When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds in 2024, two popular options stand out: the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($199) and Apple AirPods 4 ($249). While both offer excellent audio experiences, they approach personal audio quite differently. Let's explore how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have evolved dramatically since 2019 when the Powerbeats Pro launched, followed by multiple generations of AirPods. The latest models offer features that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago – from spatial audio (which creates a 3D sound environment) to adaptive noise control that automatically responds to your surroundings.
The key aspects buyers should consider have also evolved beyond just sound quality. Today's premium earbuds need to excel at:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro takes a sport-first approach with ear hooks that ensure they stay put during intense movement. They've maintained this successful design since launch, though software updates have added features like improved Find My integration.
The AirPods 4 represents Apple's latest thinking on everyday earbuds, introducing active noise cancellation to their open-ear design for the first time. This is a significant technical achievement, as most noise-cancelling earbuds require a tight seal in your ear canal.
Both models deliver excellent sound, but with different strengths:
Powerbeats Pro offers:
AirPods 4 provides:
For home theater use, the AirPods 4's spatial audio feature creates a more immersive experience when watching movies or TV shows on Apple devices. The Powerbeats Pro still work well but lack this specific enhancement.
Battery life remains a significant differentiator:
Powerbeats Pro:
AirPods 4:
The fit philosophy differs significantly between these models:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro uses adjustable ear hooks and multiple tip sizes to ensure a secure fit. This makes them ideal for:
The AirPods 4 takes a minimal approach with:
Both use Apple's H2 chip, but implement features differently:
Common features:
AirPods 4 exclusive features:
Powerbeats Pro exclusive features:
In daily use, these differences manifest in practical ways:
For Commuting:
For Exercise:
For Work:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro often sells below its $199 MSRP, while the AirPods 4 maintains its $249 price point. This price difference reflects:
However, value depends heavily on your use case. For athletes, the Powerbeats Pro's secure fit and longer battery life might be worth more than the AirPods' smart features.
Choose Powerbeats Pro if:
Choose AirPods 4 if:
Both products represent different approaches to wireless audio, and both excel in their intended use cases. The Powerbeats Pro, despite being older, remains highly competitive for active users. The AirPods 4 showcases Apple's latest audio technology and smart features.
The choice ultimately comes down to your primary use case and what features matter most to you. Consider your daily routine, exercise habits, and how you'll most often use the earbuds when making your decision.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro $199 | Apple AirPods 4 $249 |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 9 hours + 24 with case | 4-5 hours + 20 with case |
| Noise Control - Important for commuting and office work | |
| Passive isolation only | Active noise cancellation + Adaptive Audio |
| Fit Security - Essential for workout use and active lifestyle | |
| Secure ear hooks, won't fall out | No hooks, may need adjustment during activity |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Critical for exercise use | |
| IPX4 rated, proven workout durability | IPX4 rated, basic splash protection |
| Sound Signature - Affects listening enjoyment and use case | |
| Bass-forward, energetic sound for workouts | Balanced, natural sound for all content |
| Smart Features - Impacts daily usability and convenience | |
| Basic Siri, device switching | Conversation awareness, spatial audio, adaptive features |
| Controls - Affects ease of use during activities | |
| Physical buttons for reliable control | Touch controls, more features but less reliable when wet |
| Case Size - Important for portability | |
| Large case, harder to pocket | Compact case, easily pocketable |
| Charging - Affects convenience and compatibility | |
| Lightning port only | USB-C, wireless charging, MagSafe compatible |
| Value Features - What justifies the price difference | |
| Better battery, secure fit, often discounted | Latest tech, noise cancellation, smart features |
The Apple AirPods 4 ($249) are better for movie watching due to spatial audio support and active noise cancellation. While the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($199) work fine for movies, they lack the immersive 3D audio experience that makes AirPods 4 ideal for home theater use.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro offer 9 hours of listening time with 24 additional hours from the case. The AirPods 4 provide 4-5 hours with noise cancellation on and 20 additional hours from the case.
Yes, both work with Android phones via Bluetooth, but you'll lose some Apple-specific features. The Powerbeats Pro maintain more core functionality on Android compared to AirPods 4.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are superior for workouts due to their secure ear hooks and sweat resistance. The AirPods 4 can work for light exercise but aren't designed primarily for athletic use.
The AirPods 4 offer more balanced sound with spatial audio support, while Powerbeats Pro provide stronger bass. For home theater use, AirPods 4's spatial audio creates a more immersive experience.
The AirPods 4 are generally more comfortable for extended listening due to their lighter design. The Powerbeats Pro can cause fatigue from the ear hooks during very long sessions.
The AirPods 4 excel at calls with better noise reduction and conversation awareness features. The Powerbeats Pro are good for calls but lack the advanced voice isolation technology.
The AirPods 4 feature active noise cancellation and adaptive audio. The Powerbeats Pro only offer passive noise isolation through their seal.
Both work well for TV when paired with Apple devices. The AirPods 4 offer better integration with Apple TV and spatial audio, while Powerbeats Pro maintain standard stereo playback.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro often sell below their $199 price and offer better value for athletic use. The AirPods 4 at $249 justify their price through advanced features and noise cancellation.
Yes, both Powerbeats Pro and AirPods 4 support single-earbud use, useful for maintaining environmental awareness or extending battery life.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro offer physical buttons for reliable control, while AirPods 4 use touch controls that are more feature-rich but can be less reliable when wet or during activities.
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: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com
