Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3

Best prices today: Powerbeats Fit

$199.95

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 all-new AirPods Pro 3, also recently released.

Although both are designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, they have a few key differences. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, read on as we compare the Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 in terms of design, sound quality and more.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: design and comfort

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

The Powerbeats Fit are clearly designed for sports and training. Beats has redesigned the wingtip to be more flexible, giving them a more secure fit for running or gym sessions. The case is also smaller than the old Beats Fit Pro, although it still only charges via USB-C. Unfortunately, there’s no wireless charging here.

The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, are 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 guarantees a secure fit with the AirPods Pro, but not having a wingtip makes them more likely to fall out of your ears during very intense workouts.

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Unlike the 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. The AirPods Pro 3 also offer five different ear tip size options: XXS, XS, S, M, and L. Powerbeats Fit, on the other hand, does not have the XXS option.

For stability during workouts, the Powerbeats Fit are the clear winner with flexible wingtips and a sturdier design. For all-day comfort and a more refined look, AirPods Pro 3 takes 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 comparable to the first-generation AirPods Pro. They sound good, but not avant-garde. This is the typical Beats setting with solid bass, plus decent active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes.

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The AirPods Pro 3 retain the same H2 chip introduced with the AirPods Pro 2, but with minor acoustic updates. Compared to Powerbeats Fit, AirPods Pro 3 have more immersive and clearer sound. The ANC on the AirPods Pro 3 is also much more effective, if not better than that on the AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Fit support Adaptive EQ, which intelligently adapts sound based on your environment and the fit of each earbud, as well as 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 worry about battery life. Whether getting through a long day at work or a transatlantic flight, having more battery life is always a nice perk.

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

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

The 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 up to 24 hours.

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

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Fitness and smart features

First, let’s take a look at what the Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 have in common. They both support features like “Hey Siri,” Announced Notifications, Quick Pairing with iOS, Auto Switch Devices, Auto Pause, and Find My support.

However, since the Powerbeats Fit have the H1 chip and the AirPods Pro 3 have the H2 chip, Apple-branded earbuds offer additional 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 built into 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 settings, and location tracking.

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

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: color options

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

If you like to match your headphones to the rest of your outfit, the Powerbeats Fit might be right for you. I especially like the new Powerbeats Fit in Spark Orange – they pair well with the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro as well as Beats’ new orange rugged case.

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Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: water resistance

The Powerbeats Fit are IPX4 certified, which means they are splash-proof. 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 submersion in water for a few minutes, as well as dust. So if you are a clumsy person who often washes your headphones with your pants, go for the AirPods Pro 3.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: A third option…

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

Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer an even more secure fit with long earloops, ideal for sports (although they can be a little distracting if you wear glasses). They also offer up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge and up to an additional 36 hours with the charging case.

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Unfortunately, despite the H2 chip, they still don’t support iOS 26’s new Live Translation feature. At least they also come with five different sizes of silicone tips, although they aren’t filled with foam.

Powerbeats Fit or AirPods Pro 3: which one to buy?

Again, these are all great wireless earbuds, each with their own unique features aimed at a different audience.

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

If you are willing to spend a little more and secure fitness is not an issue for you, go for the AirPods Pro 3. They offer the best sound, the best ANC and also exclusive features. They’re ideal for iPhone users who already own AirPods Pro and want to take their experience even further.

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

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

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