Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen offer a lightweight, seamless ecosystem experience with spatial audio and adaptive EQ for $169, delivering solid audio quality and impressive 6-hour battery life. Beats Powerbeats Pro command a $249 premium, justified primarily by their 9-hour battery endurance per charge and secure ear hooks,ideal for active users or extended listening sessions. Neither model includes active noise cancellation, limiting their appeal for commuters. Sound signature differs meaningfully: AirPods favor clarity and spatial effects, while Powerbeats deliver warmer, bass-forward profiles via their 12mm drivers. Both integrate Apple's ecosystem seamlessly, though Powerbeats' ear hooks add security without fatigue. For casual daily wear and portability, AirPods 3 represent exceptional value. For workouts and extended gym sessions, Powerbeats Pro justify their cost through superior battery life and fit stability. Choose AirPods for everyday versatility; select Powerbeats for endurance-focused activities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro if…
- →Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- →H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- →9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- 9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
- IPX4 handles sweat and rain during outdoor training
- Physical buttons are reliable — no accidental touch inputs
Cons
- Charging case is enormous compared to competitors
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- No ANC at $249 is a tough sell against AirPods Pro
- Ear hooks make them impossible to use while lying on your side
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 20.3 g (pair) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 9 hrs (24 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | Custom 12mm driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Apple H1 chip with Hey Siri, Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, Volume and track controls on each earbud, Automatic play/pause with ear detection, 9-hour battery per charge |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Beats products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Beats Powerbeats Pro.