Introduction
The Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds have established themselves as a formidable contender in the premium sports earbuds market since their release in 2019. As the successor to the popular Powerbeats3, these true wireless earbuds represent a significant evolution for the Beats brand, now under Apple’s ownership. Competing directly with heavy hitters like Jabra Elite 8 Active, Bose Sport Earbuds, and Jaybird Vista, the Powerbeats Pro stand out with their impressive 9-hour battery life – among the longest in the true wireless category. The Powerbeats Pro earned a Red Dot Design Award in 2019 for their innovative approach to comfortable, secure-fitting workout earbuds that don’t compromise on sound quality or performance.
Main Features
The Beats Powerbeats Pro come packed with features that make them particularly appealing for active users looking for reliable wireless earbuds. Each earbud operates independently with dual beamforming microphones, Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity, and sensors that automatically detect when they’re in your ears to pause and resume playback.
The most distinctive feature is the adjustable ear hook design, providing outstanding stability during intense workouts without causing discomfort over extended periods. This design, combined with their IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, makes the Powerbeats Pro particularly suited for fitness enthusiasts.
Battery life is another standout feature, with up to 9 hours of listening time from the earbuds themselves and more than 24 hours total with the charging case. A 5-minute quick charge delivers 1.5 hours of playback, perfect for those times when you’re running low on battery before a workout.
For Apple users, the integration of the H1 chip enables seamless pairing, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and the ability to share audio between compatible Apple and Beats devices. Physical controls on both earbuds allow for volume adjustment, track control, call management, and voice assistant activation without reaching for your phone.
Tech Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless Earbuds |
| Driver Size | Custom 12mm linear piston drivers |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours (24+ hours with case) |
| Quick Charge | 5 minutes for 1.5 hours playback |
| Bluetooth | Class 1 Bluetooth with Apple H1 chip |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 sweat and water resistant (learn more about IP Ratings) |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming mics per earbud |
| Weight | 20 grams per earbud |
| Colors | Black, Ivory, Navy, Moss |
| Controls | Physical buttons on each earbud |
| Sensors | Optical sensors for auto play/pause |
| Fast Fuel | 5-minute charge = 1.5 hours playback |
| Case Charging | Lightning connector |
The Pros
- Exceptional battery life that outlasts most competitors in the true wireless segment
- Extremely secure fit with adjustable ear hooks perfect for intense workouts
- High-quality sound profile with powerful bass that doesn’t overwhelm
- Reliable connectivity with Class 1 Bluetooth and Apple H1 chip integration
- Convenient controls on both earbuds for volume, playback, and calls
- Quick pairing with Apple devices and “Hey Siri” support
- Impressive microphone quality for clear calls even in noisy environments
- Fast charging capability that provides useful playback time in just minutes
- IPX4 water resistance for protection against sweat and light rain
- Independent earbud use – either can be used solo while the other charges
The Cons
- Bulky charging case that isn’t particularly pocket-friendly
- Premium price point that may be prohibitive for some buyers
- No active noise cancellation which is becoming standard in this price range
- No wireless charging for the case unlike some competitors
- Limited customization options without an advanced companion app
- Slightly heavier than some alternative true wireless models
- No ambient sound mode for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Price/Value Analysis
The Beats Powerbeats Pro position themselves in the premium segment of the workout earbuds market, with a launch price of $249.99 (though they can often be found for less now). While this places them among the more expensive options, the value proposition becomes clearer when considering their exceptional battery life, secure fit, and reliability during intense physical activity.
For dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize stability and don’t want to worry about earbuds falling out mid-workout, the Powerbeats Pro justify their price point through their specialized design. The integration with Apple’s ecosystem adds significant value for iPhone users, while the sound quality satisfies most audiophiles looking for workout companions.
When evaluated against competitors like the Bose Sport Earbuds ($179.95) or Jaybird Vista 2 ($199.99), the Powerbeats Pro offer comparable audio quality with superior battery performance and stability. However, they lack some newer features like active noise cancellation or wireless charging that you might find in similarly priced options from Sony or Samsung.
For their target audience – active users who prioritize fit, battery life, and reliability – the Beats Powerbeats Pro deliver excellent value despite the premium price tag. Value Score: 8/10
Who Should Buy?
The Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds are ideally suited for several types of users:
First and foremost, serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need earbuds that absolutely will not budge during high-impact activities like running, HIIT workouts, or team sports will appreciate the secure ear hook design. If you’ve struggled with traditional in-ear buds staying put during intense movement, the Powerbeats Pro solve this problem definitively.
Long-distance runners and endurance athletes will benefit from the exceptional battery life that can last through marathons and ultra-events without needing a recharge. The physical control buttons also offer a significant advantage over touch controls that can be unreliable with sweaty fingers.
Apple ecosystem users will enjoy the seamless integration, instant pairing across devices, and “Hey Siri” functionality that makes the Powerbeats Pro feel like a natural extension of your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.
Bass enthusiasts who want energetic sound to fuel their workouts will appreciate the Beats signature sound profile, which has matured into a more balanced presentation while still delivering powerful low-end performance.
If you make frequent calls on the go or participate in virtual meetings while commuting or at the gym, the superior microphone quality will ensure you remain clearly understood even in noisy environments.
Other Beats Earbuds You May Like
If the Powerbeats Pro don’t quite match your specific needs, Beats offers several other excellent earbud options worth considering. The Beats Studio Buds provide a more compact, traditional true wireless design without ear hooks while still delivering impressive sound quality at a lower price point. For those seeking active noise cancellation, the Beats Fit Pro combine a secure wingtip design with effective ANC technology and spatial audio support. Budget-conscious shoppers might prefer the Beats Flex, which offers the convenience of a neckband design with surprisingly good audio performance at an affordable price. Each model maintains the signature Beats sound profile while catering to different usage scenarios and preferences.
Other Related Products
For those exploring alternatives beyond the Beats brand, several competitors offer compelling features that might better suit your specific needs. The Jabra Elite Active 75t provides exceptional durability with a higher IP57 rating and a more compact design. Apple’s own AirPods Pro deliver seamless iOS integration with the addition of effective active noise cancellation and a more discreet profile. The Jaybird Vista 2 offers a more customizable sound experience through its comprehensive EQ app plus a more compact case. Bose Sport Earbuds excel in comfort with their StayHear Max tips design for those who dislike ear hooks but still need stability. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro provide deeper Android integration and a versatile feature set including ambient sound modes and wireless charging capability.
Conclusion
The Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds deliver exactly what they promise: exceptional stability during workouts, impressive battery life, and energetic sound that motivates without compromising clarity. While they come at a premium price and lack some newer features like ANC, their core functionality is executed nearly flawlessly for their target audience.
If you’re still on the fence about whether these are the right choice for you, I encourage you to explore our comprehensive reviews of other best-selling earbuds from best-selling brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Samsung. Our detailed comparisons can help you identify which features matter most for your specific listening habits and lifestyle needs.
Buy it Online
Ready to experience the Beats Powerbeats Pro for yourself? These premium wireless earbuds are available through several trusted online retailers. Check the links below to find current pricing and any ongoing promotions or bundle deals that might be available. We regularly update our affiliate links to ensure you’re getting the best possible prices from authorized sellers with full warranty coverage and customer support.
