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Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones vs Sony MDR-M1

These are different tools. The Beats Studio3 is a wireless, noise-cancelling consumer headphone for commuting, calls and casual listening. The Sony MDR-M1 is a wired, closed-back studio monitor for recording, mixing and critical listening. Buy the Beats for travel and everyday use; buy the Sony for studio work and wired accuracy. Owners rate the Beats highly for comfort and ANC, while the MDR-M1's smaller but strong review base praises its neutral, detailed sound and light 216 g build.

  • Choose the Beats Studio3 if you want wireless freedom, active noise cancellation and Siri control for commuting, travel and casual listening.
  • Choose the Sony MDR-M1 if you need a wired, closed-back reference monitor for recording, mixing or accurate monitoring at a desk.

Prices

  • Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones: $56.00 at On Purpose Events (last seen Nov 3)
  • Sony MDR-M1: $205.99 at Teds Electronics (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones is $149.99 cheaper than the Sony MDR-M1 at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 13)
Beats
Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.6(30,871 ratings)
$56.00at On Purpose EventsChecked Nov 3
See all prices and details
Visit On Purpose Events
Pros
  • Active noise cancellation blocks engine and crowd noise
  • Wireless with Apple W1 chip for quick pairing
  • Up to 22 hours with ANC on; fast 10-minute charge
  • On-ear controls and Siri support
  • Carrying case and cable included
Cons
  • Bass-forward tuning is not neutral for studio work
  • Earpads and battery are not user-replaceable
  • Wired use needs the included cable
  • Heavier than the Sony
Sony
Sony MDR-M1

Sony MDR-M1

4.8(53 ratings)
$205.99at Teds ElectronicsChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Teds Electronics
Pros
  • Neutral, detailed reference sound from 5 Hz to 80 kHz
  • Very light at 216 g for long sessions
  • Closed back gives strong passive isolation
  • Replaceable earpads and detachable cables
  • Machined aluminum connectors and screw-in adapter
Cons
  • Wired only, no Bluetooth
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Not built for phone calls or travel
  • Fewer owner ratings than the Beats

What separates them

Beats Studio3 Wireless HeadphonesSony MDR-M1
ConnectionBluetooth wireless with a 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable includedWired only, with two detachable cable lengths
Noise cancellationActive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC)Passive isolation from a closed acoustic structure and thick ear pads
BatteryUp to 22 hours with ANC on, 40 hours in low-power mode; 10-minute charge gives 3 hoursNone; no battery needed
Sound signatureBalanced with enhanced bass, 40 mm drivers, 32 ohmNeutral reference tuning, 5 Hz to 80 kHz, tight controlled bass
WeightHeavier over-ear build216 g, very light for long sessions
Microphone and callsBuilt-in mic, on-ear controls, SiriWired mic support for open mic monitoring, not a call headset
MaintenanceFixed earpads, integrated rechargeable batteryReplaceable earpads and detachable cables
Best useCasual listening, travel, phone callsStudio recording, mixing, critical monitoring

Price history

$300.00$56.00
Oct 29Nov 14
  • Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones: lowest $56.00 on Nov 3 at On Purpose Events; $189.95 on Nov 14.
  • Sony MDR-M1: lowest $205.99 on Nov 4 at Teds Electronics; $205.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

  • My StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $84.18Checked Nov 12
    Visit My Store
  • On Purpose EventsNew

    Availability unknown

    $56.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit On Purpose Events
  • FormFitNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $60.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit FormFit
  • Misty Lane FarmNew

    Availability unknown

    $99.00Checked Nov 6
    Visit Misty Lane Farm

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • PayMore West OmahaCheck price at PayMore West Omaha

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All 39 stores and price history →

Sony MDR-M1

  • Teds ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $205.99Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Teds Electronics
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Focus CameraReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $268.00Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $268.00Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Lowe'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $213.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Lowe's
All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBeats Studio3 Wireless HeadphonesSony MDR-M1
ColorBlackBlack
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)20.05.0
Type of HeadphoneOver-EarOver-Ear
Battery life22 h—
Headphone styleOver-Ear—
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
WirelessY—
Wireless technologyBluetooth—
Rec. useCasual Listening—
Works withCell Phones—
Assembled product weight6.04 lb—
Inputs/OutputsBluetooth—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBeats Studio3 Wireless HeadphonesSony MDR-M1
AccessoriesCarrying Case—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Compatible smart control systemsSiri—
Virtual assistantSiri—
Generation3rd Generation—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Model nameMX3X2LL/A—
actual_colorBlack—
Headphone Cup Type

What reviewers say

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

  • 4.6 / 530,871 ratings

Ratings are strong at 4.6 out of 5 from over 30,000 buyers. Owners like the sound, the noise cancellation and the value, and many call them comfortable for long sessions. Complaints center on fit, build wear and noise cancellation that is weaker than newer models.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a full, bass-forward sound that suits pop and hip-hop.
  • Noise cancellationMixedIt quiets engine and fan noise well, but some find newer headphones cancel more.
  • FitMixedSoft cushions are comfortable for many, while others find the clamp tight and warm.
  • BuildCriticisedSome owners report ear pads and the headband peeling or cracking with use.

Sony MDR-M1

  • 4.8 / 553 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 53 ratings, buyers are largely satisfied. Praise centers on comfort over long sessions and the isolation of the closed cups.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners say the soft, thick pads stay comfortable through long sessions.
  • IsolationPraisedThe closed cups block enough bleed for open-mic monitoring.
  • SoundPraisedReviewers describe a balanced response with controlled bass.
  • FitMixedSome find the clamp tight out of the box before the headband loosens.

Questions and answers

Which is better for commuting and travel?
The Beats Studio3. It is wireless, has active noise cancellation and runs up to 22 hours with ANC on. The Sony MDR-M1 is wired and relies on passive isolation.
Which is better for studio recording and mixing?
The Sony MDR-M1. Its closed-back design, neutral tuning and 5 Hz to 80 kHz range suit monitoring and mixing. The Beats has a bass-forward consumer sound.
Which is more comfortable for long sessions?
The Sony is lighter at 216 g and has thick, replaceable earpads. The Beats has soft over-ear cushions but a heavier build.
Does the Sony MDR-M1 have Bluetooth or noise cancellation?
No. It is a wired headphone with passive isolation only. Choose the Beats if you need wireless and ANC.
Which lasts longer?
The Sony is built for years of use with replaceable earpads and detachable cables. The Beats' battery and earpads are not user-replaceable.
Is the Beats worth stepping up to over the Sony?
Only if you need wireless, ANC and calls. For sound accuracy and studio durability, the Sony is the stronger pick.

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Over-ear
—
Body Part UseEar—
Noise Cancellation TypeActive—
Rechargeable BatteryYes—
Earpad MaterialSoft over-ear cushions—
Driver Size40 mm—
Frequency Response20000 Hz—
Headphone Impedance32 ohm—
Sensitivity112 dB—
Sound OutputStereo—
Audio HighlightsNoise Isolation, Ambient Sound Mode, Echo Cance…—
WaterproofNo—
Water ResistantNo—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth—
Wireless TypeBluetooth—
Bluetooth VersionClass 1 Bluetooth—
Compatible DevicesApple devices, iOS devices, iPhone—
Ports And Interfaces3.5mm Jack—
Cable Length3 ft—