The battle for earbud supremacy has been raging on for years, and two of the most popular contenders are Apple’s AirPods Pro and Beats’ Fit Pro. Both offer exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and impressive noise-cancelling capabilities. But the question remains: is Beats Fit Pro noise cancelling better than AirPods Pro? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, specs, and real-world performance of both earbuds to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Fit
Before we dive into the noise-cancelling capabilities, let’s talk about the design and fit of both earbuds. This is an essential aspect to consider, as a comfortable fit is crucial for optimal noise cancellation and overall listening experience.
The AirPods Pro boasts a sleek, minimalist design that’s quintessentially Apple. The earbuds are lightweight and compact, making them easy to slip into your ears and forget they’re there. The stems are shorter than the standard AirPods, giving them a more discreet appearance. Apple’s proprietary ear tips, which come in three sizes, provide a snug and comfortable fit for most users.
On the other hand, the Beats Fit Pro takes a more athletic approach to design. The earbuds are slightly larger and more ergonomic than the AirPods Pro, with a contoured shape that fits snugly in the ear. The wingtips, which come in three sizes, provide a secure fit that’s designed for exercise and high-intensity activities. The Fit Pro is also 20% smaller and 15% lighter than its predecessor, the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Fitness-Focused Features
The Beats Fit Pro is designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind. The earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating that can withstand even the most intense workouts. The ear tips are also designed to stay in place, even during high-impact activities like running or jumping. Additionally, the Fit Pro features a unique ” Vent” system that allows for airflow and helps to regulate ear temperature, reducing moisture buildup and discomfort.
The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, is not explicitly marketed as a fitness earbud. While it’s still sweat- and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, it’s not designed to withstand the rigors of high-intensity exercise.
Noise Cancellation Technology
Now, let’s talk about the main event: noise cancellation. Both earbuds employ active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to block out ambient noise and immerse you in your music.
AirPods Pro Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro uses Apple’s proprietary ANC technology, which combines advanced algorithms and microphones to detect and cancel out background noise. The system is powered by the Apple H1 chip, which provides a fast and efficient process for noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro can cancel out up to 24 decibels of ambient noise, making it suitable for most everyday environments.
One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro is its Transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music. This is achieved through the use of external microphones that amplify ambient sound, making it ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your environment.
Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancellation
The Beats Fit Pro employs a similar ANC technology, but with a few key differences. The Fit Pro uses a more advanced noise-cancellation chip, which provides better noise-cancellation performance, particularly in noisy environments. The earbuds can cancel out up to 25 decibels of ambient noise, making them slightly more effective than the AirPods Pro.
One area where the Fit Pro falls short is its lack of a Transparency mode. While it does have a “Conversation Boost” feature that amplifies voices, it’s not as seamless as the AirPods Pro’s Transparency mode.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is, of course, a critical aspect of any earbud. Both the AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro deliver exceptional sound quality, but with some subtle differences.
AirPods Pro Sound Quality
The AirPods Pro features Apple’s proprietary drivers, which provide a clear and balanced sound signature. The earbuds excel in the midrange frequencies, delivering warm and rich vocals. The bass response is solid, if not particularly pronounced, and the highs are crisp and clear.
One area where the AirPods Pro shines is its ability to reproduce spatial audio. Apple’s proprietary audio technology, which includes spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, creates an immersive listening experience that’s unparalleled in the earbud market.
Beats Fit Pro Sound Quality
The Beats Fit Pro features a slightly different sound signature, with a focus on bass response. The earbuds deliver deep, rumbling bass that’s sure to please fans of hip-hop and electronic music. The midrange is clear and balanced, with a slight emphasis on the lower midrange. The highs are crisp and clear, if not quite as detailed as the AirPods Pro.
While the Fit Pro doesn’t quite match the AirPods Pro in terms of spatial audio, it does feature a more pronounced soundstage. This makes the sound feel more expansive and immersive, particularly in genres like rock and pop.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an essential consideration for any earbud. Both the AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro offer respectable battery life, but with some key differences.
AirPods Pro Battery Life
The AirPods Pro offers up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with up to 24 hours of additional battery life provided by the charging case. The earbuds also support wireless charging, making it easy to top up your battery on the go.
Beats Fit Pro Battery Life
The Beats Fit Pro offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with up to 27 hours of additional battery life provided by the charging case. The earbuds also support wireless charging, although it’s worth noting that the charging case is slightly larger than the AirPods Pro’s.
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about price and value. Both earbuds are premium products, but they occupy different ends of the price spectrum.
AirPods Pro Price and Value
The AirPods Pro is priced at $249, making it one of the more expensive earbuds on the market. However, for that price, you get a premium product with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise-cancellation technology, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Beats Fit Pro Price and Value
The Beats Fit Pro is priced at $199, making it a more affordable option than the AirPods Pro. However, for that price, you get a fitness-focused earbud with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise-cancellation technology, and a more comfortable fit.
| Feature | AirPods Pro | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Fit | Compact, minimalist design; proprietary ear tips | Ergonomic design; wingtips for secure fit |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 24 decibels; Transparency mode | Up to 25 decibels; Conversation Boost feature |
| Sound Quality | Clear, balanced sound; exceptional spatial audio | Bass-focused sound; more pronounced soundstage |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours; up to 24 hours with charging case | Up to 6 hours; up to 27 hours with charging case |
| Price | $249 | $199 |
The Verdict
So, is Beats Fit Pro noise cancelling better than AirPods Pro? The answer ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a more comfortable fit, better noise-cancellation performance, and a more affordable price tag, the Beats Fit Pro is the clear winner.
