Beats Powerbeats Pro Review

Summary / TL;DR

If you're an active person who loves music during workouts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro might catch your interest. Designed with athletes in mind, these wireless earbuds offer robust sound quality and practical features, including Apple's H1 chip for seamless connectivity and long-lasting battery life. They come with a charging case, a Lightning to USB-A cable, four sizes of ear tips, and essential paperwork.

The design is sleek and stylish with an ear-hook for secure fit during intense activities. The build quality is impressive, though the case is somewhat bulky. Comfort is generally good, but the ear hooks may be cumbersome for glasses wearers. Sound quality is bass-heavy, which suits genres like hip-hop and EDM, but may not appeal to everyone. Battery life is excellent, offering 9 hours of playback and quick charging options.

Connectivity is smooth, especially with Apple devices, and the physical controls are intuitive, though sometimes stiff. The earbuds have an IPX4 rating, making them water-resistant but not waterproof. Overall, the Powerbeats Pro offer a great balance of sound quality, comfort, and battery life, despite a few minor drawbacks.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Beats Fit Pro or Beats Studio Pro.

Introduction

If you're an active person who loves to jam out while working up a sweat, you might want to check out the latest wireless earbuds on the market. The Beats Powerbeats Pro are designed with athletes in mind, offering a blend of robust sound quality and practical features. But do they really live up to the hype?

These wireless earphones come with a ton of buzzworthy features like Apple's H1 chip for seamless connectivity and long-lasting battery life. On paper, they seem like a dream for fitness enthusiasts and music lovers alike. However, no product is perfect, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase decision.

Whether you're a marathon runner looking for something that stays put, or just someone who doesn't want to deal with tangled wires, these earbuds promise to deliver. Let's dig into the details and see what they really have to offer.

What's in the Box

Alright, let's see what you get inside the box. First off, you have the actual earbuds themselves, which are the stars of the show. They're snugly nestled in a compact charging case that keeps them protected and juiced up when not in use.

Next up, there's a Lightning to USB-A charging cable. It's not super long, but it gets the job done. You might need a longer cable if your power outlet is far from where you usually keep your stuff.

You'll also find a set of different sized ear tips. This is super important because a good fit makes all the difference in comfort and sound quality. There are four sizes in total, so you're likely to find one that works for you.

Lastly, there's the usual paperwork: a quick start guide, a warranty card, and some safety info. Nothing too exciting, but it's good to have if you need it.

So, to sum it up:

• Earbuds (left and right)
• Charging case
• Lightning to USB-A charging cable
• Four sizes of ear tips
• Quick start guide and other paperwork

Everything's pretty streamlined and functional, but if you're expecting a bunch of extras or fancy packaging, you might be a bit let down. Overall though, you get what you need to get started right out of the box.

Design and Build Quality

First things first, the design of these earbuds is pretty slick. They’ve got that signature Beats vibe—sleek, stylish, and a bit flashy, just enough to make you feel like a boss. The earbuds come with an ear-hook design that ensures they stay put even during intense workouts, so no more fishing around for fallen buds mid-sprint! The hooks are flexible and adjustable, which adds to the overall comfort and fit.

Now, let’s talk about the build quality. These things are built like tiny tanks. The material feels premium and robust, not the kind that’ll snap in half if you accidentally sit on them. They’ve got a matte finish that not only looks cool but also helps minimize fingerprints and smudges—nobody wants greasy-looking earbuds, right?

One minor gripe would be the carrying case. While it feels sturdy and well-made, it’s a bit on the bulky side. You might find it a tad cumbersome to carry around in your pocket. It's more bag-friendly, so it might be a minor hassle if you’re someone who likes to travel light.

The earbuds come in various colors, so you can pick one that matches your style. From classic black to vibrant navy, there’s something for everyone. And hey, if you’re into that matchy-matchy look, these colors are coordinated with the latest athleisure trends.

Overall, the design and build quality of these earbuds are top-notch. They manage to balance aesthetics with durability, which is something you don’t always see. Just be prepared to give up some pocket space for that chunky case!

Comfort and Fit

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are designed to fit snugly and securely, making them ideal for workouts and active lifestyles. They come with adjustable ear hooks that provide a custom fit for every user. These hooks are flexible, so you can tweak them to your comfort without feeling any pressure or irritation.

Comfort and Fit can be hit or miss with true wireless earbuds, but these manage to strike a good balance. They include multiple ear tip sizes in the box, so you can find the perfect seal for your ears. A proper seal not only improves comfort but also enhances sound quality by blocking out external noise. However, while the ear hooks help keep the earbuds in place, they can be a bit cumbersome for users who wear glasses. The hooks might compete for space with your glasses' arms, which can cause some discomfort over extended periods. Additionally, due to their design, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are slightly bulkier compared to other wireless earbuds. This might not be an issue for everyone, but if you're used to lighter, more compact earbuds, it could take some getting used to.

On the bright side, these earbuds are lightweight, so they don't weigh down your ears. They also stay secure during intense activities like running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The in-ear design helps keep them in place, even during vigorous movements. In summary, the Beats Powerbeats Pro offer a secure and adjustable fit, making them great for active users. However, they may not be the most comfortable option for everyone, especially if you wear glasses or are sensitive to bulkier earbud designs.

Sound Quality

If you're all about that bass or just a fan of crisp, clear audio, the sound quality of the Beats Powerbeats Pro is bound to impress. These earbuds pack a punch and deliver an audio experience that’s more than just decent.

