In late 2021, Apple released two compelling wireless earbud options: the AirPods 3rd Generation at $179 and the Beats Fit Pro at $199. Both represent significant upgrades in Apple's audio lineup, but they're designed for distinctly different users. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - we're talking custom processors, spatial audio (which creates a theater-like surround sound experience), and advanced noise management systems. The improvements in just the past few years have been remarkable, especially in battery life and sound quality.
The AirPods 3 follow Apple's signature open-ear design. They don't seal in your ear canal, instead resting gently in your outer ear. This approach has benefits and drawbacks - you'll maintain better awareness of your surroundings, but you'll also experience more sound leakage. I've found this design ideal for office work where I need to hear colleagues or when walking in urban areas where situational awareness matters.
The Beats Fit Pro take a different approach with their sealed design and secure-fit wing tips. These tips (which look like little fins) lock into your ear's concha (the bowl-shaped area above your ear canal). In my testing, they stay put during everything from running to weightlifting. The sealed design also enables active noise cancellation (ANC), which electronically removes background noise.
Both earbuds use custom Apple-designed drivers (the tiny speakers that produce sound), but they sound notably different:
For home theater use, both support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking when watching supported content on Apple devices. This feature adjusts the sound field as you turn your head, creating a more immersive experience. I've found it particularly effective when watching movies on an iPad or Apple TV.
The AirPods 3 focus on simplicity and everyday convenience:
The Beats Fit Pro add several premium features:
Battery life has improved significantly since earlier models:
AirPods 3:
Beats Fit Pro:
After several months using both models, here's what stands out:
The $20 price difference between the AirPods 3 and Beats Fit Pro might seem small, but it's important to consider what you're getting. The Beats offer ANC, better isolation, and more secure fit - traditionally features found in earbuds costing $50-100 more. However, if you prefer an open design or primarily use Apple devices, the AirPods 3 might actually be the better value for your needs.
Consider these questions:
Choose AirPods 3 if you:
Choose Beats Fit Pro if you:
Both products have received software updates since their release, improving connection stability and adding features. Apple typically supports their audio products for several years, so you can expect continued improvements and refinements.
The wireless earbud market continues to evolve rapidly, but both the AirPods 3 and Beats Fit Pro remain excellent choices in their respective categories. They represent different approaches to personal audio, and both excel at their intended use cases. The best choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences rather than which is "better" overall.
| Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($179) | Beats Fit Pro ($199) |
|---|---|
| Fit Style - Determines comfort, isolation, and stability during use | |
| Open design, no tips | Sealed design with secure wing tips |
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting or noisy environments | |
| None | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) + Transparency mode |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6 hours (5 with spatial audio), 30 hours with case | 6 hours with ANC (7 without), 24 hours with case |
| Water Resistance - Matters for workouts and rain | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Device Compatibility - Affects features across platforms | |
| Best with Apple devices only | Full features on Apple, good Android support |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience and ecosystem fit | |
| MagSafe, Qi wireless, Lightning | USB-C only |
| Sound Profile - Impacts listening experience | |
| Balanced, airy sound with lighter bass | Fuller sound with stronger bass emphasis |
| Controls - Affects daily usability | |
| Force sensor touch controls | Physical buttons (more reliable) |
| Extra Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, skin detection | Same features plus ANC, Transparency mode |
| Best Use Case - Most important deciding factor | |
| Office work, casual listening, Apple ecosystem | Workouts, commuting, cross-platform use |
Both the AirPods 3 ($179) and Beats Fit Pro ($199) support spatial audio for movies, but the Beats Fit Pro's noise cancellation and better seal provide a more immersive experience. However, if you need to hear others while watching, AirPods 3's open design might be preferable.
The Beats Fit Pro offer more features for just $20 more than the AirPods 3, including noise cancellation and secure fit. However, if you prefer an open design and don't need ANC, AirPods 3 are still good value.
The AirPods 3 offer 6 hours (5 with spatial audio) and 30 total hours with the case. The Beats Fit Pro provide 6 hours with ANC (7 without) and 24 total hours with the case.
The Beats Fit Pro work better with Android, offering an app with controls and features. The AirPods 3 work with Android but lose several key features and are best suited for Apple devices.
The Beats Fit Pro are better for late-night TV watching due to their noise cancellation and sealed design, which prevents sound leakage that might disturb others. The AirPods 3 leak more sound.
Yes, both the AirPods 3 and Beats Fit Pro pair seamlessly with Apple TV and support spatial audio for an immersive viewing experience.
The Beats Fit Pro generally offer better sound quality due to their sealed design and stronger bass. The AirPods 3 have good sound but can't match the isolation and bass response.
Yes, both models support Audio Sharing with Apple devices, allowing two people to listen to the same content simultaneously on their own pair of earbuds.
The AirPods 3 are typically more comfortable for extended viewing due to their lighter, open design. The Beats Fit Pro can cause fatigue for some users due to their sealed design.
Both support Apple's spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, providing a virtual surround sound experience when watching compatible content.
The Beats Fit Pro are significantly better in noisy environments due to their active noise cancellation. The AirPods 3 offer no noise isolation.
Both work well for casual gaming, but neither is ideal for competitive gaming due to slight audio latency. The Beats Fit Pro offer better immersion due to noise cancellation, while the AirPods 3 provide more comfort for long sessions.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - support.apple.com - apple.com - portableone.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - apple.com - apple.com - sixminutemile.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - expercom.com - target.com - beatsbydre.com - soundguys.com - businesswire.com - staples.com
