From a pure sound quality and noise cancellation perspective, the AirPods Pro are going to be the better buy in many cases. They might look the same as the original pair, but Apple has made meaningful enhancements with the second-generation model. But it's not a clean sweep of the Beats Fit Pro.
Audio performance really comes down to personal preference, as both earbuds sound great. Both the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Beats Fit Pro perform well during calls, with the users voice being broadcast clearly. If anything, the AirPods are a bit better, likely thanks to the processing capabilities of the H2 chip.
Anyone would be pleased with the sound performance of these sub-$200 earbuds. They sound better than 3rd-gen AirPods, but the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro deliver an overall superior audio experience all around.
Are Beats worth the price? If you're a design enthusiast who wishes to pursue a certain image or look, then the answer is probably yes. These products also offer great audio quality.
The sound quality is fine, but not great
It's a simple formula, but it works. If you're coming from similar earbuds like those from Sony, Bose, or Jabra then you likely won't be wowed by the AirPods Pro, but for people who have only used the non-Pro AirPods, these will be a big upgrade.
Best Overall - Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 is the overall best TWS earbuds for their exceptional sound quality and immersive audio experience. These earbuds boast a comfortable fit and long-lasting battery life, allowing for extended daily use.
Apple hasn't issued any statement on the discontinued products, but looking at the entire Beats lineup, its prices, and the products no longer offered, it seems likely that Apple is just simplifying the lineup by removing a few products that no longer fill useful spots in the product lineup.
People who obsess over sound quality generally agree that Beats' products — its earbuds (which start at $100) and headphones (which start at $300) — may deliver a decent sound, but are substantially worse than other products available for lower prices.
The headphones are incredibly cheaply made. The company cuts corners everywhere it can; gluing pieces together instead of using screws, and reducing the amount of tooling wherever possible. Amazingly, for all the company's claims about precision sound design, the headphones use freaking off-the-shelf drivers!
Each set of earbuds has notably different controls. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) uses a touch and swipe based system, and the Beats Studio Buds sports a physical clickable button on either earbud. However, despite this the two products have a nearly identical set of controls options.
The brand's continued success helps bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide. Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014.
AirPods typically last about 2-3 years before most users feel the need to replace them. This short lifespan is because of their lithium-ion batteries. AirPods have proven tough in several durability tests and have shown that they can withstand pressure.
Ultimately, the Studio Buds + get our recommendation over the standard AirPods because they offer ANC and fit more securely. If you're looking for the best in noise cancellation and spatial audio, however, the $249 AirPods Pro are worth the extra money.
The Beats Fit Pro headphones are priced against the 3rd gen AirPods, but are significantly cheaper than the AirPods Pro. This trend continues with the over- and on-ear headphones from both brands. Beat's most expensive model, the Beats Studio 3, is less than half the price of the Apple AirPods Max wireless headphones.
Beats headphones tend to be rather pricey, especially compared to other brands. The quality of the more recent models we've tested better matches their premium price point. However, they still feel a bit expensive for what they offer. Noise cancelling not on par with the competition.
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One of the main reasons for the expensive pricing of Beats is that they sell their headphones at a higher profit margin. Beats headphones are mainly famous for their aesthetic design. The sound quality is very similar to other brands that are available at more affordable rates.
The company was founded by music producer Dr. Dre and record company executive Jimmy Iovine. Since 2014, it has been an Apple subsidiary.
Following the launch of the Beats Fit Pro this morning, Apple has discontinued several older Beats headphones options, including the $150 Powerbeats, the $250 Beats Solo Pro, and the $130 Beats EP on-ear headphones.
The infamous Beats label, which once lived on the ears of every walking athlete and celebrity, was acquired by Apple in 2014. Since then, Apple has been selling Beats-made headphones and earbuds in its own stores.