Sound Signature

Let's start with the sound signature. It's tuned to emphasize the bass, which makes them perfect for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The lows are rich and thumpy, giving you that extra oomph during workouts or when you just want to vibe out. However, if you're more into classical or acoustic stuff, you might find the bass a bit overpowering.

Midrange and Highs

The mids are surprisingly well-balanced. Vocals and instruments come through clearly, so you won't miss a beat. The highs are also pretty sharp, but they don't get too screechy or annoying, which is a plus. Sometimes, though, the highs can feel slightly recessed compared to the booming lows.

Volume and Clarity

These earbuds get loud—like, really loud. Even at higher volumes, the audio stays clean and doesn't distort, which is awesome for those who like to crank up the volume. But, there's a slight drawback: at max volume, you might experience a bit of sound leakage, so maybe avoid blasting them in a quiet library.

Isolation and Soundstage

While these aren't noise-canceling earbuds, the passive noise isolation is decent. They do a good job of blocking out ambient noise, especially when you're in a noisy gym or out on a run. The soundstage is moderately wide, giving you a good sense of spatial awareness in your music, but it's not as expansive as some over-ear headphones.

All in all, the Beats Powerbeats Pro delivers in the sound department, especially if you’re a bass head. Just keep in mind that the bass-heavy tuning might not be for everyone. Otherwise, you'll be jamming out to your tunes with a big smile on your face.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Life and Charging You know what's a real bummer? Headphones that die halfway through your workout. Luckily, the Beats Powerbeats Pro won't let you down. These bad boys offer an impressive 9 hours of playback on a single charge. Need to head out for a run but forgot to charge them? No worries! Just pop them in the case for a quick 5-minute charge, and you'll get up to 1.5 hours of playback. That's like a superhero power in the world of headphones! Talking about the case, the charging case itself provides an additional 24 hours of battery life. So, in total, you can expect around 33 hours before needing to plug them into a wall. The case charges via a Lightning cable (the same one your iPhone uses), which is super convenient if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the charging case is quite bulky compared to other true wireless options. If you’re someone who likes to travel light, this might be a bit of a downside. However, the trade-off is you get a robust battery life that’s hard to beat. Overall, the battery life on these earphones is stellar, and the fast-charging feature is a total lifesaver. Sure, the case could be sleeker, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience and longevity you get.

Connectivity and Controls

Alright, let's talk about Connectivity and Controls. These earbuds make pairing super easy, especially if you're using an Apple device. Thanks to the H1 chip inside, all it takes is a simple pop-up on your iPhone screen, and boom, you're connected. It’s like magic. If you're on Android, it's not quite as smooth but still pretty straightforward with Bluetooth.

As for controls, the Powerbeats Pro are pretty intuitive. Each earbud has physical buttons for volume adjustment, play/pause, and even track skipping. No need to fumble around with your phone while you're on a run or at the gym. And get this—you can also activate your voice assistant by simply holding the 'b' button. It's like having your own personal DJ at your beck and call.

However, not everything is perfect. Sometimes, the touch sensitivity can be a bit iffy, especially if your hands are sweaty. It's like the earbuds are playing hard to get. Also, while the buttons are great, they can be a bit stiff, making them a tad awkward to press firmly without dislodging the bud from your ear.

On the connectivity front, you're looking at Bluetooth 5.0, which means a more stable and faster connection. You can move around quite a bit without experiencing dropouts. But, if you're in an area with a lot of wireless interference, you might experience occasional blips. Just a small hiccup in an otherwise stellar performance.

Overall, the Beats Powerbeats Pro do a commendable job with connectivity and controls, though a bit of fine-tuning could elevate the user experience even more.

Durability and Water Resistance

Durability and Water Resistance You know how frustrating it is when your gear gives up after a bit of sweat or a small splash. Thankfully, these earbuds come with an IPX4 rating. This means they can handle light rain or your most intense workouts. No need to worry about them getting damaged if you're caught in a drizzle or sweating buckets at the gym. Still, they're not completely waterproof. You shouldn't take them swimming or dunk them in water. Think of them like a trusty pair of sneakers: great for running and everyday use, but not something you'd wear to the beach.

Another thing I noticed is the sturdy build quality. The ear hooks are flexible yet tough, ensuring they won't snap easily even if you stuff them in your bag. The materials used feel premium, and they seem like they can take a bit of rough handling without showing any scratches or dents. However, if you're someone who's constantly in rugged environments or prone to dropping your gadgets a lot, you might find them a tad vulnerable. While they're durable, they're not indestructible. All in all, these earphones strike a good balance between durability and water resistance. They can stand up to most daily challenges without breaking a sweat—literally.

Video by: Marques Brownlee

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Powerbeats Pro earbuds offer a well-rounded package for fitness enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. They excel in several key areas, including sound quality, comfort, and battery life. These earbuds deliver rich, powerful audio that makes your favorite tracks come alive. The secure fit ensures they stay in place during intense workouts, and the impressive battery life keeps the music going all day.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The charging case is a bit bulky, which can be inconvenient for those wanting to travel light. Additionally, while they are water-resistant, they aren’t fully waterproof, so you’ll need to be cautious in heavy rain or when sweating heavily. Lastly, the price point might be a bit steep for some, though the features and performance arguably justify the cost.

Overall, if you're looking for reliable, high-performance earbuds that can handle your active lifestyle, the Powerbeats Pro is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a bulkier carrying case and a higher price tag. These minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the exceptional audio experience and solid build quality.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications