AirPods Pro 3 vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The true wireless history between Apple and Beats has been quite entertaining.

It all started when the original AirPods took a backseat to the first-gen Powerbeats Pro. Then the latter became an afterthought once the excellent AirPods Pro 2 dropped. That sequel was soon toppled by the universally loved Fit Pro, a release that many critics deemed the best Apple buds overall for nearly two years.

Fast-forward, and now we have Apple’s and Beats’ latest flagship entries — the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2.

Both are considered some of the best wireless earbuds and workout buds money can buy, but only one is the superior option.

We’ve spent the past several weeks comparing these two models to determine the better overall pick for both casual listeners and exercisers. Let’s get right to it.

Expect greater ANC and sound from the AirPods Pro 3

Apple made noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 3 stronger than their predecessor, and it shows. Most noises across the frequency spectrum are barely noticeable. Very few high-frequency noises (e.g., siren, whistle) will catch you off guard. Transparency Mode is stellar and gives ambient noise a natural presence. Enabling any of the new Hearing Health modes will transform the buds into hearing aids. Conversation Mode boosts vocal capture to engage in loud, clear-sounding chats. Adaptive Audio combines the two ANC modes, so you can get the best of both worlds while enjoying lively sound. Speaking of which, audio quality on the AirPods Pro 3 is awesome. Bass and clarity are amplified, plus the adaptive EQ fine-tunes sound to your environment. Personalized Spatial Audio is ideal for immersive listening; bass receives more oomph on Dolby Atmos tracks. 

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have their own sonic strengths. Bass remains impactful and vibrant. Frequencies are better balanced this time around to create a pleasant mix of lows, mids, and highs. Spatial Audio with headtracking works better on the Powerbeats Pro 2 than the Fit Pro. However, ANC is a major downgrade. We heard endless noise when exercising indoors and outdoors. Mid- and high-frequency sounds were distracting at times. Thankfully, Transparency mode was reliable for increasing situational awareness. 

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.

The sportier and longer-lasting buds are the Powerbeats Pro 2

Despite their lackluster IP rating (IPX4 sweat and water resistance), the Powerbeats Pro 2 are built to survive heavy-duty workouts. Hard plastic protects the entire product. You’ll feel at ease if the buds or case accidentally fall on hard surfaces. Beats’ earhook design keeps the buds latched on. My only complaint on the fitness end is the unreliable heart rate monitoring. Up to 10 hours of battery life per charge means more workouts in between recharges. The wireless charging case also holds an additional 45 hours when fully charged. If the buds are about to die, employ USB-C charging to generate 1.5 hours of use in 5 minutes. 

The AirPods Pro 3 were designed with fitness in mind. I used the AirPods Pro 3 for my workouts and got mostly accurate readings from the HRM. It’s nice having the bump in battery life (up to 8 hours with ANC on), though the loss in additional charges from the charging case is a bummer (down from 30 hours to 24 hours). These buds share the same quick charging time as the Powerbeats Pro 2. The longer sound port occupies the concha and keeps each bud stable, but it also causes some discomfort after several hours of wear. Apple’s silicone tips still form a tight fit. IP57 dust-, sweat-, and water-resistance protect both the buds and the charging case. Now comes the real bad news: you must guard the AirPods Pro 3 with your life because they are poorly constructed. A 0/10 repairability score from iFixit says it all. The materials are fragile, and if something breaks on the inside, you’ll risk tearing ribbon cables when attempting to remove components.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. 

Notable trade-offs

It’s no surprise that the AirPods Pro 3 deliver the truer Apple experience. That’s fantastic news for anyone with an iDevice (iPhone/iPad) or Mac. Android users receive very little functionality. All previously mentioned listening modes are restricted to Apple’s ecosystem. The same goes for standard features tied to the H2 processor: audio sharing, auto switch, and “Hey Siri,” to name a few. Apple doesn’t even let you enable Google Assistant.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are more platform-neutral, thanks to a proprietary chip that was developed for optimization with Apple’s and Google’s operating systems. You gain access to most H2 benefits and Android features like one-tap Fast Pair and Find My Device. HRM is even available on Android via the Beats app or third-party fitness apps. These buds also have Bluetooth multipoint to pair them with two devices simultaneously, no matter the platforms. It’s just unfortunate that Apple’s primary listening modes remain exclusive to current AirPods models.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

Final Thoughts

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 either match or outperform their rival in almost every category. ANC is terrific for silencing backgrounds. Advancements in acoustic architecture create wider, detailed sound. HRM works surprisingly well. The uptick in battery life is huge. Controls and connectivity operate seamlessly, at least when it comes to iOS/macOS devices. A higher IP rating keeps the entire package safe from excessive moisture. Lastly, Apple’s various listening modes are intelligibly useful for all scenarios.

Many will find the Powerbeats Pro 2 more suitable for exercising because of their signature hook design and lengthier playtimes. Extras like dual-device pairing and multiplatform support broaden their appeal. Where they lose credibility is in the lack of prime Apple features and their weak ANC. Not to mention the faulty heart rate monitoring, which is enough to push cardio lovers towards the AirPods Pro 3.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3