Beats Powerbeats Pro completely wireless earphones in black with Apple H1 chip.

Powerbeats Pro Review: 7 Things To Know Before You Buy (Don’t Miss #4!)

Released in May 2019, the Powerbeats Pro set the bar high for true wireless earbuds, especially for active people. As part of the Beats family, the Powerbeats Pro was designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind, boasting features that cater to those who want powerful sound, a secure fit, and durability during workouts.

With its sleek design, impressive battery life, and seamless connectivity with Apple devices, it’s no wonder these earbuds have remained popular even years after their release. But are they still worth buying? In this review, we’ll cover seven things to know before you buy the Powerbeats Pro; from sound quality to battery life, comfort, and more- so you can decide if these earbuds fit your needs.

Comfort and Secure Fit for Active Lifestyles

Comfort and fit are key in earbuds designed for workouts, and the Powerbeats Pro excels in this department. With adjustable ear hooks and a secure, custom fit, these earbuds stay in place no matter how intense your workout. Whether running, cycling, or dancing to your favorite playlist, it will remain in place without making you uncomfortable.

The ear hooks aren’t just there for looks; they’re functional. They help distribute the weight of the earbuds, keeping them secure and ensuring they don’t cause discomfort over long periods of use. Plus, with a range of ear tip sizes, you’re guaranteed to find the right fit for your ears. So, if you’re worried about your earbuds falling out mid-jog or getting in the way of your workout, the Powerbeats Pro has you covered.

Sound Quality That Punches Above Its Weight

One of the standout features of the Powerbeats Pro is its exceptional sound quality. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tracks, catching up on podcasts, or immersing yourself in an audiobook, these earbuds deliver a rich and balanced sound with deep bass, crisp mids, and clear highs. It won’t disappoint if you appreciate a punchy bassline.

They also come equipped with spatial audio, which creates an immersive soundstage that makes you feel like you’re at a live concert. This feature is especially significant when watching videos or listening to music, as it adds more depth to the experience.

Beats Powerbeats Pro showing long battery life of up to 9 hours.
Enjoy up to 9 hours of continuous playback with the Powerbeats Pro, so you can keep the music going all day long.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

One of the most important aspects of any wireless earbud is its battery life, which the Powerbeats Pro delivers. These earbuds boast up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge, significantly improving over many competitors. Whether you’re hitting the gym for an extended workout or need to get through a long commute, it is built to last.

Even better, the charging case provides an additional 15 hours of battery life, so you can quickly recharge your earbuds while on the go. And if you’re in a pinch, the Fast Fuel feature allows for 1.5 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge, perfect for those last-minute workout sessions or quick phone calls.

Water and Sweat Resistance

If you’re an athlete, you know that sweat can be your worst enemy when it comes to electronics. Fortunately, the Powerbeats Pro are IPX4-rated, which means they’re resistant to sweat and water splashes. Whether you’re out for a run in the rain or sweating during a HIIT session, you don’t have to worry about short-circuiting or malfunctioning earbuds.

These are built to handle the intensity of your workouts without missing a beat. While they’re not fully waterproof, the Powerbeats Pro is more than durable enough to withstand the sweat and moisture of an active lifestyle.

Beats Powerbeats Pro earphone showing sweat and water resistance design.
Built for the active lifestyle, the Powerbeats Pro earphones are sweat and water-resistant, keeping you focused during intense workouts.

Seamless Connectivity with Apple Devices

Thanks to the Apple H1 chip, the Powerbeats Pro offers seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Pairing the earbuds with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is easy; open the case, and they’ll automatically pair. The H1 chip also allows hands-free access to Siri, so you can easily control your music, adjust the volume, or check your messages without touching your device.

While these earbuds work well with Android devices via Bluetooth, the experience is optimized for Apple users, making them an excellent choice for those already in the Apple ecosystem.

Beats Powerbeats Pro easily connecting to iPhones, Androids, and other devices.
From iPhones to Androids, the Powerbeats Pro connects seamlessly across all your devices for a smooth, versatile audio experience.

Slightly Bulky Charging Case

While these earbuds are compact, the charging case is bulkier than other accurate wireless options. It’s not as small as some competitors, but it’s still portable enough to slip into your bag. However, if you prefer a minimalist design, the size of the case may be a downside.

The case is also sturdy and has a snap closure to keep the earbuds securely inside. While it might not fit in your pocket as easily as a minor case, it provides ample protection and convenience for storing and charging earbuds.

