Beats PowerBeats Pro Review | Earbuds for Fitness Freaks

When it comes to workout earbuds, the stakes are high. You need something that stays secure, powers through sweat, and delivers great sound without interruptions. While there are so many options right now in the market, does the Beats Powerbeats Pro, a semi-luxury earbud, still stands as one of the toughest competitors? In the past, it has been a go-to choice for all the fitness freaks, but how good is it today? Still a reliable choice? This Beats Powerbeats Pro review is all about it.

In this review, we discuss the audio performance, design and build quality, user experience, and a lot more, which should help you make a solid decision. So, let’s quickly go through everything this pair of earbuds has to offer and if it is something you should still be investing in.

Also Read: AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4th Gen: Should You Upgrade?

1-Minute Quick Review

The Beats Powerbeats Pro is a dependable choice for anyone with an active lifestyle, offering a secure fit, long-lasting battery, and a bold sound signature. With up to 9 hours of playback per charge and a total of 24 hours using the case, these earbuds are designed to keep up with your day. The ear-hook design ensures they stay comfortably in place, making them ideal for workouts, while their sweat and water resistance adds durability. Apple’s H1 chip brings seamless pairing, stable connectivity, and hands-free Siri for iOS users, though Android users miss out on some of these conveniences. Despite their strengths, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and the bulky case might be drawbacks for those seeking a more premium or portable experience.

If you value comfort, battery life, and a powerful sound that energizes your workouts, the Powerbeats Pro remains a solid investment, but they might not be the perfect pick for audiophiles or those looking for advanced features like ANC.

Feature	Description
Battery Life	Up to 9 hours on a single charge, 24 hours with the charging case
Sound Quality	Bass-forward with clear mids and highs, ideal for energetic listening
Fit and Comfort	Secure ear-hook design ensures they stay in place during workouts
Water Resistance	IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance
Connectivity	Apple H1 chip for seamless pairing and hands-free Siri support
Controls	Physical buttons for volume and playback
Compatibility	Fully compatible with iOS, with limited features for Android users
Price	Semi-luxury earbuds priced around $249 (often heavily discounted)

The Good

• The ear-hook design keeps the earbuds firmly in place, even during intense physical activities, making them one of the most reliable options for fitness enthusiasts.
• With up to 9 hours of continuous playback and 24 hours total with the charging case, they outperform many competitors in battery life.
• The IPX4 rating ensures protection against sweat and light splashes, making them durable for workouts.
• Clear voice calls with reliable microphones, even in slightly noisy environments.
• The sturdy design ensures they withstand daily wear and tear, even with heavy use.

The Bad

• The case is larger than most competitors, making it less convenient for pocket carry.
• Competing earbuds at this price point offer ANC, which can be a dealbreaker for users in noisy environments.
• The IPX4 rating is sufficient for sweat but not for heavy rain or complete submersion, unlike some rugged alternatives.
• The case lacks wireless charging support, which is common in many earbuds in this price range.

Get the Best Deal on Beats Powerbeats Pro

Pricing and Value

The Beats Powerbeats Pro is positioned as a premium product, typically priced around $249 at launch but often available at discounted rates, sometimes as low as $199. While the price places them in the semi-luxury category, they compete directly with other high-end earbuds like 2nd Gen AirPods Pro and Sony WF-SP800N.

When it comes to value, the Powerbeats Pro excel in specific areas. Their secure ear-hook design and long battery life make them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and active users who need earbuds that stay put and last all day. Apple’s H1 chip adds additional value for iOS users, offering seamless pairing, improved connectivity, and hands-free Siri functionality. However, some may argue that the lack of features like active noise cancellation (ANC) or wireless charging makes the price harder to justify compared to competitors offering these at similar price points.

If you’re someone who prioritizes durability, a secure fit, and workout-friendly features, the Powerbeats Pro offers good value. But if you’re seeking advanced features like ANC, you might find better options in this price range. The discounts frequently available make these earbuds a more compelling choice, especially if you can snag them below $200.

Most renewed variants of Beats Powerbeats Pro are also available at $159 or less, which is also a great deal if you get a chance to bag it.

Also Read: AirPods vs AirPods 3: Should You Upgrade?

Design and Build Quality

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are crafted with an athletic audience in mind, and their design reflects this focus. The standout feature is their secure ear-hook design, which ensures the earbuds stay in place even during intense activities like running or high-impact workouts. The hooks are made of flexible, soft-touch material that adjusts to the shape of your ears, providing a snug yet comfortable fit.

