Looking for high-end wireless earbuds in 2024? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular options: the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($129.99) and LG TONE Free T90Q ($179.99). Both offer impressive features but are designed for quite different users.
When the Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019, they represented the pinnacle of workout-focused earbuds. While newer competitors have emerged, their core strengths in battery life and stability remain impressive. The TONE Free T90Q, released in late 2022, represents the modern approach of packing advanced features like noise cancellation and spatial audio into compact earbuds.
Before diving into specifics, let's consider what makes a great wireless earbud:
The Powerbeats Pro takes a sports-first approach with secure-fitting ear hooks. These hooks might seem bulky at first, but they're surprisingly comfortable even during long sessions. I've worn them for 6-hour flights without discomfort. The downside? They're not exactly discrete.
The TONE Free T90Q follows the more traditional stemmed earbud design popularized by AirPods. They're notably more compact and disappear into your ears. The trade-off is less stability during vigorous movement, though they're perfectly secure for daily activities.
Here's where we see the biggest generational difference between these devices:
For home theater use, the T90Q pulls ahead thanks to its Dolby Atmos support and the ability to connect to TVs through its charging case's auxiliary port - a unique feature that lets you use these with any audio source.
Battery life remains a clear win for the Powerbeats Pro:
The TONE Free T90Q offers:
I've tested both extensively, and here's what stands out:
Connection Stability:
Call Quality:
Durability:
At current prices ($129.99 for Powerbeats Pro vs $179.99 for T90Q), both offer good value for different users:
Powerbeats Pro value shines in:
T90Q justifies its higher price with:
Choose the Powerbeats Pro if:
Go for the TONE Free T90Q if:
Remember, both are excellent choices - it really comes down to your specific needs and use cases. The Powerbeats Pro remains a stellar choice for active users, while the T90Q offers more features for general use and entertainment.
After using both extensively, I'd recommend the Powerbeats Pro for athletes and long-session listeners, while the T90Q makes more sense for commuters and tech enthusiasts who want the latest features.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro ($129.99) | LG TONE Free T90Q ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 9 hours (24 total with case) | 5 hours with ANC (20 total with case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| None | Yes, adaptive ANC with ambient mode |
| Fit Security - Crucial for workout use and active lifestyles | |
| Ear hooks provide maximum stability | Traditional in-ear fit, may shift during exercise |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Determines durability for workouts | |
| IPX4 (splash and sweat proof) | IPX4 (splash and sweat proof) |
| Special Audio Features - Enhances entertainment experience | |
| Basic stereo | Dolby Atmos with head tracking |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Large case (somewhat bulky) | Compact case with wireless charging |
| Extra Features - Nice-to-have conveniences | |
| Apple H1 chip for iOS integration | UV cleaning, multipoint connection, Bluetooth transmitter case |
| Microphone Quality - Important for calls | |
| Dual beamforming, good wind resistance | 3-mic system with AI noise reduction |
| Price-to-Feature Ratio - Value consideration | |
| Better value for active users | Premium price justified by advanced features |
The LG TONE Free T90Q is superior for home theater use, offering Dolby Atmos support and head tracking. The Beats Powerbeats Pro lacks spatial audio features, making it less immersive for movie watching.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro currently costs $129.99, while the LG TONE Free T90Q is priced at $179.99, a $50 difference.
The Powerbeats Pro offers superior battery life with 9 hours per charge, compared to the TONE Free T90Q's 5 hours with ANC enabled.
The LG TONE Free T90Q can connect to TVs through its charging case's auxiliary port, while the Powerbeats Pro only connects via Bluetooth, which many TVs don't support.
The LG TONE Free T90Q features active noise cancellation, while the Powerbeats Pro doesn't have ANC at all, only passive noise isolation.
The Powerbeats Pro is better for workouts due to its secure ear hooks, while the TONE Free T90Q may not stay as secure during intense activity.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro integrates better with iPhone due to its Apple H1 chip, offering seamless pairing and "Hey Siri" support.
The LG TONE Free T90Q has lower latency and gaming modes, making it better for gaming than the Powerbeats Pro.
Both offer good call quality, but the TONE Free T90Q has more advanced noise reduction features for calls compared to the Powerbeats Pro.
The LG TONE Free T90Q supports wireless charging, while the Powerbeats Pro only charges via Lightning cable.
Both the Powerbeats Pro and TONE Free T90Q have IPX4 water resistance, but the Powerbeats Pro has a more proven track record of durability.
The LG TONE Free T90Q supports multipoint connection for two devices, while the Powerbeats Pro requires manual reconnection between devices.
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 - techradar.com - soundstagesolo.com - digitaltrends.com - loudnwireless.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - thetechnologyman.com - youtube.com - musicphotolife.com - aptx.com
