If you've ever wanted to watch a movie with someone on a plane or share a song with a friend, you've probably ended up passing one AirPod back and forth. It's awkward, uncomfortable, and you both get tangled in the same wire or deal with one ear going silent.

Your iPhone actually has a built-in solution called Audio Sharing that lets two people listen through separate pairs of headphones at the same time. The catch is it only works with Apple and Beats headphones, not just any old wireless pair. Here's how to set it up this feature on your iPhone.

More from Tom's Guide

• I had no idea my AirPods could do this — and it's perfect for group photos
• 5 game-changing AirPods features you'll want to use
• Your earbuds are disgusting — here's how to clean them

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Beats Powerbeats Fit can both be counted among the best workout headphones available, mostly thanks to their focus on a secure fit, achieved by the wings on the Powerbeats Fit and the earhook on the Powerbeats Pro 2.

I’ve used both sets of headphones extensively during and outside of my workouts. I’ve run, cycled and done many strength sessions using them and both get the job done, but there are some key differences between them worth considering, starting with the price.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Price and availability

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in four colors — black, grey, orange and light purple — and cost $249 / £249, making them more expensive than the Beats Powerbeats Fit, which are $199 / £199 and also available in four colors — black, grey, orange and pink.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Design and fit

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have an earhook to secure them in place, which is very effective during vigorous workouts like running or HIIT sessions. It’s nigh-on impossible to shake them loose, though the fact that they hook over the ear means you have to arrange them around glasses and sunglasses if you wear them.

Since they only use a wing, the Powerbeats Fit don’t have this problem and sit neatly inside the ear. Once you twist them into place, the fit is very secure with the Powerbeats Fit as well, though not quite as reliable as the Powerbeats Pro 2.

However, I did find that the wing on the Powerbeats Fit was uncomfortable, and it made my ear sore when I wore them for extended periods. I had no problems with the Powerbeats Pro 2.

One other point in favor of the design of the Powerbeats Fit is that its case is much smaller than that of the Powerbeats Pro 2. It makes sense — the larger earhook headphones need a larger case — but the Powerbeats Pro 2’s case really is huge and hard to slip into a pocket.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Controls

One feature that I like about both buds is that they have proper button controls, which are easier to use during workouts than touch panels, especially if you’re wearing gloves or have sweaty fingers.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have the edge in controls, though, because, along with the multifunction ‘b’ button, which is also found on the Powerbeats Fit, the Pro 2 features separate volume controls.

This makes it easier to change volume quickly and frees up the customizable long-press action on the ‘b’ button for switching between ANC and transparency modes. With the Powerbeats Fit, you have to choose between the volume controls and the Powerbeats Fit.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Sound quality

Both sets of headphones have a bass-forward sound profile and deliver plenty of power on this front, while being a little weaker in the upper ranges. In my testing, I found that the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 had more depth and clarity in the vocals in particular, and a little less sibilance in the high ranges.

I’d recommend checking out the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review and Beats Powerbeats Fit review from our audio editor, Tammy Rogers, if you want a more detailed take on the sound quality of the headphones.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: ANC & awareness

I found that the ANC and transparency modes on both buds were around the same standard and pretty good, if not as impressive as similar features on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds.

The ANC blocks out most of the sounds of traveling and also quietens the hum of a treadmill or exercise bike effectively. The transparency mode is good during outdoor workouts for hearing traffic, in particular. Both modes do bring in some wind noise when running or cycling outdoors, though.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Battery life

The larger buds and case of the Powerbeats Pro 2 mean they can offer longer battery life than the Powerbeats Fit. They will last 10 hours on a charge and 45 hours in total with the ANC off, and eight hours on the buds and 36 with the case with the ANC ON.

I’d say the Powerbeats Fit do hold their own here, though, lasting seven hours on a charge and 30 hours in total with the ANC off, and six hours on the buds and 24 with the case with the ANC on.

Given the added size of the Powerbeats Pro 2’s case in particular, battery life is quite even for me. The Powerbeats Pro 2 lasts longer, but it’s easier to bring the Powerbeats Fit’s case with you for a top-up.

Both have a quick charge feature, too — five minutes of charging gets you an hour of playback on the Powerbeats Fit, and 90 minutes of playback on the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Heart rate tracking

An extra feature that’s only available on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart rate tracking, which is enabled by a sensor in the earbuds. This can connect to certain apps to broadcast your heart rate during workouts.

It’s something the Powerbeats Fit doesn’t offer, but I was unimpressed by the accuracy and usability of the heart rate tracking on the Powerbeats Pro 2 in my testing, so I wouldn’t say it’s a major loss for the Powerbeats Fit.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Verdict

More from Tom's Guide

• I swapped my Apple AirPods Pro 3 for the Beats Powerbeats Fit — here’s 3 things I liked and 2 I missed
• I took the iPhone 17 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra to the beach for a video camera shootout — here’s the winner
• I compared the Apple AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate readings vs a chest strap — and the results shocked me

I’ve been using the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as my main headphones since they launched, and while they are undoubtedly excellent buds for most situations, the fit hasn’t been perfect for me when working out.

Since swapping to the Beats Powerbeats Fit, the security of the fit has definitely not been a problem, with the wings on the buds helping them to stay in place during the most vigorous of workouts.

However, other aspects of the buds have not impressed me as much, especially when compared with the Apple AirPods Pro 3. After testing both sets of buds, here are my likes and dislikes for the Powerbeats Fit compared to the AirPods Pro 3.

Like #1: The fit is very secure

The wing on the Powerbeats Fit is there to stabilize the buds in your ear so they don’t squirm loose, and it does its job with ruthless efficiency. It’s not the most comfortable feeling at times, which I’ll come onto in the dislikes section, but I’ve run, cycled, worked out, and done yoga while wearing the Powerbeats Fit, and they’ve never come loose.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 have come loose for me during my workouts, with the in-ear tip squirming out of my ear canal, so the buds are essentially just resting on my ear. I’ve tried all the tip sizes to see if any help, but unfortunately, not.

You can ‘fix’ the fit of the AirPods Pro 3 using third-party silicone wings, though these don’t fit into the case, so you have to put them on each time you train. I’m hoping that when memory foam eartips are available from third-party brands, that might help too, but for now, the Powerbeats Fit are certainly more reliable for me during workouts.

Like #2: The bright, colorful designs

A minor plus for me, but it does count in the Powerbeats Fit’s favor that the range of designs in the lineup includes bright orange and pink options. The AirPods Pro 3 stick to their iconic white design, which is fine, but white is not my favorite color for buds, given that it gets dirty.

Like #3: Button controls

The force sensor on the stem of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 works pretty well, but during runs and other workouts, I always prefer to have a physical button to control playback, and the customizable “b” button on each Powerbeats Fit bud is easy to use even with sweaty fingers or when wearing gloves.

Dislike #1: They’re not very comfortable

The trade-off for the secure fit of the Powerbeats Fit headphones is that the wing puts pressure on the inside of your ear, and I found them uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour or two.

This isn’t a problem for workouts, but the all-day fit of the AirPods Pro 3 is a lot more comfortable, both because they don’t have a wing but also because the in-ear tip is softer than the one on the Powerbeats Fit.

Dislike #2: The sound and ANC are good, not great

More from Tom's Guide

• AirPods Pro 4 and AirPods 5 tipped for a big chip upgrade — here's why
• I took the iPhone 17 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra to the beach for a video camera shootout — here’s the winner
• I compared the Apple AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate readings vs a chest strap — and the results shocked me

The Beats Powerbeats Fit are for runners — the wing that dominates the little buds tells you that straight away. They’re the latest version of the Fit line, which sit between the Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Studio Buds+.

There are some nice upgrades over the previous pair here. We’ve got a new fitting wing that makes sure they stay in your ear better, a refreshed design to keep them looking and feeling up to date, and a sound profile to keep your legs pumping.

But there are some strange holdovers from the old model. Sure, the seven hours of battery life is good, but it's not as good as the recently released (albeit $50 more expensive) AirPods Pro 3. We’ve still got the H1 chip from the original AirPods Pro (they came out six years ago, but who’s counting?), so you can’t expect the improved noise canceling and features that the H2 chip affords the Powerbeats Pro 2.

But that’s not the whole story. Find out how I fared with the Powerbeats Fit in my full review.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Buds for running that come in funky colors
• Who is it for? Beats fans and fitness fanatics
• What does it cost? $199
• What do we like? New fitting wings make them more secure, and the design has been slimmed down for better pocketability
• What don’t we like? The sound just isn’t there, they’re not terribly comfortable for long sessions, and the ANC isn’t as good as cheaper models

Beats Powerbeats Fit: Specs

• Price $199/£199/AU$329
• Connectivity Bluetooth 5.4
• ANC Yes
• Battery 7 hours (buds) 30 hours (Case)
• Weight 2.1oz
• Dimensions 2.46 x 2.18 x 1.08 inches
• Colors Jet Black/Gravel Grey/Spark Orange/Power Pink
• Compatibility iOS, Android
• Frequency response 10Hz - 22kHz

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Price and availability

The Beats Powerbeats Fit come in at the same launch price as the now outgoing Fit Pro. You can grab a pair for $199 from either the Beats website, the Apple Store, or from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Design and build

• A new, slimmer design
• Nice and compact
• Uncomfortable after a while

Living up to their fitness credentials, it looks like the Fit have gone on a cardio workout to lose some of their winter weight. They’ve slimmed down noticeably since the last version, especially in the case department. It’s much smaller now, more akin to the AirPods Pro line in size rather than the Powerbeats Pro 2’s massive charging case. I like the way this new case looks — and I’m a particular fan of how easy it now is to slip into a pocket. It helps that it’s smooth and pebble-like, which really adds to the premium feeling of the package.

