I Tried the Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless in 2025 — And I Honestly Didn’t Expect This

Thinking about getting the Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless in 2025? I was wondering the same thing. These headphones have been around for a long time, they’ve had their fair share of praise and hate, and the internet is filled with outdated, half-baked reviews that don’t actually help you decide anything.

So, as always, I’m going to give you my brutally honest, no-BS review so you can make a smart and informed decision. Let’s keep it real. I’m just gonna tell you how it actually is.

Before we jump in, a quick note for context:

• Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless released: 2013
• Succeeded by:
  • Beats Studio 3 Wireless (2017)
  • Beats Studio Pro (2023)
• Meaning: Studio 2.0 Wireless are now considered “older generation,” but the used and renewed market for them is huge, and they’re surprisingly still popular.

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Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless – Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely comfortable for long listening
• Stylish and still look modern even in 2025
• Bluetooth wireless + ANC combo is convenient
• Fun, energetic sound signature
• Great for modern music (pop, hip-hop, EDM)

Cons

• Build quality feels cheaper than the price
• ANC is average and slightly outdated
• Sound accuracy is not for professionals
• Expensive at launch (but good deals now)
• They do NOT work without battery power

Why My Review Matters (How I Test)

I don’t do those 5-minute “read the spec sheet and pretend I used it” type of reviews.

When I review headphones:

• I actually use them for hours every day
• I test them in multiple real-world environments
• I compare them directly with competitors
• I look at comfort, portability, build, sound, ANC, wireless performance, long-term durability
• And most importantly: I say exactly what I think, even if it goes against the hype

So now that we’re all caught up — let’s get into it.

Features + Unboxing Experience

Let me start by saying this:

The feature set of the Beats Studio 2 Wireless was way ahead of its time.

Back in 2013, the Bluetooth + ANC combo wasn’t nearly as mainstream as it is today. Now in 2025, it feels normal, but when these dropped, they were one of the few non-Bose headphones offering this level of wireless convenience.

Wireless Bluetooth

No cables, no tangling, no mess. Bluetooth is smooth, pairing is straightforward, and even though the tech is older, it holds a stable connection surprisingly well.

Active Noise Cancellation

This is where opinions split. The ANC is fine, not great. It’s noticeably weaker than what Bose and Sony offer today, and if no music is playing, you will hear the classic ANC “hiss.” For some people it’s annoying; others don’t mind.

But with music on? Most coffee shop, library, and bus noises fade enough to enjoy your music.

Rechargeable Battery

No AAA batteries. No swapping cells. Just plug in via USB, charge, and go. Battery indicators are on the left side — five LED dots showing how much juice is left.

Optional Wired Mode

If the battery runs low, you can plug in using a cable.

BUT: The headphone must be turned on even in wired mode, which annoys a lot of people.

Foldable Design + Hard Case

They fold down nicely and the case is pretty solid, though it’s annoying that it doesn’t have storage for extra cables.

Style & Aesthetics

Even today, Beats are some of the few headphones you can wear in public without looking like a complete tech nerd.

The matte black version especially? Absolutely gorgeous.

Unboxing Experience

Look — I know not everyone cares about packaging, but Beats + Apple always nail this.Unboxing these felt exactly like unboxing an Apple product. The presentation, the layout, the clean aesthetic — everything screams premium.

And whether you admit it or not:

Beats knows how to make you feel good about your purchase right out of the box.

Build Quality:

Here’s where the honesty kicks in.

Let’s be real:

Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless do NOT have build quality that matches their original $379 price tag.

Thankfully, later generations improved this a bit, but the Studio 2.0 still suffer from the classic Beats issue:

Too Much Plastic

Yes, Beats added a metal reinforcement band, but honestly… 90% of the body still feels like plastic.

• The earcups wobble.
• The frame bends a little too easily.
• They don’t feel $400 premium.

You can find durability videos online showing the headband being bent aggressively — but trust me, I still wouldn’t risk it.

Comfort: Surprisingly Good

This is a strong category for the Studio 2.0 Wireless.

The padding on the earcups and headband is soft, the clamp force isn’t aggressive, and the overall fit is easy to wear for long stretches.

Also Check: Beats Studio3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4

My experience

I can easily listen for 2–3 hours before feeling any discomfort, though after long sessions the top of the ear may feel slightly pressed.

Downsides

• They get hot and sweaty, especially outdoors
• Pleather pads trap heat
• Not ideal for gym workouts

But compared to something like Audio-Technica M50x?

These are way more comfortable and less clampy.

Sound Quality:

Everyone has an opinion about Beats sound. Some say it’s trash, some say it’s amazing.

Here’s the truth:

These are FUN headphones, not accurate headphones.

If you’re an audiophile chasing perfect neutrality and studio-level detail — look elsewhere.

But if you’re someone who:

• loves hip-hop, pop, EDM
• wants punchy, energetic bass
• enjoys a lively sound signature
• wants headphones that make music feel fun

Then you’ll honestly enjoy these.

Bass

Still strong, still punchy, but nowhere near as muddy and bloated as older Beats. The bass is more controlled and better defined now.

Mids

Slightly recessed. Vocals sit a bit behind the bass and treble.

Treble

Boosted for extra sparkle. It adds excitement, though it’s not natural or audiophile-accurate.

Bluetooth vs Wired

Surprisingly, Bluetooth holds up extremely well. I barely noticed a difference in clarity — you just need to bump the volume up slightly in wireless mode.

Because of the built-in amp

Wired headphones without an amp can’t compete with the loudness and fullness that these produce out-of-the-box.

Noise Cancellation

Not much to add that hasn’t been said:

• Good for casual use
• Not competitive with Bose ANC
• Hiss is noticeable when no music is playing

If ANC is your top priority, get something else. But if you just want background noise softened so your music shines through — these get the job done.

Are They Worth It in 2025?

Let’s be real:

At the original $379, no.
But at today’s renewed/used prices ($150–$180)?

Yes — if you know what you’re getting.

Who should buy them:

• People who want wireless + ANC combo on a budget
• People who listen to modern bass-heavy music
• People who want stylish, comfortable headphones
• Someone who prefers an exciting sound over an accurate one

Who should NOT buy them:

• Audiophiles
• People wanting the best ANC
• Anyone expecting premium build quality
• Studio professionals looking for accuracy

Competitor Comparison (Helpful for Decision-Making)

Bose QuietComfort 25/35

• Way better ANC
• More comfortable
• Cleaner mids
• MUCH less bass
• Less stylish
• Usually more expensive

Sony MDR-7506

• More accurate
• Industry standard
• Zero bass boost
• Wired only
• Not “fun” sounding

V-Moda Crossfade M100

• Better durability
• Heavier bass but tighter control
• Wired only
• Not as comfortable for long use

Final Verdict: My Honest Thoughts

If your goal is to enjoy music, especially modern genres, in a wireless, stylish, comfortable package that still holds up decently well in 2025…

Then honestly? The Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless are still a solid choice.

Are they overpriced at launch? Absolutely. Were they overhyped? Yep.
Are they “audiophile-approved”? Not at all.

But judged by what they actually do well:

• fun, punchy sound
• Bluetooth convenience
• decent noise cancellation
• great comfort
• stylish design

…you can absolutely enjoy these, especially at renewed prices.

Just get them at a discount, not full retail.