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AirPods 2 or Powerbeats Pro?
- Thread starter Boardiesboi
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Reviewers have started receiving their units. I expect reviews to drop in a few days.
After receiving my PowerBeats Pro pre-order, the Pro sounds quality is much superior than the AirPods. The pods are very comfortable to wear with my glasses on. No more worries if the pods fall while I am cleaning up my sweats. The high price does justify its superiority of sound quality and ear ergonomic shape compared to the AirPods. It is no doubt the best wireless EarPods Apple has made. Thumbs up to Apple!
I'd really like to hear from the 10 people who voted "neither". What do you use and why? I'm a person who always wants to analyze and look over ALL my options for something before making a decision and I think many people just automatically go with the Apple product and don't even consider alternatives.
For me it came down to 3 things - sound, portability, and convenience.
The only positive for the Pro’s was battery life, but I’ve never had an issue with Airpods 1 or 2 battery. Feels like the battery lasts forever. The sound was much closer than I thought it would be (def bought into the hype for Powerbeats Pro), the case size/wireless charging is huge, and the ability to quickly put on/take off the Airpods were the deciding factors for me.
I planned on keeping both, but was underwhelmed with the Powerbeats Pro. I was probably spoiled by the Airpods being so good and convenient.
The only positive for the Pro’s was battery life, but I’ve never had an issue with Airpods 1 or 2 battery. Feels like the battery lasts forever. The sound was much closer than I thought it would be (def bought into the hype for Powerbeats Pro), the case size/wireless charging is huge, and the ability to quickly put on/take off the Airpods were the deciding factors for me.
I planned on keeping both, but was underwhelmed with the Powerbeats Pro. I was probably spoiled by the Airpods being so good and convenient.
I said neither. I have the AirPods 1 and while they're really small & convenient, I don't find the sound all that great, primarily because they are so open. I use my Bose SoundSports more when out & about and my Bose QC35 II's around the house.
Beatless Powerbeat pro
Here's my story. Bought a pair online and picked them up at Union Square Apple store in San Francisco the same day. Tried them out on the train back to the East Bay. Awful!! Baseless. Literally. Clearly defective. Because these are hard to find in stores, I immediately went online and bought another pair from Union Square. Returned the originals and picked up the new pair the next day. Listened to them immediately and much better. The first pair clearly defective. But then compared them to my Airpods and was surprised to find the PBP had maybe half the base or a little better than the Airpods. "That can't be right", I thought. Especially after so many of you talk about how good they sound. Back to the store, where I compared them with their demo pair. Their demo pair where WORSE than mine! The demo guy agreed. Not near the base of the AirPods. The sound stage for the mid-range was definitely better on the PBP than my Airpods, but the base. Can their quality control really be this bad? So disappointed. Obviously returned them.
Here's my story. Bought a pair online and picked them up at Union Square Apple store in San Francisco the same day. Tried them out on the train back to the East Bay. Awful!! Baseless. Literally. Clearly defective. Because these are hard to find in stores, I immediately went online and bought another pair from Union Square. Returned the originals and picked up the new pair the next day. Listened to them immediately and much better. The first pair clearly defective. But then compared them to my Airpods and was surprised to find the PBP had maybe half the base or a little better than the Airpods. "That can't be right", I thought. Especially after so many of you talk about how good they sound. Back to the store, where I compared them with their demo pair. Their demo pair where WORSE than mine! The demo guy agreed. Not near the base of the AirPods. The sound stage for the mid-range was definitely better on the PBP than my Airpods, but the base. Can their quality control really be this bad? So disappointed. Obviously returned them.
Try different ear tips. The powerbeats pro ear tips are smaller than what I'm use to. On other in ear monitor/earphones a medium fit be good. I had to use the Large ear tips with the powerbeats pro to get a good seal. The mediums sounded good but little to no bass while the large ear tips provided a better seal and better bass. Apple have toned down the bass on these compared to other beats headphones though.
Those really do make a difference (I have a set) - it's just a pain having to take them off to charge and carry around separately.
After about a week they loosened up so much that it only takes me a second or two to get each one on. Carrying them around is another story, but it's worth it imo. Now they stay in my ears well and sound great.
I usually keep my AirPod case in this case and loop the ear hooks on the carabiner -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKRPQK4/
I just got the PBP and I have the Airpods as well....and I think I will use both depending on the situation. The PBP I think sound a little better, but not almost $100 better. I was expected to be blown away with the difference in the two . But I do like how they don't move around and will definitely be my workout headphones.