In terms of build quality, the Powerbeats Pro is solid and durable. The earbuds feature a matte plastic finish that feels premium while being lightweight enough for extended wear. They are rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light outdoor activities. However, this level of water resistance is not ideal for heavy rain or extended exposure to water.

The charging case, while functional, is a bit of a letdown in terms of portability. It’s considerably bulkier than the cases of most competitors, making it less pocket-friendly. That said, the case feels sturdy and includes a magnetic lid to keep the earbuds secure during charging.

From a design perspective, the Powerbeats Pro comes in several color options, such as black, ivory, navy, and moss, allowing users to choose a style that fits their personality. The earbuds themselves are understated yet sporty, striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Overall, the Powerbeats Pro delivers durability and comfort, though the bulky case and limited water resistance may be a drawback for some users.

Audio Performance

The Beats Powerbeats Pro delivers a sound signature that is unapologetically bold and energetic. As expected from Beats, the audio leans heavily on the bass, making it a great choice for those who enjoy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The bass is deep and punchy but manages to avoid overwhelming the mids and highs in most tracks, maintaining clarity and detail.

Vocals and instruments in the midrange are clear and well-defined, making the earbuds versatile enough for podcasts or more balanced music genres like rock or jazz. The treble, while present, doesn’t shine as brightly as in some competitor models, which might leave audiophiles seeking a more balanced sound slightly disappointed.

Despite lacking active noise cancellation (ANC), the Powerbeats Pro provides decent passive noise isolation thanks to its snug fit. This is sufficient for blocking out gym noises or general background sounds but won’t match the silence achieved by ANC-equipped earbuds like the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM4.

The earbuds also perform well during calls, with clear voice capture and good background noise reduction, making them a reliable option for taking calls on the go. The soundstage, while not particularly wide, offers a sense of immersion that’s satisfying for casual listening.

Also Read: AirPods vs AirPods 2, The Best Pick Among First Ever AirPods

Battery Life and Charging

The Beats Powerbeats Pro set a high standard for battery life in true wireless earbuds. With up to 9 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, they outlast many competitors in their class. Combined with the charging case, you get a total of 24 hours of playback, making them an excellent choice for long days of use, whether it’s at the gym, during commutes, or while working.

The charging case itself provides about 15 hours of additional battery life, allowing for multiple top-ups throughout the day. However, the case does come with a significant trade-off: its bulkiness. While sturdy and reliable, the case is much larger than most alternatives, making it less convenient to carry in smaller pockets or bags.

Charging is done via a Lightning cable, which may be a drawback for users expecting USB-C compatibility. The case lacks wireless charging, a feature that has become common in other premium earbuds at this price point. On the bright side, the Powerbeats Pro supports fast charging, giving you 1.5 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge, which can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time.

Overall, the Powerbeats Pro delivers exceptional battery life, particularly for active users who prioritize long-lasting performance. While the bulky case and lack of wireless charging might be minor inconveniences, the fast-charge feature and extended playback time make them a reliable choice for most use cases.

Connectivity and Features

The Beats Powerbeats Pro excels in connectivity, particularly for Apple users, thanks to the Apple H1 chip. This chip ensures seamless pairing, faster connection times, and stable Bluetooth performance. Setting up the earbuds with an iPhone is effortless—simply open the case near your device, and a pop-up screen guides you through the pairing process. For Android users, pairing is slightly less intuitive but still straightforward through the Bluetooth menu.

The Powerbeats Pro supports Class 1 Bluetooth, offering an extended range and fewer dropouts compared to standard Bluetooth connections. They also provide reliable performance in environments with a lot of wireless interference, such as gyms or busy offices.

Key features include hands-free Siri for iOS users, allowing you to activate voice commands without touching your device. For Android users, the voice assistant functionality works but lacks the same level of integration. The earbuds also come with auto-play/pause sensors, so your music automatically stops when you remove one earbud and resumes when you put it back.

One of the standout features is the ability to use either earbud independently. This is particularly useful for calls or when you want to remain aware of your surroundings. Each earbud has its own physical controls for volume, track navigation, and call management, making them highly user-friendly even during intense workouts.

