Beats Studio Pro - Update

Ok, so I've owned and used the Beats Studio Pro headset for a bit. (Two weeks, I believe.)

One annoying thing is that I tend to lose BT connectivity when using the headset with my iPad.  It happens when it's connected to my Dell laptop too, but it happens very frequently with my iPad.  Usuaully it happens when watching a video.  When it happens, it sometimes reconnects on it's own, but sometimes does not, which requires me to manually connect again.

Another thing is, I'm so used to the Airpods' hand-off to other Apple devices (iPad, MBA, iPhone)...it's seamless.  Sadly, that's not how it works with this headset and Apple devices - Apple has purposely hamstrung the headset so that it won't compete with Apple's headset.  Yes, Apple owns both technologies, but they've made the Beats the lesser product.

Noise cancellation works OK, but it's not as good as the Apple products.

Generally, I'm happy with the headset.  I've also purchased AC+ for it, just in case I keep having the BT disconnects.  I'm also not sure how durable they are in the long term and AC+ was like $30, which isn't bad, considering the cost of the headset.

A charge lasts ALL day and night, even with ANC enabled (you get more duration with ANC disabled, though).  You can also use them when they're charging.  You can also use an audio cable with them.  I've also been using them to sleep (I sleep on my back), although I usually take them off after a few hours.

I haven't used my SkullCandy Venue headset since I bought the Studio Pro headset.  I'm probably not going back.  I'll more than likely put them in an electronics recycle bin.

I'll continue to keep you all up to date on the Beats experience.

Beats Studio Pros

When the COVID19 pandemic hit, our offices shut down.  Our company gave us some funds to purchase equipment for working at home.  I'd bought an extra monitor and a set of noise cancelling headphones.

I bought the Skullcandy Venue wireless headset.  The headset was $130-$140...cheap for a noise-cancelling headset but I've been using it without issue since then.  It is now January of 2024 and that headset is limping along - it sometimes requires a full reset, as it gets into a condition where it will not accept connections.  The ear cushions are ragged and peeling.  The head band (the portion that sits on top of your head) cushioning cover ripped and was spilling it's innards, so I wrapped the whole thing with black electrical tape.

This is my work headset and I've grown used to it.  I though I'd buy another but they're no longer being sold or supported by Skullcandy.

My next step was to look into what best-equivalent to the Venue headset was available from Skullcandy.  Sadly, the next equivalent costs double the price ($220-ish).

I then looked at Apple's Beats Studio Pro.  While expensive on Apple's website, at $349, I saw that both Best Buy and Amazon were selling them with a mark down of 49%.  I decided to buy them from Apple's Amazon store.  I bought the headset in the Sandstone color for $179.  I'm also considering AppleCare+ for it.

I used it for 24 hours.  Some things to consider:

While it has ANC, it doesn't work as well as the AirPod Pro's ANC (either the old or new versions of those ear buds).  It works better than my Skullcandy Venue does, though.

One thing I always liked about the Venue was that it allows pairing to two sources.  Also, it has a Tile embedded into it.

The Beats Studio Pros aren't going to be on-par with Apple's headsets...they purposely neuter Beats headsets and ear buds so that they don't compete with Apple-branded products.

Still, these are good for work and I'm thinking they'll make for a good replacement for my aging and ailing Venue headset.  Plus, I got them for half the price, new.

I'll keep you apprised of my experiences with the Beats headset.