Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless vs Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Powerbeats2 Wireless compared with Powerbeats3 Wireless
BeatsPowerbeats2 WirelessBeatsPowerbeats3 Wireless
Overview
ReleasedJune 2014November 2016
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoNo
Bluetooth codecs–SBC and AAC
Chip–Apple W1
DriversMaker describes two dynamic drivers in each earpiece without publishing their dimensions–
Audio featuresDesigned to admit ambient sound (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation (RTINGS)SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs; no active noise cancellation (SoundGuys model comparison)
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 12 hours
Battery life detailUp to six hours of listening; maker describes worldwide sale from late June 2014, followed by Japan in SeptemberMaker claims up to 12 hours. November 2016 retail month follows contemporaneous Apple delivery estimates reported by MacRumors and November AppleInsider retail checks; 25 October was the order-opening date, not an established first delivery day
Fast chargingMicro-USB charging; a 15-minute charge gives about one hour of playbackMicro-USB Fast Fuel charging; up to one hour of playback from a five-minute charge
Design
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4–
Bluetooth4.0–
ControlsRemoteTalk playback, track, call, voice-command and volume controls; power and pairing button on the left earpiece; functionality varies by deviceRemoteTalk inline playback, call, volume and voice-assistant controls; power and pairing button on the left earpiece
Fit and ear tipsFlexible ear hooks, interchangeable ear tips and a flat joining cable with a removable adjustment clipFlexible ear hooks, interchangeable ear tips and a flat joining cable with an adjustment slider
Water resistance detailIPX4 sweat and splash resistance for the earpieces and cable; not waterproofMaker describes sweat and splash resistance without publishing an IP code
Works withBluetooth 4.0 (RTINGS); maker states a range of about 10 metresApple W1 and Class 1 Bluetooth; one-step pairing and switching between compatible devices signed into the same iCloud account
ColoursBlack, Blue, Red, White and Pink/Grey listed in the maker's December 2014 announcementWhite, Black, Siren Red, Shock Yellow and Flash Blue at launch
In the boxEarphones, interchangeable ear tips, Micro-USB charging cable, carrying case and manual (SoundGuys and TechRadar)Earphones, interchangeable ear tips and Micro-USB charging cable

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