I replaced AirPods Pro with Powerbeats Pro for running — here’s what wins

I replaced AirPods Pro with Powerbeats Pro for running — here's what wins

(Image credit: Future)

I'one thousand on a quest to find the best running headphones that don't fall out of my ears. When I tried AirPods Pro for running at the track a few weeks ago, I spent more time chasing downwardly the bouncy plummeting buds than banking laps.

Despite my wireless headphone woes, I'yard committed to running as a regular fixture of my conditioning regimen. I will discover the best wireless earbuds (or headset) to provide the soundtrack, even if I have to vesture downwards the tread of my sneakers in the process.

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For my outset mail-AirPods Pro neglect run, I enlisted Powerbeats Pro. Long positioned as a pair of fitness earbuds, I once tried the Beats-brand buds, merely I lost them to the laundry cycle when I left them in my sweatpants.

Still, Powerbeats Pro combines water- and sweat resistance, an attractive ear hook design and effortless Apple integration via an ever-capable H1 scrap. If that'southward not the combination I demand, I'm non sure what is. And so are Powerbeats Pro my platonic running headphones? Read on to find out.

Running with Powerbeats Pro: Comfort and security

When I unboxed my baby blue-colored Powerbeats Pro, I saw three boosted sets of eartips forth with a quaternary pair that shipped attached to the buds. AirPods Pro comes with merely three total: the medium size already attached, and small and large sizes are in the box. But AirPods Pro offers a special fit test to pick the proper size for you. With Powerbeats Pro, I had to rely on old fashioned trial-and-error.

Satisfied with the stationary security of the smallest eartips, I felt ready to run. In one case I finished my walking warm-upward at the track, I turned on my upbeat tunes and picked upwardly the step. At first it seemed as though the Powerbeats Pro wiggled loose and could descend from my ears at any step. I decided to trust they wouldn't, though, and later on the starting time lap I grew comfortable with the barely-at that place experience.

Powerbeats Pro for running — (Image credit: Hereafter)

Afterwards 2 miles, the Powerbeats Pro remained in my ears, fifty-fifty when I needed to conform my ponytail or wipe away the sweat pooling effectually my neck in the humid summertime air. That said, the comfort declined over time. Around the one-60 minutes marker of my workout, the rigid hooks began pinching my ear lobes. The awareness grew intolerable, and then I opted to walk domicile music-less. I never experienced this awkward pain with AirPods Pro.

Running with Powerbeats Pro: Sound quality

Earlier the Powerbeats Pro started to hurt my ears, I enjoyed the audio quality. These buds produce well-balanced audio, mastering the oddities of my eclectic running soundtrack. From the iconic baseball broadcast in Meat Loaf's "Bat of of Hell" and the cymbal beat of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's "Can't Hold Us," to the addictive bass of Lil Wayne's "A Milli" and anthemic vocals of Kelly Clarkson'south "Since U Been Gone," the Powerbeats Pro held their own. I wish they could get a footling louder for the moments I demand an extra push, though.

Powerbeats Pro aren't noise-cancelling like AirPods Pro, so I could still hear the passing siren of an emergency vehicle and buzz of other people at the track. I like feeling connected to my surround when I'm working out, but I wouldn't wear Powerbeats Pro when I'm trying to focus on work. I'll probably stick with AirPods Pro or perhaps AirPods Max when I'thou non moving around, two of the best noise-cancelling headphones correct at present.

Running with Powerbeats Pro: Verdict

My experience running with Powerbeats Pro could've gone amend, but it also could've gone worse. I happen to beloved the design and fun colour options of the Beats earbuds, so I felt fashionable, fifty-fifty with sweat dripping down my confront. But they say hurting is beauty, and that was the instance after wearing Powerbeats Pro for a longer conditioning.

Luckily, I don't plan on reaching distance-runner status anytime soon. For a 60-minute-or-less rails workout, the Powerbeats Pro are stellar — and they stay put. For the sound quality and easy pairing, I might even accomplish for them for my next weight-lifting session, too. I can't say they're the ultimate running headphones I've been searching for, simply Powerbeats Pro are a worthy alternative to AirPods Pro.

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Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom'southward Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-home related. When she's not in cyborg mode, yous can detect her on an exercise wheel or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot ground forces will rule the world one twenty-four hours, simply until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.