Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
Apple's AirPods 2, left, and the Powerbeats Pro, right.
- The Powerbeats Pro function a lot like Apple's AirPods, but there are some key differences in terms of how they fit and the sound quality they offer.
- They both run on Apple's H1 chip, but the Powerbeats Pro offer slightly better sound quality, while the AirPods are more convenient.
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There are few devices that are as cherished as our headphones: we commute with them, take them to the gym, use them throughout our work day, and sometimes even sleep with them. That makes finding the right pair all the more important.
And as of earlier this month, iPhone owners have yet another option to consider. Beats, the Apple-owned headphone maker, launched its first pair of truly wireless headphones, the $250 Powerbeats Pro, on May 3.
The new Powerbeats Pro have a lot in common with Apple's latest AirPods, which cost $159 or $199 if you opt for the wireless charging case. They both run on Apple's H1 chip, meaning you can access Siri hands-free when wearing them, and they can both detect whether they're in your ear so that they can pause and play music automatically. They're compatible with Android devices as well, but you won't be able to access the aforementioned features that separate them from other wireless headphones.
While they do share many characteristics, there are some important differences between the two, particularly when it comes to customization, comfort, and sound quality. I've spent the past several weeks switching between Apple's second-generation AirPods and the Powerbeats Pro, and here are some of the biggest differences I noticed.