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Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and are on a budget, Apple Airpods (2nd generation) may suit you as they are lighter and less expensive. However, if better noise isolation, sweatproof certification, and secure fit during exercise are important to you and you don't mind spending more, the Beats Fit Pro could be the better choice. Both are powered by the H1 chip for improved sound handling, but the Beats Fit Pro also offers virtual surround sound exclusively for Apple devices, adding to the immersive audio experience. Keep in mind that only the Beats Fit Pro has active noise cancelling for reducing background noise. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Fit Pro
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
6.9/10
The Beats Fit Pro is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
6.3/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Beats Fit Pro are both only fair for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The Beats Fit Pro is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
5.2 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Beats Fit Pro has 5.2 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$150
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Beats Fit Pro costs $150.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The Beats Fit Pro has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
The Beats Fit Pro and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Fit Pro is good.
TV and Video
5.4/10
5.6/10
The Beats Fit Pro and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Beats Fit Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The Beats Fit Pro is just as easy to use with an Android device as it is with an iPhone. It seems Apple-owned Beats is trying to appeal to a wider market, and it works. The Fit Pro fits like a pro with the ear tip fit test and multiple ear tips. Sound quality is sure to please most athletes, but the Fit Pro is just at home in the office as it is in the gym. The main factor holding the Beats Fit Pro back from gold is the price."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Beats Fit Pro
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.