It’s those wonderful colors that make things even better, though. I’m in love with the Pink colorway that Beats sent to me, and my colleagues are all enamored with the Spark Orange.

The buds inside are also smaller now, and the fit wings are now made of a stiffer material. Comfort is, unfortunately, a mixed bag. I’ve not had any problems with the fit wings, and they do a good job of keeping the buds firmly inside your ears.

The buds themselves, however, are a different story. Even with the smallest of the eartips (and yes, I did sample all four of them) didn’t help, instead only making the seal worse and the ANC less… good. Instead, it’s the bud housing itself that seems to sit in just the wrong spot in my ears. It’s impacting the concha in a not-nice fashion, and after a time, they start to irritate. It takes about 45 minutes for them to get annoying — and I want to take them out.

For short bursts of exercise, you’re going to be fine. Some people might not have the same fitting issues as me either, with some of my colleagues not reporting the same issues. But it’s definitely worth keeping in mind.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Sound quality

• Solid, dynamic bass
• Iffy mids
• Stifling sibilance

Echoing a sentiment that I’ve had to write a lot during this review, the Fit doesn’t sound bad — but there are buds that sound better for less.

The Fit features a V-shaped sound. That means that the bass is lovely and deep. It’s dynamic and punchy, making for a lovely time for bass heads. It’s not as in-your-face as older Beats buds either, and it’s well-formed. It doesn’t invade the rest of the soundscape, which is good as well.

Things fall down when we get to the rest of the sound profile. The V-shaped sound means that the mids are pushed all the way down, making vocals in particular much weaker than you might hope. Guitars and other instruments suffer as a result as well. That’s supposed to be the tradeoff for the usually ‘fun’ sounding V-shaped sound, but that relies on the highs being good.

Instead, we get sibilance — that means that S sounds and plosives are uncomfortably edgy — and it makes the whole experience feel less than the sum of its parts. There’s plenty of detail, brought to light by the lack of mid-range presence, but it can get piercing on occasion.

This means that they’re not fantastic for spoken word content, so if you’re the sort who likes to listen to podcasts, you’ll want to look elsewhere. I watched buckets of YouTube videos to test them out, and it felt like someone was whispering into my ear, putting emphasis on all the worst sounds their mouth could make.

Spatial Audio is fine. It highlights the sibilance to some degree, but it does make the music sound wider. Head tracking is typically accurate, making them good enough for watching movies.

Spinning up A Valediction from Obscura revealed some of the buds’ strength, but also shone a spotlight on their shortfalls. While the fretless bass danced well down below, the distorted guitars and vocals felt pushed back in the mix. Meanwhile, the cymbals and other high-range sounds made the experience feel edgy.

I moved over to Alpha Mist’s Breathe, and things got a little better. While the smooth vocal line was pushed back in the mix, the rest of the track felt fairly strong. The bass was solid and well-defined. The trumpet line did occasionally become slightly too edgy and sibilant, but it wasn’t too much of an issue overall.

Finally, Thundercat’s lo-fi vibes in Dragonball Durag bring big bass impact to show off how good the bass of the buds can sound. It’s huge, it’s funky, and it’s loads of fun. The vocals, again, take a back seat, and the soundstage feels restrictive, but it’s otherwise a decent experience.

Listen along with the Tom’s Guide testing team with the Beats PowerBeats Fit testing playlist:

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Fitness

The Powerbeats Fit don’t have the built-in heart rate monitor that you get on the Powerbeats Pro 2, but I don’t consider that a major loss given the accuracy issues I experienced with those earbudsthe Powerbeats Pro 2. The Powerbeats Fit are good sports headphones.

I’ve done a couple of runs, three strength workouts, and a sweaty indoor bike ride with the buds so far, and the fit has been rock solid thanks to the wing. I haven’t had to adjust the buds mid-workout, and getting such a secure fit without needing an earhook is impressive.

It’s not the most comfortable fit, though — if I wear the buds for more than an hour, I get some unwelcome pressure from the wing. This was a problem I also had with the Beats Fit Pro, and I hoped the redesigned wing on the Powerbeats Fit would be an improvement, but it’s still noticeable in a bad way. Even more so than other sports headphones with wings.

Like other Beats buds, the Powerbeats Fit have a physical button to control playback, which is always a plus for sports use because I find you can use it more easily with sweaty or gloved fingers than a touchpad.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Features

• They’re missing the headline busters
• Spatial Audio is here, though
• But that’s about it

The AirPods Pro 3 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 featured a brand new heart rate monitor — something the new Powerbeats Fit lacks. That’s no great issue, given how our fitness team found the monitor in the Powerbeats Pro 2 to be less accurate than hoped. In this case, that’s probably no great loss, given the issues that our fitness team suffered with Beats' first attempt at buds with heart rate monitoring. Still, it feels strange that there aren’t any new features to the Fit family.

They don’t even have the latest H-chip, instead wielding the now 6-year-old H1 chip from the original AirPods Pro 2.

As you might expect, iPhone users get the better deal here. You’ve got all your settings accessible in the iPhone settings menu, including fit check. They’ll also connect to all the Apple devices connected to your Apple Account, which remains a big bonus for Apple users.

You’ll also get Spatial Audio with Apple Music, along with head tracking. I’m still not a massive fan of Spatial Audio, but if you like the format, you’re not going to have any complaints about the performance of the Fit.

Android users don’t get head-tracked Spatial Audio, but you do get the static version of the format. The features are found in the Beats Android app, which emulates the settings menu you’ll find built into Apple devices.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: ANC

• It works
• But there are cheaper alternatives
• Transparency mode is good

The noise cancellation of the Powerbeats Fit comes courtesy of the H1 chip, which, for those not paying attention, is now six years old. That’s not to say that the ANC inside the buds is in any way bad, but it’s not as good as you might hope, given you’re spending so much on the buds. It blocks out a decent amount of noise, but it’s easily defeated.

You’re not going to have any issues when you’re riding the bus or when you’re on the train. It does let engine and road noise in (again, even with music playing), but voices and other noises are kept at bay. Going for a run next to a road isn’t going to be a noisy experience, but it’s not going to be as cocooning as some of the other options out there.

And therein lies the problem. There is better ANC to be found out there — the Sony WF-C710N, for example, features better ANC for around $80 less. I also experienced what I can only call a “weirdness” with the ANC of the Fit. When typing on my keyboard at my desk, the headphones tried their best to keep up — but ended up making some very strange noises as a result. It was slightly distracting, but thankfully, it only happened during spoken word content.

Transparency mode is fine, and lets you easily chat to people around you without needing to take the buds themselves out. It’s perfectly natural sounding, and your conversation partner won’t sound robotic or synthetic.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Controls

• A single button
• Customizable
• Good for gloves and sweaty fingers

Beats has never gone for touch controls, sticking with physical buttons on all of its devices. The Powerbeats Fit are no different, with a button on each of the earbuds. They’re small and clicky, and have to be pushed multiple times for playback and held down for noise control. I never found that I had to re-press to get them to work as I have with some buds.

You can customize the button as well, to some degree. In the Beats app or the iPhone settings menu, you’ll find some options — six, to be exact. You can set the press and hold function to either change the volume (up and down distributed across left and right), activate ANC, or activate your voice assistant. You can choose a function for both left and right for the latter two options. Right for Siri, left for ANC, and vice versa. Or both doing the same.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Call quality

• Excellent on the callers end
• Unfortunate sibilance on the other

I was really hoping that the call quality with the Fit would be excellent. After all, they’re not too distantly related to the AirPods Pro 3, which are excellent for calls. Unfortunately, as I’ve found with every other aspect of these confusing earbuds, they’re a mixed bag.

The microphones are really, really good. I sounded great when chatting with my sister as I walked by a busy road. Our managing editor of TV and AV, Nick Pino, reported that I sounded crystal clear. That’s good — it’s important that you sound great to your bosses at work and your mom on the weekend.

The problem is the sound quality on your (or in this case my) end. There’s already an issue with vocal clarity, something I’ve talked about previously, and it’s also done damage to the call quality. There’s an unfortunate sibilance that affects S sounds and plosives, making for a pretty uncomfortable experience, no matter who you’re talking to. It’s a shame because they were looking pretty good initially, but the hurdle of sound quality apparently proved too much.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Battery life

• It’s fine!
• But there are better

According to Beats, you’ll get 6 hours with ANC on. Turn ANC off and you get an extra hour of battery life, and put them back in the case for 30 hours of charge time. The battery life is fine, but when you compare it to some similarly priced buds, they are lacking in staying power.

