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Airpods Pro vs Beats X - Sound quality?

U

Uplift

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 1, 2011
465
187
UK
Has anyone used both APP and BeatsX and can comment on sound quality?

My Beats X have died and trying to decide on a replacement. I'm thinking of the AirPods Pro, though I do love the sound quality on the Beats and don't think I could take a downgrade in SQ.

I use the biggest tips in my small ears, they create a pretty tight fit, I can hardly hear anything around me and most importantly nobody can hear my music. I can crank them up quite loud and personally think they sound amazing, highs are crystal clear, bass is punchy and very strong.

Can I expect a similar experience with the APP?

If it helps, I have the original AirPods and there is no comparison... they sound good but leak audio, don't block sound, the bass isn't as punchy, and can't go as loud without distortion.

Thoughts?
 
As someone who has both I can say that the AirPods Pro are ridiculously superior for sound isolation, noise cancelling and overall sound quality. With the right fit on the Beats X eartips, you can get the pseudo-noise cancellation but it's no where close to actual ANC. Of course the tradeoff is that the AirPods Pro will run you around $250 while you can probably find another pair of the Beats X for less than $100.
 
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Tmelon said:
As someone who has both I can say that the AirPods Pro are ridiculously superior for sound isolation, noise cancelling and overall sound quality. With the right fit on the Beats X eartips, you can get the pseudo-noise cancellation but it's no where close to actual ANC. Of course the tradeoff is that the AirPods Pro will run you around $250 while you can probably find another pair of the Beats X for less than $100.
Click to expand...

Ditto to this.
 
Tmelon said:
As someone who has both I can say that the AirPods Pro are ridiculously superior for sound isolation, noise cancelling and overall sound quality. With the right fit on the Beats X eartips, you can get the pseudo-noise cancellation but it's no where close to actual ANC. Of course the tradeoff is that the AirPods Pro will run you around $250 while you can probably find another pair of the Beats X for less than $100.
Click to expand...

Theophil1971 said:
Ditto to this.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys, it's been difficult to find opinions comparing the X to the APPs.

I use the Beats X at work so it's important that the sound doesn't leak, and also block out external noise. While I could just buy another set of Beats for a third of the price and be done with it, I also have the original Airpods and Solo3 for different situations... I was hoping these would be good enough to use across the board.

Now to try and find some in stock :)
 
I’ve had both....the overall quality (not sound) of the Beats X is crap. I’d make the switch.
 
Got to say as a traveller and DJ/radio guy, the AirPods Pro are my ultimate favourite earphone. Just beautiful.

Beats Pro Headphones for DJ/radio presenting and AirPods for everything else now!
 
Are the AirPods Pro better for phone calls? I have BeatsX and everyone I call complains about background noise.
 
I have both and prefer the pros by far I never use my beats x no more even thou I still have them. The whole package the pros offer is so much better than the beats x. It beats the x in every department.
 
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sananda said:
Are the AirPods Pro better for phone calls? I have BeatsX and everyone I call complains about background noise.
Click to expand...

I have both and much prefer the APP’s for comfort and sound too.

the call quality is much much better on the APP’s than the BeatsX... I gave up using the BeatsX for calls Due to poor mic performance.
 
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Awesome stuff, thanks guys... unfortunately not been able to find any stock :(

Apple website says mid-Feb and all local retailers sold out.
 
Uplift said:
Awesome stuff, thanks guys... unfortunately not been able to find any stock :(

Apple website says mid-Feb and all local retailers sold out.
Click to expand...
Best Buy gets stock in from time to time, as does the Apple store if you are in the US. Check daily and you may get lucky. Best Buy in my area had stock in several stores last Mon-Wed until they sold out. Apple Store got stock in on Thursday, and i picked up mine and they were sold out the next day.
 
As much as I love my BeatsX, sound quality and noise cancellation is way better in the AirPods Pro. I tried them in a very noisy apple store and it was incredible, but it costs twice or more as well.
 
I like the sound profile of the Beats X a little better than the APP. The bass is a little stronger and vocals sound a little more clear, but this is only with Comply foam tips... and the difference is pretty minor.

The added features like the ease of use, noise canceling, better sounding phone calls, announcing text messages all make it overall a much better set of headphones.
 
VineRider said:
Best Buy gets stock in from time to time, as does the Apple store if you are in the US. Check daily and you may get lucky. Best Buy in my area had stock in several stores last Mon-Wed until they sold out. Apple Store got stock in on Thursday, and i picked up mine and they were sold out the next day.
Click to expand...

I'm in the UK and managed to order online from PC World for local collection... I picked them up this evening and the guy who handed them over was surprised I managed to get them, I just checked and they're gone again, I guess I got lucky.

grinny11 said:
I like the sound profile of the Beats X a little better than the APP. The bass is a little stronger and vocals sound a little more clear, but this is only with Comply foam tips... and the difference is pretty minor.

The added features like the ease of use, noise canceling, better sounding phone calls, announcing text messages all make it overall a much better set of headphones.
Click to expand...

I've been testing the APPs this evening and I agree that the Beats X has a slightly better sound... the bass is just that little bit punchier and impactful. That being said I'm more than happy with the APPs, the difference as you say is very minor.. they sound amazing, are very comfortable, without annoying cable running around my neck and the ANC works great.
 
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I've used the PowerBeats pro for a while and always liked them, however, for me, the APP's are superior in quality and feel.
The Beats are a classic 'in ear' type which are pretty uncomfortable for me - they have that 'full' feeling which I don't particularly like. Also this gives issues with rustling and other noises that are transferred inside.

Directly comparing the sound isolation, the APP's gave similar results, but no 'full' feeling.
The APP's also gave a wider, more open soundstage, which sound far more open. Sounds pretentious, but directly comparing the two is quite illuminating. The Beats are more bassy, but not as clear - slightly muddy and 'veiled'.

I like the Beats though. Easier to get a seal, and simple to pull out and hang around the neck.
 
robbiemc said:
I've used the PowerBeats pro for a while and always liked them, however, for me, the APP's are superior in quality and feel.
The Beats are a classic 'in ear' type which are pretty uncomfortable for me - they have that 'full' feeling which I don't particularly like. Also this gives issues with rustling and other noises that are transferred inside.

Directly comparing the sound isolation, the APP's gave similar results, but no 'full' feeling.
The APP's also gave a wider, more open soundstage, which sound far more open. Sounds pretentious, but directly comparing the two is quite illuminating. The Beats are more bassy, but not as clear - slightly muddy and 'veiled'.

I like the Beats though. Easier to get a seal, and simple to pull out and hang around the neck.
Click to expand...

Hi

Just wondering if you mean the Powerbeats Pro or Powerbeats 3? Since there are no cord on the Pros?
 
I have BeatsX and recently purchased APP. You shouldn't be disappointed in the sound quality provided you have a good seal and they fit well. That's the main thing I was worried about, but I was pleasantly surprised.
 
been using beats x since they released and just got some APP this past weekend. After hours of research/ youtube videos i thought id try them out [the first gen air pods i sold after a few weeks, they hurt my ear and sounded horrible]

you will not be disappointed with APP. They fit great, do not hurt after long usage and more importantly i was surprised by the sound!
 
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