Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: There isn’t an obvious choice anymore

Macworld

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Our Verdict
Both Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 work seamlessly with the iPhone, but they’re built for very different kinds of users.

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Beats recently launched the new Powerbeats Fit – a revamped version of the popular Beats Fit Pro. The earbuds are an alternative to Apple’s AirPods, and it’s hard not to compare them to the brand-new AirPods Pro 3, which were also recently released.

While both are designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, they do have some key differences. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, read on as we compare Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 in design, sound quality, and more.









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Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Design and comfort

The first thing you’ll notice is that the two earbuds were designed for very different lifestyles.

Powerbeats Fit are clearly built with sports and workouts in mind. Beats redesigned the wingtip to be more flexible, which gives them a more secure fit for running or gym sessions. The case is also smaller than the old Beats Fit Pro, though it still charges only via USB-C. Unfortunately, there’s no wireless charging here.

AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, is a more premium option focused on everyday use. They come with new foam-infused silicone tips for a better seal and comfort during long listening sessions. Apple also ensures a secure fit with AirPods Pro, but not having a wingtip makes them more likely to fall out of your ears during very intense workouts.




Foundry

Unlike Powerbeats Fit, the AirPods Pro 3 charging case supports MagSafe wireless charging. Plus, it also lets you add a lanyard and has a built-in speaker for Find My alerts. AirPods Pro 3 also offers five different ear tip size options: XXS, XS, S, M, and L. Powerbeats Fit, on the other hand, doesn’t have the XXS option.

For stability during workouts, the Powerbeats Fit are the clear winners with flexible wingtips and a more rugged design. For all-day comfort and a more refined look, AirPods Pro 3 take the lead.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Sound quality and ANC

This is where the gap between the two models becomes clearer.

The Powerbeats Fit use Apple’s H1 chip, so their sound quality and noise cancellation are roughly on par with the first-generation AirPods Pro. They sound good, but not cutting-edge. It’s the typical Beats tuning with solid bass, plus decent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes.




Foundry

The AirPods Pro 3 keep the same H2 chip introduced with the AirPods Pro 2, but with minor acoustic updates. Compared to Powerbeats Fit, AirPods Pro 3 have a more immersive and clear sound. The ANC in AirPods Pro 3 is also much more efficient, even better than in AirPods Pro 2.

Both AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Fit support Adaptive EQ, which intelligently adapts the sound to match your surroundings and the fit of each earbud, and Personalized Spatial Audio.

If your priorities are the best sound and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 3 are easily the ideal choice.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Battery life

When it comes to wireless headphones and earbuds, many users are concerned about battery life. Whether it’s for getting through a long day at work or a transatlantic flight, having more battery life is always a good advantage.

Surprisingly, both Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 deliver very similar results in this regard, with only a few differences.

Powerbeats Fit deliver up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge. Combined with the charging case, you can use them for up to 30 hours.

AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, now last up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. However, its charging case has a smaller battery and extends playback time to up to 24 hours.

In other words: AirPods Pro 3 last a bit longer on a single charge, but the Powerbeats Fit’s case gives you more total battery if you need to recharge them on the go.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Fitness and smart features

First, let’s dive into what Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 have in common. They both support features such as “Hey Siri,” Announced Notifications, fast pairing with iOS, automatic device switching, auto-pause, and Find My support.

However, since Powerbeats Fit have the H1 chip and AirPods Pro 3 have the H2 chip, Apple-branded earbuds offer some extra features. This includes Adaptive Mode and the recently announced Live Translation. The latest AirPods also offer lower latency and can be used as lavalier microphones when paired with an iPhone.

Another feature exclusive to AirPods Pro 3 is a heart rate sensor for monitoring workouts without the need for an Apple Watch. And even if you have an Apple Watch, the sensor in the earbuds can improve the accuracy of heart rate measurement.

At the same time, Powerbeats Fit are more universal when it comes to working with other platforms. Android users can download the Beats app to unlock quick pairing, widgets, EQ adjustments, and location tracking.

If you want all the latest features, AirPods Pro 3 are the right choice. But if you plan to use your earbuds with an Android phone or tablet, Powerbeats Fit are a better option.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Color options

This is where Beats still stands out. While AirPods Pro 3 are only available in white, Powerbeats Fit come in fun color options like Spark Orange and Power Pink, and they are also available in gray and black.

If you like to match your earbuds with the rest of your outfit, Powerbeats Fit might suit you well. I especially love the new Powerbeats Fit in Spark Orange – they go well with the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and also with the new orange rugged case from Beats.




Foundry

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Water resistance

Powerbeats Fit are IPX4 certified, which means they’re splash resistant. You can use them in the rain without any worries, but submerging them in water is not a good idea.

AirPods Pro 3 are IP57 certified, making them more resistant to being submerged in water for a few minutes, as well as being dust resistant. So if you’re a clumsy person who often washes your earbuds with your pants, go with AirPods Pro 3.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: A third option…

What if I told you there’s also a third option for you? Powerbeats Pro 2, which were introduced earlier this year, compete more directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro. They have the H2 chip with lower latency and better ANC (though not exactly the same as the AirPods Pro 3), and also the built-in heart rate sensor.

In addition, Powerbeats Pro 2 offers an even more secure fit with long earhooks, ideal for sports (although they can be a bit annoying if you wear glasses). They also deliver up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 36 extra hours with the charging case.




Foundry

Unfortunately, despite having the H2 chip, they still lack support for the new Live Translation feature in iOS 26. At least they also come with five different sizes of silicone tip – although they’re not foam-filled.

Powerbeats Fit or AirPods Pro 3: Which one should you buy?

Again, they’re all great wireless earbuds, each with their own unique features aimed at a different audience.

Powerbeats Fit are best for runners, gym-goers, and anyone who wants earbuds that stay put no matter what. They sound decent and have good ANC for most situations. They’re also a bit cheaper and come in more colors. Plus, they’re more suited for Android users. If you still have older AirPods or other earbuds, you’ll definitely like them.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more and the secure fitness fit isn’t an issue for you, go with the AirPods Pro 3. They offer the best sound, the best ANC, and also some exclusive features. They’re ideal for iPhone users who already own AirPods Pro and want to take their experience one step further.

And if you’re a serious athlete who needs an extremely secure fit and also wants things like better ANC and a heart rate sensor for workouts, Powerbeats Pro 2 is the right choice for you. They cost the same as AirPods Pro 3, so it’s a choice about what kind of user you are.

Speaking of price, here’s how much each one costs, though they can often be found on sale:

Powerbeats Fit: $199

Powerbeats Pro 2: $249

AirPods Pro 3: $249

At the end of the day, Apple and Beats now offer a lineup that covers nearly every type of user. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate workout earbuds, an everyday companion for your iPhone, or something in between, there’s an option for you.