The more expensive (by $50) AirPods Pro 3 feature eight hours of ANC on time, while the much cheaper Sony WF-C710N has 7.5 hours of ANC on time. Six hours just doesn’t feel like quite enough, considering how much better the competition is at this point. The Cambridge A100 offers an excellent 12 hours of battery life.

At least the battery life claims live up to real-life usage. I found that after 3 hours of listening to music and playing some spoken word content, I was at around 48% battery life. Looks like those figures are going to match up to your expectations.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: The competition

There are plenty of options that are cheaper and offer potentially better sound. We’re big fans of JLab’s buds, and there are some great options if you don’t want to spend $200 for noise canceling and a fitness-oriented fit. The Epic Sport ANC, for example, are half the price and have an earhook to keep them in place.

Then there are the Cambridge Melomania A100, which cost $50 less and offer much better sound and battery life. The Sony WF-C710N sound better and have better ANC for $80 less. Or, you could opt for more features and improved sound and ANC with the $50 more expensive Powerbeats Pro 2.

The Fit feel strange at their price point. Spend a little more and get vastly better buds, or spend less and get performance that’s on par or better with Beats mid-range buds. If they were cheaper they’d be much easier to recommend — but, as we've seen, that higher price highlights some of their shortcomings.

Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Fit are not bad by any stretch of the imagination. They have reasonable battery life, slick, compact styling, and the new, more secure fit. They’re a solid pair of earbuds if you’re looking for something that you can run with, thanks to the sweat and water resistance. They’re good buds — but they’re not great.

The ANC isn’t quite up to scratch, the sound isn’t perfect (and can’t really be dialled in), and the fit can get slightly uncomfortable after a time. That’s a big, big shame, and it makes the $200 price tag sting all the more.

If you’re looking for exercise buds to go with your new iPhone 17, then you might just be the target audience for the Powerbeats Fit. For others, you should probably check out some of the other best running earbuds.

I have a specific distaste for earbuds going back years. I prefer big over-the-ear “leave me alone” headphones. But those aren’t really practical for working out.

The rebranded and redesigned Beats Powerbeats Fit are meant for getting your sweat on. With rebuilt wingtips and longer battery life, these earbuds could become some of the best workout headphones available.

During a Beats event, I got about an hour to test out the Powerbeats Fit, plus a workout later that day, and here are my first impressions. Honestly? They might change my mind about earbuds.

Holding power

In our original, first-gen Beats Fit Pro review, we found that the wingtips made for a comfortable fit and the tips kept a tight seal. A Beats representative told me that the new wingtips are sturdier and meant to fit more comfortably in the cymba of your ear.

I was able to compare the new Fit with the old Fit Pros. The wingtips do feel less squishy and seem to have a stronger hold.

During the event, my big test was mostly spent wandering around. There was a treadmill available for some running, but only for a few minutes. I didn’t notice the buds moving even with some vigorous jostling and brief sprints on the treadmill.

My later workout was a round of disc golf. Throwing a frisbee in disc golf is a full-body maneuver, even if you're supposed to hold your head still. Despite clambering up and down hills and repeatedly tossing discs, the buds didn’t move much at all.

Quality music, poor conversation

I’ve had maybe three hours all in with the Beats Powerbeats Fit, but I was able to put them through some paces.

First, I tested the bass with Tiesto’s and Sevenn’s “Boom” which can go from a bass-heavy overload to a Dolby Atmos experience depending on your speakers. The Fit buds proved to be punchy and had that signature Beats bass.

However, I prefer podcasts for workouts because they give me something to focus on rather than the picking up and putting down of heavy things or running forever. During my round of disc golf, I played two different podcasts.

I found the episodes I listened to very flat-sounding. Something I haven’t found with my Beyerdynamic Custom One Pros that I wear as my daily headphones.

I use Pocket Casts, among the best Android apps, as my pod player, and unfortunately, it doesn’t have EQ settings like Spotify or Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles. So I couldn't make adjustments to see if I could make things sound better.

As I only spent a short while with the buds, it's possible I'll either get used to this or find better listening modes. But for right now, music sounds pretty good and podcasts don’t. Take that for what you will in your decision process.

Worth a look

The Beats Powerbeats Fit are available now for $199 at Amazon. It’s a much friendlier price than the Powerbeats Pro 2 that start at $249, but the Fit do lack the H2 chip and heart rate sensor. If the bud style doesn’t appeal to you, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 might be more your fit.

I want to keep playing with the Fit earbuds and see if they hold up to more rigorous training, but I believe they're up to the task.

More from Tom's Guide

• I wore the AirPods Pro 3 to every workout for a week — here's my honest review
• Your iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 3 are now considered 'Vintage' by Apple
• Apple reportedly scraps lighter Vision Pro in favor of smart glasses — here's what's coming

Beats announced its new Powerbeats Fit earbuds today (September 30), bringing an expansion to the Powerbeats lineup. The new earbuds are both a rebranding and a slight redesign of the Beats Fit Pro buds.

Acting as a more affordable option compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2, the Fit features a redesigned wingtip and a slightly smaller charging case. The buds come in four colors: Jet Black, Gravel Gray, Spark Orange, and Power Pink.

As the more affordable version of the Pro 2, it does lack some of the features from those buds, like the heart rate sensor.

We saw these buds leaked at the start of September, and much of what appeared then seems to have made it into the final product, including 30 hours of battery life.

“Powerbeats Fit combines the best of Beats Fit Pro with next-level comfort, durability, and portability, making it a worthy addition to the Powerbeats family,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats, in a press release.

According to Beats, the redesigned wingtips are meant to fit securely in your ear while still being comfortable. The buds also feature an IPX4 sweat and water resistance.

Here's a quick breakdown of the features in the Powerbeats Fit.

• Powered by the Apple H1 chip
• Active Noise Cancelling
• IPX4 sweat and water resistance
• Up to 30 hours of battery life
• 7 hours per bud on one charge
• Transparency mode
• Adaptive EQ
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Four ear tip sizes

The Apple H1 chip pairs with iOS 26 out of the box, including auto switching between devices, hands-free Siri, Find My, and more. Android owners can use the Beats app for "one-touch pairing," EQ controls, and Locate My Beats features.

Beats claims up to 30 hours with the charging case, with each bud getting up to 7 hours of playback per charge. The case should get you up to an hour of playback time in 5 minutes.

Starting today, you can pick up a pair for $199.99 from Apple.com. That's the same price as the Beats Fit Pro at launch, though those older earbuds can be found closer to $100 currently. For comparison, the Powerbeats Pro 2 start at $249.99.

Keep your tabs on Tom's Guide as we'll go ears-on with the new buds in the coming weeks.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple could announce new devices in October — what we expect to see
• Beats Studio Pro 2 — 5 big upgrades I really want to see
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like

If you were curious about the next pair of Beats, a pair of leaks has revealed nearly everything about the upcoming Powerbeats Fit earbuds from the Apple subsidiary. The new buds are the successor headphones to the Beats Fit Pro that launched in 2023.

Apple teased the buds a month ago in an ad featuring NFL players Justin Jefferson, Saquon Barkley and Jaden Daniels. The ad briefly showed the buds in the players' ears and stated that they were launching this fall.

This week, right before the big iPhone 17 reveal Apple event, regular leaker Evan Blass posted a bunch of images showing off the Beats and their carrying cases. The buds are supposedly launching in four colors: Spark Orange, Gravel Gray, Jet Black, and Power Pink.

He also shared a feature list for the new Powerbeats Fit:

He also shared a feature list for the new Powerbeats Fit:

• High-performance earbuds for working out, with universal secure-fit wingtips
• Powered by the Apple H1 chip
• Active Noise Cancelling
• IPX4 sweat and water resistance
• Up to 30 hours of battery life
• 7 hours per bud on one charge
• Transparency mode
• Adaptive EQ
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Four ear tip sizes

The Fit are supposed to be a slightly more affordable version of the Powerbeats Pro 2, so it lacks some features. For example, based on Blass's info, the Fit doesn't appear to have the heart-rate sensing feature.

Price and release date

Evan Blass only shared renders and some feature details. Another leak from the French site, Dealabs, reveals when the Fit earbuds may be released and their potential cost.

Based on their information, it looks like the Powerbeats Fit are part of an effort by Beats to unify its headphones under the Powerbeats moniker.

According to them, the Powerbeats Fit is set to launch on September 30, 2025, with a price of $199.99 in the United States and €229.95 in Europe. This is about the same price as the Beats Fit Pro at launch, though the older buds can be had for closer to $100 currently.

It is cheaper than the Powerbeats Pro 2, which start at $249.99.

More from Tom's Guide

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 —5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like
• I tested the $79 Beats Solo Buds — biggest pros and cons

It took longer than expected, but Beats finally got around to releasing follow-ups for its most popular wireless audio products. We got the long-awaited Solo 4 on-ear headphones and revamped Pill portable speaker last year. Then the company debuted the highly anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 a few months later. All three offerings earned favorable reviews and they stand out as some of the top picks in their respective categories.

