The Beats Studio 3 headphones are Apple’s premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience. With Apple’s W1 chip for seamless pairing, Pure ANC to block external noise, and high-performance drivers for immersive sound, the Beats Studio 3 aim to be the ultimate headphones for music, movies, and more.
But with a premium price tag, are the Beats Studio 3 worth the investment? This comprehensive review will examine the Studio 3’s design, features, sound quality, battery life, and overall performance to help you determine if they are the right headphones for you.
Overview of the Beats Studio 3 Headphones
The Beats Studio 3 headphones were released in 2017 as the newest iteration of Beats’ popular Studio over-ear headphones line. Key features of the Beats Studio 3 include:
- Apple W1 Chip: Allows near instant pairing and switching between Apple devices. Provides Class 1 wireless connectivity.
- Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling (Pure ANC): Monitors and adjusts for external noise to provide immersive sound.
- Up to 22 hours of battery life: Gets 3 hours of play with a 10 minute charge via Fast Fuel.
- Premium drivers and acoustics: Deliver powerful, balanced sound with low distortion across the frequency curve.
- On-ear controls: Allow easy control of music, calls, and Pure ANC.
- Dual-mode pairing: Can connect to two devices at once so you never miss a call.
- Comfortable design: Soft over-ear cushions in breathable material block out noise while staying cool.
The Beats Studio 3 headphones come in six color options – matte black, white, blue, gray, red, and desert sand. They retail for $349.95, positioning them as a premium headphone option.
Beats Studio 3 Review Details
This in-depth Beats Studio 3 review covers everything you need to know about the headphones’ design, features, sound quality, and overall performance.
Design of the Beats Studio 3
The Beats Studio 3 feature an eye-catching, durable design centered around all-day comfort:
- Premium build quality: Durable framework with metal and plastic components. Sturdy construction.
- Foldable design: Earcups fold inward into a compact shape for easy storage in the carrying case.
- Comfortable fit: Breathable cushions and adjustable headband provide a secure yet comfortable fit.
- Lightweight: Weigh just 215 grams for all-day wearing comfort.
- Functional controls: On-ear controls make it easy to adjust volume, change tracks, and toggle Pure ANC.
- Charging port: Micro-USB input allows convenient charging from many sources.
- Carrying case: Hard shell case protects the headphones when storing in a bag.
Overall, the Beats Studio 3 have an attractive yet functional design suited for everyday use whether at home or on-the-go. The sturdy build and soft padding ensure long-wearing comfort.
Features of the Beats Studio 3
As Apple headphones, the Beats Studio 3 are packed with features to provide a seamless wireless listening experience:
- Apple W1 Chip: Enables near instant pairing, stable connections, and seamless handoff between Apple devices.
- Pure ANC: Monitors noise continuously and adjusts level of noise cancellation needed. Quiet, immersive sound.
- Fast Fuel: Get 3 hours of play with a 10 minute charge via micro-USB.
- 22-hour battery life: Up to 22 hours of listening time per charge with Pure ANC on.
- Dual-mode pairing: Connect to two devices at the same time and seamlessly switch between them.
- On-ear controls: Buttons allow you to adjust volume, change tracks, take calls, and control Pure ANC.
- Siri access: Use your voice to activate Siri and navigate music handsfree.
- Audio sharing: Plug in a second pair of headphones to share your music.
The combination of the W1 chip, Pure ANC, intuitive controls, and seamless connectivity gives the Studio 3 an outstanding feature set perfect for any Apple user.
Sound Quality of the Beats Studio 3 Headphones
With Apple tuning and premium drivers, the Studio 3 deliver excellent wireless audio quality:
- Well-balanced sound profile: Strong bass response with crisp highs and clear mids. Excellent clarity across the frequency range.
- Powerful bass: The large drivers and expert tuning allow you to truly feel the beat in hip hop, EDM, and rock.
- Minimal distortion: Even at high volumes, the sound has very low levels of distortion for pure, immersive audio.
