Review: Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro

If you would like to have AirPods Pro, but think the protruding microphones are a deal breaker, or you think the sound is too loud at the top, then you should know that Powerbeats Pro has virtually the same functionality. After all, Beats is Apple-owned now.

Powerbeats Pro has the same amazing wireless range as AirPods Pro (we stepped up exactly the same distance in our test: just over 50 feet!), Is water and dust proof, and easily connects to the iPhone by leading them in. And they charge through Lightning plugs. Powerbeats Pro is probably also aimed at Android users, for the only features reserved for Apple users are the aforementioned connection method, and that Google Assistant cannot be called.

Powerbeats Pro: No noise cancellation

The beats don’t have Apple’s Noise Canceling feature, and you can’t use the Where Is app on your iPhone to find them if you’ve added them a little too smart. And since the microphones are not protruding, the other party will not hear you so clearly during a mobile call.

Powerbeats Pro has longer battery life than AirPods Pro; for nine hours in the plugs. An extra 15 hours in the case is also fine. The case is a bit large for the pants pocket, to make room for the earlobes. We have to endure that.

Fit and ease of use

Connection happens as mentioned very easily. I also like the fit. Here are earlobes that go all the way around the ear and make it impossible for the plugs to fall out once you’ve got them in place. It also makes the pillows stay very well in place, so there is very little grunting noise coming into the ear canal. Also when exercising! Which in turn makes it much more comfortable to listen to these than many others.

You start and pause music or accept a call by pressing any of the plugs. Two taps for the next song (or reject a call), three taps for the start of the song, and three taps for the previous song. To activate Siri, simply say, “Hello, Siri.”

Sound quality

Where I think Apple AirPods Pro has too much energy in the lower treble range that makes them sound a little hard on music, this is not the case with Powerbeats Pro. They are, on the other hand, an energy bomb of dimensions in the midrange range, and have the deep bass to follow up. Pop music is very engaging, and rock is buzzing with rocky guitars.

There’s also an excellent touch and speed to the grand piano and piano, just listen to Maurizio Pollini’s interpretation of Chopin’s Nocturne in F minor (Opus 55 No. 1). Let’s go, we don’t get the big airspace of Beoplay E8 2.0, but I like the balance very well, and Powerbeats Pro engages more in the music I have in the playlist in my spare time (still young at heart and all that).

Conclusion

I realize the earlobe is not for everyone. But I recommend trying Powerbeats Pro, because if you like the way they sit, they never fall out. And you are rewarded with sound only from the music, as the sparkle sounds are almost absent here.

The connection is super stable, best in class (along with AirPods Pro). There was not a single dropout throughout the test period. Wireless range is superb, and battery life as well.

The sound is well balanced and very rhythmic and engaging. The only thing we miss is a little more air at the top, but the total package is so good that if I had spent my own money on a pair of completely wireless earbuds, it was these.