Best Workout Headphones: AirPods Pro vs. Powerbeats Pro
Which are the best truly wireless headphones for working out? Our CEO, Erik Pavia, compares the AirPods Pro with the Powerbeats Pro to help you decide.
Powerbeats Pro are the Best Workout Headphones
The Powerbeats Pro were made for movement and exercise, and the design choices make a big difference, especially for anyone who is doing serious, dynamic workouts.
The physical features on the headphones all contribute to a great listening experience while working out. The hook on top of the headphones guarantees that the headphones will stay in place.The Powerbeats Pro won’t budge even if you’re sprinting, jumping, or doing downward dog.
The Powerbeats Pro also feature easily accessible buttons, with a volume control and a pause/skip button on each of the earbuds. The physical controls are a huge benefit if you want to change your music or volume while in the middle of a workout. It’s easy to hit the big buttons even if you’re moving fast or if one of your hands is holding equipment.
The Powerbeats Pro feature a bassy sound profile. It’s great for energetic workout music, like pop and hip hop, but you might not like it if you’re looking for a neutral sound profile.
The Powerbeats Pro also come in a wide range of colors, so if you can find something to match your workout apparel when you suit up.
The biggest drawback on the Powerbeats Pro is the case. The case is just too big to fit into most pockets, so it will have to go in your backpack or bag when not in use. This isn’t a problem if you’re keeping the case in your gym pack, but it’s not great for taking the headphones on and off.
The AirPods Pro Are the Best General Purpose Headphones
The AirPods Pro are great general purpose headphones, but they’re not going to provide the same seamless experience at the gym as the Powerbeats Pro.
The only thing keeping the AirPods Pro in your ears are the eartips. If you move with too much force or change direction quickly, they will fall out. Not having a hook gives them a smaller profile which is nice outside of the gym, but you will be worried about these falling out if your exercise is too intense.
The AirPods Pro also lack a physical buttons. You can change tracks by squeezing the stem or summon Siri using voice control, or you can go to your phone. The lack of buttons keeps the AirPods Pro small, but trying to catch the small stem while moving is not ideal for workouts.
The AirPods Pro have active noise cancelling, which can be a nice feature in the gym if you want to hear your music more easily. They also have a more neutral sound profile if you don’t like bass heavy Beats.
The case is significantly smaller than that of the Powerbeats Pro, which makes them a lot nicer for slipping in and out of your pockets.
Both Are Great Truly Wireless Headphones
The Powerbeats Pro and the AirPods Pro are both made by Apple, so they share a lot of the same functionality.
Both have great microphone noise isolation, so if you’re on a call, any background noise on your side won’t get picked up by the mics.
Both have great battery life. The Powerbeats Pro have 9.5 hours of music playback between charges, while the AirPods Pro have 4.5 hours.
If you have other Apple devices, you get some extra features from the headphones. Both have hands-free “Hey Siri” voice controls, which you can use to change playlists, skip songs, or make calls. This can be quite handy while you’re exercising. Switching from playback on one device to another is also seamless.
Both are sweat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about messing them out with your sweaty ears. Neither is water-proof, so don’t take them swimming.