The wireless headphone war has never been a light fight; however, in 2025, there will be two brands that are at the top of every buyer’s list: that of Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM5.
They are both full-featured, high-quality ANC headphones with a combination of advanced audio quality and a smooth design.
Although Beats is a heavy target for Apple users with lossy USB-C sound and high-quality spatial sound, Sony WH-1000XM5 has established a new standard of adaptive noise cancellation and extended battery life.
Which one then are you going to purchase in 2025? The solution lies not only in the cost but in the details. We are going to compare both models on the basis of sound quality, ANC performance, comfort, and battery endurance. You are either a frequent traveler, a music lover, or you work in a noisy environment; this guide will assist you in making a smart decision.
Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM5 — Quick Spec Showdown (2025)
When it comes to flagship ANC headphones, specs tell a big part of the story. Both models are engineered to deliver premium audio, but their design philosophies differ. Beats focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and Apple ecosystem integration. Sony, meanwhile, leans into deep customization and industry-leading ANC tech.
| Feature | Beats Studio Pro (2025) | Sony WH-1000XM5 (2025) |
| Launch Year | 2023 (with 2025 firmware updates) | 2022 (with 2025 adaptive software updates) |
| Weight | 260 g | 250 g |
| Driver Size | 40 mm custom acoustic platform | 30 mm carbon fiber composite drivers |
| Audio Codec Support | AAC, SBC, USB-C lossless | LDAC, AAC, SBC, Multipoint |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (with dynamic head tracking) | Yes (360 Reality Audio) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC | Industry-leading Adaptive ANC |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to 40 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 min = 4 hours | 3 min = 3 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Wired Audio | USB-C digital audio | 3.5 mm + USB-C |
| Voice Assistant Support | Siri (native), Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri (limited) |
| Price (Oct 2025) | $349 | $399 |
Key takeaway: Beats Studio Pro brings excellent Apple ecosystem integration and spatial audio, making it ideal for iPhone and Mac users. Sony WH-1000XM5, however, edges ahead in ANC performance, battery life, and codec versatility — perfect for audiophiles and Android power users.
Sound & Performance — Which Headphone Wins for Music, Movies and Calls?
The sound quality is the area where these two headphones shine – quite literally, however, in very different ways. Beats Studio Pro is designed with a loud and aggressive sound warp that injects vitality into contemporary music genres such as pop, hip-hop, and EDM.
It has a custom acoustic platform with clarity and warmth, and with the lossless USB-C audio, it has zero compression when connected to compatible devices such as iPhones (with adapters), Macs, and Windows laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5, however, is more audiophile-friendly. Its 30 mm drivers of carbon fiber are designed in such a way that they produce cleaner highs, more detailed mids, and controlled bass.
It can use LDAC, the high-resolution Bluetooth codec in Sony that offers up to 990 kbps of audio data transmission, almost three times that of the standard SBC or AAC. This can be a tangible difference to listeners who stream hi-res audio on music platforms such as Tidal or Apple Music.
Sony is also slightly ahead in terms of call and mic performance. It has Precise Voice Pickup with high beamforming that makes voices sound clear even in the windy or busy streets.
Beats also sounds especially well, particularly its three-mic set and noise learning, but it is not a professional calling instrument, but rather an entertainment one.
Spatial Audio & Immersive Modes
- Beats offers Dynamic Head Tracking Spatial Audio, especially powerful when paired with Apple devices. This creates a virtual surround sound bubble that follows your head movement.
- Sony counters with 360 Reality Audio, available across multiple platforms and Android devices, offering a similarly immersive but slightly more neutral presentation.
Final thought in sound:
- Choose Beats Studio Pro if you want energetic, bass-forward sound with Apple-optimized spatial audio.
- Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if you prefer natural sound, better clarity, and hi-res audio support through LDAC.
ANC, Transparency and Real-World Noise Cancellation Test
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is often the deciding factor when choosing premium headphones. Both Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM5 excel here, but Sony continues to set the bar slightly higher in real-world performance.
The Beats Studio Pro uses an adaptive ANC system that continuously scans your environment, adjusting the level of noise cancellation in real time. It effectively blocks out constant background sounds like airplane engines, AC hum, or traffic noise, creating a quiet sound bubble.
For most daily use — commuting, gym, coffee shops — Beats does a solid job, especially after its 2025 firmware update that improved ANC sensitivity and reduced pressure feeling inside the ears.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 pushes things further with dual noise sensor technology and the QN1 + V1 processors, designed to cancel a wider frequency range actively.
This makes Sony particularly impressive in busy city environments and long-haul flights, where low-frequency noise tends to be more persistent. In lab tests and user reviews, Sony consistently ranks 10–15% better ANC suppression than Beats in loud environments.
Transparency & Ambient Modes
Both models offer ambient listening modes — but they feel different.
- Beats’ Transparency Mode is sharp and clear, letting in external sound naturally. It’s great for quick conversations without removing the headphones.
- Sony’s Ambient Sound Mode, powered by adaptive sound control, intelligently adjusts based on activity. For example, it automatically reduces ANC when you start talking or walking outdoors.
Voice & Talk Through Features:
Sony also includes Speak-to-Chat, which pauses your audio when you speak. Beats lacks this feature but compensates with fast toggle controls between ANC and Transparency.
Verdict on ANC: If noise cancellation is your top priority, Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the undisputed leader. Beats Studio Pro is still excellent — but Sony offers a more refined, intelligent noise control experience.
Battery Life, Charging and Connectivity — Who Lasts Longer?
Battery life can make or break a headphone experience, especially for frequent travelers. Both models offer impressive endurance, but Sony wins here by a solid margin.
