Beats · Powerbeats

Powerbeats (2020)

Released March 2020

Ear-hook workout earphones with Apple's H1 chip, a cable joining the earpieces and up to 15 hours of listening.

Model history · 4 models, 2010–2020

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: 15 h
With case: –
Best codec: AAC
Weight: –

Earbuds

What reviewers say

Reviewers praised the secure workout fit, long battery life and easy iPhone connection, but criticised call quality. Tech Advisor liked the clear, punchy sound, while SoundGuys found bass obscured vocals. Tech Advisor also found the stiff hooks awkward to put on and the playback button uncomfortable to press.

From soundguys.com and techadvisor.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Bluetooth codecs: SBC and AAC
Chip: Apple H1
Audio features: SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation or automatic ear detection (Tech Advisor)

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): Up to 15 hours
Battery life detail: Apple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH colour-edition release confirms the shared 15-hour listening claim
Fast charging: Lightning 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

Water and sweat resistance: IPX4
Bluetooth: 5.0
Controls: Playback, track, call and volume buttons on the right earbud; power button on the left; hands-free Hey Siri with compatible Apple devices
Microphones: Dual beam-forming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tips: Adjustable ear hooks joined by a round cable; four ear-tip sizes
Works with: Class 1 Bluetooth and Apple H1 pairing; Audio Sharing with compatible Apple devices; Bluetooth 5.0 identified by SoundGuys and Tech Advisor
Colours: Black, White and Red at launch (MacRumors); later AMBUSH Glow edition with a glow-in-the-dark finish and ripstop pouch
In the box: Earphones, four ear-tip sizes, Lightning to USB-A charging cable and carrying pouch; AMBUSH edition uses a ripstop pouch

Pros and cons

Pros

Adjustable ear hooks and IPX4 splash resistance
Up to 15 hours of listening on one charge
Apple H1 pairing, Audio Sharing and hands-free Hey Siri

Cons

No active noise cancellation or automatic ear detection
Lightning charging rather than USB-C

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
BeatsBeats Flex	In-ear	No	12 h	–	AAC	–	Oct 2020
SonyWF-C500	In-ear	No	10 h	20 h	AAC	5.4 g	Oct 2021
BeatsPowerbeats Pro	In-ear	No	9 h	–	AAC	11 g	May 2019

Previous model: Powerbeats3 Wireless.

Sources

Photo: store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com

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