Apple Powerbeats Pro Review

I like my AirPods. I even bought the latest model that added some new features and wireless charging.

But it always makes me crazy that they look like stupid little earrings. That's why I was excited when the Beats brand from Apple recently announced the Powerbeats Pro, a headset with many of the AirPod's features, but with a sportier design.

The $ 250 Powerbeats are great, and you should buy them if you think the AirPod looks ridiculous or if you think they just do not fit. Plus, these are better for exercise thanks to features such as sweat resistance. Here's what you need to know about them.

Pro Powerbeats look like sports helmets that you would normally see in a gym, with ear hooks hanging over your ears to help them stay better. Some people do not agree, but I think they look less boring than AirPods, especially in the more discreet black color.

They also have rubber buttons that feel more comfortable than AirPods over time. And they will have more ears than the AirPods, which are only one size. I like how the rubber seemed to help block the background noise, and combined with the hooks, the ear buds feel really solid in my ears. I do not often worry about the fall of the AirPods, but they feel safer and ready to jog on a treadmill.

The sound quality is also better than that of AirPods. Beats is known for producing extra bass, and that's true here. The music seems to sound more complete than with the AirPods. I have never complained about the audio quality of the AirPods, so it's not like it's bad. Powerbeats Pro sounds just a little better.

They also feature many of the new features introduced with Apple's second-generation AirPods. This includes a new H1 chip that couples almost instantly with an iPhone or iPad. Just open the case, look at your iPhone, press "pair" and you're done. In addition, it only takes a few seconds to switch between an iPad or an iPhone. I just open the Bluetooth menu, select the Powerbeats Pro and transfer the music.

The battery life is great. They lasted from about 10 am to about 5 pm, although I took them for lunch and talked with colleagues from time to time and that I had 40% of the fees left, which is better than the nine o'clock hours. Listening promised by Apple.

To charge them, simply drop the headphones in the battery case to get up to 24 hours of additional battery life. That's more than I think most people need. By dropping the buttons in the case, you also have a battery life of 1.5 hours after just 5 minutes, which is handy if you have dead earphones and you need a little more of juice.

The quality of the calls was also good. My wife said that I looked like I was on a helmet and that the call was always very clear. I've also been able to walk far enough from my phone, about 30 yards down a hallway, before the call begins to cut.

Finally, I liked being able to say "Hey Siri" and ask Apple's voice assistant to know the weather or play music. The headphones seemed to understand me well, but there is also a dedicated button on each headset that you can hold and press to access Siri. You can also press one of the buttons to play and pause the music. I found it more convenient than pressing the sides of AirPods, which have the same function but do not have buttons.

My biggest problem with the Powerbeats Pro is that the charge is huge compared to the one you get for AirPods. You could put it in your pocket, of course, but it would look terribly ridiculous. It is best to keep in handbags and backpacks. This is not as practical as the AirPods, which I always have in my pocket. They are so discreet that I often forget that I even have my AirPods with me.

They are also expensive.

The new AirPods start at $ 159, but cost $ 199 if you want the wireless charging box. The Powerbeats Pro costs $ 249 and does not have a wireless charge. This means that, unlike the new AirPods, you can not simply drop the holster on a wireless charger that you could also use with your iPhone to turn it on. This is not a case breaker. This looks like a feature you will get for the price.

Also, it's a bit silly, but I've always had the impression of playing with a puzzle trying to put the headphones back in the holster. They get in with magnets when you line them up correctly, but you have to remember which side they are on. It is easier to reintegrate the AirPods.

Most people should just buy AirPods.

They are much cheaper, especially if you do not buy the wireless charging case, and are much more portable. But if you are one of those who found that the AirPods did not suit you, the Powerbeats Pro are made for you because they have three different sized heads.

Or, if you're active and want the arms to keep your headphones inside, you'll love the Pro Powerbeats and the added resistance to sweat. And finally, if you just want a better sound than the one offered by the AirPods and you're ready to pay, buy the Powerbeats Pro.