Overview of Beats‘ Top Wireless Earbud Models
Beats is well-known in the audio world for their stylish, bass-boosted headphones and earbuds designed with music lovers and fitness enthusiasts in mind. Two of their most popular wireless earbud models catering to active users are the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro.
Released in 2021, the Beats Fit Pro feature an all-new flexible, wingtip design for a secure in-ear fit during workouts and everyday use. They also boast Apple‘s latest headphone tech like active noise cancellation (ANC), hands-free Siri access, and seamless iOS integration powered by the Apple H1 chip.
The Powerbeats Pro hit the market back in 2019 and have remained a top choice for many over the years thanks to their adjustable earhooks and long-lasting 9 hour battery life per charge. While missing some newer features like ANC, they still deliver powerful sound in a sweat and water-resistant package.
So if you‘re trying to decide which of these wireless earbuds better suits your needs and budget, read on for a full breakdown comparing the designs, features, audio quality, battery performance, and value of the Beats Fit Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro.
Beats Fit Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro: Design & Fit
One of the first differences you‘ll notice is in the overall aesthetics and fit. Let‘s examine how they compare:
Beats Fit Pro Design
- Lightweight, low-profile design at just 0.16 oz per bud
- Secure, wingtip ends contour to your ears
- Soft silicone tips come in 4 sizes for customized in-ear seal
- Discreet stem houses mics and touch controls
- Sleek charging case with integrated magnets to align buds
The Beats Fit Pro truly live up to their name with a nimble yet durable build meant to move with you. The almost featherlight earbuds are crafted from smooth, flexible plastics to create an understated style compared to sportier options.
They forgo earhooks in favor of innovative, non-rigid wings that tuck neatly into the contours of your ears for a glove-like, personalized fit. This adaptive seal is aided by the array of eartips to block out external noise. Despite their wispy footprint though, the IPX4 water resistance ensures they withstand sweat and weather.
Powerbeats Pro Design
- Robust over-ear design with adjustable earhook
- Sporty style stands out but offers rugged protection
- 4 eartip sizes help achieve tighter seal
- Physical buttons on each earbud stem
- Bulky rectangular charging case
In contrast, the Powerbeats live up to their name with a brawny build focused on stability versus stealth. The prominent earhooks and thicker stem design protrude more noticeably but allow you to lock the buds firmly in place using molded hooks that wrap over your ears.
Buttons on each side make it easy to control music and calls during motion. And like the Fit Pro, they also carry an IPX4 waterproof rating to repel sweat and splashes despite the sporty facade. The tradeoff of this ruggedized structure is added weight, coming in around 0.7 oz per bud.
Key Specs and Features
Beyond outer appearances, under the hood capabilities also impact real-world performance. Here‘s how the headphones stack up across key technical benchmarks:
Beats Fit Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro Features
| Beats Fit Pro | Powerbeats Pro | |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours with ANC on (up to 7 hours with ANC off) | Up to 9 hours |
| Charging Case Extras | Up to 21 additional hours (30 hours total) | Up to 24 additional hours (33 hours total) |
| Quick Charge Capability | 5 min charge = 1+ hour playback | 5 min charge = 1.5 hour playback |
| Battery Indicator | Case only | Case and iOS devices |
| Weight | 5.1 g per bud, 48.2g charging case | 11.2g per bud, 115g charging case |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation + Transparency modes | Passive noise isolation from snug fit |
| Audio Modes | Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio with head-tracking | No special processing modes |
| Onboard Controls | Touch-sensitive force sensors | Physical volume/track buttons |
| Microphones | 2 mics in each bud + 1 in case | 2 mics in each bud |
| Wireless Chip | Apple H1 Chip | Apple H1 Chip |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Class 1 | Bluetooth Class 1 |
| Wireless Range | Up to 10m range | Up to 10m range |
| Audio Codecs | AAC and SBC | AAC and SBC |
| Digital Assistant | Always-on "Hey Siri" | Always-on "Hey Siri" |
| Smart Features | In-ear detection, audio sharing, automatic device switching, "Find My" support | In-ear detection, audio sharing, automatic device switching, "Find My" support |
| Supported OS | iOS/Android | iOS/Android |
Both headphones actually share the same Apple H1 wireless chip allowing seamless connectivity with iOS devices. You get the same Apple-centric features like Audio Sharing between two Beats users, instant pairing through iCloud syncing, hands-free "Hey Siri" access, and Find My tracking. Android users can still get solid Bluetooth connectivity too.
However, the Beats Fit Pro pull ahead in a few key areas that contribute to their more modern, advanced feature set:
- Longer battery life from the buds themselves – up to 7 hours with ANC off
- Addition of helpful Active Noise Cancellation and transparency audio modes that the Powerbeats lack
- Adaptive EQ and even spatial audio on supported devices, that recalibrates sound based on fit and head movements for more immersion
- Sleeker charging case that provides pocketable protection for the buds in transit, fitting better on keychains
The Powerbeats counter a few of those advantages with their own unique strengths:
- Physical onboard buttons for playback control and volume that work reliably even mid-workout
- Visual battery notifications that display directly on iOS devices
- Faster quick-charge capability to gain back 90 minutes of play after only 5 minutes in the case
- A bit more raw power and bass presence driven by the enhanced acoustic isolation from their sportier fit
As you can see when every metric is lined up top-to-bottom, there‘s compelling reasons to prefer one over the other based on which features best align with your listening priorities.
