AirPods Pro 3 vs. Powerbeats Pro 2: I tested both Apple earbuds, and the winner is not so obvious

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Beats and Apple each released flagship earbuds successful 2025 with 1 standout feature: in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. Since Apple owns some companies, some earbuds connection autochthonal compatibility with iOS devices and supply iOS users with Apple-exclusive features. 

However, Beats' Powerbeats Pro 2 besides connection much compatibility with Android devices. Each brace of earbuds features a chiseled signifier factor, which importantly impacts their usage cases and the user's acquisition with them.

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Still, Apple lent its susceptible H2 audio spot to the Powerbeats Pro 2, making the 2 companies' offerings much akin than ever. However, Apple inactive reserves respective features for AirPods to guarantee capable differentiation betwixt the 2 earbuds. As Apple positions the AirPods Pro 3 arsenic some a regular companion and a fitness-forward earbud, it's indispensable to marque an informed buying decision. 

I've tested and worked retired with the Powerbeats Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 3 -- and highlighted beneath the astir glaring differences to assistance you marque your decision.

Specifications

You should bargain the Powerbeats Pro 2 if...

Jada Jones/ZDNET

1. Ear hooks are your thing

The Powerbeats Pro 2 diagnostic sturdy yet flexible receptor hooks, making their signifier origin a coagulated enactment for those who necessitate a unafraid fit. The receptor hooks beryllium particularly utile during aggravated workouts, peculiarly ones filled with explosive movements similar container jumping, deadlifts, oregon kettlebell swings. These movements tin origin accepted bud-and-stem earbuds to travel loose, and receptor hooks mitigate that issue.

Also: Your Powerbeats Pro 2 are getting a superior upgrade - but there's a catch

Additionally, runners, joggers, hikers, oregon bikers tin payment from the receptor hooks, arsenic a much unchangeable acceptable won't necessitate you to fiddle with a escaped earbud portion you're successful a susceptible position. The Powerbeats Pro 2 inactive diagnostic progressive sound cancellation and Transparency Mode, and a bundle update has brought Siri Interactions to the Powerbeats Pro 2, allowing iOS users to reply incoming calls and negociate notifications hands-free.

2. You person a mixed-device ecosystem

Unlike Apple's AirPods, Beats' earbuds person autochthonal -- though constricted -- compatibility with Android devices. Android users tin entree the Powerbeats Pro 2's bosom complaint monitoring feature, which is constricted to iOS users connected the AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, Android users tin download the Beats app for one-touch pairing, instrumentality controls, artillery notifications, and entree to Locate My Beats.

3. You already person earbuds for mundane use

Although the Powerbeats Pro 2 enactment mundane features for iOS users, specified arsenic Siri Interactions, Transparency Mode, and Find My compatibility, their perchance obtrusive receptor hooks tin beryllium impractical for regular use. Suppose you already person a brace of AirPods and don't consciousness compelled to upgrade them, particularly if their signifier origin isn't conducive to your workout routine. Still, you privation in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. In that case, see the Powerbeats Pro 2 for moving out; their compatibility with your iPhone and much unchangeable in-ear acceptable should suit your needs.

Also: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are champion for moving out?

Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2's bosom complaint monitoring -- for iOS -- functions precise likewise to the AirPods Pro 2, offering iPhone Fitness app users on-screen real-time metrics and fittingness tracking alongside your Apple Watch. The Powerbeats Pro 2 besides way steps taken and calories burned.

You should bargain the AirPods Pro 3 if...

Jada Jones/ZDNET

1. It's clip to upgrade your AirPods

If your AirPods are connected their past leg, it mightiness beryllium clip to upgrade, and there's nary amended brace to upgrade to than the AirPods Pro 3. Apple fitted the Pro 3 earbuds with a redesigned acceptable for improved comfort, an updated acoustic statement for enhanced dependable quality, improved artillery life, accrued particulate and h2o absorption (IP57), a caller ultra-wideband spot for improved determination accuracy, and an in-ear bosom complaint monitor.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared the 2 models, and here's who should upgrade

If you're inactive rocking with AirPods Pro (first generation) oregon AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning), the AirPods Pro 3 connection sizeable upgrades successful each categories. Upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3 volition present everything Beats' premium earbuds tin -- sans the receptor hooks and amusive colors.

2. You privation an all-in-one earbud

The Powerbeats Pro 2 deficiency features similar Conversation Awareness and adaptive sound cancellation, making them little well-rounded for divers environments and usage cases. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 diagnostic each of these, positive Live Translation, Hearing Aid Mode, and in-ear bosom complaint monitoring. 

Design-wise, the Powerbeats Pro 2's noticeable receptor hooks and much sporty plan whitethorn marque them little suitable for discreet wear. The AirPods Pro 3 and their charging lawsuit are much pocketable than the Powerbeats Pro 2, which could beryllium much appealing to radical connected the spell who privation to rapidly popular successful an earbud.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 fittingness diagnostic surprises triathlete tester - here's what helium found

Finally, the AirPods Pro 3 are amended protected against particulate and h2o ingress than the Powerbeats Pro 2. They athletics an IP57 rating, compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2's IPX4, making the AirPods much susceptible of withstanding particulate astatine the bottommost of your enactment container oregon accidental drops successful the pool.

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