Apple AirPods 3 and Beats Fit Pro

Apple recently dropped two new true wireless earbuds: $199 Beats Fit Pro and $175 AirPods 3. Both borrow from $249 AirPods Pro pretty much, with the Fit Pro packing active noise cancellation and Transparency mode, and the AirPods 3 borrowing the Pro’s overall look and feel and some of their key features. So which alternative is more reasonable for you?

The Beats Fit Pro and AirPods 3 both do a lot of things well, from the former’s safe and workout-friendly design to the latter’s Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio support. But after extensive testing, one of these buds emerges as an obvious highlight for most people. Here’s how Apple’s latest earbuds stack up.

Want a more secure fit with multiple earrings?

NS Beats Fit Pro and AirPods 3 Both feel pretty good to wear, but we like the softer, more secure fit that the latest Beats bud offers. The Fit Pro’s rubberized wing tips and soft silicone ear tips provide a snug fit that feels snug even while you’re exercising (note that both tips are IPX4 rated to sweat or water treatment).

Beats Fit Pro also includes three interchangeable ear tips in the box, giving you several options for finding the right fit. By comparison, the AirPods 3 have a more open, one-size-fits-all design, and while they’re still quite comfortable, we think the Fit Pro is more compact.

You want active noise cancellation and transparency mode
Beats Fit Pro is basically a sporty version of AirPods Pro, which means you get active noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds as well as a Transparency mode to amplify outside sounds. Both of these features worked well in our testing, and more importantly, you won’t find them on the AirPods 3.

If you can live without those two features, the AirPods 3 and Beats Fit Pro have most of the benefits focused on Apple. Both will pair with your Apple devices instantly, provide Spatial Sound for immersive 360-degree sound, and have adaptive EQ to optimize your music on the fly. They’re similarly impressive when it comes to sound quality, with the AirPods 3 offering slightly more prominent bass and the Beats Fit Pro delivering a more balanced, wider soundstage. But if you want to drown out the outside world while working (or exercising), you should use Beats.

Related: Beats Fit Pro vs AirPods Pro: Which Headphones Are Best?

You want something that works well with both iPhone and Android
The Beats Fit Pro and AirPods 3 both perform similarly well for devices in the Apple ecosystem, but if you have an Android phone, there’s really no competition. Thanks to the Beats app for Android, Fit Pro offers virtually the same functionality across all platforms. Android users can switch listening modes, customize the controls, and perform the “Fitness Test” to find the right size tips. Both the AirPods 3 and the Beats Fit Pro paired with our Google Pixel 5a fairly quickly, but you won’t be able to customize the device first if you’re on Android.

You like colors (and physics controls)

One of our favorite things about the Beats Fit Pro is that they come in a variety of beautiful colors, including black, white, sage gray, and especially a beautiful stone purple. Meanwhile, the latest AirPods continue to have the same Apple white color scheme. They certainly look better than the 2nd generation AirPods thanks to their shorter bodies, but those looking for a choice of color should check out the Fit Pro.

The Beats Fit Pro also stands out from the AirPods with its physical controls, allowing you to control music playback and change listening modes with a quick, satisfying click. The pinch controls on the AirPods 3 worked well, but we liked the immediacy of the Beats Fit Pro’s buttons – especially when we were in action.

Main specifications:

Want to save a few dollars?

Neither of these headphones are cheap, but the $179 AirPods 3 are a bit more affordable than the $199 (and current) Beats Fit Pro. $174.99 on Amazon). We’ll likely see both models go on sale in the coming months, but for now, going with the new AirPods will save you between $20 and $25 – that’s a decent change you can afford. spend on accessories or a few months of Apple Music.

Do you like the simpler, more airy earbud design?
While we love the Beats Fit Pro’s fit and active noise cancellation, we also know that not everyone wants a pair of headphones that fit snugly in your ears. The AirPods 3 have a nice opening design and are a bit looser, allowing you to listen to good music while still transmitting a reasonable amount of ambient sound. If you want something that sounds good and don’t want to listen to music. With different listening modes, there’s something to be said for the simplicity of the AirPods 3.

You want a more compact case (and wireless charging)

The AirPods 3 charging case is much sleeker than the somewhat cramped Beats Fit Pro’s box, making it more suitable for those with particularly slim pockets. The case also has the advantage of supporting wireless charging, meaning you can plug it down to a MagSafe or Qi standard charger of your choice to kickstart growth. That’s something you can’t do on Beats Fit Pro.

Main specifications:

$199 Beats Fit Pro and $179 AirPods 3 Both are among Apple’s best earbuds, but the latest Beats are the clear standout in every way. They have a more secure and comfortable fit than AirPods, offer active noise cancellation, and work really well with iPhones and Android devices. Also, they are purple.

If you’re looking to save $20, there’s still a lot for you to like about the latest AirPods. They sound great, have all of Apple’s useful smart features, and include a more compact carrying case. And while we prefer the feel of the Beats Fit Pro, the more open design of the AirPods may be more appealing to some people. But unless those specific features are calling you, we recommend Beats for most people.