Bose and Sony have dominated the market for active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones for some time. However, Apple-owned Beats headphones also feature active noise cancellation. The Beats Studio3 Wireless is constructed from a soft, matte plastic that is incredibly smooth to the touch. They don’t attract as many fingerprints as you might expect, and the plush ear cups are nice. I can wear these for hours before my ears start to hurt, although the leatherette gets warm after a while. The headband, on the other hand, is made of a hard, grippy plastic that pulls on my hair.
The headphones can be quickly collapsed for travel, and the headband is adjustable. The Studio3 Wireless is rigid, and you can feel the headphones staining when subjected to minor bending. Fortunately, they include a hardshell carrying case, which I recommend using if you decide to purchase them. When you turn on the Beats Studio 3 Wireless, a pop-up prompt with a 3D model of the headphones will appear on your iPhone. To connect, simply tap the button on this pop-up.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]iOS 13 has a great interface for reconnecting to standard Bluetooth headphones, but the W1 chip makes the interaction feel more immediate. With all features activated, battery life is comparable to that of the Bose QuietComfort 35. You will receive 22 hours with wireless and ANC, compared to 20 hours with Bose. When active noise cancellation is deactivated, the Studio 3 Wireless’s battery life can reach up to 40 hours.
Usually, sound quality is the most important aspect of headphones, but this is not the case with noise cancelling headphones. You’re looking for something adequate, something that conveys the emotion and impact of the music without being overly concerned with its realism or authenticity. Even my current pick for the best-sounding noise-canceling headphones, the B&W PX, feels quite harsh and suboptimal when listened to in a quiet environment. The Beats Studio 3 performs adequately within this context of low expectations.
The soft leatherette cushioning and soft fibre on the drivers of the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are pleasing to the eye, but the headphones are not comfortable for extended use. The headphones weigh 260g and feel heavy on the head after approximately 45 minutes of use. The ear becomes warm, and a break is required. These are not the headphones you should consider purchasing for your workouts.
The Beats Studio3 is a substantial improvement over its predecessor. The battery life of these headphones has been enhanced, their wireless performance is flawless, and the W1 chip makes them extraordinarily functional. Noise cancellation is also improved, but still falls short of the best in class.