Comparison and differences wireless headphones: Powerbeats Pro vs AirPods Pro

In May 2014, Appleredeemthe audio accessories manufacturer Beats for three billion dollars. Co-founded by rapper Dr Dre and producer Jimmy Iovine, the company has since specialized in the design of wireless headphones but has not ceased its activities: its products are now sold alongside Macs and iPhone on the official website of their parent company, which is valued at nearly two billion dollars and has even got its hands on Shazam to consolidate its place in the music sector.

Among the range of the brand with the red logo, we find thebluetooth earbudsPowerbeats Pro which come into direct confrontation with the AirPods Pro. It is therefore difficult to differentiate between each pair, especially since they use relatively similar components and are sold by the same stores. But the target audience for the devices is not necessarily the same: we see very different profiles among their buyers. So, which Powerbeats Pro or AirPods Pro is best for you?

Comfort and exterior appearance

It must be admitted, the appearance ofAirPods Prois very particular and emblematic of the firm which designs them: only available in white, these products are thus recognizable among thousands thanks to their “antenna” which strangely protrudes from the ear (for no reason other than aesthetics, since there is no cable to link) where the competition often adopts a more classic design. Furthermore, although supplied with interchangeable silicone tips, these do not fit as well in the ear canal as real in-ears, the fault of too short a depth of the device.

THEPowerbeats Pro, for their part, are much easier to wear thanks to a curved exoskeleton which allows them to be held in place more securely even during running or swimming sessions. Consequently, they are unfortunately much more imposing but on the other hand published in eight colors and with a pair of extra tips in the box delivered to customers:

• cloudy rose
• yellow spring
• ice blue
• lava red
• crème
• noir
• marine
• bottle green

The Powerbeats Pro charging base, however, remains black regardless of the version chosen, whereas that of the AirPods Pro is white like the headphones.

Features and application

Just like AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro are compatible with voice control “Dis Siri” which allows you to directly call the eponymous assistant without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket. On the other hand, no active noise reduction in the program, even though this is the major communication argument for selling AirPods Pro.Our complete test of the Powerbeats Pro, supporting images, can be discovered at this address. Among their advantages, we will particularly note access to audio sharing, which allows the headphones to be paired with another pair to, for example, watch a film as a couple on public transport without having to invest in a dedicated adapter.

Apple, for its part, announced during the Worldwide Developer Conference 2020 the launch of Spatial Audio mode: a sound immersion similar to virtual reality but with music rather than image, where the sound is omnidirectional. Added to this is a dedicated menu appearing in the iOS Settings app, as well asHandoff. This feature allows you to not cut off the audio stream when playing a track or episode by changing devices, for example by watching a video at the beginning on iPhone and then continuing on a larger screen to capture more details.

The Powerbeats Pro and AirPods Pro are powered by the same processor made by Apple: theH1. Both broadcast in stereo relatively correctly, although the bass is not up to par with the Bose Soundsport Free or the Sony WF-XB700, but they are equal in terms of listening quality even for a seasoned music lover. Of course, each of these duos falls into the categorytrue wirelessand is therefore completely wireless, a risk to take into account for head-in-the-air users.

Buy Powerbeats Pro

In terms of dimensions, the Airpods Pro measure just over two centimeters wide compared to around three cm high for 5.4 grams each, whereas in comparison the Powerbeats Pro weigh almost double for a height of 5.6 cm. The latter integrate two microphones and two optical sensors in their structure, and use a push button for different actions such as volume or call control. Finally, it is a proprietary connectionLightningwhich allows you to recharge the headphones, whether AirPods Pro or Powerbeats Pro: no universal socket therefore, which will mean you don't forget your cable when traveling.

Buy AirPods Pro

© Apple

Autonomie : Powerbeats Pro1 – 0Apple

The Powerbeats Pro are among the most durable wireless headphones on the market: they are capable of holdingnine hours straightwithout having to be supplied with energy. Their external battery extends this duration to one day. They are therefore the ideal accessories for long outings such as hiking or cycling, especially since Fast Fuel technology allows you to gain an hour of autonomy in just five minutes of charging. On the other hand, Beats earbuds are not eligible for the Qi standard: no certified induction in the program.

This is not the case with the AirPods Pro, which can be recharged with an AirPower-style mat.We have also listed several wireless chargers compatible with these headphones and the iPhone 11 in our dedicated selection to read by following this link. The battery of Apple's premium headphones would allow them to reach4.5 hours of battery lifeon a single charge but up to thirty minutes longer by deactivating active noise reduction, or 3.5 hours in conversation with a caller. It's less, but still enough for a quick exchange or a request during a train or bus journey.

Our opinion on Apple's wireless headphones

To conclude,Powerbeats Pro are primarily intended for sports use: they resist sudden movements better than AirPods Pro thanks to their loop going around the ear. In terms of design and sound, on the other hand, it is difficult to decide between the two pairs of wireless headphones: marketed by the same Californian company - Apple - they are very flashy but still far from the audio standards imposed by the leaders of the sectors, profit from a brand image rather than a real musical experience. However, their resistance to sweat is a major advantage compared to the competition and a criterion of choice for all those who simply want to be able to call hands-free but are not fans of Minimal.

Finally,AirPods Pro will brilliantly satisfy owners of advanced devicesthanks to their seamless synchronization with iOS and Mac computers (Handoff at the top of the list). They are nevertheless thirty euros more expensive than their opponents, but you can regularly find them on promotion at various resellers, including on French sites: count on 279 euros in base price compared to 249.95 euros for the Powerbeats Pro. Final advice: watch out for counterfeits, of which there are many.