Both Apple's 2019 Apple AirPods and Dr. Dre's Powerbeats Pro are making the rounds in people's shopping lists. No wonder since both earbuds offer great features for all audiophiles. But between the two, which one is the superior wireless earpiece? We break it down in this article to help you decide which to pick. Spoiler alert: they're both excellent quality earphones, and the deciding factor would be your own preference and lifestyle choices. They both have a lot of pros that outweigh any cons, and Apple users should be happy that they have two strong options for their wireless earbuds purchases.
Quick Summary: Apple AirPods Pro
The new Apple AirPods Pro is still fresh out of the oven, having only been released last Oct. 30. This new iteration has fixed many of the qualms audiophiles had with the previous versions. It introduced much-needed noise-canceling features that were absent in the original. It also fits better physically in your ear. It is definitely the best Apple-branded option for Apple users, and the question now is if it's also the best buy for everyone else.
Quick Summary: Powerbeats Pro
The Powerbeats Pro is a fashionable, much more high-key earphones. It looks bulky, sure, but the point of the design is that you don't really feel it is there most of the time. It fits really well regardless of your ear shape, and it's easy to pair to most of today's devices, especially Apple phones. Powerbeats Pro by Dre stands as a good alternative to the AirPods Pro, but is it actually a better option compared to Apple's very own?
AirPods Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro: Design and Fit
Both the AirPods Pro and the Powerbeats Pro fit fell with whatever ear shape you have. The difference lies on the way they fit. Powerbeats sport a wrap-around design that hangs on your ear, while the AirPods Pro just sticks into your ear canal protruding outwards.
The two designs have their own pros, and it boils down to which between these two the user prefers: convenience or security. There's a reason why Powerbeats Pro's marketing revolves around being used in strenuous activities—it's because the Powerbeats Pro does stay in place regardless of how active you are. Its weight could be felt later on, and it will leave a mark above your ear, but it's securely in place whatever you do.
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On the other hand, Apple's AirPods Pro fits securely in the ear, although people might still feel a bit insecure with the way the AirPods protrude outwards. It's also easier to lose, especially since it's so lowkey, and in a way, it's easy to forget that you're actually wearing them.
AirPods Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro: Sound Quality and Noise Filtering
Both wireless earbuds offer extremely good sound quality. The difference lies on how they keep other sounds out of your ear. The AirPods Pro have noise-cancelling features, while Powerbeats Pro has noise-isolation features. The Powerbeats Pro physically blocks outside sound and prevents it from entering your ear. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro have active noise-cancellation features: they have microphones that record outside sound and process them to actively suppress those sounds when needed.
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The difference lies between how much sound you want to hear outside of your earpieces. The Powerbeats Pro will ensure that you will not hear any outside sounds, but if you prefer a more idyllic experience wherein you could still hear the sound of waves crashing against the beach while listening to your favorite music, then the AirPods Pro is for you.
AirPods Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro: Final Verdict
Both the Powerbeats Pro and the AirPods Pro make excellent choices for your next wireless earbuds purchase. Your choice really boils down to preference and the kind of lifestyle you have. The Powerbeats Pro are more suitable for those who want to isolate themselves in their own world—pumping music into their ears while they concentrate on a task or activity. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro are more suitable for your daily commute, which you can also use in your travels. You could easily pick either one and find yourself contented with your purchase. Never mind the price, because they're both luxury items that easily justifies their hefty price tags thanks to the value their features bring.
