Beats Studio Pro vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Which model do you recommend?

So far, we have not found wireless headphones that have unseated the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the kings of sound. Can the Beats Studio Pro be relegated to second position? A priori, we see things that we really like in both models, so the best way to know which is more complete and interesting is to analyze them in detail. And that is what we are going to do now in this article, in which we compare the Beats Studio Pro and the Sony WH-1000XM5.

They are both circumaural headphones, although their design is quite recognizable, they are not the most similar there are. Regarding the most requested functionalities in this type of device, both have active noise cancellation, ambient sound and spatial audio. The Sonys also have a feature that we love, adaptive control. In reality, it is a way to make the user experience more comfortable, because the headphones themselves identify the outdoor space we are in and adjust themselves.

And what about the battery? Here, we recognize that the two headphones are very tied, and that is that they have a very similar autonomy. The Beats take a little less time to recharge, but since they both have fast charging, it is not a decisive aspect either. On the other hand, both can be used interchangeably with iOS and Android devices, although Beats are not used in the same way on iPhones as on Android smartphones.

In short, if you are looking for high-quality wireless headphones and you don’t know whether to opt for the Beats or the Sony, pay close attention to our review!

Beats Studio Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM5 – Comparison Table

If you want to know how these two wireless headphones are different to choose the most suitable one for you, take a look at the table below. In it, we show you the main characteristics of both:

Design: same typology, different presentation

It is inevitable that the first thing we look at is the design, and, in this case, we are looking at two clearly different models. Both the Beats Studio Pro and the Sony WH-1000XM5 are circumaural headphones; That is, its pads cover the ear completely. However, they have a very different presentation. Those from Beats opt for more rounded shapes in the ear pads, and have a thicker headband.

For their part, the Sony headphones have a thinner but somewhat more padded headband, and their ear pads are oval. As for colors, both are available in several different colors. The aesthetic part is more subjective, although we are more convinced by Sony’s proposal because the oval shape of the pads adapts better to our ears. Of course, both have a case to transport them, and they are foldable.

Noise cancellation: which model wins?

It is fair to start by saying that the two protagonists of our review have extraordinary performance in noise cancellation. However, we stayed with the Sony WH-1000XM5 because they are capable of isolating outside noise more clearly at lower frequencies.

In reality, we have not found ones that do it better, so far, although it is true that the difference in noise cancellation is smaller with the Beats Studio Pro than with other models. On the other hand, both have ambient sound mode so you can leave the sound in the background if you prefer, as well as the spatial audio function.

Adaptive sound control, advantage for Sony

We come to one of the features that we like the most about the Sony WH-1000XM5, and that Beats has not replicated. We refer to adaptive sound control. Sony headphones are able to recognize what type of outdoor environment you are in (whether you are in the office, in a cafe, walking, etc.), and adapt the sound to each situation.

This seems to us to be a plus in terms of comfort and innovation that makes the experience much more pleasant, and that, at the moment, Beats does not have. The Beats Studio Pro allows you to regulate the noise cancellation or the ambient mode very well, but it lacks this extra automation.

Which headphones have more autonomy?

If we look at the battery life, which is another important aspect to choose from, they are very even. Theoretically, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can reach 30 hours with the noise cancellation function activated, but in practice, they are closer to the 24 hours achieved by the Beats Studio Pro. And considering both can run for up to 40 hours without ANC, it’s practically a tie. Likewise, both have fast charging.

Two more microphones always add up

The Beats Studio Pro have a total of 6 microphones, of which 4 are dedicated to mitigating outside noise, and 2 are dedicated to transmitting your voice more clearly. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 have 8 microphones, adding one more to each earpiece. It’s not that it’s a brutal difference, but the audio quality is slightly better on the Sony. Especially in windy conditions, since an extra microphone helps reduce outside noise.

How are the headphones controlled?

In this aspect we are going to be more thorough, because there is a small nuance to take into account. The Beats Studio Pro have the control buttons on the headphones themselves . The Sony WH-1000XM5 are also controlled by touch, only their control is somewhat more technological because there are no buttons, but sensors. This makes it a little more confusing at first, but once you get used to it, it’s more comfortable and faster than buttons.

Voice detection, another small difference

Both Beats and Sony headphones can be controlled via voice, thanks to the fact that they both incorporate virtual assistants. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 includes Speak-to-Chat functionality. With it, they are able to identify when you start a conversation to automatically pause the music. When you finish speaking, it will resume. Once again, a functionality that results in more comfort for the user.

Compatibility with other devices

Finally, we refer to the versatility that the two wireless headphones offer when synchronizing with other devices . Both the Beats Studio Pro and the Sony WH-1000XM5 can connect with iOS and Android devices. However, they are not used exactly the same. In fact, the functionalities that you can perform on Beats headphones are much reduced if you have an Android smartphone than if you have an iPhone. In this sense, Sony is somewhat more versatile, since it does not make such a big differentiation.

Can Beats beat Sony?

We have to admit that the Beats Studio Pro have pleasantly surprised us in many aspects, and they are one of the wireless headphones that have managed to most resemble the Sony WH-1000XM5. However, these continue to lead our ranking. First of all, because the noise cancellation and audio quality are better than the Beats Studio Pro. Also, because they have the adaptive sound control function that we find super interesting and which we usually use a lot.

In the autonomy section, they are tied. Likewise, Sony headphones can not only operate using your voice, but also recognize it to pause when you start a conversation. For all these small issues, the Sony WH-1000XM5 remain the best wireless headphones so far.

Of course, their price is somewhat higher, so if you prefer to opt for cheaper wireless headphones, the Beats Studio Pro are a great quality-price alternative. The decision, as you know, depends on your preferences and your needs.