Bought the Powerbeats Pro last week because of the price drop. AirPods Pro was delivered and after testing and listening to both, I returned the Powerbeats Pro.
The PBP sound great, clear and bass was punchy enough for gym workouts. But they caused me ear fatigue, even after buying a few different foam tips, they still hurt my ears after an hour so wearing them at my desk was a no go and I used my AirPods even though the sound wasn't as good.
One thing I also hated about the PBP was that on a run, the ear clip would shake sometimes and it would be super annoying. No amount of adjustment for me helped. While super secure, it was annoying which defeated the main purpose of those for me.
I can run with my OG AirPods but I needed to use an ear tip with a hook and taking it on and off every time was just as annoying, let alone carrying a separate case for those ear hooks.
Audio Quality
And the main reason I'm sticking with the AirPods Pro is the audio quality. It is definitely better than the Powerbeats Pro. I was feeling like I needed just one notch higher for loudness with the PBP. The AirPods Pro have about 1-2 clicks more sound in terms of loudness. It could be because the seal is better and with ANC, it sounds louder. Regardless, its much louder for me.
The sound quality feels so immersive. It's crystal clear, vibrant with deep rich lows. Bass is also rich enough for me, a touch more than the PBP IMO.
I think many times, people forget these are 5.4g tiny ear buds expecting some booming vibrating bass. No thanks. I'll use a good pair of headphones for that.
The sounds on these are very well balanced. It's a similar feeling when describing the sound on the HomePod, which I love. Are they the best, probably not and I wouldn't know because I can't compare them to anything other than the PBP and AirPods. But the sound is amazing to me.
Then there's ANC. It's so surreal to be able to get that on such a tiny thing. Over the ear will definitely be better. But I'm sitting here at home with the TV on, balcony door open (live in the city), typing away and don't hear a single thing other than my music.
Fit
These definitely fit WAY BETTER than AirPods. While AirPods fit well at my desk, sitting... any active movement and it's a wrap. I don't need those ear hooks and happy to report, a quick 1 mile run with these and they stayed put. GAH. I'm so happy for this. These are basically replacing two sets of earbuds for me. So much more comfortable than PBP.
One of the best things about AirPods is, I sometimes forget I have them on. These so far give the same feeling. I can't talk about fatigue yet since I've only had them on for like an hour straight but so far, they're really comfortable.
Conclusion
Overall, the convenience and sound quality of these are nearly perfect for what I was looking for in a set of ear buds that can do it all. Gym workouts, run, at the office, travel, etc. All that in a small package. So for something at $250 to replace 2-3 audio devices... it's a no brainer for me.
The PBP sound great, clear and bass was punchy enough for gym workouts. But they caused me ear fatigue, even after buying a few different foam tips, they still hurt my ears after an hour so wearing them at my desk was a no go and I used my AirPods even though the sound wasn't as good.
One thing I also hated about the PBP was that on a run, the ear clip would shake sometimes and it would be super annoying. No amount of adjustment for me helped. While super secure, it was annoying which defeated the main purpose of those for me.
I can run with my OG AirPods but I needed to use an ear tip with a hook and taking it on and off every time was just as annoying, let alone carrying a separate case for those ear hooks.
Audio Quality
And the main reason I'm sticking with the AirPods Pro is the audio quality. It is definitely better than the Powerbeats Pro. I was feeling like I needed just one notch higher for loudness with the PBP. The AirPods Pro have about 1-2 clicks more sound in terms of loudness. It could be because the seal is better and with ANC, it sounds louder. Regardless, its much louder for me.
The sound quality feels so immersive. It's crystal clear, vibrant with deep rich lows. Bass is also rich enough for me, a touch more than the PBP IMO.
I think many times, people forget these are 5.4g tiny ear buds expecting some booming vibrating bass. No thanks. I'll use a good pair of headphones for that.
The sounds on these are very well balanced. It's a similar feeling when describing the sound on the HomePod, which I love. Are they the best, probably not and I wouldn't know because I can't compare them to anything other than the PBP and AirPods. But the sound is amazing to me.
Then there's ANC. It's so surreal to be able to get that on such a tiny thing. Over the ear will definitely be better. But I'm sitting here at home with the TV on, balcony door open (live in the city), typing away and don't hear a single thing other than my music.
Fit
These definitely fit WAY BETTER than AirPods. While AirPods fit well at my desk, sitting... any active movement and it's a wrap. I don't need those ear hooks and happy to report, a quick 1 mile run with these and they stayed put. GAH. I'm so happy for this. These are basically replacing two sets of earbuds for me. So much more comfortable than PBP.
One of the best things about AirPods is, I sometimes forget I have them on. These so far give the same feeling. I can't talk about fatigue yet since I've only had them on for like an hour straight but so far, they're really comfortable.
Conclusion
Overall, the convenience and sound quality of these are nearly perfect for what I was looking for in a set of ear buds that can do it all. Gym workouts, run, at the office, travel, etc. All that in a small package. So for something at $250 to replace 2-3 audio devices... it's a no brainer for me.
