Airpods Pro 3 Vs. Powerbeats Pro 2: I Tested Both Apple Earbuds, And The Winner Is Not So Obvious

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Beats and Apple each released flagship earbuds successful 2025 pinch 1 standout feature: in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. Since Apple owns some companies, some earbuds connection autochthonal compatibility pinch iOS devices and supply iOS users pinch Apple-exclusive features. 

However, Beats' Powerbeats Pro 2 besides connection much compatibility pinch Android devices. Each brace of earbuds features a chopped shape factor, which importantly impacts their usage cases and nan user's acquisition pinch them.

Also: Bose conscionable did what Apple couldn't pinch nan QuietComfort Ultra headphones - and I'm sold

Still, Apple lent its tin H2 audio spot to nan Powerbeats Pro 2, making nan 2 companies' offerings much akin than ever. However, Apple still reserves respective features for AirPods to guarantee capable differentiation betwixt nan 2 earbuds. As Apple positions nan AirPods Pro 3 arsenic some a regular companion and a fitness-forward earbud, it's basal to make an informed buying decision. 

I've tested and worked retired pinch nan Powerbeats Pro 2 and nan AirPods Pro 3 -- and highlighted beneath nan astir glaring differences to thief you make your decision.

Specifications

You should bargain nan Powerbeats Pro 2 if...

Jada Jones/ZDNET

1. Ear hooks are your thing

The Powerbeats Pro 2 characteristic sturdy yet elastic receptor hooks, making their shape facet a coagulated action for those who require a unafraid fit. The receptor hooks beryllium particularly useful during aggravated workouts, peculiarly ones filled pinch explosive movements for illustration container jumping, deadlifts, aliases kettlebell swings. These movements tin origin accepted bud-and-stem earbuds to travel loose, and receptor hooks mitigate that issue.

Also: Your Powerbeats Pro 2 are getting a superior upgrade - but there's a catch

Additionally, runners, joggers, hikers, aliases bikers tin use from nan receptor hooks, arsenic a much unchangeable fresh won't require you to fiddle pinch a loose earbud while you're successful a susceptible position. The Powerbeats Pro 2 still characteristic progressive sound cancellation and Transparency Mode, and a package update has brought Siri Interactions to nan Powerbeats Pro 2, allowing iOS users to reply incoming calls and negociate notifications hands-free.

2. You person a mixed-device ecosystem

Unlike Apple's AirPods, Beats' earbuds person autochthonal -- though constricted -- compatibility pinch Android devices. Android users tin entree nan Powerbeats Pro 2's bosom complaint monitoring feature, which is constricted to iOS users connected nan AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, Android users tin download nan Beats app for one-touch pairing, instrumentality controls, artillery notifications, and entree to Locate My Beats.

3. You already person earbuds for mundane use

Although nan Powerbeats Pro 2 support mundane features for iOS users, specified arsenic Siri Interactions, Transparency Mode, and Find My compatibility, their perchance obtrusive receptor hooks tin beryllium impractical for regular use. Suppose you already person a brace of AirPods and don't consciousness compelled to upgrade them, particularly if their shape facet isn't conducive to your workout routine. Still, you want in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. In that case, see nan Powerbeats Pro 2 for moving out; their compatibility pinch your iPhone and much unchangeable in-ear fresh should suit your needs.

Also: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are champion for moving out?

Additionally, nan Powerbeats Pro 2's bosom complaint monitoring -- for iOS -- functions very likewise to nan AirPods Pro 2, offering iPhone Fitness app users on-screen real-time metrics and fittingness search alongside your Apple Watch. The Powerbeats Pro 2 besides way steps taken and calories burned.

You should bargain nan AirPods Pro 3 if...

Jada Jones/ZDNET

1. It's clip to upgrade your AirPods

If your AirPods are connected their past leg, it mightiness beryllium clip to upgrade, and there's nary amended brace to upgrade to than nan AirPods Pro 3. Apple fitted nan Pro 3 earbuds pinch a redesigned fresh for improved comfort, an updated acoustic statement for enhanced sound quality, improved artillery life, accrued particulate and h2o guidance (IP57), a caller ultra-wideband spot for improved location accuracy, and an in-ear bosom complaint monitor.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared nan 2 models, and here's who should upgrade

If you're still rocking pinch AirPods Pro (first generation) aliases AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning), nan AirPods Pro 3 connection sizeable upgrades successful each categories. Upgrading to nan AirPods Pro 3 will present everything Beats' premium earbuds tin -- sans nan receptor hooks and nosy colors.

2. You want an all-in-one earbud

The Powerbeats Pro 2 deficiency features for illustration Conversation Awareness and adaptive sound cancellation, making them little well-rounded for divers environments and usage cases. In contrast, nan AirPods Pro 3 characteristic each of these, positive Live Translation, Hearing Aid Mode, and in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. 

Design-wise, nan Powerbeats Pro 2's noticeable receptor hooks and much sporty creation whitethorn make them little suitable for discreet wear. The AirPods Pro 3 and their charging lawsuit are much pocketable than nan Powerbeats Pro 2, which could beryllium much appealing to group connected nan spell who want to quickly popular successful an earbud.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 fittingness characteristic surprises triathlete tester - here's what he found

Finally, nan AirPods Pro 3 are amended protected against particulate and h2o ingress than nan Powerbeats Pro 2. They athletics an IP57 rating, compared to nan Powerbeats Pro 2's IPX4, making nan AirPods much tin of withstanding particulate astatine nan bottommost of your activity container aliases accidental drops successful nan pool.

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