When it comes to premium over-ear headphones, Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4 are two of the most searched names in 2025. Both models have built a loyal following—Beats for its bold sound and Apple ecosystem integration, and Sony for its industry-leading noise cancellation and audio finesse.
However, thanks to new firmware additions, better audio codecs, and lower prices this year, the competition has never been as close as ever. In case you are confused between the two giants, you will find this comparative breakdown useful in making a decision which one of the two suits your lifestyle better.
We will compare design, audio quality, ANC, battery life, features, and the general value in real-life applications, not through a paper. Let’s dive in.
Design, Comfort & Build: Which Feels Premium Longer?
When you’re investing in premium headphones, comfort and build quality are more than just features — they’re deal-breakers.
Beats Studio Pro (2025)
Beats Studio Pro keeps the signature sleek minimal design, available in four finishes — Black, Navy, Sandstone, and Deep Brown. It weighs 260 grams, making it slightly lighter than many competitors.
The earcups are made from ultra-soft leatherette, and the clamp force has been reduced somewhat with the latest version to improve long-session comfort.
The construction is solid, and its headband is flexible and powerful in hinges. Beats also includes a hard-shell travel case, hence convenient for daily and traveling purposes.
The physical button controls are non-greasy and feelable: a significant advantage among people who do not like touch screens as much as they enjoy physical buttons.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 still holds its ground even in 2025 with its lightweight 254-gram build, making it one of the most comfortable ANC headphones ever released. The padding is soft and evenly distributed, reducing pressure around the ears during long listening sessions.
The matte finish is also high quality, but it is easier to smudge than the Beats. Sony also has touch-sensitive buttons on the right earcup that are smooth, but not everybody’s preference during cold or wet weather.
Winner: If you prioritize comfort over aesthetics, the Sony WH-1000XM4 takes a slight lead due to its feather-light fit and pressure-free padding. But if looks and sturdy build matter more to you, the Beats Studio Pro scores higher.
Sound Signature & Audio Quality — Bass, Mids, Treble Compared
When it comes to audio, Beats and Sony approach sound very differently — and this is where most users pick their winner.
Beats Studio Pro (2025)
Beats is famous for its bass-forward signature, but the Studio Pro has evolved. Thanks to custom 40 mm drivers and lossless USB-C audio, the sound profile is more balanced now.
- Bass: Deep and punchy, perfect for hip-hop, pop, and EDM.
- Mids: More defined than previous Beats models, giving vocals extra clarity.
- Treble: Controlled, not harsh, ideal for long listening.
- Hi-Res support: Wired USB-C audio supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz playback.
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Enhances immersion for movies and Apple Music users.
This makes Beats Studio Pro a strong choice for users who want energetic sound without distortion, especially at higher volumes.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony takes a more neutral and refined approach with its 40 mm drivers and LDAC support.
- Bass: Deep but tighter and more controlled.
- Mids: Exceptional clarity; instruments and vocals are well-separated.
- Treble: Crisp and slightly brighter than Beats, making it ideal for jazz, classical, and acoustic genres.
- LDAC & DSEE Extreme: Upscales compressed audio in real-time, delivering excellent wireless quality.
For users who value high-fidelity audio over punchy bass, Sony WH-1000XM4 remains a top contender even in 2025.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers richer detail and a wider soundstage, making it better for audiophiles. However, the Beats Studio Pro is excellent for casual listeners who love a more fun, energetic profile.
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Modes Tested
When comparing Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM4, noise cancellation is one of the biggest deciding factors. Both headphones use advanced ANC algorithms, but their real-world performance has some key differences.
Beats Studio Pro (2025)
Beats has seriously stepped up its ANC game. Using adaptive active noise cancellation, it intelligently adjusts to surrounding environments in real time. In tests, it effectively reduces low-frequency sounds up to 85–90%, like airplane engines, train rumbles, and AC hums.
The transparency mode is crystal clear, allowing external sound in without feeling artificial. This is ideal for office use or city commuting when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. Apple’s chipset integration also makes switching between ANC and transparency nearly instantaneous.
However, while impressive, the Studio Pro’s ANC struggles slightly with high-frequency noises like chatter in cafés compared to Sony’s.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM4 has been a gold standard in ANC since its release — and even in 2025, its performance is excellent. It uses dual noise sensor technology and a Q1N processor to analyze and cancel noise with precision.
In real-world tests, the XM4 blocks up to 95% of low-frequency noise and handles mid and high-frequency sounds remarkably well. Sony also offers Adaptive Sound Control, which learns your environment (e.g., office, commute, gym) and auto-adjusts ANC levels.