But there’s one product that has yet to receive the sequel treatment. It is arguably the most underrated SKU in the Beats catalog. I’m talking about the Studio Pro headphones. They came out in Summer 2023 and have been abandoned ever since (any advertising is nonexistent.) Maybe launching an in-house AirPods Max competitor wasn’t the wisest choice.

Then again, Beats has shown it can create better headphones and earbuds than Apple. Many still consider the Fit Pro superior to the AirPods Pro 2, and some critics believe the original Studio Pro are a greater value than Apple’s flagship headphones, based on battery life, connectivity and sound.

Beats needs to close the chapter on its first-ever noise-cancelling headphones and pull the trigger on the Studio Pro 2. ASAP.

1. Apple’s new listening modes

It’s crazy that the only Apple headphones or earbuds to support the company’s latest listening modes are the AirPods Pro 2. Not even the AirPods Max with USB-C come with them. If Apple isn’t launching the AirPods Max 2 any time soon, then pass these in-demand features onto the Studio Pro 2.

Adaptive Audio does a terrific job of adjusting audio and blending ANC and Transparency modes to produce the best listening experience possible. There are also multiple health hearing modes that would transform the headphones into a hearing aid. Another cool feature worth mentioning is Head Gestures to execute call management and Siri voice commands with a head nod or headshake.

These are all absent on Beats releases.

2. Wireless hi-res audio

Yes, the first-gen Studio Pro support hi-res audio… via wired mode. Just like the second-gen AirPods Max. Beats has never been afraid to step outside of Apple’s ecosystem and welcome features unavailable on all AirPods models. Multipoint technology is a prime example (pairing Beats headphones to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time is so convenient).

We want wireless hi-res audio on the Studio Pro 2. Apple’s ALAC codec coding format hasn’t taken off. Therefore, Beats must consider other alternatives. Whether it’s aptX Adaptive/Lossless or LDAC, these codecs can dynamically adjust audio quality and latency playback on the Studio Pro 2 for optimal music streaming on Android devices.

3. Sturdier craftsmanship

Beats headphones are some of the most attractive and stylish audio products you can buy. They’re also fragile and come apart easily if not cared for properly. The hinges sound like they are going to snap off every time you extend them.

In addition, the hard plastic-covered earcups and rubberized headband don’t feel as plush as the materials used on other luxury rivals (examine the beautifully crafted Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 for reference).

Since the Studio Pro 2 are likely to share the same MSRP as their predecessor ($349), they deserve a more premium and robust design. Reverting to the OG Beats Pro headphone design with mostly aluminum construction seems unrealistic, but if Beats can figure out how to make the design lighter, then go for it.

4. Improve on the Powerbeats Pro 2’s health integration

Beats practically owns the sports earbuds market, especially after Jabra killed its consumer earbuds business (a decision we’ve pleaded for them reconsider). Over-ear sports headphones are niche right now.

However, there is a need for them. I learned this after swapping out my AirPods Pro 2 for the Raycon Fitness Headphones. If the Studio Pro 2 ever came to fruition, they would dominate the sports headphones category right out of the gate.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 introduced cool features like a built-in heart rate monitor that transfers biometric data to compatible iOS/Android apps. Some of these include Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Open, Slopes, YaoYao, and Ladder.

HRM readings aren’t as accurate as what the Apple Watch records, but the technology helps gauge fitness goals. Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 served as a launching pad for these features, the Studio Pro 2 could perfect them.

5. A more advanced proprietary CPU

More from Tom's Guide

• AirPods Pro 3 tipped for 2026 release — with lightweight AirPods Max also on the way
• 5 signs you need to upgrade your wireless headphones
• Forget AirPods Max — here's the 5 headphones I recommend for every budget

"Some new Beats are coming out and they've got bows on them" is as far as this news story should go. That's all the information I need before I can say "yes, I need a pair of those to put on my head."

You'll probably want more information, however. It's a collaboration between K-pop star JENNIE and Beats, celebrating the release of her new album "Ruby." As such, they're very red and feature some extra touches beyond the bows for JENNIE fans.

There's more from Beats as well, although it's more on the 'unofficial' side. There's been a leak of some new colors — but more on that later.

Ruby Red and smothered with bows

Look at them. Look at them. They're wonderful. My love for Blackpink and JENNIE aside, they're perhaps one of the most in-depth collaborations between a headphone manufacturer and a pop star. Sony's K-pop collabs have looked nothing like this, and merely focus on releasing a new color.

Those bows on the headphones can be removed, but the fun visuals on the earpads can't be. Not that anyone is going to be able to see them while you're wearing them, but you'll know they're there.

The case has been given a ruby red makeover as well to really hone in on the collab's potential. You'll be able to buy some starting September 5, and will arrive at select Apple stores: Apple The Grove, Los Angeles, Apple Fifth Avenue, New York City, Apple Myeongdong, Seoul, Apple Jing’an, Shanghai and Apple Omotesando, Tokyo.

You can also buy a pair from the Apple store online, where you'll pay $199. Get notified of their release on the Beats Collaborations website.

New Beats colors

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 best Netflix original movies you (probably) haven't seen
• I just used Gemini’s Nano Banana to take my selfies to the next level — 5 AI prompts you should try right now
• 6 essential exercises everyone should be doing after 70 to build strength and mobility, according to a physical therapist

You may think it’s excessive, but to me, it makes perfect sense. As someone who listens to music almost every second of the day, I have come to appreciate the beauty of having a pair of headphones to get me through every day tasks and another pair for detailed listening.

I have one pair of headphones that comes with me everywhere. They get thrown into my work bag, chucked around my neck, tossed down on the floor next to the treadmill. What I’m trying to say is, they are well-loved. I can rely on them, and they never let me down. For me, these are the Beats Studio3 headphones.

And while these headphones have served me well, I also love having a pair of higher-end headphones that I can use to really listen to music. These are the headphones I listen to music with to hear every layer of the song, the harmonies of the vocals, and generally appreciate the whole production. My go-to headphones to take on this task are the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones.

And while it may seem like overkill, I couldn’t be without either of these cans; they both serve a purpose in my day. And as someone who adores taking in every detail a song has to offer, especially when my favorite artist releases a new track, a casual and a detailed listening option is my dream.

The everydayers

So, my everydayers: the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones. These cans were first released in late 2017, so they are pretty old, but they still hold up incredibly well today. And with their age comes a reduced price tag, since there are newer versions of these headphones available.

The Studio3 headphones are $124, making them a real budget dream, but you still get the classic Beats quality. They are comfortable to wear all day long, whether I’m working at my desk, taking a midday stroll, or headed out on an evening run.

Like I said, while I just use these cans for everyday listening, I still love their sound profile. They can support any genre I throw at them with ease, and I listen to everything from classic rock to synth pop to metal.

And besides the great sound, the battery of these cans is also great. They are fast-charging enabled, so if I ever forget to keep them fully charged, I can charge them for 10 minutes before rushing out the door and get three hours of listening time.

When fully charged, they have 22 hours of battery, which is more than enough to get me through two days. And they get pretty loud, so I never listen above a medium volume setting, and this helps to conserve the battery.

The boujee pair

If you keep up with my audio reviews, you will know that the standard I hold all headphones to is the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones. They are $449 and worth every penny; they are the best headphones I have ever used. I reach for them every single day when I want to take in the details of songs and appreciate the production.

They have superb sound quality and a customizable sound profile to make sure they suit whatever genre you listen to perfectly. By altering the EQ settings, I have heard details in songs I had never noticed before, opening up a whole new world of listening for me.

The ANC on these cans is customizable with the option to be ambient aware and allow in conversation sounds or turn off ANC altogether. This means they are perfect for me to use at work as well as when I want to listen to music in complete silence.

Unfortunately, the AKGs are currently unavailable for purchase in the U.S., but I have another pair that I absolutely love that are pretty close in performance: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.

There isn’t a whole lot that separates these two cans apart from the far superior battery life and stronger ANC of the AKGs.

The Bowers & Wilkins headphones are $449, like the AKGs. and deliver high-quality, crisp sound. For me, a pair like this is essential in your headphones and earbud rotation as they can open up a whole new soundscape for music lovers.

The price tag they come with is pretty cheap. But headphones like these or the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are essential because they have the ability to deliver high-quality, crisp sound without sacrificing

More from Tom’s Guide

• Netflix confirms fan-favorite 'Wednesday' star is making a surprise return in season 2 — and a possible season 3 update
• Right now is the worst time to buy a new iPhone — here’s why
• I walk 5 miles every day without leaving the house — here’s how I do it

The Beats Solo 4 headphones will make you fitter. I know this, because I've used Beats Solo headphones in the gym for years — and firing up the right tunes as you exercise is scientifically proven to help your performance.

What's more, picking up a pair of headphones when they've been dropped to their lowest every price is scientifically proven to help your wallet. Right now, you can grab the Beats Solo 4 for just $99 at Amazon for Prime Day. That's a 50% saving and the lowest these headphones have ever been.

Better yet, the deal is also available in the U.K. where you can pick these cans up for just £114 from Amazon. It's a slightly-less-generous 43% saving, but every little helps.

• See all Amazon Prime Day Deals right now!

