Most of us prefer to have some kind of music, audiobook, or podcast playing during our workouts or runs. Not to mention, the right playlist can keep you engaged and in the zone, allowing you to work out without drifting into boredom or distraction. To play the audio content of your choice, you’ll obviously need a good pair of earbuds. And for many fitness enthusiasts, Apple and Bose’s lineups are the ones to beat.
So where do the Powerbeats Pro earbuds stack up against competitors like Apple and Bose? We answer that question and more in our Powerbeats Pro review.
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A Quick Look at Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
SPECS
- Dimensions: 2.3cm x 5.9cm x 3.8cm
- Battery life: 9 hours without case, 24 hours with
- Charging time: 2.5 hours
- Water resistant: IPX4 splash-resistant
- Personal assistant: Siri
- Noise canceling: No
- Warranty: 1 year
While the earbud marketplace has been flooded with wireless options, the Powerbeats Pro is comparable to Apple’s premium option. In other words, the Powerbeats Pro’s are the earbuds you buy if you’re willing to invest a decent chunk of change in something that’s reliable and offers exceptional audio quality.
The big calling card here is the sound itself. With a notably higher volume and more booming bass than the Apple AirPods, Powerbeats Pro makes it easy to make out all the details in your music—even amidst the hustle and bustle of the gym floor.
What We Like
- Great sound
- Long battery life
- "Fast fuel" charging mode
- Sleek, sporty design
- Easy to sync
- Siri voice-activated
- Secure fit with hooks that attach over-the-ear
- Can play earbuds independently
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with any noise canceling features
- Steep price point
Design
With any earbud product, finding the right fit can be tricky. When you buy the Powerbeats Pro, you get four silicon earpieces that come in a variety of sizes. We also like how secure these earbuds are. With a hook that fits snugly over each ear, these are arguably the most secure wireless earbuds out there—once they’re on, they aren’t going anywhere.
The sporty design also includes volume and playback controls on both earbuds. If you wish to go hands-free, use Siri to adjust your music instead.
Setup
Setting up your Powerbeats Pro is really simple, especially if you’re working exclusively within the Apple ecosystem. In fact, syncing these earbuds to your iPhone requires just two touches.
Performance
As for performance, the Powerbeats Pro earbuds really excel in terms of loudness, clarity, and audio quality. These earbuds cater to rock, alternative, R&B, rap, dance—really anything, but especially music with a strong low-end. The sound quality is appreciably stronger than with AirPods even if you’re not necessarily an audiophile.
The design of the earbud creates a good seal around the ear, which can keep ambient noise at bay. Another highlight of the Powerbeats Pro is the micro-laser barometric venting hole on the front chamber. This helps enhance that booming bass performance, but more importantly, it reduces the inner-ear pressure that is so common among earbuds.
Dimensions
One of the drawbacks to this product is that the earbuds themselves, as well as the charging case, are a bit bulkier than AirPods. However, the over-the-ear enclosure creates additional security so if you’re into high-impact forms of exercise like running, jogging, or HIIT cardio, the Powerbeats Pro ensures your buds won’t go anywhere.
Plus, these earbuds still offer a sleek, sporty look and a lightweight feel that make them easy to use at the gym or on the trail.
Battery Life & Charging Time
The Powerbeats Pros come with a nine-hour playback time when charged without the case and 24 hours of battery when charged in the case. That’s a pretty robust battery life, but if you ever find that your earbuds are low on battery, use the five-minute “fast fuel” mode. This earns you up to 90 minutes of playback time—ideal for those days when you’re heading out the door but forgot to charge your buds.
Water Resistance
While you can’t wear these earbuds in the pool, they can still withstand sweat or light rainfall.
Personal Assistant
Siri is on hand to provide hands-free playback, volume control, and more. Also, note that a built-in microphone allows you to field phone calls from your Powerbeats Pro earbuds.
Warranty
Apple’s Limited Warranty is good for a full year. Additional protections are also available if you want to pay extra for them.
FAQs About Powerbeats Pro
Are Powerbeats Pro worth it?
While there are loads of earbud options on the market today, including some strong competitors from Apple, we think the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are a great option for those who want a secure, reliable pair of earbuds that offer top-notch sound quality.
Are the Powerbeats Pro loud?
One reason why so many gym nuts love the Powerbeats is that they do get pretty loud, certainly louder than AirPods. It’s pretty easy to hear all the detail in your music even above whatever ambient noise may be surrounding your workout.
Do the Powerbeats Pro have noise canceling?
The Powerbeats Pro don’t offer active noise cancellation. Because the earbuds create a tight seal around the ear though, they do a pretty good job of keeping external noise at bay.
Can you take phone calls on Powerbeats Pro?
Yes, you can take phone calls using Siri with the built-in microphone.
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