Nice. Thank you. Being waterproof is a plus.I usually keep my AirPod case in this case and loop the ear hooks on the carabiner -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKRPQK4/
I love my AirPods 1 and my power beats 3 and really wanted to LOVE the PBP. But they hurt my ears. My right ear starts to hurt after about 40 minutes wearing them. So as much as I love the idea of them, I am returning them to Best Buy and going to buy the AirPods 2.
Received mine just this last Saturday, and only now had the opportunity to use them for the first time.
I may be a simple man but I was impressed by the reproduction of classical music.
Even if you’re not a fan of that genre I suggest listening to
https://music.apple.com/us/album/sy...an-symphony-iii-maestoso/1452249774?i=4333938
For a good example of sound separation try
https://music.apple.com/us/album/narita-made/820839889?i=820839905
That said, lightning connection instead of USB-C is a significant fail on the part of Apple. I really can’t believe how much this irritates me.
I may be a simple man but I was impressed by the reproduction of classical music.
Even if you’re not a fan of that genre I suggest listening to
https://music.apple.com/us/album/sy...an-symphony-iii-maestoso/1452249774?i=4333938
For a good example of sound separation try
https://music.apple.com/us/album/narita-made/820839889?i=820839905
That said, lightning connection instead of USB-C is a significant fail on the part of Apple. I really can’t believe how much this irritates me.
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I've had AirPods since the original ones and picked up the AirPods 2 when they were released. Just recently ordered the PowerBeats Pro a few weeks ago and got them in this week.
I definitely notice the better sound on the PBP, it's undeniable. I planned on wearing the AirPods for general use, like at the office or walking and using the PBP while at the gym. They don't fall out for me like some have said, but on occasion when wiping sweat off my forehead with my arm, they'll hit the AirPod and it'll fall out. I wanted to like the PBP and enjoy the sound, but I find them slightly cumbersome to put on but more than that my right ear starts to hurt, it's almost as if the round piece is too big to fit comfortably. I've found that the ear tips of the larger cup provide more isolation and better sound, but after a little bit I can feel my right inner ear start to hurt like it's being stretched out. I never notice that issue with the AirPods.
I'm going to give it 1-2 more days to see if it's something I get used to and need to break in or whether the fit isn't for me.
I definitely notice the better sound on the PBP, it's undeniable. I planned on wearing the AirPods for general use, like at the office or walking and using the PBP while at the gym. They don't fall out for me like some have said, but on occasion when wiping sweat off my forehead with my arm, they'll hit the AirPod and it'll fall out. I wanted to like the PBP and enjoy the sound, but I find them slightly cumbersome to put on but more than that my right ear starts to hurt, it's almost as if the round piece is too big to fit comfortably. I've found that the ear tips of the larger cup provide more isolation and better sound, but after a little bit I can feel my right inner ear start to hurt like it's being stretched out. I never notice that issue with the AirPods.
I'm going to give it 1-2 more days to see if it's something I get used to and need to break in or whether the fit isn't for me.
Have airpods 2 really happy with them. Like the fact i can hear ambient noise.
I got the first Airpods the day they came out. Returned them after a couple days. They would not stay in my ears.
Bought the Powerbeats Pros the day they came out. I think they are really great, except I'm having an issue getting them connected consistently. Don't see other people with the issue, so I'm probably going to be contacting tech support.
I had the wired Powerbeats. They were also great, except that stupid wire. The Pros are so much more convenient without that wire.
Bought the Powerbeats Pros the day they came out. I think they are really great, except I'm having an issue getting them connected consistently. Don't see other people with the issue, so I'm probably going to be contacting tech support.
I had the wired Powerbeats. They were also great, except that stupid wire. The Pros are so much more convenient without that wire.
I think airpods are better for voice calls, I am sorry but the PBP SUCK so bad on this one. PBP are great for working out etc just wish they were better for voice calls.
I ended up returning my PBP's and went back with the AirPods 2. I loved the PBP but there was some cumbersome feelings trying to put these things in. It was too much of a hassle but it was too much for my liking. I went for a run last evening with my AirPods 2 and the stayed in the entire run with no issue. The studio sound, bass and security of the PBP were amazing but the AP2's were and are so much more simplistic and I love that.
Do contact support. I had headphones like that and they were a nightmare. Replacements did the trick.