- Excellent noise isolation: The over-ear cushions completely cover the ears to block out external noise.
- Impressive soundstage: The wide, open sound makes music sound live rather than closed in.
- Crystal clear audio for calls: The beamforming microphones capture your voice clearly on phone calls.
Whether you like thumping basslines, soaring vocals, or acoustic intricacies, the Studio 3 deliver excellent wired or wireless sound quality perfect for enjoying music across genres.
Comfort and Fit of the Beats Studio 3
In terms of comfort, the Beats Studio 3 excel at providing a secure yet comfortable fit:
- Adjustable headband: Get the perfect customized fit for your head size.
- Plush ear cushions: The soft, breathable material prevents sweat buildup during long listening sessions.
- Lightweight design: At just 215 grams, the headphones stay comfortable for hours without neck strain.
- Flexible earcups: The earcups smoothly conform to the shape of your head for a natural fit.
- Even pressure: The headband distributes weight evenly so there are no tight pressure points.
- Glasses friendly: Those who wear glasses can comfortably wear the Studio 3 without pain.
The Studio 3 achieve a great balance of feeling secure on your head while remaining light enough for all-day wear. The plush cushions and customizable fit provide hours of fatigue-free listening comfort.
Battery Life of the Beats Studio 3
The Studio 3 offer excellent battery life that rivals other premium wireless headphones:
- Up to 22 hours playback: Gets up to 22 hours of continuous playback per charge with Pure ANC on.
- Long standby time: Can last for several days on standby for convenient daily use.
- Fast Fuel charging: A 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of playback when the battery runs low.
- Battery status indicator: LEDs indicate the current battery life so you know when to charge.
- Wired listening option: Plugging into the 3.5mm audio cable allows unlimited use without battery.
- Quick connection: The W1 chip enables the headphones to quickly reconnect without draining the battery.
With multiple days of wireless listening per charge, the Studio 3 deliver outstanding battery life. You rarely have to worry about the headphones running out of juice.
Calling and Connectivity of the Beats Studio 3
Making calls and connecting wirelessly is quick and reliable using these headphones:
- Seamless Apple pairing: The W1 chip enables near instant pairing, switching between Apple devices, and better Bluetooth range.
- Reliable wireless connection: Bluetooth 4.0 provides a solid, skip-free connection within range.
- Dual pairing mode: Connect to your iPhone and Mac simultaneously to easily switch between the two.
- Clear call quality: The beamforming microphones reduce ambient noise so your voice comes through clearly on calls.
- Siri access: Activate Siri by tapping the multifunction button to change songs and more handsfree.
- Audio sharing: Plug in a second pair of headphones to the Studio 3 to share the same audio stream.
Thanks to Apple W1 and Bluetooth 4.0, you can count on quick connections, stable streaming, and intelligible calling performance. Dual pairing further boosts the wireless convenience.
Beats Studio 3 vs Other Headphones
So how do the Beats Studio 3 compare to other popular over-ear headphones? Here’s a rundown of how the Studio 3 stack up:
Beats Studio 3 vs Bose QuietComfort 35 II
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: Very effective at blocking ambient noise | Slight edge in noise cancellation using Pure ANC |
| Sound Quality: Balanced sound profile with rich detail | Richer bass and warmer tone – better for hip hop, pop, and rock |
| Comfort: Extremely plush and lightweight | Nearly as comfortable with plush ear cushions |
| Battery Life: 20 hours per charge | Longer battery at 22 hours per charge |
| Connectivity: Seamless Bluetooth pairing | Apple W1 provides better Apple device pairing |
| Price: $$349.95 | Same price point at $349.95 |
Beats Studio 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM3
| Sony WH-1000XM3 | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: Industry-leading ANC using QN1 chip | Very capable ANC but not as advanced as Sony |
| Sound Quality: Spacious, clean audio reproduction | Warmer, bass-heavy sound better suits pop/hip hop |
| Comfort: Plush cushions, lightweight at 255g | Nearly as comfortable and similarly lightweight |
| Battery Life: 30 hours per charge | Shorter at 22 hour battery life |
| Connectivity: NFC pairing, Sony app | Seamless Apple pairing with W1 chip |
| Price: $$349.99 | Same price at $349.95 |
Beats Studio 3 vs Beats Studio 2
| Beats Studio 2 | Beats Studio 3 |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality: Punchy with exaggerated bass | More accurate audio, improved clarity and balance |
| Noise Cancellation: No active NC, only passive isolation | Adds Pure ANC to electronically cancel noise |
| Battery Life: 12 hours | Nearly doubles battery life to 22 hours |
| Connectivity: Bluetooth pairing | Adds Apple W1 Chip for faster pairing |
| Comfort: Fixed earcups | New pivot design for better fit |
| Price: $279.95 | Higher price at $349.95 |
When compared to other top noise-canceling headphones, the Beats Studio 3 hold their own with great sound, comfort, and battery life. The Apple W1 chip gives them better iPhone connectivity over competitors.
