Admittedly, I haven’t used the latest Apple AirPods, but I used an older model for a good while. And while I know there have been tons of upgrades with the latest Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods 4, I recently reviewed a different pair of earbuds that actually meet my needs just fine when it comes to seamless Apple device connectivity: the Powerbeats Fit.
Hailing from Beats by Dr. Dre, a brand Apple has owned since July 2014, they have all the features you’d expect from a pair of earbuds that connect beautifully to an iPhone or other Apple device, with the ability to seamlessly pair with others as well. You don’t get tons of frills, but you might not need them. And while they aren’t the best-sounding earbuds in their price range, nor is noise cancellation as good, they’ll suit me just fine for certain activities. They’re just a smidge more expensive than the AirPods 4, a marked improvement over the AirPods Pro 2, and cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3. Why would I choose them? There are a few reasons.
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The same seamless Apple experience
Apple chip, special features
Because Beats is owned by Apple, you get the same seamless experience when pairing the Powerbeats Fit with an iPhone or other Apple device. They have the Apple H1 chip, so you can enjoy Apple-specific features, like auto-switching among devices, audio sharing, hands-free Hey Siri access, Find My, and others.
When connected to an iPhone, incoming messages are read aloud through the buds, so I can reply using “Hey Siri” commands. I love this feature when I’m out for walks and listening to a podcast. If someone messages in a group chat, I can still keep up with the conversation without having to grab my phone. When we’re talking about frigid Canadian winters, this is especially useful since I’m often wearing gloves. I also love that they work with the new Apple Watch autoplay feature that lets you set a playlist or podcast to start playing as soon as you initiate a specific workout. I listen to the Smartless podcast on Apple Podcasts, so I set it to start automatically whenever I begin a walking workout from my Apple Watch Series 11, and it works perfectly.
They work well with other devices
Android users included
You can use Apple AirPods with Android devices, but you’ll only get a very basic experience. They function like the best Bluetooth earbuds, but you miss out on the exclusive Apple features. With the Powerbeats Fit, they do work with Android devices, but you miss auto-device switching, Hey Siri, audio sharing, and other Apple-specific features. But there is a slick experience for Android users, too, with features specific to them.
For example, Android users can access the Beats app for one-touch pairing. The app includes customizable controls and gives you updates on battery status. The buds also work with Locate My Beats. There are third-party apps you can use with AirPods on an Android device, but Apple doesn’t offer an official one. But for someone who might have an iPhone for personal use and an Android device for work, these are a better fit. I primarily use an iPhone, but I also often review Android devices, so I appreciate that the Powerbeats Fit offers a seamless experience with both.
Better battery life
They keep going and going
The Powerbeats Fit, which may replace the Powerbeats Pro as the best Beats headphones, can run for up to seven hours of playback per charge, while the included charging case brings that up to a total of 30. You can recharge them for just five minutes to get another hour, perfect for a morning commute or afternoon run. Comparatively, Apple AirPods 4 last for up to five hours per charge, four hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, and up to 30 hours (20 hours with ANC) using the included case. You do, however, get that same extra hour after a five-minute charge.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3, meanwhile, can last for longer at up to eight hours per charge with ANC, but you only get a total of 24 hours with the case. This is still pretty good, but there have been reports of the buds draining quickly, which could trace back to enhanced features like integrated heart rate sensing. This is a great feature for active individuals, and you still get tons of use per charge, along with the extra hour after a five-minute charge. For someone like me who already gets heart rate sensing from both a smartwatch and a smart ring, I’m happy to forego that feature for overall longer battery life.
A preferable design
Seamless and secure fit
Apple AirPods have a sense of prestige, instantly recognizable in someone’s ears. But fit is also important. I appreciate the different design of the Powerbeats Fit, with the inclusion of an extra-small eartip option, which is better suited to those with smaller ears, especially women. (AirPods Pro 3 do come with both XXS and XS eartips alongside the usual S, M, and L, while the AirPods 4 only have a fixed design without interchangeable tips).
Along with a smaller eartip size, the Powerbeats Fit have a flexible wingtip that secures to your outer ear to ensure they stay in place. This is great for someone like me who goes for frequent walks and works out daily, doing both strength training and cardio. The contoured shape makes them comfortable, and the distinct “b” on the front of each bud has its own sort of prestige. I also appreciate that the touch sensors have an audible button click when you push them, as I often find exclusively touch sensors to be finicky.
There are higher-end options
Spend more for the best performance
I have noted before that my absolute hands-down favorite true wireless earbuds are the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100s. They are much more expensive, however, than even the Apple AirPods Pro 3. But they excel in every way, from incredibly crisp, clear, and dynamic sound to fantastic noise cancellation, seamless switching among up to three connected devices at once, and a comfortable and secure fit. However, not everyone has that kind of coin to spend, nor wants to spend it.
In this price range, I’m happy with the Powerbeats Fit as a perfect Apple iPhone companion to wear during my walks, workouts, and occasional commutes. I can keep on top of my day, listen to music and podcasts, communicate through messaging, and enjoy seamless connectivity on the go. This isn’t to say that Apple AirPods won’t be better for you. But for me, I’ll stick with the Powerbeats Fit as my mid-tier earbuds of preference.
