Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3

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£199.95

Best prices today: Powerbeats Fit

Beats recently launched the new Powerbeats Fit – a revamped version of the popular Beats Fit Pro. The earphones 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.

Although both are designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, they have some key differences. If you’re unsure 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 earphones are designed for very different lifestyles.

Powerbeats Fit is clearly built with sports and training in mind. Beats has redesigned the wing tip to be more flexible, giving them a more secure fit for runs or training sessions. The case is also smaller than the old Beats Fit Pro, although it still only charges via USB-C. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging here.

AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, is a more premium option focused on daily 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 the AirPods Pro, but if you don’t have a wing tip, they are more likely to fall out of your ears during very intense exercise.

Foundry

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 offers five different eartip size options: XXS, XS, S, M, and L. The Powerbeats Fit, on the other hand, does not have the XXS option.

For stability during training, the Powerbeats Fit are the clear winners with flexible wingtips and a more robust 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

Here the gap between the two models becomes clearer.

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

Foundry

AirPods Pro 3 retains the same H2 chip that was introduced with AirPods Pro 2, but with minor acoustic updates. Compared to Powerbeats Fit, AirPods Pro 3 has a more immersive and clear sound. ANC in AirPods Pro 3 is also much more effective, even better than in AirPods Pro 2.

Both AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Fit support Adaptive EQ, which intelligently adjusts 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 reduction, AirPods Pro 3 is easily the ideal choice.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Battery life

When it comes to wireless headphones and earphones, many users are concerned about battery life. Whether it’s to get through a long day at work or a transatlantic flight, having longer battery life is always a plus.

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

Powerbeats Fit delivers 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 lasts up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. However, its charging case has a smaller battery and extends the playback time to 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 overall 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, quick pairing with iOS, auto-device switching, auto-pause, and Find My Support.

But since the Powerbeats Fit has the H1 chip and the AirPods Pro 3 has the H2 chip, Apple-branded earphones 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 the AirPods Pro 3 is a heart rate sensor for monitoring exercise without the need for an Apple Watch. And even if you have an Apple Watch, the sensor in the earphones can improve the accuracy of the 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 is the right choice. But if you plan to use your earbuds with an Android phone or tablet, the Powerbeats Fit is a better option.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Color options

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

If you like to match your earphones with the rest of your outfit, the 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 are splash resistant. You can use them in the rain without worry, but submerging them in water is not a good idea.

AirPods Pro 3 are IP57 certified, which makes 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 earphones with your pants, get the AirPods Pro 3.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: A third option…

What if I told you there is a third option for you too? Introduced earlier this year, the Powerbeats Pro 2 competes more directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro. They have the H2 chip with lower latency and better ANC (although not quite the same as the AirPods Pro 3), and also the built-in heart rate monitor.

In addition, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer an even more secure fit with long ear hooks, 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 additional 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 tips – 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 is 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 are also slightly cheaper and come in several colors. Additionally, they are more suitable for Android users. If you still have older AirPods or other earphones, you will definitely like them.

If you’re willing to spend a little more and the secure fitness fit isn’t an issue for you, go for the AirPods Pro 3. They offer the best sound, the best ANC, and some exclusive features too. They are 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 monitor for training, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the right choice for you. They cost the same as the AirPods Pro 3, so it’s a choice of what kind of user you are.

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

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