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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize comfort and use during exercise, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are the preferred choice due to their secure ear hooks and higher comfort score. They are more suitable for active users because they are sweatproof, which the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are not. While both have closed enclosures and do not support active noise cancelling, the Powerbeats Pro offer slightly better noise isolation and a more immersive soundstage. However, the Airpods are lighter, more portable, and offer a slightly better experience for calls and meetings. They also support wireless charging, which the Powerbeats Pro do not, and they are optimized for Apple devices, making them a more seamless choice for iPhone users. Keep in mind, the Powerbeats Pro are somewhat more expensive, so if budget is a concern, the Airpods offer a good balance of quality and price. 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)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Beats Powerbeats Pro.
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$250
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $250.
Build Quality
7.6
8.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Powerbeats Pro to be good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
5.7
The Beats Powerbeats 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 Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $250 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Beats Powerbeats 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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Why trust us
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.
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