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. The Beats Solo 4 don't feature noise cancelling technology. Which you may prioritize if you plan to use these on a busy commute or during a packed gym visit. But if that's the only downside of these headphones, it's something you can quickly move past when you consider the other benefits.

You can go days without charging them. According to our review, the stated battery life is 50 hours but I routinely go weeks between charging mine. What's more, you can use these whether you're on Android or iOS and opt to go wireless or wired.

That kind of versatility is great if you've got different music devices for different purposes. For example, I use a different player depending on whether I'm hitting weights in the gym (a repurposed Android phone) or out for a run (usually an Apple Watch). The Beats Solo 4 works with both and helps me push that little bit harder.

If you're an Apple Music or Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber you can take advantage of high res audio via the 3.5mm wired port. And while the Beats Solo 4 do play nice with Android, iPhone users will get more from the deal because pairing happens seamlessly and you can use Audio Sharing to share playback with another pair of Beats or AirPods headphones.

But regardless, the Beats Solo 4 are a comfortable and well-designed pair of headphones that have been my go-to fitness companion for years now.

This deal covers all four colorways: Black & Gold, Matte Black, Cloud Pink and Slate Blue — so you can choose which is right for you or even get a couple in different colors and have a spare pair.

Want to know all the best Prime Day deals happening right now? Check out our Amazon Prime Day 2025 live blog for the latest updates.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) are the two models that critics recommend most when discussing the best workout headphones. They share many functional traits (active noise cancellation, dual-device connectivity, spatial audio) and are designed for optimal stability when engaged in physical activities.

Neither set of buds is perfect. However, these two entries check all the right boxes to deliver grade-A performance across numerous verticals.

Which is the better option? Our Powerbeats Pro 2 and Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) comparison has the answer. So, down your pre-workout drink and let’s get started.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Specs compared

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Price & availability

The Powerbeats Pro 2 carry a higher price tag: $249. This is the same MSRP as the AirPods Pro 2. Jabra originally launched the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) at $229, but their discontinuation has led to massive price drops across multiple retailers.

Nonetheless, both are fantastic pickups that will elevate your fitness gains.

For all of the latest headphones deals, we advise bookmarking our best headphones deals and best Apple deals pages.

• Winner: Tie

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Design

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have practicality and style down pat, while the Elite 8 Active are more durable and portable.

Beats retains series hallmarks like the bold colorways, IPX4 certification (sweat/water-resistant), and trademark ear-hook design that keeps the Powerbeats Pro 2 locked onto your ears.

Unfortunately, the revamped look is less attractive than the original. The charging case is smaller and supports wireless charging (finally), but it is still huge compared to other rivals.

Jabra left its minimalist design untouched. The Elite 8 Active come in a variety of unique colors and feature a “liquid silicone sock” with IP68 dust- and waterproofing that forms a tight seal and prevents corrosion.

We also love the compact IP54-rated wireless charging case. Comfort can be an issue, depending on your pain threshold; the buds push further into your ears when pressing the physical buttons.

• Winner: Tie

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Controls

Operating the Powerbeats Pro 2 is a breeze. These buds have responsive physical controls and stellar voice assistance. The B logo doubles as a button for enabling functions (e.g., call management, playback).

Dedicated rockers are placed at the top for convenient volume adjustment. Then there’s built-in Siri support for flawless voice command performance. Despite running on Apple’s H2 processor, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are modified for Android use.

The Elite 8 Active are remarkable multiplatform buds that function at a high level, no matter the operating system. They share a similar control scheme, including onboard volume adjustment that can be assigned and enabled via physical buttons.

We do prefer Beats’ volume rockers because of their ease of use and noticeable absence of discomfort when pressed. Spotify Connect is available to instantly pull up your favorite workout playlists. Jabra’s buttons produce solid tactility and register functions precisely. The buds work with Google Assistant and Siri and have superb speech recognition. They just lack the Powerbeats Pro 2’s numerous iOS integrations.

• Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Sound quality

The Elite 8 Active are remarkable multiplatform buds that function at a high level, no matter the operating system. They share a similar control scheme, including onboard volume adjustment that can be assigned and enabled via physical buttons.

We do prefer Beats’ volume rockers because of their ease of use and noticeable absence of discomfort when pressed. Spotify Connect is available to instantly pull up your favorite workout playlists.

Jabra’s buttons produce solid tactility and register functions precisely. The buds work with Google Assistant and Siri and have superb speech recognition. They just lack the Powerbeats Pro 2’s numerous iOS integrations.

You’ll get impactful bass and well-rounded sound from the Powerbeats Pro 2. Beats tweaked its dual-layered drivers for wider frequency response, though the midrange is noticeably unbalanced. Music sounds enticing and lively, but contemporary songs have more thump on the Elite 8 Active. Turning on the Personalized Spatial Audio with headtracking does boost acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Active noise cancelling performance

ANC is stronger on the Elite 8 Active. Not only do they put a muzzle on most low- and mid-frequency sounds, but they are some of the best noise-canceling earbuds for high-frequency blockage.

Jabra’s Wind Noise Reduction setting minimizes harsh whoosh effects when running in gusty conditions. HearThrough mode has been updated and demonstrates exceptional vocal capture. I could hear chatter and noises clearly that were in close proximity as well as several blocks away.

Noise cancellation was great on the Fit Pro. The same can’t be said about the Powerbeats Pro 2. These buds struggled in “areas filled with loud conversation,” as our audio editor, Tammy Rogers, pointed out in her review.

I was distracted by talkative exercisers and the whirling noises from rowing machines at the gym. Common high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) were unavoidable as well. Beats’ transparency mode is effective and makes ambient noise and conversations sound more natural.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Special features

Beats equipped the Powerbeats Pro 2 with an expansive feature set. The H2 processor grants essential Apple perks: adaptive EQ, audio sharing, automatic switching, Find My support, and Personalized Spatial Audio. Some of these hidden AirPods Pro 2 features also apply to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Android compatibility gives users Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support, along with access to the Beats mobile app. New to the series is heart rate monitoring. Beats used components from the Apple Watch to achieve a certain level of accuracy, and though the results aren’t spot-on, having the feature helps gauge progress.

Much of what’s available on the flagship Elite 10 can be found on the Elite 8 Active. That includes all major audio features like ANC/HearThrough, EQ, LE Audio, and Spatial Sound.

Jabra’s Call Experience mode is here to adjust different settings (equalizer, sidetone) on voice calls. Other notables are the MyControls feature for control customization, Soundscapes to enable different ambient sound vignettes, the sleep timer function, and Find My Jabra (earbuds).

Both models have multipoint technology (to pair to two devices simultaneously) and reliable connectivity.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Call quality

Jabra makes some of the best headphones for voice and video calls, and the Elite 8 Active are no exception. Calls sound loud and clear, and ANC does a marvelous job of eliminating ambient noise from conversations.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 should be the brand’s best calling headset, but it falls short of the Fit Pro, especially with regard to noise reduction. Loud backgrounds make it difficult for people to hear your voice. Keep this in mind when taking calls during outdoor runs.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Battery life

Playtimes are sufficient on each of these models. We’re talking up to 8 hours of ANC use on the Elite 8 Active and Powerbeats Pro 2, though the former provides longer battery life when disabling the feature (14 hours versus 10 hours).

The same goes for the charging cases. Jabra’s case holds up to 56 hours, while Beats’ case is capped at 45 hours.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Verdict

The scoreboard shows Jabra as the victor, a notable win for a company that recently killed its consumer earbuds business, which we’ve pleaded for it to reconsider.

Owning the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) means greater ANC, battery life, and call and sound quality. These buds are designed to survive the daily abuse you’ll put them through, thanks to an impenetrable exterior with waterproof protection.

Bonuses like the LE Audio smart case, Soundscapes mode, and wireless charging boost their stock. It’s just unfortunate that they are no longer in production.

Even though the Powerbeats Pro 2 aren’t the superior selection, they’re seen as the best sports earbuds to own moving forward based on availability and firmware updates, which Apple releases occasionally throughout the year to upgrade the latest AirPods and Beats models.

Remove Jabra from the conversation and Beats easily takes the top spot. Lengthy playtimes, powerful sound, secure wearability, and terrific multiplatform integration earn them mass appeal. We only wish that the design and noise cancellation were better executed.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best cheap wireless headphones for travel in 2024
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like
• AirPods Pro 3: Everything we know so far

The mid-season refresh — it's when a firm wants to re-energize a product so it lands in the laps of more potential customers. Generally, it's a couple of new colors rather than new features, and this new Beats Pill news is no different.

You can now buy the admittedly excellent Beats Pill in two fetching new shades: Navy Blue and Blush Pink. If you've been on the fence about buying what has actually turned out to be a really solid little speaker, perhaps these new colors will persuade you.

What's new?

On the specs front, there's nothing. Not that it's an issue, of course — the specs list for the Beats Pill brings it close to some of the best Bluetooth speakers around. 24 hours of battery life, excellent sound quality, and quick pairing with both Android and Apple devices, to name but a few. So really all we're talking about is a new paint job.

Of course, the launch also brings a fancy new advertising campaign for the speaker, led in typical Beats fashion by some athletes. Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has been transformed into the Navy Pill... person? Meanwhile, the WNBA star Angel Reese has become the Blush Pink Pill.

