The Beats pair have had a design shake-up that deserves attention from fitness fans
Apple has one-upped its own AirPod Pro range with a new pair of buds, the Powerbeats Fit. After a month of using these new Beats, that’s my impression.
An update from the Beats Fit Pro, the Powerbeats Fit are a more affordable pick (only slightly) than Apple’s newest AirPods Pro 3. An accessory purposefully designed to wear when working out, I’ve been remarkably impressed by their comfort and durability.
These Beats are a solid pick for active wearers, and their new and improved design trumps any AirPod Pro model. For those into running, lifting weights, yoga or pilates, these are a reliable option.
Saying that, they don’t quite reach the same mark when it comes to the high-end tech under the hood of Apple’s famed AirPods, despite being a subsidiary brand of the tech giant. Below are my thoughts on the Powerbeats Fit.
The Powerbeats Fit price is attractive
A slightly cheaper alternative to splashing out £219 on a pair of AirPods Pro 3 or £199 for the Jabra Elite 8 Active, the Powerbeats Fit launched at £199. A quick look at the deals drops the price to £169 at EE, an eye-catching price considering the quality.
Powerbeats Fit
A well-rounded pair of earbuds designed for working out, this pair has a secure fit thanks to the upgraded wing tip design. Tucked within is
- Don’t budge – secure fit for working out
- Comfortable design
- Excellent sound
- Fit isn’t suited to bigger ears
- Misses out on Apple’s H2 Chip seen on the AirPods Pro 3
There is an even cheaper option to consider if the Beats are still out of budget, but quality would be sacrificed. One budget pick is the Sony Link Buds Fit, currently on sale for £90.01. They have their own tip design, aimed at giving a tighter grip too, although I’ve not tried to see just how secure it is.
How do the Powerbeats Fit perform when working out?
The all-important question. Does the pair really live up to their claim: “A true earbud that won’t fall out, even during intense workouts?” A model designed for the gym, running, and being active, I tested them doing exactly those things.
During my month testing these powerhouse buds, I did multiple gym sessions (stair master, treadmill, light weight sessions, and floor work), at-home pilates and my daily walk – all with varying movements and intensities to test the grip.
The biggest test out of them all was the treadmill and pilates (to maybe some people’s surprise), as the two workouts which put the grip to the test the most. One high-intensity cardio and the other near upside-down stretches, a bud could’ve easily fallen out… but these didn’t.
The secure in-ear fit, where no amount of movement sees it fall loose, comes from its design. A new wing-tip, which is tucked under the ridge of the upper ear to lock in place, at first a fiddly feat, but once I was used to it, this upgraded design is the key to the Powerbeats Fit performance.
Now, onto a feature that didn’t quite live up to the mark. Beats say the pair are a ‘design that’s one size fits all’, well, everyone apart from my fiancé. He tried them out with a different pair of eartips, and the wingtip is just too small for the ridge of his ear, so there’s nothing to grip them securely, jumping up and down saw them fall out.
This is where the sibling pair, the Beats Fit Pro 2, will likely work. These have an over-ear hook instead of an in-ear ridge tip and might give a more locked-in feel.
Powerbeats Fit – impressive sound and bass
Backed by a sturdy fleet of sound technology, these earbuds have been impressive with spectacular audio and a booming bass that isn’t too overpowering. With custom 9.5mm acoustic drivers, they deliver powerful, balanced sound with the benefits of advanced active noise cancellation and personalised spatial audio – essentially tech which helps place the audio around the wearer and diminish pesky outside noises.
That being said, when needed, the transparency mode is impressive. I can go on walks in the city or be in the gym and still hear just enough of my surroundings to feel comfortable. Blocking out just enough surrounding sound to not be disruptive, but ensuring I’m not completely oblivious.
Final verdict
In summary, the Powerbeats Fit are a great fit for those who love working out. The pair have a secure fit but doesn’t compromise on comfort or look to achieve that claim. While there are options like Apple’s newest AirPods Pro 3 that inch over the line first with upgraded hardware, the sound quality of this pair is clear, rich with a punchy bass and good features overall.
