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Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Maybe neither?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 8:45 GMT by Macworld
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Powerbeats Fit vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which Earbuds Suit Your Needs?

When the next generation of Apple’s flagship earbuds hit the market, many users found themselves wondering whether they should stick with the familiar Powerbeats Fit or upgrade to the newly announced AirPods Pro 3. Both sets promise high‑quality sound and a solid fit, but they target different users, price points, and use cases. The Mac World comparison breaks down the most important aspects—design, performance, battery life, and price—to help you decide which pair is right for you.

Design & Comfort

Powerbeats Fit
Apple’s Powerbeats Fit are built with the active user in mind. Their lightweight body is engineered to stay put during a workout: the earhooks loop around the ear and a rubber sleeve grips the ear canal for a secure fit. The earbuds are IPX4‑rated, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain. Because the design focuses on stability, they don’t offer any active noise cancellation (ANC) but compensate with a snug seal that reduces ambient noise passively.

AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3, meanwhile, maintain the sleek, rounded shape of the original AirPods Pro while adding a new H2 chip and improved drivers. They include a choice of silicone tips (small, medium, large) that enable a customizable seal for better ANC and bass response. The earbuds are also IPX4‑rated, but the new case is now wireless‑charging compatible and can be docked for a quick tap‑to‑charge feature.

The key difference in form factor is that Powerbeats Fit are designed to stay in place without a tip, whereas AirPods Pro 3 rely on silicone tips for both fit and ANC.

Sound Quality & Features

Powerbeats Fit
Each Powerbeats Fit contains a 20 mm dynamic driver paired with an 8 mm passive radiator. The result is a bass‑heavy sound that appeals to sports enthusiasts and gamers. Apple claims that the earbuds deliver a “dynamic and punchy” audio profile that can be customized via the Beats app. The lack of ANC means the user relies on the physical fit to block out noise, which works well for outdoor workouts but not for office or travel use.

AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 introduce a new H2 chip that not only powers ANC and transparency modes but also delivers spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Apple touts the new earbuds as providing a “larger, richer soundstage” with “more detail” across the spectrum. Each earbud now houses a custom driver and a new high‑dynamic‑range microphone. In addition to the classic ANC and transparency modes, the AirPods Pro 3 include a new “voice isolation” mode that can be toggled via the Control Center or the AirPods Pro 3 app.

When it comes to raw listening quality, the AirPods Pro 3 edge ahead, offering clearer mids and a more balanced low‑end compared to the bass‑driven Powerbeats Fit.

Battery Life

Powerbeats Fit
With a single charge, Powerbeats Fit deliver roughly 8 hours of continuous use. The included case provides an extra 12 hours of playback, for a combined total of 20 hours. The earbuds themselves are powered by a 5 V, 0.9 A adapter, and the case is charged via a Lightning port.

AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 are powered by a 5 V, 0.8 A adapter and use a new case that offers up to 24 hours of battery life when the earbuds are paired with the case. The new H2 chip is designed to be power efficient, but the ANC and spatial audio modes do drain the battery faster. If you rely on wireless charging, the AirPods Pro 3 case will hold a charge for up to 26 hours.

For users who want the longest possible runtime on a single charge, the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear winner.

Connectivity & Ecosystem

Both earbuds use the latest Apple H1 chip, so pairing with an iPhone or iPad is instantaneous and the same across the board. The Powerbeats Fit offer an “Apple Wireless” icon that signals full compatibility, while the AirPods Pro 3 have been updated to support the new Apple-designed H2 chip for more precise audio tracking.

AirPods Pro 3 add a new “Share Audio” feature, letting two iOS devices stream the same audio. They also support a “Listen While Others Use Apple Watch” option that lets the watch provide an audio stream that can be sent to the earbuds. These new features are exclusive to AirPods Pro 3.

Price

Powerbeats Fit
The Powerbeats Fit are priced at $149. Apple markets them as a “budget‑friendly” alternative that still delivers robust performance.

AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $229. While the price premium is justified by ANC, spatial audio, and a longer battery life, it might not be justifiable for the price‑sensitive consumer who prioritizes sports performance over premium features.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Choosing between the Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 ultimately comes down to what you value most in an earbud. If you’re an athlete or someone who spends a lot of time on the move, the Powerbeats Fit’s secure hook‑style design and robust bass output will meet your needs at a more affordable price point. However, if you want premium ANC, a more immersive listening experience with spatial audio, and longer battery life, the AirPods Pro 3 provide a clear upgrade, albeit at a higher cost.

In the end, both earbuds offer excellent performance for their intended audiences, and Apple has done a commendable job of tailoring each product to a distinct user segment. Whatever your preference, you’re in good hands with either option.