Beats 360 vs Studio Pro: Here’s which Beats headphones you should buy

In September, Apple unveiled the new Beats 360 headphones, its first over-ear model since the 2023 release of Beats Studio Pro. However, the older Beats Studio Pro are still available at a lower price point, raising the question of which pair of Beats headphones is the best value. The most notable distinction between the two is their price – the Beats Studio Pro are consistently discounted and can be purchased for $199 to $249 on Amazon, while the Beats 360 are priced at the original $349 launch price.

Despite their lower price and older design, the Beats Studio Pro have a couple of advantages over the Beats 360. Primarily, they are more compact and can fold down, making them easier to carry around. Additionally, the Beats Studio Pro offer a headphone jack, whereas the Beats 360 do not have any wired audio options, including USB-C. This means that the Beats Studio Pro can be used in environments where Bluetooth audio is inconvenient, such as with a game console or on an airplane.

One of my favorite features of the Beats 360 is their UltraPlush cushions, which can be swapped in for added comfort. However, these cushions are an extra cost, while the Beats Studio Pro come with them by default. Newer than the Beats Studio Pro, the Beats 360 provide several improvements, such as clearer transparency mode, stronger noise cancellation, and automatic device switching, which can be particularly beneficial for those who prioritize Apple ecosystem integration.

Noise cancellation and automatic device switching are particularly important if you are buying Beats for their Apple compatibility.

In my personal testing, the Beats 360's transparency mode is easier to hear through, allowing for conversation without removing the headphones. Noise cancellation is a personal preference, but the Beats 360 offer noticeably better noise cancellation. Finally, the Beats 360 feature a customizable design that allows for easy replacement of earcups over time, whereas the Beats Studio Pro lack this flexibility.

Although the Beats Studio Pro are significantly cheaper, I would generally recommend the Beats 360 for those seeking a comprehensive Apple experience, as they offer additional ecosystem-friendly features. However, if a headphone jack, foldable design, and color options are important to you, the Beats Studio Pro may still be a worthwhile choice, especially at a $150 price difference.