AirPods Pro 3 vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Which wireless earbuds should you buy?
Apple recently unveiled its latest audio innovations with the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2, each catering to distinct user needs and preferences. The AirPods Pro 3 stand out with enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), effectively muting most ambient sounds across various frequencies, making them ideal for immersive listening experiences. The Transparency Mode is particularly impressive, allowing users to maintain awareness of their surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio. Notably, the AirPods Pro 3 also feature new Hearing Health modes that can transform the earbuds into makeshift hearing aids, with Conversation Mode amplifying vocal sounds for better communication in noisy environments. Additionally, the adaptive EQ technology fine-tunes audio based on the user’s surroundings, which, combined with Personalized Spatial Audio, ensures a rich and engaging sound experience, especially for Dolby Atmos tracks.
On the other hand, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind, offering a robust build that withstands intense workouts despite a lower IP rating for water and sweat resistance. The sound quality remains a highlight, with impactful bass and a balanced mix of frequencies, although the ANC feature falls short compared to the AirPods Pro 3, allowing more external noise to seep in during use. Battery life is a strong point for the Powerbeats Pro 2, boasting up to 10 hours per charge and an additional 45 hours with the wireless charging case. However, their heart rate monitoring functionality has been noted as unreliable. In terms of compatibility, while the AirPods Pro 3 offer a seamless experience for Apple users, the Powerbeats Pro 2 provide greater flexibility across different platforms, making them a versatile choice for users of both Apple and Android devices.
Despite their strengths, the AirPods Pro 3 come with some caveats, particularly regarding durability, as they received a concerning repairability score of 0/10 from iFixit. This highlights the fragility of the materials used, raising concerns about long-term use. In contrast, the Powerbeats Pro 2, while lacking some of the advanced features exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem, offer a more resilient option for those who prioritize durability and cross-platform functionality. Ultimately, the choice between the two models hinges on individual needs: whether one seeks superior sound quality and noise cancellation or a more rugged design suited for active lifestyles.
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Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Expect greater ANC and sound from the AirPods Pro 3
Apple made noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 3 stronger than their predecessor, and it shows. Most noises across the frequency spectrum are barely noticeable. Very few high-frequency noises (e.g., siren, whistle) will catch you off guard. Transparency Mode is stellar and gives ambient noise a natural presence. Enabling any of the new Hearing Health modes will transform the buds into hearing aids. Conversation Mode boosts vocal capture to engage in loud, clear-sounding chats. Adaptive Audio combines the two ANC modes, so you can get the best of both worlds while enjoying lively sound. Speaking of which, audio quality on the AirPods Pro 3 is awesome. Bass and clarity are amplified, plus the adaptive EQ fine-tunes sound to your environment. Personalized Spatial Audio is ideal for immersive listening; bass receives more oomph on Dolby Atmos tracks.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have their own sonic strengths. Bass remains impactful and vibrant. Frequencies are better balanced this time around to create a pleasant mix of lows, mids, and highs. Spatial Audio with headtracking works better on the Powerbeats Pro 2 than the Fit Pro. However, ANC is a major downgrade. We heard endless noise when exercising indoors and outdoors. Mid- and high-frequency sounds were distracting at times. Thankfully, Transparency mode was reliable for increasing situational awareness.
Winner
:
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.
The sportier and longer-lasting buds are the Powerbeats Pro 2
Despite their lackluster IP rating (IPX4 sweat and water resistance), the Powerbeats Pro 2 are built to survive heavy-duty workouts. Hard plastic protects the entire product. You’ll feel at ease if the buds or case accidentally fall on hard surfaces. Beats’ earhook design keeps the buds latched on. My only complaint on the fitness end is the unreliable heart rate monitoring. Up to 10 hours of battery life per charge means more workouts in between recharges. The wireless charging case also holds an additional 45 hours when fully charged. If the buds are about to die, employ USB-C charging to generate 1.5 hours of use in 5 minutes.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The AirPods Pro 3 were designed with fitness in mind.
I used the AirPods Pro 3 for my workouts
and got mostly accurate readings from the HRM. It’s nice having the bump in battery life (up to 8 hours with ANC on), though the loss in additional charges from the charging case is a bummer (down from 30 hours to 24 hours). These buds share the same quick charging time as the Powerbeats Pro 2. The longer sound port occupies the concha and keeps each bud stable, but it also causes some discomfort after several hours of wear. Apple’s silicone tips still form a tight fit. IP57 dust-, sweat-, and water-resistance protect both the buds and the charging case.
Now comes the real bad news: you must guard the AirPods Pro 3 with your life because they are poorly constructed. A 0/10 repairability score from
iFixit
says it all. The materials are fragile, and if something breaks on the inside, you’ll risk tearing ribbon cables when attempting to remove components.
Winner
:
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
.
Notable trade-offs
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
It’s no surprise that the AirPods Pro 3 deliver the truer Apple experience. That’s fantastic news for anyone with an iDevice (iPhone/iPad) or Mac. Android users receive very little functionality. All previously mentioned listening modes are restricted to Apple’s ecosystem. The same goes for standard features tied to the H2 processor: audio sharing, auto switch, and “Hey Siri,” to name a few. Apple doesn’t even let you enable Google Assistant.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are more platform-neutral, thanks to a proprietary chip that was developed for optimization with Apple’s and Google’s operating systems. You gain access to most H2 benefits and Android features like one-tap Fast Pair and Find My Device. HRM is even available on Android via the Beats app or third-party fitness apps. These buds also have Bluetooth multipoint to pair them with two devices simultaneously, no matter the platforms. It’s just unfortunate that Apple’s primary listening modes remain exclusive to current AirPods models.
Winner
: AirPods Pro 3
