by Some iPhone owners end up buying Apple’s AirPods Pro without giving it a second thought and without seriously exploring the competition. Considering how good they are, that’s not the worst. But you might have found yourself comparing the AirPods Pro to other a pair of Apple earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro, and can’t decide which is the right choice for you.
As the name suggests, the Beats brand Fit Pro are geared towards training and fitness. But I know friends and colleagues (like Deputy Editor Dan Seifert) who have used them rather casually simply for their secure, stable fit. Many earbuds on the market have integrated wingtips as part of their design, but Beats really nailed the Fit Pro’s execution. The wing tips are bendable and can hold the earbuds comfortable anchored in your ears for long stretches at a time.
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Apple’s latest AirPods Pro take a cue from the last-gen model, but include swipe controls and a new H2 chip that allows for improved noise cancellation. They also come with a waterproof charging case that offers support for Apple’s robust Find My network.
Both earbud sets offer active noise cancellation, water and sweat resistance, and a host of Apple-exclusive features like hands-free “Hey Siri” voice commands, audio sharing, automatic device switching, and head-tracking spatial audio. Obviously these things go out the window if you’re using an Android phone, although the Beats do a commendable job of supporting both mobile platforms.
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The Beats Fit Pro earbuds have built-in wingtips that help keep them secure while running and exercising. They also have excellent noise cancellation and their sound has just the right amount of bass and kick to keep you motivated.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
I found the Beats Fit Pro sounded better than that Original AirPods Pro, but the second-gen model flipped that. Apple has significantly improved audio performance across the frequency range. They’re more dynamic, the bass has been refined, and there are other benefits like better instrument separation. Offering a superior listening experience in pretty much every way, the second-gen AirPods Pro are up to date with the best wireless earbuds.
I found the Beats Fit Pro sounded better than that Original AirPods Pro, but the second-gen model flipped that. Apple has significantly improved audio performance across the frequency range. They’re more dynamic, the bass has been refined, and there are other benefits like better instrument separation. Offering a superior listening experience in pretty much every way, the second-gen AirPods Pro are up to date with the best wireless earbuds.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
The newer AirPods Pro offer much better active noise cancellation compared to the first-gen pair and the Beats Fit Pro. Apple touts it’s up to twice as effective, but that depends on your specific use case and environment. I’ve used them on a couple of flights now and can’t complain. These noticeably outperform their predecessors in calming the world around you.
Aside from the more powerful ANC, the AirPods Pro also have an improved “adaptive” transparency mode, which aims to reduce the volume of sudden noises like sirens or nearby construction work when you’re outside and want to maintain a sense of your surroundings.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>battery life
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are capable of up to seven hours of continuous play, easily beating the six hours you get from the AirPods Pro (in both cases with ANC enabled). But the AirPods charging case packs more juice than the larger Beats case. And it supports wireless charging, which the Fit Pro doesn’t.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
Whether you’re starting an intense workout or just struggling with other buds gradually falling out of your ears, you can’t beat the Beats Fit Pro. They don’t wrap around your ears, making them more glasses-friendly than the Powerbeats Pro. And the flexible material largely eliminates pain that can result when other wingtips press into the crease of your ear.
Apple gets credit for including four sets of ear tips with the AirPods Pro (now with an extra small set), instead of the three you get from Beats. However, if you want the most secure fit on AirPods Pro, you’ll probably swap out those silicone tips for foam replacements anyway.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
You’d think Beats would take that one, but not exactly. Both pairs of earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance. This means they should have no problem dealing with heavy sweat or splashes of water (like rain). Just don’t submerge them.
However, Apple extends that durability to the second-gen AirPods Pro carrying case, while Beats makes no claims about the Fit Pro case’s waterproofing. You may not care at all, but if your activities expose the case to the elements, keep it in mind.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
The AirPods take a win here thanks to the new volume controls on the second generation set. These let you swipe on both stems’ touchpad to adjust the volume, while having to use Siri (or your phone directly) to change anything on the Beats Fit Pro. You can remap the press and hold of the beats to cover the volume, but then you lose the ability to toggle between ANC and transparency modes. Some people might prefer the physical, clicky button on the Beats, but the AirPods Pro controls are more comprehensive.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro take many Apple software tricks to the test. Both offer spatial audio, automatic device switching, one-tap setup, syncing across iCloud devices, and audio sharing.