However, if you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize features like seamless integration, spatial audio, and a more compact design, the AirPods Pro is still the better choice.
Ultimately, both earbuds offer exceptional sound quality, advanced noise-cancellation technology, and a premium listening experience. It’s up to you to decide which features matter most to you.
What are the key differences between Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro?
The key differences between Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro lie in their design, sound quality, and features. Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling are designed for active users, with a more secure and comfortable fit, while AirPods Pro are more geared towards everyday use. In terms of sound quality, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling are known for their deep bass response, while AirPods Pro focus on clear and balanced sound. Additionally, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling have a longer battery life and faster charging capabilities.
When it comes to features, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling have a more comprehensive set of fitness tracking features, including built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes to track your movements. AirPods Pro, on the other hand, focus more on seamless integration with Apple devices and offer features like Audio Sharing and Live Listen. Ultimately, the choice between Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Which earbuds have better noise cancellation?
Both Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro have excellent noise cancellation capabilities. However, in terms of raw noise cancellation power, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling have a slight edge. They use a combination of passive and active noise cancellation to block out up to 99.9% of ambient noise, making them ideal for noisy environments like gyms or commutes. AirPods Pro, on the other hand, use a combination of microphones and advanced algorithms to block out background noise, but they may not be as effective in extremely loud environments.
That being said, AirPods Pro have an advantage when it comes to adaptive noise cancellation. They can dynamically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings, providing a more seamless listening experience. Additionally, AirPods Pro have a feature called “Transparency mode” that allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music, which can be useful in certain situations. Ultimately, the choice between Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Are Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling more comfortable than AirPods Pro?
Yes, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling are generally considered to be more comfortable than AirPods Pro. They have a more ergonomic design that fits snugly in your ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit even during intense workouts. The earbuds also come with three different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a customizable fit for any ear shape. Additionally, the earbuds are lightweight and have a more seamless design, making them easy to wear for extended periods.
AirPods Pro, on the other hand, have a more minimalist design that may not be as comfortable for everyone. They can be a bit bulkier than Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, and some users may find them to be less secure in their ears. However, AirPods Pro do come with three different sizes of ear tips, and they also have a feature called “Ear Tip Fit Test” that helps you find the best fit for your ears. Ultimately, the comfort level of both earbuds will depend on your individual preferences and ear shape.
Do Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling have better battery life?
Yes, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling have a longer battery life than AirPods Pro. They offer up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 21 hours of battery life provided by the charging case. This means that you can enjoy up to 28 hours of total listening time before needing to recharge. Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling also have a faster charging capability, allowing you to get up to 1 hour of listening time from just 5 minutes of charging.
AirPods Pro, on the other hand, offer up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 19 hours of battery life provided by the charging case. This means that you can enjoy up to 24 hours of total listening time before needing to recharge. While AirPods Pro may not have the same level of battery life as Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, they do have a more convenient charging case that can be charged wirelessly.
Can I use Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling with an iPhone?
Yes, Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling are compatible with iPhones. While they are designed to work seamlessly with Android devices, they can also be paired with iPhones via Bluetooth. You can use the Beats app to pair the earbuds with your iPhone and customize your listening experience. However, you may not be able to access all of the earbuds’ features when using them with an iPhone, such as the ability to customize the noise cancellation levels.
Additionally, if you’re using an iPhone, you may not be able to use some of the earbuds’ features, such as the ability to quickly pair the earbuds with your device or access Siri shortcuts. However, the earbuds will still provide excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, making them a great option for iPhone users who want a reliable and high-quality listening experience.
Are AirPods Pro better for working out?
While both Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling and AirPods Pro are designed for active users, AirPods Pro may not be the best choice for working out. They are not as sweat-resistant as Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, and may not be able to withstand the rigors of intense exercise. Additionally, AirPods Pro do not have the same level of secure fit as Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, which can be a problem during high-impact activities.
Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, on the other hand, are specifically designed for fitness enthusiasts. They have a more secure fit, are sweat-resistant, and have a more rugged design that can withstand the demands of intense exercise. They also have features like built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes to track your movements, making them an excellent choice for athletes who want to monitor their performance.
Which earbuds are more expensive?
AirPods Pro are generally more expensive than Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling. They typically retail for around $250, while Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling can be found for around $200. However, prices may vary depending on the region and retailer, so it’s always a good idea to check prices before making a purchase.
It’s worth noting that while AirPods Pro may be more expensive, they do offer some unique features like seamless integration with Apple devices and advanced noise cancellation capabilities. Beats Fit Pro Noise Cancelling, on the other hand, offer a more comprehensive set of fitness tracking features and a more rugged design. Ultimately, the choice between the two earbuds will depend on your specific needs and budget.