While the lack of advanced features like multipoint connectivity (connecting to two devices simultaneously) and active noise cancellation (ANC) may be noticeable, the Powerbeats Pro offers a robust and dependable set of features tailored for active users.

Also Read: AirPods Pro vs AirPods Pro 2, Which to Buy?

User Experience

The overall user experience with the Beats Powerbeats Pro is designed to be as hassle-free and intuitive as possible, especially for iOS users. Thanks to the Apple H1 chip, the earbuds connect quickly and easily, with automatic pairing as soon as you open the case near an iPhone or iPad. Once connected, you can enjoy seamless switching between devices within the Apple ecosystem, making these earbuds a convenient option for users who already own Apple products.

The ear-hook design is one of the standout features, offering a secure and comfortable fit during workouts and high-movement activities. The soft-touch material on the hooks provides a snug fit without causing discomfort, even during extended use. The physical buttons on each earbud allow for easy volume control, track changes, and call management, all without needing to interact with your phone. These tactile buttons are particularly useful during intense exercise, as they are easy to press, even with sweaty or gloved hands.

Despite their secure fit, some users may find the ear hooks a bit bulky for casual wear or extended listening sessions. These earbuds are clearly designed for fitness, so if you’re looking for earbuds for daily commuting or long periods of casual listening, you may want to consider how the design feels for non-workout use.

The sweat and water resistance (IPX4 rating) ensures that the Powerbeats Pro can withstand light splashes and sweat, making them suitable for intense exercise and outdoor use, though they are not fully waterproof. For users who work out regularly or live an active lifestyle, this durability is a significant advantage.

Sweat and Water Resistance

The Beats Powerbeats Pro is designed with active users in mind, featuring an IPX4 water resistance rating. This level of protection ensures the earbuds can handle sweat and light splashes, making them a dependable choice for workouts and outdoor activities. Whether you’re running, cycling, or hitting the gym, the earbuds can keep you up without worry.

However, it’s important to note that the IPX4 rating is limited compared to some competitors that offer higher water resistance, such as IP57 or IP68, which protect against submersion or heavy rain. While the Powerbeats Pro are great for sweaty sessions, they may not be the best choice for activities like swimming or use in heavy rain.

The secure ear-hook design complements the water resistance, ensuring the earbuds stay in place even during intense, sweat-heavy workouts. This combination of fit and durability makes them reliable for fitness enthusiasts who need gear that can keep up with their pace.

For long-term care, it’s advisable to clean the earbuds after use, especially if they’ve been exposed to sweat, to maintain their performance and durability. While the Powerbeats Pro performs well under regular workout conditions, users looking for earbuds with more rugged water resistance might want to consider alternatives like the Jabra Elite 7 Active.

Competition: How Good is Beats Powerbeats Pro?

The Beats Powerbeats Pro faces stiff competition in the true wireless earbuds market, with several brands offering unique features tailored to fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. Below is an in-depth comparison of how the Powerbeats Pro stack up against their top rivals.

1. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is a versatile choice that brings features like active noise cancellation (ANC), a compact design, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. While the Powerbeats Pro and AirPods Pro both use the H1 chip for fast pairing and stable connectivity, the AirPods Pro includes Find My tracking and transparency mode, which enhances ambient awareness. However, their shorter battery life of 4.5 hours per charge with ANC-enabled pales in comparison to the Powerbeats Pro’s impressive 9-hour playback.

In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Pro offer a balanced audio profile, delivering clarity across all ranges, whereas the Powerbeats Pro are more bass-forward, making them ideal for energetic genres. The compact and pocket-friendly charging case of the AirPods Pro is more convenient than the bulky case of the Powerbeats Pro, but the ear-hook design of the latter provides unmatched stability during intense workouts. Both earbuds feature IPX4 water resistance, making them sweatproof but unsuitable for heavy rain or submersion.

Often available at a discount rate of $180, the AirPods Pro is slightly more affordable than the Powerbeats Pro’s price tag, especially considering the added benefit of ANC. Overall, the AirPods Pro is a better choice for users seeking portability, advanced features, and casual everyday use, while the Powerbeats Pro remains superior for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize a secure fit and long battery life.

2. Jabra Elite 7 Active

The Jabra Elite 7 Active stands out as a direct competitor to the Powerbeats Pro, designed with fitness and rugged durability in mind. Boasting an IP57 water and dust resistance rating, the Elite 7 Active offers far superior protection against sweat, rain, and submersion compared to the Powerbeats Pro’s IPX4 rating. This makes them a better choice for users engaging in outdoor activities or demanding environments.

