Hands-on: Beats PowerBeats Pro Review – The Ultimate Wireless Workout Earbuds?
Beats has long been associated with high-performance audio gear designed for those who crave powerful bass and stylish aesthetics. With the PowerBeats Pro, Beats takes a significant step forward, offering completely wireless earbuds built for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Launched in 2019, these earbuds promise exceptional sound quality, a secure fit, sweat resistance, and extended battery life. But do they live up to the hype? In this hands-on review, we break down the PowerBeats Pro’s performance, features, and whether they’re worth your investment.
Design and Comfort
A Sporty Yet Sleek Look
The PowerBeats Pro follows the signature Beats design aesthetic but refines it with a completely wireless form factor. These earbuds feature an ear-hook design, ensuring a secure and stable fit, even during intense workouts or runs. Unlike AirPods, which can easily fall out, the PowerBeats Pro is built for active users who demand stability without sacrificing comfort.
The buds are available in multiple colors, including Black, Ivory, Moss, and Navy, offering a range of stylish options to suit different tastes.
Fit and Comfort Level
One of the standout features of the PowerBeats Pro is its ergonomic fit. The adjustable ear hooks help keep them in place, and they come with four different ear tip sizes, allowing users to find the perfect seal for their ears. While some users may find the ear hooks slightly bulky, the lightweight design (just 20.3 grams per earbud) ensures prolonged comfort without causing ear fatigue.
Sound Quality and Performance
Signature Beats Sound with Enhanced Clarity
Beats has a reputation for bass-heavy audio, and the PowerBeats Pro stays true to this legacy—but with noticeable refinements. Unlike older Beats models that exaggerated bass at the cost of clarity, these earbuds deliver a well-balanced sound profile.
- Bass: Punchy and deep, perfect for hip-hop, EDM, and bass-heavy genres.
- Mids: Well-defined vocals and instrumental clarity, making them great for podcasts and acoustic tracks.
- Highs: Crisp and clear, without being overly sharp.
The result is a sound experience that caters to bass lovers while still maintaining clarity across different genres.
Active Noise Isolation (Not ANC)
Unlike AirPods Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM4, the PowerBeats Pro does not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, it relies on passive noise isolation through its snug in-ear fit. While this does a decent job of blocking ambient noise, it isn’t as effective in loud environments, such as airplanes or busy streets.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Each earbud features dual beamforming microphones that help improve call clarity. In quiet environments, voice quality is excellent, but in noisy settings, background noise can interfere with calls. That said, they still outperform many other workout earbuds when it comes to phone calls.
Connectivity and Features
Apple’s H1 Chip for Seamless Pairing
Thanks to Apple’s H1 chip, the PowerBeats Pro offers seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Pairing is nearly instant—just open the case near an iPhone, and it connects automatically. The Bluetooth 5.0 ensures strong connectivity with minimal dropouts, even when used with Android devices.
- iOS users benefit from hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality.
- Android users can still use voice assistants like Google Assistant, but with fewer seamless integrations.
Physical Controls for Better Usability
Unlike touch-sensitive controls found in many modern earbuds, the PowerBeats Pro features physical buttons for volume and playback control on each earbud. This makes them easier to use during workouts, reducing accidental touches caused by sweat or movement.
Battery Life and Charging
Industry-Leading Battery Performance
Battery life is one of the biggest selling points of the PowerBeats Pro. Each earbud provides up to 9 hours of continuous playback, with an additional 24 hours from the charging case. This outperforms many competitors, including the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours per charge).
- Fast Fuel Charging: A 5-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playback.
- Full Charge: Takes about 90 minutes for the earbuds, while the case requires 2.5 hours.
Charging Case and Portability
While the battery life is impressive, the charging case is bulkier than most wireless earbud cases. It does not support wireless charging, requiring a Lightning cable instead. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it does feel slightly outdated compared to AirPods Pro and newer wireless earbuds with Qi charging support.
Durability and Sweat Resistance
IPX4 Rating for Workout Readiness
The PowerBeats Pro is rated IPX4, making them sweat and water-resistant. While they can handle intense workouts and light rain, they are not fully waterproof, meaning they should not be submerged in water.
For fitness enthusiasts, this durability level is more than sufficient, ensuring protection against sweat buildup during prolonged exercise sessions.
Comparison with Competitors
PowerBeats Pro vs. AirPods Pro
| Feature | PowerBeats Pro | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Secure with ear hooks | In-ear, lightweight |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (per charge) | 4.5 hours (per charge) |
| Noise Cancellation | Passive noise isolation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Sound Profile | Bass-heavy, clear mids | More balanced with ANC |
| Charging | Lightning cable (no wireless charging) | Wireless and Lightning charging |
| Ideal For | Workouts, outdoor activities | Commuting, casual listening |
While AirPods Pro excels in noise cancellation and compact size, the PowerBeats Pro dominates in terms of battery life and workout stability.
PowerBeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Jabra’s Elite Active 75t offers similar sweat resistance and workout readiness, but features Active Noise Cancellation and a more compact case. However, PowerBeats Pro’s superior battery life and fit stability make them a better choice for high-intensity workouts.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
The PowerBeats Pro delivers on its promises of secure fit, powerful audio, and extended battery life. They are an excellent choice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone needing stable, high-quality wireless earbuds.
Who Should Buy the PowerBeats Pro?
✔️ Athletes and gym-goers needing a secure, sweat-resistant fit.
✔️ Users who prioritize battery life over noise cancellation.
✔️ Apple users looking for seamless connectivity with iOS devices.
✔️ Bass lovers who enjoy punchy low-end frequencies.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
❌ Commuters who need ANC for blocking background noise.
❌ Those who prefer compact cases for portability.
❌ Android users looking for full feature integration.
Pros and Cons
✅ Secure fit with adjustable ear hooks
✅ Excellent battery life (9 hours per charge)
✅ Powerful bass-driven sound
✅ Physical buttons for easy control
✅ Fast and stable Apple H1 chip connectivity
❌ Bulky charging case
❌ No active noise cancellation
❌ Lacks wireless charging
Final Thoughts
The Beats PowerBeats Pro stands out as one of the best wireless earbuds for fitness enthusiasts and bass lovers. While they lack ANC and wireless charging, their secure fit, powerful sound, and long-lasting battery life make them a compelling choice for users who prioritize performance over portability.
If you’re looking for top-tier workout earbuds, the PowerBeats Pro remains a fantastic investment despite newer models entering the market.
