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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For active lifestyles, Powerbeats Pro with secure-fit ear hooks and longer battery life are better suited, especially for exercises, where their design ensures they stay put. They offer a slight edge in overall sound quality as well, which could make your listening experience more enjoyable. However, if portability and convenience matter more, AirPods (3rd generation) are more compact, have a significantly smaller carrying case, and provide wireless charging. AirPods better suit Apple ecosystem users with features optimized for these devices and have a built-in ear detection function. They have a slightly inferior sound compared to the Powerbeats but are more comfortable for long periods. If you travel by air frequently or prefer a more minimal earbud design, you might lean towards the AirPods, although they offer less noise isolation and battery life compared to the Powerbeats Pro. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both good for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$124
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.7
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $124 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
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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
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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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