Beats Studio Pro vs WH-1000XM5
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Beats’s Beats Studio Pro and Sony’s WH-1000XM5 target the same over-ear headphones space in different ways. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the pair fits into your day.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging WH-1000XM5 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Beats Studio Pro wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging0.8
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The WH-1000XM5 has 6 h more listening per charge
Not a close call. The WH-1000XM5 lists 30 h and the Beats Studio Pro lists 24 h. That’s a substantial gap. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
-
The Beats Studio Pro has
Differences like this cut both ways. The Beats Studio Pro lists 1.57 in, the WH-1000XM5 1.18 in. Treat driver size as a design detail rather than a verdict on how each pair sounds.
Design & Size
Heft is not where these two differ.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear, foldable | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 9.17 oz | 8.82 oz Lightest in class |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Side by side, the sound & noise cancelling figures for the Beats Studio Pro and the WH-1000XM5 barely differ. On sound & noise cancelling alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Driver size
Beats Studio Pro: 1.57 in WH-1000XM5: 1.18 in Larger drivers can move more air, while smaller ones allow a more compact design; neither guarantees better sound.
Battery & Charging
WH-1000XM5 leads
This is one of the WH-1000XM5’s strongest areas. On battery & charging, the Beats Studio Pro falls well short. The WH-1000XM5 pulls ahead with 6 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. Anyone shopping mainly on battery & charging should start with the WH-1000XM5.
Battery (single charge)
Beats Studio Pro: 24 h WH-1000XM5: 30 h The WH-1000XM5 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to features & connectivity. Both cover features & connectivity well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 1.57 in | 1.18 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | 360 Reality Audio |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 24 h | 30 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Charging port | USB-C (lossless audio over USB-C) | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Class 1 Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Multipoint | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Physical buttons (b button, volume rocker) | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Over-ear, foldable | Over-ear |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 9.17 oz | 8.82 oz Lightest in class |
Price
| Spec | Beats Studio Pro | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $350 (winner) | $400 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
In launch price, the two are close: the Beats Studio Pro came in $50 lower. The Beats Studio Pro saves $50, but the WH-1000XM5 answers with 6 h more listening per charge.
Based on US launch pricing as of July 2023. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Beats Studio Pro if…
- you want more value for your money ($50 less at launch)
- you’re loyal to Beats and happy with it
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- you want longer listening per charge (30 h vs 24 h)
- you’re comfortable with how Sony does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Beats Studio Pro or the WH-1000XM5?
For most people, the WH-1000XM5 is the stronger choice, unless paying $50 more feels hard to justify for you.
Does the Beats Studio Pro last longer on a charge than the WH-1000XM5?
Going by the official figures, the WH-1000XM5 leads: 30 h versus 24 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which costs less, the Beats Studio Pro or the WH-1000XM5?
The Beats Studio Pro is the cheaper option, launching at $50 less than the WH-1000XM5 (launch prices as of July 2023).
Is the Beats Studio Pro lighter than the WH-1000XM5?
Neither by much. The Beats Studio Pro and the WH-1000XM5 weigh almost the same.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Beats Studio Pro and the WH-1000XM5, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. For me, the deciding factor is that only the WH-1000XM5 gives you 6 h more listening per charge.
The way I see it, people who prioritize price will be happier with the Beats Studio Pro, and those who prioritize battery & charging with the WH-1000XM5.
My pick: the WH-1000XM5, unless your budget can’t stretch another $50.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.