Sound Quality and Call Performance
Given these are both Beats products, expect embellished bass in the core sound profile no matter which model you pick. But there are some key differences in how that audio output gets delivered on the Fit Pro and Powerbeats that can impact listening experiences:
Beats Fit Pro Sound
The Adaptive EQ and spatial audio support on the Beats Fit Pro let them dynamically adjust frequencies and add virtual dimensionality that older Beats lacked. Combined with quality silicone tips that passively block external noise, you get vibrant, BALANCED sound for this form factor.
That said, the slimmer design does allow some high frequency sounds to potentially creep in and interfere. This is where ANC mode helps cancel disruptions so music shines through clearly. Just don‘t expect the same noise isolation as over-ear models. For calls, the triple mic array accurately picks up vocals while filtering distracting background chatter.
Powerbeats Pro Sound
Thanks to the ergonomic earhooks pressing the buds deeper, the Powerbeats achieve better passive noise reduction allowing you to simply focus on audio enjoyment. And while they don‘t have adjustable EQ or spatial awareness, many users love the dynamic punch and richness amplified by a tight in-ear seal.
Four total beamforming mics also help ensure your voice sounds crisp when making calls or using voice assistants, even in noisy outdoor settings. Just be aware of potential ear fatigue over very prolonged listening sessions due to their bulkier in-canal design.
No matter which model you choose, you‘ll still enjoy the lively Beats sound – but the Fit Pro deliver it in a more balanced manner augmented by modern audio adjustments while the Powerbeats emphasize rugged power.
Pricing Details
Given the Beats Fit Pro launched two years after the Powerbeats Pro, you may assume the newer model carries a higher list price. But Beats has actually priced them very similarly:
Beats Fit Pro
Standard retail pricing: $199
Current Best Deal: $179 @ Amazon (save $20 off MSRP)
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HzrANv
Powerbeats Pro
Standard retail pricing: $249
Current Best Deal: $179 @ Amazon (save $70 off MSRP)
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jFMk7F
As you can see, both headphones are widely available at the exact same sale price during this 2023 holiday season. Grabbing either option at $179 gives you serious value.
The Beats Fit Pro deliver that lower cost with some compromise on battery life compared to the 9 hours the Powerbeats offer – but gain advantages like ANC that help offset the difference. For cost-conscious shoppers who also want latest and greatest features, they strike a great balance.
Meanwhile the Powerbeats Pro offer legendary endurance despite their age and remain a tried-and-true choice for those who prioritize longevity per charge above all else. 33 total hours when including the charger is hard to beat.
No matter which callout resonates most though, at $179 you‘ll enjoy wireless freedom and awesome Beats sound whichever model you pick!
The Verdict: Which Beats Earbuds Are Better?
When all factors around design, audio performance, and value are weighed – the Beats Fit Pro edge out the older Powerbeats Pro as the best option for most buyers under $200. Simply put, they deliver better blend of modern amenities like ANC in sleeker package that rivals more expensive competitors.
The Wingtip fit won‘t please all ear shapes, but works wonders for security during motion. Bass still thumps thanks to Beats‘ Signature sound while midrange clarity improves via Adaptive EQ. And conveniences like transparency mode, Find My tracking, and Always-On Siri give them smart edge. Plus with battery life reaching 7 hours w/ANC off, it satisfies unless you constantly forget to charge.
However some exceptions still merit choosing the Powerbeats Pro instead:
- Need longest battery possible – the 9 hour lifespan per charge is best-in-class
- Prefer over-ear hook support – provides most secure lock-in for active sports
- Want tactile buttons – physical controls just work, even mid-activity when touch sensors may falter
- Big fan of bold style – the sporty design looks right at home in the gym or out on trails
Those niche use cases aside, the Beats Fit Pro strike the ideal balance of form and function for majority of shoppers. Pick them up today and enjoy wireless freedom with rich signature sound wherever you roam!
Frequently Asked Questions
How‘s the sound quality on Beats Fit Pro?
Thanks to well-sealing ear tips and technologies like ANC and Adaptive EQ, the Beats Fit Pro deliver very dynamic, clean audio in a true wireless form factor. You‘ll still get some exaggerated low-end punch typical of the Beats brand, but mids and highs also shine.
Do the Beats Fit Pro fit securely during workouts?
While everyone‘s ears have slightly unique shapes, the vast majority find the Beats Fit Pro lock in securely thanks to their pliable wingtip design contouring around the ear opening. Trying all tip sizes to get a tight seal helps, and the lightweight build barely feels noticeable even during intense training.
How do you change ear tips on Powerbeats Pro?
The Powerbeats Pro package includes 4 sizes of ear tips – small, medium, large and extra large. To swap them, simply grip the attached tip and slide it off the protruding rounded speaker opening. Then press your preferred replacement tip option firmly onto the speaker nozzle until it clicks securely into place.
Can you track lost Powerbeats Pro?
As long as they are paired with an iOS device and logged into the same iCloud account, you can use Apple‘s native Find My network to view the last known location of your Powerbeats Pro if they ever become lost. On the Find My app look for detection from either bud individually, or sync them back into the case then track the entire set‘s last seen whereabouts before disappearing.
How do you reset Beats Fit Pro earbuds?
If experiencing technical issues, you can factory reset the Beats Fit Pro headphones to restore original settings. Place both earbuds in the charging case, then hold down the button on back of the case for 15+ seconds until the status light flashes white. Re-pair them to your device and download latest firmware updates after resetting.
