For an additional $90, you get a better design, water resistance, more battery life, and different colours to choose from.
Apple updated its AirPods with a new chip and a bunch of features like Hey Siri recently. On the other hand, Beats, owned by Apple, launched Powerbeats Pro with the same H1 chip found on AirPods second generation. However, the Powerbeats Pro has some features that make it a slightly better option when compared to Apple AirPods.
Design
The AirPods second generation was updated with the same design. Although they may sound good, the wireless earbuds fall off easily while running or shaking the head. Beats Powerbeats Pro comes with ear hooks that solve the problem. The ear hooks fit from the outer side of the ear making it comfortable to wear. Further, they provide added grip which does not let the earbuds fall while working out. They are also 17 percent higher and 23 percent smaller than the AirPods 2.
Sweat and water resistance
Apple has officially not announced whether the AirPods second generation has some sort of water resistance. Although there are a few tests online that show the AirPods can survive a dip or two, Apple would not repair the audio device due to liquid damage. Powerbeats Pro comes with an official water resistance certificate. The Powerbeats Pro are sweat-proof, but the company has not revealed the level or rating of its liquid resistance. However, with the added grip and sweat-proof rating, Powerbeats Pro makes it a good option for someone looking for wireless earbuds.
Controls
Both AirPods and Powerbeats Pro come with Apple’s latest H1 chip. The new chip has enabled ‘Hey Siri’ that lets users adjust the volume, shuffle songs, etc. To make these functions even more accessible, the Powerbeats Pro comes with physical controls. The physical controls come in handy when there is no internet connectivity for Siri to carry out the required functions.
Colours
While the Apple AirPods come in only White as a colour option, Beats offers the Powerbeats Pro in four different colours. The Powerbeats Pro can be bought in Black, Ivory, Navy, and Moss.
Better battery life and faster charging
Apple claims that the new AirPods have 50 percent more talk time compared to the previous generation wireless earbuds. Users can play songs for up to five hours and charge the AirPods via the charging case that holds an additional power backup of 24 hours. Beats, on the other hand, claims that each earbud can last for up to nine hours. They also come with a fast charging option that charges the audio device worth an additional hour and a half of usage within five minutes, and up to 4.5 hours of listening time within 15 minutes of charge time.
Price
AirPods without wireless charging case cost $159 whereas the Beats Powerbeats Pro cost $249. For an additional $90, you get a better design, water resistance, more battery life, and different colours to choose from.