Funnily enough, only one of the new colors matches Beat's new USB cables (the navy one — fans of pink are left out in the dark), so if you want everything to match you'll need to choose an older color or the new Navy.

My favorite? It's the pink, obviously. How else will everyone know that I've a penchant for strawberry ice cream, and like, cherry blossoms?

More from Tom's Guide

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which wireless headphones should you buy?
• I love my induction cooktop, but here are 5 things I wish I'd looked for before buying
• Best wireless earbuds 2025 — tested and rated

An online search for the best sports headphones will lead you to the all-new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The heart-rate-enabled headphones are currently top-ranked among fitness and tech experts.

We’re not debating their marquee status. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have everything the avid exerciser wants in a pair of sports earbuds. They improve on every one of their predecessor’s hallmarks, from battery life to connectivity to sound quality.

Apple also introduced a number of upgrades, including active noise cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio, wireless charging, and built-in heart rate monitoring. All of that comes packaged in Beats’ signature ear hook design, which has been updated to deliver optimal fit in a smaller frame.

At the same time, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are expensive ($249) and fall in a price range similar to other luxury earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 and the category-leading Sony WF-1000XM5.

Since you’re already spending a lot on gym membership fees and workout gear (e.g., fitness trackers, running shoes), splurging on Beats’ latest offering may not be conducive to your financial situation. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to seek out more affordable options.

The market has several cheap wireless earbuds that check many of the same boxes as the Powerbeats Pro 2, and at a fraction of the cost.

Tom’s Guide is always testing the latest true wireless releases across all sub-categories (e.g., AI, noise cancellation, open ear). I have a trio of recommendations that are as serviceable as the Powerbeats Pro 2. Best of all, they’re all listed under $100.

Scroll down to view our three favorite budget alternatives to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

1. Anker Soundcore Sport X20

Anker isn’t known for its sports buds, but the consumer electronics giant has made strides with its most recent athletic creations. The Sport X20 is a low-cost contender that shares many similarities to the Powerbeats Pro 2. We’re talking fit, noise cancellation, and personalized sound.

Let’s start with the obvious, that being Anker’s swivel ear hook mechanism. We prefer it over Beats’ design because it can extend and twist to accommodate different ear shapes. The hooks lock on firmly for maximum fit. These buds are composed of sturdy plastic with IP68 dirt and waterproofing that ensures long-lasting use. Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a lower IP rating (IPX4).

ANC on the Sport X20 does a solid job of tuning out gym distractions. The humming noises from a rowing machine are silent. You won’t hear beeping sounds or the impact of running feet on a treadmill. Wind resistance is surprisingly good and minimizes harsh sounds created in gusty conditions. Ambient Sound keeps you focused on running trails by capturing ambient noise loudly and clearly in real-time.

Underneath the buds’ svelte hood lies 11mm drivers that dish out adrenaline-inducing audio. Bass response can be overwhelming, depending on tracks, but it’s customizable through the Soundcore app, which also has the HearID feature to create your own sound profile. Anker’s 3D Surround Sound mode is available for immersive audio, though it’s nowhere near as effective as Apple’s 3D sound format on the Powerbeats Pro 2. Luckily, it’s a feature you won’t miss when exercising.

Battery life on the Sport X20 exceeds the Powerbeats Pro 2: up to 12 hours per charge. This doesn’t account for ANC and other core functionality (e.g., digital assistance, volume), which drop playtime to 8 hours. That’s still sufficient for about 3 to 4 days of workouts. Tossing the buds in their charging case can generate 2 hours of listening time on a 5-minute charge. The case gives you 48 hours of additional use when fully charged.

Other notable traits: Breathing exercises, multi-device pairing, and SweatGuard technology for an extra layer of moisture protection.

2. Jabra Elite 4 Active

Despite shutting down its consumer earbuds business (a decision we’re praying it reconsiders), Jabra still has multiple performers that can compete with the Powerbeats Pro 2. The Elite 4 Active is one of them.

These mid-range buds do something that no Beats models can, which is allow users to manually tweak sound. The Sound+ app comes with a customizable EQ to create sound profiles, plus music presets that cater to different sonic attributes. Jabra’s sound signature packs a mean low-end punch to rile up energy when fatigued in the middle of 5K runs. Niche features like Spotify Connect offers instant access to favorited workout playlists on the streaming service.

ANC operates better on these buds than the pricier Elite 7 Active and is notably stronger than the Powerbeats Pro 2’s version. It adapts to surrounding noise levels and can be tailored to your hearing. The feature works well for silencing clanky gym machines and talkative treadmillers. Jabra’s beloved HearThrough mode raises environmental awareness during outdoor runs.

The Elite 4 Active are more durable than any Apple or Beats buds; IP57 certification makes them sweat/waterproof. A smooth rubberized exterior prevents scratches and scuffs. Lastly, the EarGels tips form a tight seal to maintain on-ear stability when engaged in lateral-heavy movements.

Other notable traits: Alexa integration, fantastic call quality, and up to 7 hours ANC playtime (per charge).

3. JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4

JLab’s massive collection of inexpensive sports earbuds is greatly inspired by the Powerbeats line. The JBuds Sport ANC 4 provide many benefits to active runners and extensive trainers.

Sound is dynamic and lively right out of the box. The bottom-heavy low end gives contemporary tracks a thumpy presence that increases energy levels during workouts. Three built-in EQs are available – Bass Boost, Balanced, and Signature (the default) – the latter being fine-tuned for proper frequency balance. All that means is you’ll hear enticing sonic elements (e.g., crashing cymbals, thrashing drums) clearer. Music doesn’t sound as immersive as it does on the spatial audio-enabled Powerbeats Pro 2, but what’s heard on the Sport ANC 4 is satisfying for the price.

Practical features are abundant. There’s an Interval Timer for timing works and repeating sets, which comes in handy for stationary workouts. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology pairs the buds to two devices simultaneously within a 60-foot range. Picture using an Android phone while riding your Peloton bike and having to immediately jump on a FaceTime call via MacBook Pro. These buds make that switch seamlessly without compromising connectivity or sound performance.

JLab’s noise-cancelling mode leaves much to be desired, but its Aware Mode is powerful and pulls in a vast amount of ambient noise. It’s ideal for monitoring traffic on nightly runs or eavesdropping on conversations.

Aesthetically, the JBuds Sport ANC 4 are nothing to brag about. However, they are sturdier than any Apple-made audio product. Hard plastic with IP66 certification (dirt-/sweat-proofing and water resistance) protects the buds. JLab’s on-ear hooks and silicone tips are a terrific combination for prime stabilization. Even the wireless charging case is built to withstand the daily abuse you’ll put it through. Dropping it on hard surfaces won’t crack the exterior. Most importantly, the magnetic closures keep these buds secure in their charging slots.

Other notable traits: Companion app support, reliable touch controls, and up to 60 hours via charging case (up to 14 hours per charge).

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched my AirPods for these over-ear workout headphones at the gym — here's why I'm not going back
• Best bone conduction headphones
• How to clean sports headphones after a workout: a step-by-step guide

Beats makes some of the finest headphones, earbuds, and portable Bluetooth speakers money can buy. Every new release from the wireless audio giant seems to eclipse their previous hits.

The all-new Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds are no different, and they’re on track to surpass their predecessor in popularity and sales.

It isn’t hard to see why the Powerbeats Pro 2 are in high demand. For starters, it’s a Beats product, so by default, it’s already considered cool. These buds are essentially a sporty version of the AirPods Pro 2, but with a Beats aesthetic and fewer iOS perks.

All key hallmarks from the original Powerbeats Pro have been updated and upgraded for the most part.

The fact that they’re futureproof and revered by top tech critics should also be convincing enough to drop $249 on what Tom’s Guide currently ranks the best workout buds overall.

Simply stated, there’s plenty to like about this sequel. There’s also a lot to dislike. Having spent time with the buds longer than they’ve been on the market, I can attest to their strengths, weaknesses, and glaring omissions.

Here are 5 things I love about the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, as well as 3 things I hate.

Love: Increased battery life across the board

Beats builds on its greatest strength by extending battery life to 10 hours. That is 1 hour more than the previous entry and the highest playtime of any Apple wireless earbuds.

Up to 8 hours is available when using active noise cancellation. Enabling other special features (e.g., Find My, spatial audio) can decrease playtime by 1 to 2 hours. I’m working out 5 days a week (1.5 hours daily) and only need to charge my unit once throughout that timeframe.

The charging case is still clutch for extra playtime. It holds up to 45 hours and features stronger Fast-Fuel charging technology: a 5-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of use. The inclusion of wireless charging (which took far too long) is the cherry on top.

Love: More refined sound

The original Powerbeats Pro has nice well-rounded sound with impactful bass response that amplifies workouts. These buds are engineered with broader frequency range. In other words, you’ll hear lows, mids, and highs more clearly.

Bass is robust without compromising treble or creating distortion at high volume. Mids are a bit unbalanced, though it’s nothing that the EQ settings in the best music streaming services can’t fix.

The point is that all media (e.g., music, podcasts, videos) sounds loud and energetic, which is ideal for exercising.