But the second-gen AirPods Pro extend their lead with precise Find My location tracking thanks to the U1 chip built into the case. You can easily track them down like an AirTag — and a speaker built into the case helps pinpoint their location. They also support more accessibility features like conversation boost, although you get live listening from Beats Fit Pro.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
Make the AirPods Pro technical work with android phones? Yes, of couse. But you’d better be okay with how Apple’s buds work out of the box – because you won’t be able to tinker with much.
Beats takes it a step further with a dedicated Android app for adjusting settings, updating firmware and checking battery life for both the buds and the case. Android is an afterthought for the AirPods team, but Beats is at least trying to extend an olive branch and offer a good experience.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
At regular retail, Apple’s AirPods Pro are $249, while the Beats Fit Pro are $199.99. Both models are often offered for less money, but you can usually still find the Beats at a lower price point than the AirPods. I think the AirPods justify that extra cash with better sound, ANC, and wireless charging, but those improvements might not matter to people who just want a set of reliable earbuds for the gym or when training for a marathon.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
From a pure sound quality and noise-cancelling perspective, the AirPods Pro will be the better buy in many cases. They might look just like the original pair, but Apple made significant improvements with the second-gen model.
But it’s not a clean run of the Beats Fit Pro. If your ears don’t go well with the AirPods, all the features and fancy tricks in the world don’t matter. The wingtips on the Beats buds keep them in place even during intense activity. And while the sound and ANC are a step down from Apple’s more recent flagship earbuds, the Fit Pro earbuds are still more than good enough to motivate you through the last stretch of a hard workout.
And hey, at least you actually get some variety when it comes to color.
The newer AirPods Pro offer much better active noise cancellation compared to the first-gen pair and the Beats Fit Pro. Apple touts it’s up to twice as effective, but that depends on your specific use case and environment. I’ve used them on a couple of flights now and can’t complain. These noticeably outperform their predecessors in calming the world around you.
Aside from the more powerful ANC, the AirPods Pro also have an improved “adaptive” transparency mode, which aims to reduce the volume of sudden noises like sirens or nearby construction work when you’re outside and want to maintain a sense of your surroundings.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>battery life
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are capable of up to seven hours of continuous play, easily beating the six hours you get from the AirPods Pro (in both cases with ANC enabled). But the AirPods charging case packs more juice than the larger Beats case. And it supports wireless charging, which the Fit Pro doesn’t.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
Whether you’re starting an intense workout or just struggling with other buds gradually falling out of your ears, you can’t beat the Beats Fit Pro. They don’t wrap around your ears, making them more glasses-friendly than the Powerbeats Pro. And the flexible material largely eliminates pain that can result when other wingtips press into the crease of your ear.
Apple gets credit for including four sets of ear tips with the AirPods Pro (now with an extra small set), instead of the three you get from Beats. However, if you want the most secure fit on AirPods Pro, you’ll probably swap out those silicone tips for foam replacements anyway.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
Whether you’re starting an intense workout or just struggling with other buds gradually falling out of your ears, you can’t beat the Beats Fit Pro. They don’t wrap around your ears, making them more glasses-friendly than the Powerbeats Pro. And the flexible material largely eliminates pain that can result when other wingtips press into the crease of your ear.
Apple gets credit for including four sets of ear tips with the AirPods Pro (now with an extra small set), instead of the three you get from Beats. However, if you want the most secure fit on AirPods Pro, you’ll probably swap out those silicone tips for foam replacements anyway.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
You’d think Beats would take that one, but not exactly. Both pairs of earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance. This means they should have no problem dealing with heavy sweat or splashes of water (like rain). Just don’t submerge them.
However, Apple extends that durability to the second-gen AirPods Pro carrying case, while Beats makes no claims about the Fit Pro case’s waterproofing. You may not care at all, but if your activities expose the case to the elements, keep it in mind.
You’d think Beats would take that one, but not exactly. Both pairs of earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance. This means they should have no problem dealing with heavy sweat or splashes of water (like rain). Just don’t submerge them.