Who Should Buy the Beats Studio 3?
The Studio 3 excel in many categories, but may be better suited to certain users’ needs:
- Apple users – The W1 chip provides a seamless experience for iPhone, iPad, and Mac owners by enabling instant pairing and device switching.
- Commuters – The excellent noise cancellation blocks out loud environments like trains to immerse you in your music.
- Frequent flyers – The foldable design and long battery life make the Studio 3 ideal for traveling.
- Phone call heavy users – The headphones work great for clear phone calls thanks to beamforming microphones.
- Hip hop/pop/rock listeners – The boosted bass and warm profile cater to fans of bass-heavy genres.
- Athletes – The secure fit stays put during workouts while resisting sweat.
For Apple users wanting premium noise cancellation, sound quality, and convenience, the Beats Studio 3 are an excellent headphone choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Beats Studio 3
Still have some questions about Apple’s premium Beats Studio 3 headphones? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Are the Beats Studio 3 good headphones?
Yes, the Beats Studio 3 are very good over-ear headphones that offer great sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. The Apple W1 chip also makes them seamless to use with Apple devices.
Do the Beats Studio 3 sound good?
The Studio 3 deliver excellent sound quality with powerful bass, crisp treble, and clear mids. The large drivers provide immersive, distortion-free sound across genres.
Does the Beats Studio 3 have good noise cancelling?
Yes, Pure ANC is very effective at blocking out ambient noise continuously. It provides a quiet, immersive listening experience in loud environments.
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Are Beats Studio 3 good for working out?
Yes, the secure fit, sweat resistance, and stable wireless connection make the Studio 3 a good option for working out. The lack of waterproofing means you should be careful using them during intense exercise though.
Can you use Beats Studio 3 wired?
Yes, the Studio 3 come with a 3.5mm audio cable you can plug in for unlimited wired listening when the battery runs out. The noise cancellation features are disabled in wired mode however.
Do Beats Studio 3 work with Android?
Yes, the Beats Studio 3 are compatible with Android devices via Bluetooth. However, the seamless connectivity and pairing of the Apple W1 chip will only work with iOS devices.
Conclusion – A Premium Listening Experience
The Beats Studio 3 deliver a first-class wireless listening experience that lives up to their premium price tag. With Class 1 Bluetooth, Apple W1 for seamless pairing, Pure ANC to shut out noise, and high-performance acoustics, the Studio 3 checks all the boxes for fantastic sound in practically any environment.
While the noise cancellation and battery don’t quite measure up to class leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM3, the Studio 3 still hold their own as a top contender in the category – especially for Apple users wanting a complete ecosystem experience.
With style, substance, and plenty of features tailored for music, movies, calls, and everyday use, the Beats Studio 3 are easy to recommend for those seeking a versatile, travel-friendly pair of headphones that look as good as they sound. They deliver the signature Beats listening experience in a tighter, Apple-refined package that competes with the very best.