The Beats Studio Pro delivers:
- Up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on
- Up to 40 hours with ANC off
- Fast charging: 10 minutes gives around 4 hours of playback
In real-world usage, Beats comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use with ANC, calls, and streaming. It also uses USB-C for both charging and lossless wired audio, a major plus for users who don’t want multiple cables.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 pushes even further:
- Up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on
- Up to 40 hours with ANC off
- Quick Charge: 3 minutes for around 3 hours of playback
Sony also supports Multipoint Bluetooth, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously, like a laptop and a smartphone. Beats introduced multipoint support through firmware updates in late 2024, but Sony’s implementation remains smoother and faster when switching between devices.
Connectivity & Bluetooth:
- Beats uses Bluetooth 5.3 for slightly better range and power efficiency.
- Sony uses Bluetooth 5.2 with excellent stability and broad codec support (LDAC + AAC + SBC).
Wired Options:
- Beats supports USB-C audio only (no 3.5 mm jack), delivering true lossless audio when connected.
- Sony offers both 3.5 mm and USB-C, giving users more flexibility.
Battery & connectivity verdict: Sony takes the lead with longer playback time, multipoint stability, and dual wired options, while Beats scores points for its USB-C lossless audio integration.
Comfort, Build, Controls and User Experience
A headphone can sound amazing, but if it’s uncomfortable after an hour, it’s not worth it. Here’s where both brands have refined their design — but their feel on the head differs notably.
Comfort & Fit
- The Sony WH-1000XM5 is lighter at 250 g, with soft synthetic leather padding and a pressure-free headband. Its minimal clamp force makes it ideal for long listening sessions, flights, or office work.
- The Beats Studio Pro, slightly heavier at 260 g, offers plush earcups and a firm but comfortable fit. It feels more snug, which some users prefer for a secure seal, especially during travel or gym use.
Build Quality & Portability
- Beats goes for a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic, with solid hinges and smooth matte finishes. It doesn’t fold inward but comes with a protective case.
- Sony uses a sleek, curved headband design, optimized for flexibility and reduced wind noise during calls. It doesn’t fold like the older XM4 but remains easy to pack in its slim case.
Controls & App Experience
- Beats uses physical buttons for playback and ANC mode switching — a reliable and fast option for many users. It integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem for features like one-touch pairing, spatial audio personalization, and device switching.
- Sony uses touch-sensitive earcups combined with a powerful Headphones Connect app, offering deep customization: EQ, adaptive sound control, noise canceling intensity, and more. It’s a dream for users who love fine-tuning their sound.
Voice Assistants & Ecosystem
- Beats works best with Siri but is also compatible with Google Assistant.
- Sony supports Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, giving more flexibility for Android and Windows users.
Comfort & experience verdict: Sony wins on long-session comfort and smart app controls. Beats scores on simplicity, tactile buttons, and Apple-first features. Your choice depends on whether you value customization or plug-and-play convenience.
Which Should You Buy in 2025? (Use-Case Focused Recommendations + Value)
Both the Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM5 are truly excellent premium ANC headphones — but they cater to slightly different kinds of listeners. In 2025, the decision is less about which one is better overall and more about which one fits your lifestyle.
Choose Beats Studio Pro if:
- You’re part of the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration with iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- You prefer deep bass and an energetic, fun sound signature.
- You want lossless USB-C audio without extra adapters.
- You like simple button controls over touch surfaces.
- You want something stylish, with top-tier spatial audio and reliable ANC.
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if:
- You prioritize industry-leading ANC for travel, work, or noisy environments.
- You want longer battery life and LDAC support for high-resolution audio.
- You love fine-tuning your sound through an advanced app.
- You need multipoint connectivity that actually works smoothly.
- You care about lightweight comfort during long listening sessions.
Final Word:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the technical winner with superior noise cancellation, longer Battery, better call quality, and customization.
- Beats Studio Pro is the lifestyle winner for Apple users, offering an exciting audio experience, powerful spatial sound, and excellent design.
If you’re an Android or audiophile listener, Sony is the smarter long-term investment. But if you live inside the Apple ecosystem and want the easiest plug-and-play premium experience, Beats Studio Pro will feel like it was built just for you.
Quick Comparison Recap — Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM5 (2025)
| Feature | Beats Studio Pro | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Sound | Bass-heavy, immersive spatial audio | Balanced, detailed, hi-res LDAC support |
| ANC Performance | Excellent | Best in class |
| Transparency Mode | Clean and natural | Adaptive with voice detection |
| Battery Life | 24 hrs ANC on / 40 hrs off | 30 hrs ANC on / 40 hrs off |
| Weight | 260 g | 250 g |
| Connectivity | USB-C lossless, multipoint (Apple friendly) | Multipoint, LDAC, 3.5 mm + USB-C |
| Comfort | Snug, secure fit | Lightweight, ultra-comfortable |
| Price (Oct 2025) | $349 | $399 |
| Best For | Apple users, casual listeners | Travelers, audiophiles, professionals |
Bottom line: Sony WH-1000XM5 gives you more control and performance. Beats Studio Pro offers you effortless Apple integration and powerful, immersive sound. Both are top-tier, but your platform preference will tip the scales.
FAQs
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 better than the Beats Studio Pro?
Yes, Sony WH-1000XM5 offers stronger ANC, better battery life, and more customization, making it ideal for travelers and audiophiles.
Are Beats Pro better than Sony?
Beats Studio Pro excels in Apple ecosystem integration, spatial audio, and bass-driven sound, making it better for casual Apple users.
What’s better, Sony XM4 or Beats Studio Pro?
Sony XM4 still delivers excellent ANC and battery life, but Beats Studio Pro offers newer lossless USB-C audio and Apple-focused features.
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?
Yes, they’re among the best premium ANC headphones in 2025 — combining class-leading noise cancellation, comfort, and audio performance.