However, Apple extends that durability to the second-gen AirPods Pro carrying case, while Beats makes no claims about the Fit Pro case’s waterproofing. You may not care at all, but if your activities expose the case to the elements, keep it in mind.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
The AirPods take a win here thanks to the new volume controls on the second generation set. These let you swipe on both stems’ touchpad to adjust the volume, while having to use Siri (or your phone directly) to change anything on the Beats Fit Pro. You can remap the press and hold of the beats to cover the volume, but then you lose the ability to toggle between ANC and transparency modes. Some people might prefer the physical, clicky button on the Beats, but the AirPods Pro controls are more comprehensive.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
The AirPods take a win here thanks to the new volume controls on the second generation set. These let you swipe on both stems’ touchpad to adjust the volume, while having to use Siri (or your phone directly) to change anything on the Beats Fit Pro. You can remap the press and hold of the beats to cover the volume, but then you lose the ability to toggle between ANC and transparency modes. Some people might prefer the physical, clicky button on the Beats, but the AirPods Pro controls are more comprehensive.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: AirPods Pro
The AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro take many Apple software tricks to the test. Both offer spatial audio, automatic device switching, one-tap setup, syncing across iCloud devices, and audio sharing.
But the second-gen AirPods Pro extend their lead with precise Find My location tracking thanks to the U1 chip built into the case. You can easily track them down like an AirTag — and a speaker built into the case helps pinpoint their location. They also support more accessibility features like conversation boost, although you get live listening from Beats Fit Pro.
The AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro take many Apple software tricks to the test. Both offer spatial audio, automatic device switching, one-tap setup, syncing across iCloud devices, and audio sharing.
But the second-gen AirPods Pro extend their lead with precise Find My location tracking thanks to the U1 chip built into the case. You can easily track them down like an AirTag — and a speaker built into the case helps pinpoint their location. They also support more accessibility features like conversation boost, although you get live listening from Beats Fit Pro.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
Make the AirPods Pro technical work with android phones? Yes, of couse. But you’d better be okay with how Apple’s buds work out of the box – because you won’t be able to tinker with much.
Beats takes it a step further with a dedicated Android app for adjusting settings, updating firmware and checking battery life for both the buds and the case. Android is an afterthought for the AirPods team, but Beats is at least trying to extend an olive branch and offer a good experience.
Make the AirPods Pro technical work with android phones? Yes, of couse. But you’d better be okay with how Apple’s buds work out of the box – because you won’t be able to tinker with much.
Beats takes it a step further with a dedicated Android app for adjusting settings, updating firmware and checking battery life for both the buds and the case. Android is an afterthought for the AirPods team, but Beats is at least trying to extend an olive branch and offer a good experience.
a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>Winner: Beats Fit Pro
At regular retail, Apple’s AirPods Pro are $249, while the Beats Fit Pro are $199.99. Both models are often offered for less money, but you can usually still find the Beats at a lower price point than the AirPods. I think the AirPods justify that extra cash with better sound, ANC, and wireless charging, but those improvements might not matter to people who just want a set of reliable earbuds for the gym or when training for a marathon.
a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&>a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&>a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-gray”>Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
From a pure sound quality and noise-cancelling perspective, the AirPods Pro will be the better buy in many cases. They might look just like the original pair, but Apple made significant improvements with the second-gen model.
But it’s not a clean run of the Beats Fit Pro. If your ears don’t go well with the AirPods, all the features and fancy tricks in the world don’t matter. The wingtips on the Beats buds keep them in place even during intense activity. And while the sound and ANC are a step down from Apple’s more recent flagship earbuds, the Fit Pro earbuds are still more than good enough to motivate you through the last stretch of a hard workout.
And hey, at least you actually get some variety when it comes to color.
At regular retail, Apple’s AirPods Pro are $249, while the Beats Fit Pro are $199.99. Both models are often offered for less money, but you can usually still find the Beats at a lower price point than the AirPods. I think the AirPods justify that extra cash with better sound, ANC, and wireless charging, but those improvements might not matter to people who just want a set of reliable earbuds for the gym or when training for a marathon.
From a pure sound quality and noise-cancelling perspective, the AirPods Pro will be the better buy in many cases. They might look just like the original pair, but Apple made significant improvements with the second-gen model.
But it’s not a clean run of the Beats Fit Pro. If your ears don’t go well with the AirPods, all the features and fancy tricks in the world don’t matter. The wingtips on the Beats buds keep them in place even during intense activity. And while the sound and ANC are a step down from Apple’s more recent flagship earbuds, the Fit Pro earbuds are still more than good enough to motivate you through the last stretch of a hard workout.
And hey, at least you actually get some variety when it comes to color.
