Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To switch between Noise Cancellation and Transparency on Beats Studio Pro, press the System button twice on the right ear cup. A tone plays when the listening mode changes. The headphones must be powered on.
Switch modes using the headphone button
- Power on the headphones: Press and hold the System button on the right ear cup for one second.
- Change the listening mode: Press the System button twice. This toggles between Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency; listen for the confirmation tone.
The System button is separate from the “b” button, which controls playback and calls. Apple documents the double-press shortcut in its Beats Studio Pro controls guide.
Choose a mode from a connected device
You can also select a listening mode in supported Apple device settings by choosing your Beats device and selecting a mode. On Android, open the Beats app, tap My Beats, then tap the Transparency or Noise Cancellation control. Menu names and screens can vary by software version. See Apple’s mode-control instructions.
Use Off as an additional listening mode
Off is not enabled by default. To cycle through Off, Transparency, and Noise Cancellation with the headphone controls, enable Off in the relevant Beats settings. The available settings depend on the connected device; Apple describes device-based mode selection in its Beats support guide.
#1 Best Overall
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
What the listening modes do
- Noise Cancellation (ANC): Reduces surrounding noise. Beats says the system continuously monitors ambient noise and creates a filter.
- Transparency: Lets environmental sounds mix with your audio so you can stay more aware of your surroundings.
- Off: Turns off both Noise Cancellation and Transparency when selected.
These descriptions come from the Beats Studio Pro product page.
How listening mode affects battery life
Beats lists up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC or Transparency off, and up to 24 hours with either mode enabled. These are manufacturer-stated maximums, not independent test results or guaranteed runtime; actual battery life can vary with use. Figures are from the Beats Studio Pro product page, which does not state a publication year.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BEATS' CUSTOM ACOUSTIC PLATFORM delivers rich, immersive sound whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO via USB-C plus three distinct built-in sound profiles to enhance your listening experience
- HEAR WHAT YOU WANT with two distinct listening modes: fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode
- ENHANCED COMPATIBILITY with one-touch pairing and a robust set of native Apple and Android features
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO with dynamic head tracking place you at the center of an immersive 360-degree listening experience
Rank #4
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
Rank #3
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
Rank #2
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.

