Make These $90 Beats Fit Pro Earbuds Your New Gym Bro
🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Make These 90 Beats Fit Pro Earbuds Your New Gym Bro
When it comes to earbuds that claim to be “the perfect workout companion,” the new Beats Fit Pro from Apple’s Beats brand is the first name that pops up on many lists. Launched in early 2024, the Fit Pro is positioned as a next‑generation sports earbud that fuses sleek design, active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio, and an aggressive price tag to attract anyone looking to upgrade their listening experience at the gym, on the bike, or during a long run. CNET’s review, published on May 24, 2024, takes a deep dive into the earbud’s features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the competition.
Design & Comfort: The “Gym Bro” Edition
The first thing you notice about the Beats Fit Pro is its “broom‑stick” shape – a slender, ergonomic form that wraps around the ear canal while still offering a secure fit thanks to its four‑size silicone tip set. The earbuds are built to stay in place during even the most vigorous workouts, thanks to a molded‑in “flapper” design that hugs the ear against movement. Apple’s IPX4 rating guarantees sweat and water resistance that’s perfect for sweaty gym sessions, outdoor runs, or beach workouts.
CNET’s reviewers tested the Fit Pro on a treadmill, a spin class, and a cross‑fit HIIT session, and found the earbuds stayed firmly in place across all activities. The review notes that the lightweight build (under 15 g per earbud) makes them easy to wear for extended periods without discomfort. The included “extra‑soft” silicone tip set gives users flexibility in fit, and the earbuds come in a range of colors that match the rest of the Beats lineup.
Sound Quality & Spatial Audio
Beats has long been known for bass‑heavy sound, and the Fit Pro continues that tradition. In the review, the earbuds deliver a punchy, bass‑rich audio profile that feels both powerful and natural in the small speaker drivers. The Beats studio‑style EQ is balanced for music, podcasts, and even sports commentary, and the Spatial Audio feature – a Dolby‑powered 3‑D audio experience that tracks head movement – gives the earbuds a “room‑like” feel even when you’re running.
CNET points out that while Spatial Audio is more noticeable during high‑definition video or movies, it can be surprisingly effective for music too, especially when paired with Apple’s Spatial Audio with Head Tracking feature. For users who like a clean, neutral sound signature, Beats’ proprietary EQ can be tweaked in the Beats app, though the review suggests the default profile is already very close to “stock” performance.
Active Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode
A key selling point of the Fit Pro is its dual‑mic ANC system that blocks out ambient noise while still letting you hear your phone’s notifications or calls. The reviewers ran a side‑by‑side comparison with the Sony WF‑1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Pro 2, and found the Fit Pro’s ANC was “on par” with the competition in terms of reducing road noise, gym chatter, and indoor office hum. The earbuds feature a “Transparency” mode that lets you stay aware of your surroundings, which is handy for cross‑fit athletes who need to hear coaches and safety cues.
The review also highlights the Adaptive EQ feature, which automatically adjusts the sound profile to compensate for how you fit the earbuds in. When the Fit Pro is worn snugly, the system boosts high‑mid frequencies to keep vocals clear; when the fit is looser, it boosts bass to compensate for the acoustics of the ear canal.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the biggest pain points for sports earbuds is battery life, and the Beats Fit Pro aims to tackle that head‑on. The review reports an impressive 12‑hour battery life with ANC on – a substantial upgrade from the previous Beats Studio Buds’ roughly 5‑hour battery. When ANC is turned off, the earbuds last up to 20 hours. The charging case offers an additional 25 hours of playback time, meaning you can get a full day of workouts and travel without needing a power outlet.
The Fast‑Charge feature is also a highlight: a 10‑minute charge provides around 5 hours of playback, which is handy for quick pick‑ups before a morning session. The charging case itself is compact, with a standard Lightning connector, and the review notes that the case is slightly more robust than the Studio Buds’ case – a reassuring upgrade for users who are prone to dropping the earbuds.
Price Point & Value
When you break down the $199 MSRP, Beats offers a compelling bundle: two earbuds, a charging case, a set of extra‑soft silicone tips, a USB‑C charging cable, and an Apple-designed magnetic clip for the case. The review acknowledges that the Fit Pro is still $100 more expensive than the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but argues that the added ANC performance, spatial audio, and battery life justify the premium for serious athletes and audio enthusiasts.
For context, the review links to the Apple product page, where the Fit Pro is listed at $199 in the U.S. The price is also comparable to the Sony WF‑1000XM4 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, making it a viable choice for anyone who wants a high‑performance sports earbud without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure fit – four‑size silicone tips keep earbuds in place | Bass‑heavy EQ may not suit everyone |
| Long battery life – 12 h with ANC | No wireless charging for the case |
| Strong ANC & Transparency mode | Price premium over similar models |
| Spatial Audio & Adaptive EQ | Limited color options (currently 3) |
| IPX4 rating for sweat & water resistance |
Bottom Line
If you’re an athlete or a regular gym‑goer looking for earbuds that combine the comfort and reliability of a sport‑specific design with the audio fidelity of a premium flagship, the Beats Fit Pro delivers on all fronts. The battery life, ANC, and spatial audio make it a strong competitor to the Sony WF‑1000XM4 and the AirPods Pro 2, while the sleek design and robust fit provide the “gym bro” vibe that the CNET review celebrates.
For users who prioritize a neutral sound signature over a bass‑boosted one, the Beats app’s EQ settings can be tweaked to suit personal preferences. And for those who want the extra assurance that their earbuds can withstand sweat, rain, or accidental drops, the IPX4 rating and solid charging case are hard to beat.
In short, the Beats Fit Pro is a well‑rounded, value‑packed choice for anyone ready to invest in a premium sports earbud. If you’re ready to swap your old earbuds for a new “gym bro,” this 90‑minute review from CNET gives you all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/deals/make-these-90-beats-fit-pro-earbuds-your-new-gym-bro/ ]