Transparency mode is natural, and the Speak-to-Chat feature automatically lowers volume when you talk, a convenient touch that Beats doesn’t offer.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4 takes the crown for noise cancellation. It remains one of the quietest listening experiences available, especially in noisy environments.
Battery Life, Charging & Real-World Usage
Battery performance can make or break the wireless headphone experience, especially for frequent travelers, gym-goers, or daily commuters.
Beats Studio Pro (2025)
Beats Studio Pro delivers up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC off and around 24 hours on. This is a big improvement from older Beats models. It supports fast charging via USB-C, giving you 4 hours of playback in just 10 minutes.
The headphones also support wired USB-C audio, so you can listen even when the battery is dead — something Sony’s WH-1000XM4 lacks. That’s a huge plus for power users and travelers who don’t want battery anxiety.
A nice touch is automatic power saving — if you remove the headphones, they go into low-power standby mode to conserve charge.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 remains one of the most reliable in the industry, with 30 hours of playback with ANC on and around 38 hours with ANC off. It also supports fast charging via USB-C, delivering 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.
While it doesn’t have USB-C audio passthrough like Beats, it supports wired 3.5 mm audio for unlimited playback. Its intelligent auto power-off and wear detection further optimize battery performance.
Winner: If battery endurance and flexibility matter most, Beats Studio Pro slightly edges out Sony. But Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a more balanced battery-to-feature ratio with somewhat faster charging.
Features, App Control & Connectivity (LDAC, AAC, Multipoint)
When it comes to smart features and connectivity, both Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4 offer advanced options — but they shine in different ways depending on your ecosystem.
Beats Studio Pro (2025)
Beats Studio Pro benefits from Apple’s H1 chip integration, allowing instant pairing with iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Find My location tracking, and USB-C audio for lossless playback.
Unlike older Beats, the Studio Pro supports Android devices seamlessly too — fast pair works across platforms, and you can access firmware updates via the Beats app on both iOS and Android.
- Codec support: AAC, SBC, and wired lossless USB-C.
- Multipoint connectivity: Supported for pairing with two devices simultaneously.
- Transparency & ANC controls: Accessible with a physical button — fast and reliable.
However, it lacks LDAC support, which is a downside for Android audiophiles who want maximum wireless fidelity.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is still one of the most feature-packed ANC headphones available. Its LDAC support delivers high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, and DSEE Extreme upscales compressed tracks beautifully.
The Sony Headphones Connect app is among the most customizable in the market — you can adjust EQ, ANC levels, touch controls, and even set location-based sound settings.
- Codec support: LDAC, AAC, SBC.
- Multipoint connectivity: Seamless switching between two devices.
- Voice assistant: Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
Sony also includes Speak-to-Chat, wear detection, and customizable gestures, giving it a serious edge in smart functionality.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4 takes the lead with its deeper customization and audio codec flexibility, especially for Android users and audiophiles. Beats wins on simplicity and ecosystem integration for Apple users.
Who Should Buy Which One in 2025?
Both the Beats Studio Pro and Sony WH-1000XM4 have proven their worth in the premium headphone market. But the best choice depends on what matters most to you.
Beats Studio Pro is ideal if you value:
- A sleek, durable design
- Longer battery life
- Apple ecosystem integration and USB-C audio
- Punchy, bass-driven sound for casual listening
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better pick if you want:
- Class-leading ANC performance
- LDAC support and more refined audio quality
- Deep app customization and smart features
- Comfort for long listening sessions
In 2025, Beats Studio Pro typically retails around $349, while Sony WH-1000XM4 often sells for around $279 due to its age, making it a better value for money if you prioritize performance over branding. But if you’re deeply tied to Apple’s ecosystem, Beats Studio Pro gives you a cleaner, more seamless experience.
Final Verdict:
- For Apple users and those who love bass-forward sound — go for Beats Studio Pro.
- For audiophiles, travelers, or those wanting maximum customization, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is still one of the smartest buys in 2025.
FAQs
Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 better than the Beats?
Yes, Sony WH-1000XM4 offers better ANC, audio clarity, and customization, making it ideal for audiophiles and frequent travelers.
Are Beats Studio Pro better than Sony?
Beats Studio Pro excels in battery life, design, and Apple integration, making it a great pick for iPhone users who prefer a bass-forward sound.
Are Beats Studio Pro better than M4?
Not overall — Beats are great for Apple users, but Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers superior ANC and audio performance for most listeners.
Is there anything better than the Sony WH-1000XM4?
Yes, newer models like Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra offer upgraded ANC and sound, but XM4 still gives top-tier performance at a lower price.