Uncover if the Beats PowerBeats Pro earbuds are worth the hype review

Description

Sound Quality & Performance

I’ve been using the Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro in-ear wireless earphones daily, and the sound quality is undoubtedly impressive. These earbuds pack a punch with powerful, balanced audio that makes everything from bass-heavy workout beats to soft acoustic tracks sound fantastic. I tested them with a mix of genres—hip-hop, classical, and even podcasts—and the clarity was consistent at all volumes. The dual beam-forming microphones also ensure crisp audio for calls. However, I noticed occasional dropouts during phone conversations, which can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of an important call.

Fit & Comfort

These earbuds come with adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, which I initially thought might feel bulky. To my surprise, they’re incredibly lightweight and stay in place whether I’m running on a treadmill, doing yoga, or simply walking around the house. My cousin borrowed them for a gym session and came back raving about how they didn’t budge even during intense cardio. With four eartip sizes included, finding the perfect fit was easy. However, wearing them for extended periods (think marathon Netflix sessions) made my ears a tad sore.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is where these earbuds shine. Each earbud offers up to 9 hours of listening time, and with the charging case, you get more than 24 hours of total playback. That’s more than enough for a day filled with back-to-back meetings, workouts, and music sessions. The Fast Fuel feature is a lifesaver; a quick 5-minute charge gave me 1.5 hours of playback. On the downside, the charging case is massive—it’s like trying to fit a small brick into your pocket. Also, the earbuds need to sit perfectly in the case to charge, which can be a bit finicky.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

While not equipped with active noise cancellation, the Powerbeats Pro offer decent passive noise isolation thanks to their snug fit. They do a good job of blocking out background chatter in coffee shops or the hum of a treadmill. However, if you’re looking for true noise cancellation, you might feel underwhelmed, especially when compared to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4, which excels in this area. The lack of ambient mode means you’ll need to remove an earbud to have a quick conversation, which can break the flow.

Durability & Water Resistance

The reinforced build and sweat resistance were tested during my outdoor runs and a particularly grueling HIIT session. No issues with sweat interfering with performance, though I wouldn’t dare dunk them in water to check the limits. A friend of mine had a less-than-ideal experience, though—he wore them during light rain, and one earbud faltered afterward. This made me cautious about overestimating their water resistance capabilities.

Design & Build Quality

The sleek black design of the Powerbeats Pro screams premium. They feel solid without being heavy, and the materials used are clearly high-quality. The ear hooks blend functionality with style, making them stand out. However, while the earbuds themselves look great, the case is a design miss for me. It’s large and feels like an afterthought compared to the compact cases of rivals like the AirPods Pro.

Warranty

The product comes with a standard warranty card, which is reassuring. However, I’ve read mixed reviews about Apple’s customer service when handling warranty claims. One reviewer mentioned that moderate exercise led to “liquid damage,” voiding the warranty—something to keep in mind if you’re planning on using these extensively during workouts.

Advantages

• Exceptional sound quality with balanced bass and treble.
• Comfortable and secure fit, even during intense activities.
• Long battery life with quick recharge options.
• Sweat-resistant design suitable for workouts.

Critiques

• Charging case is bulky and not pocket-friendly.
• Occasional connectivity issues during calls.
• Earbuds must be perfectly placed in the case to charge.
• No active noise cancellation or ambient mode.

Product Comparisons

When lined up against the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Powerbeats Pro fall short in noise cancellation and ambient sound features. Sony’s earbuds also have a more compact charging case and a sleeker design. However, Beats takes the lead in battery life and workout stability, making them a better option for fitness enthusiasts. Compared to AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro excel in durability and fit but lack the seamless Apple ecosystem features like spatial audio and better noise cancellation.

Value for Money

Considering the features and performance, these earbuds offer decent Bang for the Buck. While they might not have the noise cancellation magic of premium models, the fit, sound quality, and battery life make them a worthwhile investment for active lifestyles. However, if you’re not a gym-goer or someone who values long battery life over compactness, there are other options that might suit you better.

Additional information