The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?

The Powerbeats Pro are priced on the higher end, so the question remains: Are they worth it? If you value sound quality, comfort, and durability, especially if you frequently work out or engage in other physical activities, the Powerbeats Pro is a solid investment. While they may be more expensive than other wireless earbuds on the market, their performance and reliability make them a top choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone who needs dependable earbuds for everyday use.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need all the premium features, other options are available at a lower price point. But it continues to be a top contender for those prioritizing a secure fit, long-lasting battery life, and great sound.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Overview

Some of the pros and cons of the Powerbeats Pro are the following:

Pros:

  • Extremely Secure Fit. The adjustable ear hooks provided unparalleled stability, making them ideal for rigorous workouts and activities. They were genuinely challenging to dislodge.
  • Decent Sound Quality. The sound profile was generally well-received, focusing on powerful bass, suitable for workout music. While not audiophile-grade, it was enjoyable for most users.
  • Long Battery Life. The 9-hour battery life per earbud was a significant selling point, and the charging case added another 15 hours, providing a respectable total. (It was 24 hours total, but 15 hours from the case).
  • Sweat and Water Resistance (IPX4). The IPX4 rating offered solid protection against sweat and light rain, making them reliable for workouts.
  • Apple H1 Chip. This chip ensured seamless pairing with Apple devices, reliable connectivity, and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality.
  • Physical Controls. The physical buttons for volume and playback were responsive and easy to use, even during intense workouts.
Beats Powerbeats Pro showing simple, easy-to-use control buttons.
Take full control with simple buttons on your Beats Powerbeats Pro, allowing easy volume adjustments, calls, and track changes on the go.

Cons:

  • High Price Point. The Powerbeats Pro were among the most expensive wireless earbuds at their launch.
  • Bulky Charging Case. The charging case was significantly larger than those of competitors, making it less pocketable.
  • There is no active noise cancellation (ANC), a notable omission, especially at the price point. Passive noise isolation is decent but not comparable to ANC.
  • No Wireless Charging. Another drawback was the lack of wireless charging, particularly as many competitors offered this feature.
  • Case Size. The overall case size was a common complaint.
  • Call Quality. Some users considered call quality to be inconsistent.
  • There was no audio customization. The Powerbeats Pro did not offer a way to customize the sound profile to your specific tastes.
  • Lightning Cable. Using a lightning cable instead of USB-C was a drawback to many.

So, where does that leave us with the Powerbeats Pro? Honestly, it’s like this: if you live life in motion, whether it’s chasing a personal best on the trail or just trying to keep your favorite podcast going while you tackle a mountain of laundry, these earbuds are built for you. They’re the kind of gear you don’t have to think twice about—they just stay put and keep the tunes flowing.

Now, I get it; they’re not exactly pocket change. And if you’re mainly looking for something to listen to music at your desk, there may be more straightforward options out there. But if you’ve ever had the frustration of earbuds falling out mid-run or crave that solid, reliable sound that keeps you motivated, then you know what that peace of mind is worth.

Think of it like investing in good running shoes. They’re not the cheapest, but they make a huge difference in your experience. If you’re ready to say goodbye to tangled wires and earbuds that bail on you, the Powerbeats Pro is a solid pick.

Have you tried them yourself? Or are you curious to know more? Please comment below. And if you’re ready to take the plunge, you can find the current deals on Powerbeats Pro on Amazon. Let me know what you think! Voila! Until next time!

 

Additional Reference:
Apple Inc. (n.d.). Get information about your Beats. Apple Support. https://support.apple.com/guide/beats/get-info-about-your-beats-dev3820aecf4/web#:~:text=If%20you%20need%20information%20about,app%20on%20an%20Android%20device.

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Arlene Tangcangco-Dochi
Arlene Tangcangco-Dochi

Arlene Tangcangco, Ph.D. candidate (タンカンコ道地ア-リ-ン) also known as Teacher AL, is a learner and teacher at heart. Driven by curiosity, she has explored various fields since she was 17. She was a working student who held multiple jobs as a Tutor, Customer Service, and Sales Associate while studying full-time. After graduation, she worked as a Junior Radio Reporter, Team Leader, HR Recruitment and Training Officer, College Instructor, and Permanent Public Secondary School Teacher.

She has also jetted off to Japan to teach conversational, business, and academic English to various learners while furthering her education. AL's motto is "Learn to teach, and teach to learn." She believes education is a lifelong process that enriches one's mind, heart, and soul.

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