Just got mine (previous user of Beats Fit Pro for 4 years, and first time user of AirPods Pro 3 for 2 weeks since this is the first time those have fit...)

1. The sound, ANC, and transparency as expected are essentially identical to my Beats Fit Pro. They remain very good IMHO but the sound is a slight notch below AirPods Pro 3 (which has tighter, crisper bass and significantly brighter treble) to my ear. Still I really like the sound and would be happy with these if I didn't have the APP3 to compare it to as a non-audiophile. The ANC is again very good bringing the ambient sounds way down but the new AirPods Pro 3 all but eliminate external sound completely (sometimes I actually prefer a hint of the outside world ironically so when my wife is calling me I hear it enough I can pull a bud out of my ear, but still if you want total quiet then APP3 is better.) Transparency sounds very natural but a tad quieter than real outside the ear volume while APP3 matches the outside world better. All in all I find it a very satisificatory experience and if this was my only earbud it would be more than fine, but still... sound, ANC, and transparency are not at APP3 level.

2. Comfort is 98% the same as the Beats Fit Pro. I think it might be a hint better with a softer more rounded wingtip and the softer touch of the earbud surface itself but its a very minor difference and I'm not sure it matters to any significant degree over time. They still lock in equally well and the FIT is the best of any earbud I've ever worn BY FAR, just like the Beats Fit Pro. The new APP3 fits me well (for the first time, all previous AirPods fell out) but there is NOTHING like the feel of these tiny earbuds locking in, there is just a weird "security" feeling when you know they won't shift at all... with the APP3 they don't fall out but I'm always subtly aware of them and kind of adjusting them from time to time. All in all I much prefer the fit of the Powerbeats Fit vs. the APP3 but that doesn't mean the APP3 is "bad" or anything.

3. The new 17% smaller case was actually significantly smaller in person than I expected. Not only is the "square" smaller it is thinner, so sitting in a pocket it is much closer to the AirPods case than before and doesnt make nearly as unsightly a bulge. The case is a big win if only they had added wireless charging which of course they did not, a totally inexplicable omission in 2025 because it was already bizarre when the Beats Fit Pro launched without it back in 2021. Also while I never hated the "cheap" feel of the Beats Fit Pro case, the new case certainly provides a tighter feel to the hinge and the cover no longer shifts side to side in the hand making it feel higher quality compared to the old case... however the AirPods Pro 3 case still feels more premium overall.

4. It's also a bummer that the Powerbeats Fit don't have any of the AirPods Pro 3 special features such as live translations, hearing aid mode, adaptive transparency, or automatic transparency when speaking. Those are all killer features being left out.

I'm spoiled, I'm keeping the Powerbeats Fit and the AirPods Pro 3 and my current plan is to use AirPods Pro 3 around the house or in airplanes and hotels on the road while using Powerbeats Fit for workouts and when I do anything where I think I need total security (mowing the yard, working in the garage etc.) If I could only have ONE of these? I think it would STILL be the Powerbeats Fit since the fit is so flawless in all situations and they look the coolest.

I'd gladly pay $299 for Powerbeats Fit "Pro" buds that had the APP3 tech, or gladly buy a AirPods Sport Pro that had these in white direct from Apple with the APP3 tech but it seems Apple in their wisdom wants the world to be filled with the iconic white stems that lead people directly to their ecosystem. The lack of an H2 chip and corresponding improvements to sound, ANC, and transparency it would bring remain disappointing at the $199 price point but the amazing fit, smaller case, and softer more flexible surfaces of the Powerbeats Fit still make it a great choice if you are buying your first wingtip style in-ear fitness earbud or if you are replacing a damaged or fading battery version of the Beats Fit Pro. I also suspect that at holidays these will quickly be found at $149-179 a more palatable price. In all I still recommend them despite being a bit bitter Apple is gatekeeping better features from this amazing little earbud.

I’ve just purchased the new AirPods Pro 3, and own the original Powerbeats Pro. I use both for the gym, but primarily the AirPods due to noise cancellation.

I’m wondering if I should’ve purchased the new Powerbeats instead. I love the bass-heavy sound of the AirPods, and was wondering how the new Powerbeats compare?

here’s my short review:

• how i could listen music with bass boost and unclear vocals? that’s a shame. APP3 - thank you for listening to music in proper way

• did u say something? didn’t hear it. noise cancelling is much MUCH more better. near perfect. you still need a little bit for music to avoid other sounds.

• i see you say something. when i answer you, music goes down and now we can talk. works great, but i can’t sing. i can turn it off if i want, but in daily life it’s great. sometimes it works in improper way but i understand the limits.

• i barely feel them in my ears yet they still stay strong inside, except my right ear, where i have feeling of pop out when jumping/running. i can say that for sure - beats fit pro were less comfortable, but they were for sport.

• wait, sport? finally i can wear my g-shock and do workouts lol. i can’t compare heart rate readings between APP3 and any AW. cool feature, i will use it on my bike.

now i want to sit and listen to my whole music library.

totally recommended product. don’t hestitate.

cheers!