Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds – Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones, 9 Hours of Listening Time, Sweat Resistant, Built-in Microphone – Black
The Powerbeats Pro, the true wireless earphones from Apple’s Beats brand, have emerged as a commendable choice for iPhone users seeking improved sound quality, superior fit, and extended battery life compared to the AirPods. With a focus on secure fit, sweat resistance, and a robust sound profile, these earbuds stand out in the wireless audio market.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
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The Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones offer a robust combination of features tailored for active lifestyles. Their standout design, featuring secure-fit ear hooks, ensures a snug and stable fit during workouts or intense activities—a notable improvement over many true wireless options. The IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating enhances durability, making them reliable companions for various outdoor activities.
One of the key highlights is their extended battery life, providing nearly 11 hours of playback on a single charge, surpassing many competitors in the true wireless category. Integration of Apple’s H1 chip enables seamless pairing, strong wireless connectivity, and Siri access for iPhone users, enhancing the overall user experience within the Apple ecosystem. However, while Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connectivity, Android users might not experience the same level of compatibility.
Sound quality embodies the Beats signature, emphasizing bass without overwhelming, though some users note under-emphasized mids. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes allows for a customized fit and better sound isolation, contributing to improved comfort and audio experience. Additionally, proximity sensors enhance control, pausing music when the earbuds are removed and improving microphone performance in noisy environments.
Overall, the Powerbeats Pro combine durability, impressive battery life, convenient controls, and a sound profile favored by many, particularly for those engaged in active pursuits. The seamless integration with Apple devices enhances their appeal, although the experience may vary for non-iOS users due to the reliance on specific features tied to the Apple ecosystem.
Design & Build Quality
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The Powerbeats Pro exemplify a refined design tailored for active use. Their ergonomic construction, featuring adjustable ear hooks and a variety of ear tip options, provides a secure and comfortable fit, addressing a common issue among true wireless earbuds. The IPX4 rating adds resilience, making them sweat and water-resistant, ideal for rigorous workouts or outdoor activities. Despite being slightly bulkier than some competitors, the robust build quality ensures durability, catering to those seeking reliable, long-lasting earbuds.
The charging case, while substantial in size, houses the earbuds securely and offers additional charges, extending usage without compromising portability. However, its larger footprint might pose a challenge for pocket storage, suggesting a preference for bags or larger compartments. The case’s reliance on a Lightning cable for charging, while compatible with Apple devices, might inconvenience non-Apple users, requiring an additional cable type for charging.
The intuitive placement of physical controls—multifunction buttons and volume rockers—on each earbud offers easy access to music playback, call management, and Siri activation for iPhone users. Additionally, the inclusion of proximity sensors intelligently pauses music playback upon earbud removal, enhancing user convenience and preserving battery life. The sleek design and attention to user-centric functionality distinguish the Powerbeats Pro within the true wireless earbud landscape, especially for those seeking a secure fit during active use.
Power & Performance
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The Powerbeats Pro stand out with a commendable blend of power and performance. Their sound quality, propelled by upgraded piston drivers, offers a notable improvement over predecessors like the AirPods. While retaining Beats’ signature bass emphasis, these earbuds deliver richer, cleaner sound with a tighter bass response. The design’s noise-isolating nature provides a more immersive listening experience compared to open-style earbuds, particularly beneficial in noisy environments like public transport.
Battery life is a standout feature, offering an impressive 9 hours of continuous playback, surpassing many competitors in the true wireless earbuds market. The charging case further extends usage, providing an additional 15 hours, ensuring a longer runtime between charges. Moreover, the quick-charge capability is a boon, with just a 5-minute charge granting an hour and a half of playback—a convenient feature for users on the go.
The integration of Apple’s H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0 ensures seamless connectivity and fast pairing, particularly for Apple device users. The chip’s support enables Siri voice activation, enhancing user convenience by allowing hands-free control of playback, volume adjustment, and voice commands. Each earbud’s ability to function independently grants flexibility in usage, enabling mono or stereo listening as per user preference.
Despite commendable performance, some treble emphasis may affect the overall tonal balance for some audiophiles. Additionally, the larger size of the earbuds might pose fitting challenges for smaller ears, impacting both comfort and the seal needed for optimal sound quality. Overall, the Powerbeats Pro excel in delivering a powerful sound profile, extensive battery life, and robust connectivity, catering well to active lifestyles and demanding audio preferences.
Compatibility & Connectivity
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The Powerbeats Pro’s compatibility favors Apple devices, benefiting from the H1 chip’s advantages. However, Android users might encounter issues due to the AAC codec, leading to potential latency and connectivity concerns. Pairing with an iPhone is straightforward, while Android pairing involves more steps and may not deliver the same level of performance.
What’s the Alternative?
Image credit: Jabra
If you’re exploring alternatives to the Powerbeats Pro, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are a compelling option, especially for those who prioritize advanced noise cancellation and a customizable sound profile. The Jabra Elite 10 stands out with its IP57 waterproof rating, providing superior durability and resistance to water compared to the Powerbeats Pro’s IPX4 rating. This makes the Elite 10 a more robust choice for rigorous outdoor activities or environments where moisture is a concern. Additionally, the Jabra Elite 10 features an adjustable EQ and Dolby Atmos support, which enhances the audio experience with spatial sound and head tracking, offering a more immersive listening experience. However, the Powerbeats Pro excels in battery life, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, compared to the Elite 10’s 5.5 hours, making the Beats a better choice for extended use without frequent recharging.
The Powerbeats Pro’s ear hook design provides a secure fit, ideal for intense workouts, while the Jabra Elite 10’s compact, ergonomic design caters to general comfort and ease of use. Both earbuds feature intuitive controls, but the Jabra’s touch-sensitive interface can lead to accidental activations, a minor inconvenience not typically encountered with the Powerbeats Pro’s physical buttons. In terms of connectivity, the Powerbeats Pro integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, thanks to the H1 chip, offering features like always-on Siri and effortless pairing with iOS devices. On the other hand, the Jabra Elite 10 supports multipoint connectivity, allowing pairing with two devices simultaneously, which can be particularly beneficial for users switching between work and personal devices. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your specific needs—whether you prioritize longer battery life and seamless Apple integration with the Powerbeats Pro, or advanced noise cancellation and customizable sound with the Jabra Elite 10.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Powerbeats Pro?
For Apple users seeking a reliable alternative to AirPods, especially those prioritizing a secure fit for workouts or active use, the Powerbeats Pro stand as a strong choice. The enhanced sound quality, extended battery life, and seamless integration with Apple devices make them an appealing option. However, the high price and limitations in noise isolation might steer some users toward more cost-effective alternatives. Overall, these earphones are a commendable investment for those prioritizing stability, sound quality, and extensive battery life, especially within the Apple ecosystem.
