones create a “pressure” effect that makes your ears feel heavy when noise cancellation is on, but the Studio 3 avoids this issue, delivering a natural experience.
For calls, the ANC also helps reduce background noise, though the microphone setup isn’t as advanced as newer premium headphones. You’ll be heard clearly in quiet settings, but in noisy environments, your voice can sometimes compete with outside sounds.
Overall, the Studio 3’s noise cancelling is effective enough for daily life—commuting, working in noisy environments, or studying in public spaces—but if you’re after industry-leading performance, you may want to look at Bose or Sony.
Pros for Noise Cancelling: Great for travel and steady noise, no pressure effect.
Cons for Noise Cancelling: Struggles with sudden or sharp sounds, not the best in class.
Connectivity and Pairing: Do They Work Smoothly with Apple and Android
Among the great benefits of Beats Studio 3 Wireless, it is easy to mention the way they connect to Apple devices without requiring complex procedures. The Apple W1 chip embedded in it makes setup very fast.
As soon as you switch them on, a pop-up notification on your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook will appear, and all that remains to do is tap a button to be able to use it.
Better yet, when they are paired, they will sync automatically on all your devices with the same iCloud account. This implies that switch between your iPad and your iPhone in the process of receiving an incoming call occurs effortlessly, without the direct involvement of time-consuming efforts to be able to reach a pairing between the two.
In the Android version, the pairing process is by no means less orthodox but relies on reliability. It requires you to connect to the Bluetooth settings, and once done, the connection remains stable with minimal dropped offs.
The range is substantial, delivering without trouble to within 30 feet. The only negative side is that the Studio 3 is still using Bluetooth 4.2, and is outdated compared to versions 5.0 and higher. This does not have an impact on casual streaming, but buffering of video or during games might be noticed with sensitive users.
Battery Life and Charging Speed: Can They Last Through Daily Use
Battery life is an area where the Beats Studio 3 Wireless truly delivers. On a full charge, they offer up to 22 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, and if you turn ANC off, the battery can stretch up to 40 hours. This makes them an excellent choice for frequent travelers or anyone who doesn’t want to charge their headphones daily.
One of the most convenient features is Fast Fuel charging. With just 10 minutes of charging, you get around 3 hours of playback time. This is perfect for those moments when you’re about to leave the house and realize your headphones are dead. Plug them in while you get ready, and you’ll have enough juice to get through a commute or workout.
Charging is done through a micro-USB port, which feels outdated in 2025, especially since most modern devices and headphones have switched to USB-C. While the charging speed is decent, the lack of USB-C is a small drawback for users who prefer carrying just one type of cable for all their gadgets.
In practice, the Studio 3 has no problems being used beyond a few days at a time, even by enthusiastic users. This is particularly convenient to business travelers as they don’t have to worry about the fear of losing their power mid-air.
Pros for Battery Life: Long-lasting playback, Fast Fuel quick charge, reliable for travel.
Cons for Battery Life: Still uses micro-USB, not the fastest charging compared to newer models.
Price and Value Analysis: Are They Worth the Investment in 2025
Back when the Beats Studio 3 Wireless was initially released, it would come into the market as a high-end product with a price around 349, versus Sony and Bose. Move ahead to 2025, and Studio 3 is likely to be seen as an equally premium product, at a much more affordable cost.
They can now be found typically at the price range of between 200 and 250 dollars as a result of the discounts and newer versions available.
Well, are they worth it now? This is subjective, as it will depend on what you prioritise. Device users who prefer Apple products have an enormous edge in terms of ease of connection and ecosystem intertwining.
You are buying the features, not only audio performance, but the convenience of being able to connect, easily switch devices, and the design that is familiar to most people with Beats headphones. Add in their robust bass playback and long-life battery, and they still are a premium deal.
Still, when it comes to noise cancelling or balanced sound, then Studio 3 does not measure up in comparison with Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45. However, they may not necessarily offer the same type of style or app-centered Apple experience. The Studio 3 is still a good investment in 2025, still at its reduced price, especially to travelers, students and anyone listening casually.
Final Words
The Beats Studio 3 Wireless are not the newest headphones on the block, but they continue to hold their ground in 2025. They bring together a stylish design, fun bass-driven sound, reliable battery life, and Apple ecosystem perks that many users still love.
They may not beat Bose or Sony when it comes to pure noise cancelling or audiophile-level sound, but they win in areas like convenience, portability, and brand appeal.
For casual listeners, commuters, and especially Apple fans, these headphones are a safe choice. They’re comfortable for daily use, pack enough power to handle long flights or study sessions, and look good while doing it. On the other hand, if you’re chasing the absolute best ANC or studio-grade audio, you might want to explore competitors in the same price bracket.
At the end of the day, the Beats Studio 3 Wireless remain a headphone set that’s best for bass lovers and everyday users who value style as much as performance. If you can find them on sale, they’re still one of the smarter buys in 2025’s crowded headphone market.
FAQs
Are Beats Studio3 Wireless any good?
Yes, they’re a solid choice for casual listeners, offering strong bass, good noise cancelling, and seamless Apple connectivity, though not the best for audiophiles.
Does Beats Studio 3 have noise cancelling?
Yes, they feature Adaptive Noise Cancelling that reduces background noise effectively, especially for travel and daily use, though not as advanced as Sony or Bose.Are Beats Studio 3 better than AirPods?
For over-ear comfort, longer battery life, and stronger bass, Beats Studio 3 are better, but AirPods are more portable and convenient for quick, on-the-go use.
Are Beats Studio 3 better than AirPods?
For over-ear comfort, longer battery life, and stronger bass, Beats Studio 3 are better, but AirPods are more portable and convenient for quick, on-the-go use.