Powerbeats Fit Unveiled: Two Major Letdowns in Apple’s Latest Earbuds

Powerbeats Fit bring familiar features but miss key upgrades, leaving fans wanting more from these workout earbuds.

When Apple drops a new set of earbuds, you can bet we’re all ears—literally! The Powerbeats Fit earbuds have finally hit the scene, claiming the spotlight as the successors to the Beats Fit Pro. But despite some promising tweaks, they come with a couple of frustrating disappointments that might just make you pause before clicking “Buy.”

Powerbeats Fit: What’s New and What’s Missing?

Let’s get the basics out of the way. The Powerbeats Fit earbuds will be available from October 2nd, retailing at $199. That’s roughly $199 USD, positioning them competitively in the premium fitness earbud market.

These buds sport a revamped design with sharper, smaller wingtips compared to their Beats Fit Pro predecessors. The goal? To deliver a comfier fit that stays put no matter how intense your workout gets. The charging case also got a slimming makeover, making it easier to tuck into your gym bag or pocket.

Apple’s standard IPX4 rating means these earbuds can handle sweat and water splashes—a must-have for fitness enthusiasts.

So, Where’s the Hype? Two Major Disappointments

After all the buzz, here’s where things get a bit… meh. First, Apple stuck with the older H1 chip instead of upgrading to the newer H2. That means no fancy extras like enhanced noise cancellation or improved audio processing that the H2 brings to the party.

Secondly, and more notably for athletes and health buffs, Powerbeats Fit don’t have a heart rate sensor. Yep, unlike Powerbeats Pro 2 or the AirPods Pro 3, these won’t track your pulse during that grueling HIIT session. For a fitness-focused product, that feels like a missed opportunity.

Beats Fit Pro — the predecessor that Powerbeats Fit replaces with subtle upgrades

So what exactly did Apple improve? The new wingtips come in four sizes, from extra small to large, promising a better, more personalized fit. Apple proudly claims these tips provide “exceptional stability,” something Powerbeats have always been known for.

On the audio front, Powerbeats Fit pack adaptive EQ which uses microphones to adjust sound based on what you’re hearing — nifty for on-the-fly tuning. They also feature active noise cancellation with a transparency mode, and personalized spatial audio with head tracking and Dolby Atmos support. That’s a solid array of sound tech to immerse you in your music or calls.

Wind noise? No worries. Dual beamforming microphones combined with digital signal processing reduce the distraction of gusty outdoor workouts.

Seamless Integration With Apple... and Android

If you’re rocking an iPhone, these earbuds offer all the perks you expect: automatic device switching, Find My support, hands-free Siri, and more. Android users won’t be left out entirely—they get access to “Find My Beats,” Apple’s alternative to locating lost earbuds, but some features won’t fully sync across platforms.

On battery life, Apple promises a robust 30 hours total when using the charging case, with six hours per earbud whether noise cancellation is on or off. That’s plenty to get you through marathon sessions or back-to-back workouts without scrambling for a charger.

Powerbeats Fit charging case reflects a more compact, streamlined design

For those already owning Beats Fit Pro, the question is inevitable: “Is this worth upgrading?” At first glance, these new Powerbeats Fit feel like a modest tweak rather than a revolutionary overhaul. It’s more about refining the lineup—offering two distinct fitness-focused form factors—than redefining the experience.

Oliver Schusser of Apple describes it as providing “a clearer choice between two separate fitness-oriented form factors.” Translation? Powerbeats Fit focus on comfort and fit, while Beats Fit Pro offer some extra bells and whistles.

The Verdict: Quality Sound, But Not a Game Changer

I have to admit—these earbuds look good and pack many of the features that made their predecessors popular. However, holding back on the latest chip and leaving out a heart rate sensor feels like Apple is playing it safe rather than bold.

Like I said during my Beats Fit Pro review, this is “AirPods Pro quality at a lower price,” but Android users will miss out on some features. And now, with Powerbeats Fit, the improvements feel incremental, not transformative.

If you crave a reliable, solid set of sports earbuds and prefer smaller, secure-fit designs, these might hit the spot. But if you were hoping for cutting-edge tech upgrades, you might want to hold off.

Powerbeats Fit will be available for preorder on Apple’s website and hit stores on October 2nd.

“They provide quality similar to AirPods Pro at a lower price, but Android owners won’t get all the features.”
– Reflecting on Powerbeats Fit and Beats Fit Pro

FAQ

• What colors are available for Powerbeats Fit?
  Powerbeats Fit come in four colors: charcoal black, gray, bright orange, and bright pink.
• Do Powerbeats Fit support active noise cancellation?
  Yes, they feature active noise cancellation with a transparency mode for different listening needs.
• Can I use Powerbeats Fit with Android devices?
  Absolutely! They’re compatible with Android, though some Apple-specific features like Find My won’t be available.
• How long does the battery last on Powerbeats Fit?
  You can expect six hours of playback per earbud and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
• Is there a heart rate sensor on Powerbeats Fit?
  No, unlike some other models like Powerbeats Pro 2, these earbuds do not include a heart rate sensor.

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