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If you want earhooks and physical volume buttons, lean toward Powerbeats Pro 2. If you want a dust- and water-resistance rating for the charging case as well as the earbuds, AirPods Pro 3 has the edge on paper. Both offer workout heart-rate sensing, noise control modes and five ear-tip sizes; neither is a proven universal fit. This comparison is specifically with AirPods Pro 3, not earlier AirPods Pro generations.
At a glance
| What matters | Powerbeats Pro 2 | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit design | Nickel-titanium alloy-reinforced earhooks; five silicone tip sizes, XS through XL. Beats product details | Redesigned for a more secure fit; five tip sizes, XXS through L. Apple product details |
| Battery claim | Up to 10 hours of continuous earbud playback; up to 45 hours with the case, according to Beats. | Up to 8 hours per charge with ANC enabled, or up to 24 hours with the case and ANC enabled, according to Apple. Apple also lists up to 6.5 hours with workout heart-rate sensing. Apple technical specifications |
| Workout heart rate | Supported; Beats says the feature works with select fitness apps and equipment. Android users need the Beats app to unlock it. | Workout heart-rate sensor listed by Apple. |
| Resistance rating | Earbuds are IPX4. Beats says the case is not sweat- or water-resistant. | Earbuds and case are IP57 dust-, sweat- and water-resistant, according to Apple. |
| Controls | Physical multifunction button and separate volume rocker on each side. | Touch controls, including swipe volume adjustment. |
| Manufacturer-listed US price | $249.99 on the Beats page reviewed. | $249 on Apple’s pages reviewed. |
Battery figures are each manufacturer’s “up to” claims under its own test conditions, not results from a controlled comparison. Prices are listed US manufacturer prices, not a current retailer price check; offers and stock can change.
Which one is more likely to stay put?
Powerbeats Pro 2: an earhook for extra reassurance
Powerbeats Pro 2 wraps a reinforced earhook around the ear and includes five silicone tip sizes from XS to XL. That design gives you a hook as well as the in-ear tip to help secure the buds. Beats describes the earbuds as designed to stay locked on during intense workouts, but that is the manufacturer’s description, not an independent fit test. Beats lists the design and fit details.
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AirPods Pro 3: a redesigned in-ear fit
Apple describes AirPods Pro 3 as redesigned for a more secure fit and lists five tip sizes from XXS to L. They use an in-ear, stem-style design rather than an earhook. A hook may feel more secure to one person; another may prefer the smaller, hook-free shape. Tip size and ear shape matter more than the number of sizes alone, so try them on if you can before choosing.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Battery life: compare the mode, not just the biggest number
Beats claims up to 10 hours of continuous playback from Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds and up to 45 hours with the charging case. Its page also says a five-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to 1.5 hours of playback. The case supports USB-C and Qi-compatible charging. See Beats’ product specifications.
Apple claims AirPods Pro 3 lasts up to 8 hours per charge with ANC enabled, and up to 24 hours with its case when ANC is enabled. Apple lists up to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking, and up to 6.5 hours when workout heart-rate sensing is active. Five minutes in the case provides around one hour of listening, according to Apple. The case can charge by MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified charger or USB-C. See Apple’s technical specifications.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Those figures use different manufacturer test conditions, so they do not establish a head-to-head battery winner under identical use. If you often go long stretches without charging, Powerbeats Pro 2 has the longer stated case-inclusive figure; consider how you use ANC and workout heart-rate sensing when assessing Apple’s claims.
Workout heart rate and phone compatibility
Both products list heart-rate sensing for workouts, but the available manufacturer information does not establish that either sensor is more accurate. Treat this as a convenience feature, not a substitute for a medical device or a reason to assume one product produces better readings.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Beats says Powerbeats Pro 2 works with select fitness apps and equipment. On Android, the Beats app unlocks heart-rate monitoring as well as features such as one-touch pairing, customizable controls, battery widgets and Locate My Beats. Check that your particular phone, app and workout equipment support the feature you intend to use. Apple lists a workout heart-rate sensor for AirPods Pro 3; Apple warns that some functionality may be limited on non-Apple devices. Check compatibility before buying if you use Android or depend on a specific training app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Water and sweat resistance: the case matters, too
Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds carry an IPX4 rating. Beats describes that rating as resistance to sweat and water splashing from any direction, but says the charging case is not sweat- or water-resistant. Apple lists AirPods Pro 3 and its case as IP57 dust-, sweat- and water-resistant. That gives AirPods Pro 3 the higher stated protection for the case as well as the earbuds; it does not make either product suitable for swimming. Follow each maker’s care and handling guidance.
Rank #4
- FOR POWERBEATS PRO 2 EXCLUSIVE: Precision-engineered only for Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Not compatible with Powerbeats Pro (1st Gen) – guaranteed perfect nozzle lock & seal.
- 5X LONGEVITY: Industry-first 5 PAIRS (XS/S/M/L/XL) – replace lost/worn tips or customize fit for workout/music/calls. Double the standard kit!
- BASS-BOOSTED SEAL: 25% thicker silicone walls vs. stock tips – blocks gym noise while amplifying for the Powerbeats Pro 2’s low-end thump.
- ZERO-SLIP GRIP: Laser-etched texture + sweatproof coating keeps earbuds anchored during sprints/boxing/yoga. No readjustments needed!
- HYPOALLERGENIC COMFORT: Medical-grade silicone prevents itch/redness. Oval-shaped core distributes pressure evenly – wear all day pain-free.
Controls and listening features
Powerbeats Pro 2 has a physical multifunction button and a separate volume rocker on each side, useful if you prefer presses and tactile volume adjustment during a workout. AirPods Pro 3 uses touch controls, including swipe volume adjustment. Whether buttons or touch controls work better for you is personal; the product information does not establish a comparative control-performance winner.
Both list active noise cancellation and Transparency modes. Beats also lists Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Apple lists Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio and hearing features including Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection. These feature lists do not establish that one sounds better or cancels more noise. Full product details are available from Beats and Apple.
Which workout earbuds should you buy?
- Choose Powerbeats Pro 2 if you specifically want earhooks, physical volume buttons, or the longer manufacturer-stated case-inclusive battery figure. Its case is not water-resistant, and the battery claim is not a direct comparison with Apple’s test.
- Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want the listed IP57 rating to include the charging case, or value Apple’s wider set of listed listening and hearing features. Its stated battery life varies by mode, including when workout heart-rate sensing is on.
- Consider either only after checking compatibility if workout heart rate is central to your decision. Both list the feature, but app and device support differ and comparative sensor accuracy is not established.
At the manufacturer-listed US prices reviewed, the two are close: $249.99 for Powerbeats Pro 2 and $249 for AirPods Pro 3. Current retailer offers may differ. For workout fit, try the buds on if possible; the listed designs and tip sizes cannot tell you which will suit your ears.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
