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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Beats Powerbeats (2020)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods Pro 3BeatsPowerbeats (2020)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2025March 2020
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingYesNo
Transparency modeYes–
Spatial audio with head trackingYes–
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNo–
ChipH2Apple H1
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier–
ChipH2 in each AirPod; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the MagSafe Charging Case–
Noise cancelling detailActive Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and Loud Sound Reduction; foam-infused ear tips for passive isolation–
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision ProSBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation or automatic ear detection (Tech Advisor)
Hearing healthHearing Test, Hearing Aid (with automatic Conversation Boost) and Hearing Protection–
Health sensorsHeart rate sensor for workouts–
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 8 hoursUp to 15 hours
With the caseUp to 24 hours–
Wireless chargingYes–
Battery life detailUp to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid featureApple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH colour-edition release confirms the shared 15-hour listening claim
Charging caseMagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My and lanyard loop; charges with MagSafe, Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargers or a USB-C cable–
Fast charging5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listeningLightning Fast Fuel charging; Apple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH release says up to 1 hour from a 5-minute charge, while SoundGuys reports 1.5 hours
Design
Weight (each earbud)5.55 g–
Water and sweat resistanceIP57IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.0
ControlsForce sensor with volume swipe on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); camera remote; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri InteractionsPlayback, track, call and volume buttons on the right earbud; power button on the left; hands-free Hey Siri with compatible Apple devices
MicrophonesDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometerDual beam-forming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsFoam-infused silicone ear tips in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L)Adjustable ear hooks joined by a round cable; four ear-tip sizes
Case weight43.99 g–
Water resistance detailIP57 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case–
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited featuresClass 1 Bluetooth and Apple H1 pairing; Audio Sharing with compatible Apple devices; Bluetooth 5.0 identified by SoundGuys and Tech Advisor
ColoursWhiteBlack, White and Red at launch (MacRumors); later AMBUSH Glow edition with a glow-in-the-dark finish and ripstop pouch
In the boxAirPods Pro 3, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XXS, XS, S, M, L), documentation; USB-C cable sold separatelyEarphones, four ear-tip sizes, Lightning to USB-A charging cable and carrying pouch; AMBUSH edition uses a ripstop pouch

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