Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Beats Studio Pro
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, known for its unbeatable active noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. After testing both models, I found that the Sony’s 30-hour battery life with noise cancellation is solid, but the Beats Studio Pro takes the lead with up to 40 hours when ANC is off. What matters most here is how these specs impact your daily use; the longer battery of the Beats means fewer charging breaks during long listening sessions or travel in 2026. The trade-off is significant. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers top-tier noise cancellation, making it perfect for drowning out distractions, especially in noisy environments. However, if you prioritize extended battery life for long trips or just want a more compact design, the Beats Studio Pro's 40-hour battery and build are compelling reasons to consider it. Key specs: Weight: 8.82 oz vs 9.17 oz and Battery: 30h vs 40h (ANC off).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (premium flagship) and Beats Studio Pro (high-end) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Beats Studio |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (18,670 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (24,643 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) | USB-C audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously |
| Main Drawback | Non-foldable design reduces portability | No wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Beats Studio Pro
Over-ear
Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input
Bluetooth 5.3
SBC, AAC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Beats Studio Pro
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Beats Studio Pro
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Beats Studio Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.5(24,643)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40mm custom active driver |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Upgraded voice-targeting microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 40 hrs (ANC off); up to 24 hrs (ANC or Transparency on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; 10 min Fast Fuel = up to 4 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | No (Supports ecosystem switching for Apple/Android) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | No (no dedicated wireless mode, lossless via USB-C) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (USB-C lossless audio + 3.5mm analog) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 260 g |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Physical 'b' button, volume rocker, multi-function button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | No app EQ; 3 onboard profiles available via USB-C only |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Personalized Spatial Audio w/ Head Tracking; Find My / Find My Device support; One-touch pairing (iOS/Android) |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Cons
- Non-foldable design reduces portability
- Price increase compared to previous generation
Beats Studio Pro
Over-ear
Bluetooth (Class 1), USB-C audio, 3.5mm analog input
Bluetooth 5.3
SBC, AAC
Yes (Fully Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Transparency mode)
Pros
- USB-C audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously
- Excellent physical control buttons (no finicky touch controls)
Cons
- No wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed)
- No generic Bluetooth Multipoint (can't connect to 2 devices at once)
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its top-tier noise cancellation and 30-hour battery crushes the Beats Studio Pro. That said, grab the Beats Studio Pro if you need longer battery life at 40 hours - it’s a great option for travel.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want top-notch active noise cancellation, prioritize call quality with 8 microphones, or need a headphone that connects to two devices simultaneously.
Choose the Beats Studio Pro if: you value longer battery life, prefer physical controls over touch, or want native features like lossless audio via USB-C. (9.17 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Beats Studio
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Beats Studio
Market-leading active noise Priority
Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Beats Studio Pro leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.2★. That said, Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones or Beats Studio Pro?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Beats Studio Pro wins if you value usb-c audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously. Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Beats Studio Pro?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offers market-leading active noise cancellation (anc), while Beats Studio Pro stands out with usb-c audio supports lossless playback and charging simultaneously. Consider that Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones non-foldable design reduces portability. Meanwhile, Beats Studio Pro no wear detection sensors (does not auto-pause when removed). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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