In gift-giving season, sometimes you get something you already have or something that isn’t quite what you wanted. So, if you can exchange the item for something you truly covet — like a killer pair of Apple AirPods or Beats earbuds — you probably should.
But how do you choose between earbuds made by Apple and earbuds made by Apple subsidiary Beats by Dre? We’ve laid out the specs for four popular sets of buds, below, pitting AirPods Pro against Beats Fit Pro and the new AirPods (3rd gen) against Beats Studio Buds. But all the specs listed in each chart are the same, so it’s not difficult to compare and contrast all four.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Many similarities, some differences
Among the four products, you see certain similarities and differences repeatedly. Using the same headphone chip, the Apple H1, the Beats buds are well in sync with Apple AirPods on many features, but come at lower prices with more color choices.
And, some people say, Beats tend to have a better fit. But you don’t get a wireless charging case; you have to plug in Beats charging cases.
Surprisingly, you get active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode (for ambient noise) with all in the buds in the charts below except the well-reviewed AirPods (3rd gen). Even the significantly cheaper Beats Studio Buds have that functionality — and can currently be had for just $99! And you can get them in one limited-edition design or another now, too.
Regarding fit, note that the only buds in the tables lacking different sizes of silicone ear tips for a customized fit are the AirPods (3rd gen), which feature a partially in-ear fit that many people find suitable or even preferable.
Photo: Apple
What suits you?
In the end, selecting earbuds is a highly subjective exercise and depends on what matters most to you. I always say top-notch sound quality and a comfortable, secure fit trump all else with earbuds. They need to sound great, obviously, but if they don’t fit well, you might not wear them — or you might lose one or both of them.
For a quick look at other choices you might also consider, like AirPods (2nd gen), Beats Powerbeats Pro and Beats Flex, see the bottom of the post.
Table 1: AirPods Pro verus Beats Fit Pro
| Specification | AirPods Pro | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $197 – $249 | $199.99 |
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Battery life | 4.5 hours with ANC | 6 hours with ANC |
| Battery life with case | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wireless | Wired USB-C |
| Noise cancellation | ANC | ANC |
| Spatial audio | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Class 1 Wireless Bluetooth |
| Microphones | Dual beam forming; 1 inward facing | Dual beam forming |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Colors | White | White, Black, Stone Purple, Sage Gray |
| Earbud dimensions (in) | 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 | 1.18 x 0.94 x 0.75 |
| Earbud weight (oz) | o.19 | 0.197 |
| Case dimensions (in) | 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 | 2.44 x 2.44 x 1.12 |
| Case weight (oz) | 1.61 | 1.94 |
| Voice assistant | “Hey Siri” | “Hey Siri” |
| Live listen | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient noise | Yes | Yes |
Where to buy AirPods Pro: Amazon
Where to buy Beats Fit Pro: Amazon
Photo: Apple
Table 2: AirPods (3rd gen) versus Beats Studio Buds
| Specification | AirPods (3rd gen) | Beats Studio Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 – $179 | $99 – $149 |
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours | 5 hours with ANC |
| Battery life with case | Up to 30 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging | MagSafe wireless | USB-C |
| Noise cancellation | No | ANC |
| Spatial audio | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Class 1 Wireless Bluetooth |
| Microphones | Dual beam forming; 1 inward facing | Dual beam forming |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Colors | White | White, Black, Red |
| Earbud dimensions (in) | 1.21 x 0.75 x 0.76 | 0.81 x 0.81 x 0.73 |
| Earbud weight (oz) | o.15 | 0.17 |
| Case dimensions (in) | 1.83 x 2.14 x 0.84 | 2.83 x 2.0 x 1.0 |
| Case weight (oz) | 1.34 | 1.69 |
| Voice assistant | “Hey Siri” | “Hey Siri” |
| Live listen | Yes | No |
| Ambient noise | No | Yes |
Where to buy AirPods (3rd gen): Amazon
Where to buy Beats Studio Buds: Amazon
Photo: Apple
Other choices
AirPods (2nd gen)
Usually obtainable at prices between $129 and $159, a set of Apple’s last generation of AirPods is still a viable choice. Gen 2 is similar in style to AirPods (3rd gen), but they have a longer stem. They lack the 3rd gen’s spatial audio, water and dust resistance, and wireless / MagSafe charging capabilities. And they come up about an hour shorter on battery life for playback (up to 5 hours, not 6).
Where to buy: Amazon
Beats Powerbeats Pro
At a new markdown to $169 to $179, Powerbeats Pro are, essentially, extra-sporty Beats Fit Pro earbuds at a lower price. They have an over-ear hook for a secure fit. They have Apple’s H1 chip and all of its premium features — ANC included. Different ear tips are included for a customized fit. These earbuds come in ivory, black and navy blue colors. But you still don’t get a wireless charging case.
Where to buy: Amazon
Beats Flex
A lower-end earbud that still packs nice features would be the Beats Flex, which come with Apple’s W1 chip and cost about $5o. The Flex’s design quirk is a magnetic cable between the buds that snaps together when you take the buds out of your ears (so instead of just dangling, they become like a necklace). The buds come in black, yellow, blue and gray colors.
Where to buy: Amazon
