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Airpods Pro
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Powerbeats Pro
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

For active lifestyles, the Beats Powerbeats Pro have secure-fit ear hooks and a slightly better durability, which makes them a solid choice for exercise; however, their bulkier size and carry case reduce portability compared to the more compact Apple AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro also feature Active Noise Cancelling, offering a quieter listening experience for travel or noisy environments. Both have good sound quality and similar battery life, but if you're an Apple user seeking seamless integration with your devices and convenient wireless charging, the AirPods Pro have the edge. Conversely, if you prioritize strong, stable fit during vigorous activities and do not need noise cancelling, the Powerbeats Pro are preferable. 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 Pro
  • Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
  • Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks

Key differences

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Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.3
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro is very good.

Noise Reduction

9.1
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
4.6
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.

Battery

5.0 Hours
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
10.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.

Cost

$260
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
$124
Product image
Product image

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
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Key similarities

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Music

6.8
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
6.5
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both only fair for music.

Gaming

5.1
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
5.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.

Phone Calls

7.4
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both good for phone calls.

TV and Video

5.7
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
5.7
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for TV and video.

Build Quality

9.0
Airpods Pro
Powerbeats Pro
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality.

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We’re constantly working to improve.

How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods ProBeats Powerbeats Pro
Apple Airpods ProBeats Powerbeats Pro

GENERAL

Price
$260
$124
Brand
AppleBeats
Release Date
October 1, 2019May 1, 2019
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWireless

SOUND

Music Score
6.9/106.5/10
Phone Calls Score
7.4/107/10
Gaming Score
5.2/105.5/10
TV and Video Score
5.7/105.8/10
Exercise Score
6.1/106.6/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
5 Hours10 Hours
Wireless charging
YesNo
Charging time
1.5 Hours1.5 Hours
Bluetooth version
5.25
Case Battery Life
2424

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
YesNo
Noise Reduction Score
9.1/104.6/10
Virtual Surround
YesNo
Android App
NoYes
iOS App
NoNo
Mic Quality
7/106/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/108.8/10
Comfort score
8/108/10
Size
MediumLarge
Weight (headset or single earbud)
5.4 Grams11 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedIntegrated

Shopping

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Apple Airpods Pro

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Dig into reviews and images

Sound Guys

Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."

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."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 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

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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.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,800
Recommendations made
18,570
Consumer hours saved

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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