In terms of battery life, the Elite 7 Active provides 8 hours of playback per charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, slightly less per charge than the Powerbeats Pro’s 9 hours but with a more compact case that is easier to carry. The sound quality of the Elite 7 Active is highly customizable through the Jabra Sound+ app, catering to users who want fine-tuned audio. On the other hand, the Powerbeats Pro focuses on delivering bass-heavy sound, which may limit its appeal to those seeking a more balanced profile.

The Elite 7 Active’s coated surface ensures a secure fit without the need for ear hooks, while the Powerbeats Pro’s ear-hook design provides extra stability for intense workouts. Priced at $179.99, the Jabra Elite 7 Active offers excellent value for its durability and customization features. While the Powerbeats Pro excels in battery life and secure fit, the Elite 7 Active is the better option for users needing rugged durability and portability.

3. Sony WF-SP800N

Sony’s WF-SP800N offers a unique combination of bass-heavy sound, active noise cancellation (ANC), and IP55 water and dust resistance, making it a solid competitor to the Powerbeats Pro. While both earbuds deliver 9 hours of playback per charge, the WF-SP800N’s 18-hour total with the case falls short of the Powerbeats Pro’s 24-hour total.

In terms of sound, Sony’s Extra Bass technology caters to users who love powerful, energetic audio, much like the Powerbeats Pro. However, the addition of ANC makes the WF-SP800N a more versatile choice for users who want to block out background noise. The earbuds also feature customizable EQ settings through Sony’s app, giving them an edge for users who prefer to adjust their sound profiles.

The design of the WF-SP800N is secure, but it lacks the ear-hook stability that the Powerbeats Pro provides, making the latter better suited for intense physical activities. At $199, the WF-SP800N is priced competitively and offers features like ANC and dust resistance, which the Powerbeats Pro lacks. For users prioritizing advanced features and sound customization, the Sony WF-SP800N is a strong contender, while the Powerbeats Pro remains the better pick for fitness-focused stability and longer battery life.

4. Bose Sport Earbuds

The Bose Sport Earbuds focus on comfort and clarity, making them an excellent choice for casual listeners and light workouts. With a StayHear Max tip design, these earbuds provide a snug and comfortable fit that works well for extended wear, though they lack the ear-hook design of the Powerbeats Pro, which offers better stability for vigorous activities.

Battery life is where the Bose Sport Earbuds fall short, offering only 5 hours of playback per charge and a total of 15 hours with the case, far below the Powerbeats Pro’s 9-hour playback per charge and 24-hour total. Bose’s sound signature is balanced and clear, ideal for audiophiles who prefer neutral audio, while the Powerbeats Pro’s bass-heavy profile caters to users seeking more energy in their music.

Both earbuds feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, suitable for sweat and light splashes but not rugged conditions. Priced at $244, the Bose Sport Earbuds are close to Powerbeats Pro in terms of pricing but lack advanced features like noise cancellation or long battery life. For users prioritizing comfort and sound clarity, the Bose Sport Earbuds are a great option. However, for active users who need durability, stability, and extended playback, the Powerbeats Pro remains the superior choice.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Wrapping up: Beats Powerbeats Pro | Decent for Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts

The Beats Powerbeats Pro has earned its reputation as one of the best true wireless earbuds for fitness enthusiasts. With a secure ear-hook design, impressive battery life, and a bass-heavy sound profile, they are tailor-made for active users who need earbuds that stay in place and keep up with their high-energy routines. Apple’s H1 chip enhances the experience for iOS users with seamless pairing, hands-free Siri, and reliable connectivity, though Android users still benefit from stable Bluetooth performance and physical controls.

However, the Powerbeats Pro isn’t without limitations. The lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) might be a drawback for those looking to block out background noise, and the bulky charging case may feel inconvenient compared to more compact alternatives. Additionally, the IPX4 water resistance is sufficient for workouts but falls short of more rugged competitors like the Jabra Elite 7 Active.

Overall, the Powerbeats Pro remains a solid choice for their niche, excelling in comfort, durability, and performance for workouts. If you value long battery life, a secure fit, and workout-friendly features, these earbuds are worth considering. However, users seeking advanced features like ANC or a more compact design may want to explore other options.