I’ve been using the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as my main headphones since they launched, and while they are undoubtedly excellent buds for most situations, the fit hasn’t been perfect for me when working out.
Since swapping to the Beats Powerbeats Fit, the security of the fit has definitely not been a problem, with the wings on the buds helping them to stay in place during the most vigorous of workouts.
However, other aspects of the buds have not impressed me as much, especially when compared with the Apple AirPods Pro 3. After testing both sets of buds, here are my likes and dislikes for the Powerbeats Fit compared to the AirPods Pro 3.
Like #1: The fit is very secure
The wing on the Powerbeats Fit is there to stabilize the buds in your ear so they don’t squirm loose, and it does its job with ruthless efficiency. It’s not the most comfortable feeling at times, which I’ll come onto in the dislikes section, but I’ve run, cycled, worked out, and done yoga while wearing the Powerbeats Fit, and they’ve never come loose.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 have come loose for me during my workouts, with the in-ear tip squirming out of my ear canal, so the buds are essentially just resting on my ear. I’ve tried all the tip sizes to see if any help, but unfortunately, not.
You can ‘fix’ the fit of the AirPods Pro 3 using third-party silicone wings, though these don’t fit into the case, so you have to put them on each time you train. I’m hoping that when memory foam eartips are available from third-party brands, that might help too, but for now, the Powerbeats Fit are certainly more reliable for me during workouts.
Like #2: The bright, colorful designs
A minor plus for me, but it does count in the Powerbeats Fit’s favor that the range of designs in the lineup includes bright orange and pink options. The AirPods Pro 3 stick to their iconic white design, which is fine, but white is not my favorite color for buds, given that it gets dirty.
Like #3: Button controls
The force sensor on the stem of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 works pretty well, but during runs and other workouts, I always prefer to have a physical button to control playback, and the customizable “b” button on each Powerbeats Fit bud is easy to use even with sweaty fingers or when wearing gloves.
Dislike #1: They’re not very comfortable
The trade-off for the secure fit of the Powerbeats Fit headphones is that the wing puts pressure on the inside of your ear, and I found them uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour or two.
This isn’t a problem for workouts, but the all-day fit of the AirPods Pro 3 is a lot more comfortable, both because they don’t have a wing but also because the in-ear tip is softer than the one on the Powerbeats Fit.
Dislike #2: The sound and ANC are good, not great
The Beats Powerbeats are cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3, but they’re still pretty expensive headphones, and I don’t think their sound quality and active noise cancellation match the performance I expect for the $200 price. The bass is a bit overpowering, and the upper ranges lack clarity and depth.
There is a significant step up in both sound quality and the level of ANC you get with the AirPods Pro 3. The sound is richer and clearer, and the ANC blocks out a lot more external noise, especially when traveling.
The better sound and ANC, along with the more comfortable fit, definitely make the AirPods Pro 3 worth the extra you pay for them compared with the Powerbeats Fit, so if you can make the fit of the Apple buds work for you when training — and they do stay put naturally for lots of people — then I’d opt for them over the Powerbeats Fit.
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