AirPods Pro 3 vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Which wireless earbuds should you buy?
Apple’s latest earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, have taken a significant leap forward in both active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound quality compared to their predecessors. With enhanced ANC capabilities, users can expect a remarkable reduction in ambient noise across a wide frequency spectrum, making everyday distractions like sirens and whistles nearly imperceptible. The newly introduced Transparency Mode offers a natural listening experience, allowing users to engage with their surroundings while still enjoying their favorite tunes. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 3 feature innovative Hearing Health modes that can transform the earbuds into effective hearing aids, with Conversation Mode enhancing vocal clarity for easier communication in noisy environments. Coupled with Adaptive Audio, which seamlessly combines ANC with ambient sound, these earbuds promise an immersive listening experience that is further elevated by personalized Spatial Audio and improved bass response, particularly on Dolby Atmos tracks.
In contrast, the Powerbeats Pro 2, while maintaining their reputation for robust sound quality with impactful bass, have seen a decline in ANC performance. Users reported noticeable distractions from mid- and high-frequency sounds during workouts, although the Transparency mode proved reliable for maintaining awareness of the environment. Designed for fitness enthusiasts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 boast a durable build and an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours per charge, complemented by a charging case that provides an additional 45 hours. However, their IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance may deter some users from intense workouts. While both the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2 come with quick charging capabilities, the AirPods Pro 3 offer a slightly shorter battery life of 8 hours with ANC enabled, and a total of 24 hours from the charging case. Notably, the AirPods Pro 3 are less repairable, with a dismal score from iFixit, highlighting concerns about their durability.
Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 provide a more integrated experience for Apple device users, offering features like audio sharing and seamless switching between devices. However, they are less compatible with Android systems, limiting functionality outside of Apple’s ecosystem. On the other hand, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are more versatile, catering to users across different platforms, with features like Bluetooth multipoint and compatibility with Android fitness apps. Despite their shortcomings in ANC, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed for active users who prioritize durability and extended battery life. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound quality, fitness features, and device compatibility.
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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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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
.
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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