Personalized Spatial Audio steals the show by boosting acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content.

Apple’s 3D audio platform brings an immersiveness to Apple Music tracks that you won’t hear on other sports buds, plus the headtracking feature is more precise this time around, whereas it was finicky on Beats’ previous flagship buds, the Fit Pro.

Hate: Noticeably weaker active noise cancellation

My first impression of the Powerbeats Pro 2’s ANC performance was mostly positive. Several weeks of testing have changed my perspective. The noise-cancelling technology on these buds is a regression from the Fit Pro.

Is it terrible? Absolutely not. You’re still getting enough noise neutralization to stay focused at the gym or on running trails, as long as your surroundings are moderately quiet.

Our audio editor, Tammy Rogers, mentioned that the buds “struggle slightly with areas filled with loud conversation.” I concur.

High-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) are unavoidable as well. ANC is much more effective on the AirPods Pro 2 and class-leading Jabra Elite Active 8 (Gen 2).

Luckily, Transparency mode is the best it has ever been on Beats buds. The listening mode makes ambient sound and conversations sound loud and more natural.

Love: Better fitness and health integration

Apple’s ecosystem operates flawlessly because of its ability to integrate with all brand devices, services, and software. The Powerbeats Pro 2 take complete advantage of this.

Having a built-in heart rate monitor is a huge benefit. It isn’t perfect, nor is it a legitimate replacement for your Apple Watch, but it’s a serviceable alternative to gauge fitness goals on the Apple Health app when recharging your fitness tracker.

Furthermore, the feature supports up to 7 apps in iOS – Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Open, Slopes, YaoYao, and Ladder – along with Android apps that have heart rate capabilities.

Hate: Beats’ unflattering redesign

The one thing all Beats products have going for them is style. Even though the Powerbeats Pro 2 are trendier than most other sports buds, they’re arguably the brand’s least attractive true wireless creation.

Certain staples like the bold colorways and wrap-around-the-ear design remain treasured traits. The multiple ear tip sizes and slimmer housing are also much appreciated.

At the same time, Powerbeats Pro 2 look less attractive. Their sportier appearance lacks the chicness of the original and other Beats offerings like the Studio Buds+.

The charging case isn’t much to brag about either. It is much smaller than the previous version, but still a bulky chunk of plastic that takes up a lot of pocket real estate.

Love: Retaining the volume rockers

On-board volume controls seem like a such small virtue when compared to more advanced features on today’s wireless earbuds.

However, they’re a valuable addition to any true wireless control scheme. Just ask anyone who has purchased the Powerbeats Pro.

This follow-up keeps the trademark volume rockers on each bud. The buttons are highly responsive and produce solid tactility for reliable input. Not to mention they are easily accessible.

The only other buds with such user-friendly volume controls are the AirPods Pro 2, which are activated using slide gestures via the touch sensor on either stem.

Hate: Apple’s newest listening modes are MIA

Any pair of Apple-made buds priced similarly to the AirPods Pro 2 must have a uniform spec sheet.

Despite the Powerbeats Pro 2 carrying their own set of unique tricks (e.g., Android app support, HRM), they are missing Apple’s newest listening modes: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Hearing Health.

These could be added in a future software update. Then again, if they weren’t available at launch, it makes me think Apple has no intention of bringing them to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Love: They are platform-neutral

The Pro Fit set a standard for excellent multiplatform capability, thanks to their proprietary chipset that allows for seamless connectivity with iOS/macOS and Android devices.

Oddly, the Powerbeats Pro 2 don’t support this chipset. They are powered by Apple’s H2 processor, which seems like it has been modified to operate better on third-party platforms.

You’re given equal functionality, such as digital assistance (Google Assistant/Siri), firmware updates, one-touch pairing, and Find My (iOS)/Find My Beats (Android) support.

Android device users even receive their own exclusives like multipoint technology to pair the buds with two media devices simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

It is difficult to overlook some of Beats’ missteps. The dip in ANC performance is unacceptable, especially when the Fit Pro offer some of brand’s best noise reduction to date.

None of Apple’s newest sound features made the cut. And the design, while still eye-catching, isn’t as enamoring as older Powerbeats models, in my opinion.

Still, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have more going for them than not. They appeal to avid exercisers and anyone seeking an elite AirPods Pro alternative. Beats’ signature design wraps firmly around the ear to guarantee superior on-ear stability.

IPX4 protection provides enough sweat/water resistance to survive the wettest and toughest conditions. Battery life, connectivity, and sound quality are all high points as well.

More from Tom's Guide

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Which are the best Beats earbuds?
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like
• AirPods Pro 3 major upgrades just tipped by new Apple patent

To say that Beats makes the best sport headphones is an understatement. Many of the company’s top releases are so good that they’ve also been rated some of the best wireless earbuds in general.

The original Powerbeats Pro were a category staple that laid the foundation for the sporty earbuds market. Then the Fit Pro came along and took performance a step further by incorporating many of the AirPods Pro 2’s signature features and technologies.

Five years later, the Powerbeats Pro 2 make their grand debut and welcome numerous upgrades that Beats enthusiasts have clamored for. This includes enhanced active noise cancellation and spatial audio, along with a handful of firsts such as built-in heart rate monitoring (HRM) and wireless charging.

Beats’ massive ad rollout might sway you to go all in on the Powerbeats Pro 2, but are you making a huge mistake overlooking the Fit Pro? Our in-depth analysis breaks down these two sporty audio goliaths to determine the better buds for you.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Specs compared

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Price & availability

The Powerbeats Pro 2 carry a $249 MSRP. Meanwhile, the Fit Pro originally launched for $199, but are currently sold for as low as $159 on Amazon.

Both are terrific investments. However, the opportunity to score the Fit Pro for nearly $100 less is too good of a deal to pass up.

For all of the latest headphones deals, we advise bookmarking our best headphones deals and best Apple deals pages.

Winner: Beats Fit Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Design

Aesthetically, the Fit Pro are sleeker. The smaller design (both buds and charging case) and wide range of vibrant colorways give them a chicer appearance.

The construction is also sturdy on the Fit Pro. Each bud is built from solid plastic that can withstand hard spills to the concrete and sweat/water splashing (IPX4).

Beats’ integrated wings keep the buds locked in during intensive lateral workouts. Comfort is one of the Fit Pro’s weaknesses. Wearing the buds for longer than 2 hours can cause irritating pain around the concha.

While we appreciate the Powerbeats Pro 2’s slimmer and more lightweight design, they have a flimsier look and feel than their predecessor.

The buds are made from the exact materials as the Fit Pro and are IPX4-certified. However, we didn’t feel safe leaving them outside of the charging case, which is noticeably smaller than the massively huge first-gen version, but still big.

The built-in hooks continue to provide stellar on-ear stability. Beats tossed in five sizes of silicone eartips (XS, S, M, L, XL). That is two more than the Fit Pro offers. Comfort wanes after 2 hours of listening.

Winner: Beats Fit Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Controls

Operating the Powerbeats Pro 2 is more rewarding because of the built-in volume rockers. These make volume adjustment a breeze while exercising. Tactility is firm and responsive.

The same can be said about the MF button to activate different controls: ANC, HRM, playback, phone calls, and Siri. Speaking of which, “Hey Siri” voice activation is available to execute hands-free voice commands with precision.

The Fit Pro are just as reliable for enabling media functions, listening modes, and special features on the fly. They just lack volume buttons to turn music up or down. Besides that, these buds enable the same functions and showcase the same excellent speech recognition when using Siri.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Sound quality

Expect energetic sound from both sets of buds.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a new amp, venting system and larger drivers that create engaging audio with prominent bass response. Listening at high volume gets your adrenaline flowing with the right playlist and won’t distort the soundstage.

These exact sentiments can be shared about the Fit Pro. Beat’s acoustic architecture makes songs sound clean and spacious, and the bass has been adjusted to provide impactful lows that don’t bloat up your favorite workout tracks.

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is gratifying for immersive 3D sound with Apple Music and Dolby Atmos content.

You’ll get a more refined listening experience on current iPhones and MacBooks. The feature is unavailable on Android phones, but music and movies still sound great on Google-operated machines. Head tracking is more accurate on the Powerbeats Pro 2, though it’s not a huge deal.

Winner: Tie

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Active noise cancelling performance

ANC makes its debut on the Powerbeats Pro series and the technology is said to have been updated on the Powerbeats Pro 2. The new hybrid mic system does a noteworthy job of eliminating sounds across the frequency spectrum.

Loud noises can be heard (e.g., crying babies, sirens), but they come across more like background effects on songs. Enabling noise cancellation during workouts is peaceful, for the most part. The feature puts a kibosh on common gym disruptions such as grunting and the whirling noises from cardio machines.

Transparency mode sounds as natural as it ever has on a pair of Beats buds, allowing listeners to hear ambient sound and conversations clearly.

Don’t sleep on the Fit Pro’s noise reduction, because it’s some of the best in the sports category. These buds can block out up to 80% of unwanted sounds, which is about 5% less than the Powerbeats Pro, but still effective for distraction-free exercising.

Most low- and mid-frequency sounds are muted. High-pitched noises are more audible on the Fit Pro. Transparency mode is great for amplifying surroundings.

Sadly, neither entry comes with Apple’s popular major listening modes: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Hearing Health.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Special features

The Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2 share about 85% of the same features as the AirPods Pro 2. On the list: adaptive EQ, ANC, audio sharing, automatic switching, Find My support, “Hey Siri,” Personalized Spatial Audio, and most other perks linked to Apple’s H2 processor.

Beats has given the Powerbeats Pro 2 a handful of exclusives. On top of wireless charging, users receive HRM, which utilizes components from the Apple Watch to achieve a certain level of accuracy.

If only it did that. Both our Audio Editor Tammy Rogers and Senior Fitness Writer Nick Harris-Fry reported several “hiccups” with the feature. Bear in mind that when connected to an Apple Watch, HRM is prioritized on Apple’s wrist-worn device.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Call quality

The newer release should often receive stronger call quality. Not in this case. We found the Fit Pro to be a better calling headset.

Conversations sounded louder and clearer through the Fit Pro, and wind resistance was strong to minimize whooshing effects when chatting in gusty conditions.

That’s not to say the Powerbeats Pro 2 aren’t serviceable for voice and video calls. FaceTime chats were met with positive feedback, but callers on the opposite end complained about background noise and wind when speaking outdoors.

Winner: Beats Fit Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Battery life

The Powerbeats Pro series has always been Apple’s top performer in the battery life category.

Not only do the Powerbeats Pro 2 generate the longest playtime per charge (up to 10 hours), but their charging case holds more additional playtime than any Apple true wireless model: up to 45 hours.

ANC decreases listening time to 8 hours, which realistically drops to 6.5 hours when factoring in HRM and spatial audio. Wireless charging has been added to this sequel, along with stronger Fast Fuel charging (5 mins. = 1.5 hours of listening time).

The Fit Pro hold a longer charge than any AirPods model, but they fall a few hours short of their newest sibling. Even the charging case is rated lower (up to 30 hours). Two other knocks are the lack of wireless charging and less-powerful quick charging (5 mins. = 1 hour).

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Verdict

We’re calling it a tie.

The Powerbeats Pro 2’s biggest selling point is battery life. We’re talking an almost 2.5-hour difference, but that’s huge for avid exercisers wanting to squeeze in extra workouts before recharging.

ANC is slightly stronger through the Powerbeats Pro, and music remains consistently satisfying with strong bass at the forefront. The revamped design is less cumbersome on the ear and dependable for all workouts. It’s also less captivating than the original.

We’ve held the Fit Pro to the highest standard for nearly three years, and they’re still an exceptional pickup for Apple and Android users. Beats' proprietary chipset makes switching between platforms seamless, plus it grants access to most of Apple’s and Google’s prime mobile features.

Sound is enticing through the Fit Pro for high-energy workouts; noise cancellation keeps distractions to a minimum in all environments; and playtimes last long enough to enjoy a week’s worth of exercising.

Both of these Beats earbuds are very good. At the same time, know that the more expensive selection (*cough* Powerbeats Pro 2 *cough*) gets you a little more usage, which may not be all that important to budget-conscious exercisers wanting grade-A performance for much less.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best cheap wireless headphones for travel in 2024
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like
• AirPods Pro 3: Everything we know so far

iFixit has declared that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has achieved the highest repairability score of any Samsung phone in 10 years. However, it still falls behind the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Samsung phones have never been the easiest devices to repair, primarily due to Samsung's reliance on glue to hold down components. However, with the push from Europe regarding right-to-repair laws, it seems that Samsung has made some major strides regarding repairs for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The changes, and how they affect repairing the phone, were all revealed in iFixit's recent breakdown video.

The first major change is that the battery is much easier to remove from the S25 Ultra. In the past, Samsung used glue that sat under the battery to hold it in place. This glue usually required rubbing alcohol to remove and would often leave a residue that needed to be cleared.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, uses four sticky tabs that attach over the battery and can be pulled by hand, making DIY battery replacements much easier.

Not only is the battery easier to remove, but Samsung has also made it possible to remove individual cameras from the main board. This will, in theory, make it much cheaper to replace a faulty camera as you won't need to pay for the whole set. However, it appears that the selfie camera is still glued in place, making it much harder to repair.

While certain things are easier to replace, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen remains a challenge to remove by hand. Thankfully you don't need to remove the screen the access the internal components, only the back plate. As such, it's likely a better idea to leave the screen alone unless it is already broken.

iPhone 16 Pro Max is still the winner

Overall, iFixit scored the Galaxy S25 Ultra five out of ten, which is a pretty great score, and comparable with the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

However, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max scored a seven out of ten, making it the clear winner. This high score was thanks to its easy-to-access design and less focus on using adhesive. The score also represents Apple's push for DIY repair and the apparent success of the self-repair program.

There's a lot to be said about making phones easier to repair at home, especially when it comes to saving money. However, there's no doubt that the best option is to keep your phone as safe as possible. On that note, we have a full list of some of the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cases that you can grab right now to keep your phone safe.

More from Tom's Guide

• Galaxy A56 renders leak — here's what Samsung's next budget phone could look like
• Samsung's super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge has a possible release window — here's what we know
• I just went hands-on with the ‘world’s thinnest foldable phone’ — and it's unbelievable

The Beats earbuds line have undergone a major glow up over the last couple of years, with the excellent Beats Studio Buds+ and the Beats Solo Buds bringing some great features to reasonable price. Now it's the Powerbeats Pro's turn to receive an upgrade, and this time around Beats has gone all out with the features and updates. We’ve got a whole new look, improved ANC, new colors… and a heart rate monitor?

This is a pair of buds that’s aimed directly at the fitness crowd. The monitor is supposed to bring with it better, more accurate heart rate monitoring when you’re out for a run, giving you a more holistic view of your exorcise. But the buds have to remember that first and foremost they need to be able to play music well, and give a satisfactory, engaging performance for people who are on the go.

For the most part, the Powerbeats Pro 2 succeed in their mission, despite some minor heartrate monitor issues — but how do they stack up against the best workout headphones, or even the best wireless earbuds around?

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Price and availability

The Powerbeats Pro 2 aren't the cheapest fitness buds on the block, but the fact that they’ve remained a very similar price to their predecessor is, in my eyes at least, a massive boon. Their $249 / £249 sticker price as expensive as their Apple stablemates, the AirPods Pro 2, but they're $50 less than the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5.

Of course, there are reasons why you might want to go for the more expensive Sony or Bose buds. For one, they’re going to sound better than the Beats, and they pack in better ANC and more compact cases. If you want a more secure fit and some extra fitness features, however, then the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 could well be just what the doctor (or your personal trainer) ordered.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Design and comfort

• Some of the best color options around
• Very comfortable fit
• MASSIVE case

As far as looks are concerned, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a sleek pair of in-ear buds. They’re slightly bigger thanks to their ear hook design, but that’s not stopped the designers from making something that is far more compact than it has any right to be. I like how svelte and cool they look, with their subtle Beats branding letting everyone know what company made your buds. In-ear they’re more subtle than you might expect, even in this bright orange colorway, and they’ll stand out just enough on the gym floor to not be completely obnoxious.

Unfortunately, the same compact design language has not made its way to the case they come packed with. It’s Massive. I mean monstrous in all dimensions; it’s a kind of very fat square shape, in some effort to contain the ear hooks of the buds, but it still feels like it's bigger than it really needs to be. The height of the case makes it harder to put into a pair of skinny jeans or running leggings without it jutting out like your Dad’s wallet, making them a prime candidate for ‘these should go in your backpack.’ The buds fit inside perfectly though, and they click into place with magnets that don’t let go no matter how much you might shake their case.

It’s more good news for comfort, thanks to a wide range of fitting options and extremely handy fitting hooks. Getting them in your ear is slightly more of a pain than traditional shaped buds — it’s a kind of ‘twist and nestle’ motion so that you can get the bud tips in your ear holes at the same time as getting the hooks over your ears. Once they’re in though, they aren’t going anywhere. They fit great, and I didn’t have to adjust them once to get them seated properly throughout my time wearing them.

There’s a fit test in the app as well to make sure they fit properly, and it works well. It plays you some music and then lets you know whether they’re seated properly so that the sound and the ANC are at their best. This remains something I wish more earbud makers would implement into their products, so that you can make sure you’re getting the best performance out of your buds.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.3
• Multipoint connectivity
• No extra audio codecs

As they're powered by an H2 chip like the Airpods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 fit perfectly into your ecosystem if you use Apple devices. Open them up next to your iPhone, follow the pairing prompts, and you’ll be listening to your buds in no time at all across your family of devices like your iPad or MacBook. That’s a massive boon for Apple users, as always, and makes them super simple to use.

Android users are also treated to one-touch pairing, but you do need the Beats app to get them updated. There’s multipoint as well, although you’ll have to initiate pairing mode with the case to get them hooked up to your other devices. Once they’re all connected, you’re away with no hiccups in switching between devices. Overall, usability on Android is not quite as seamless as using them with Apple devices that you’re signed into, but it still works very well.

On the other hand, codec support of the Powerbeats Pro 2 isn’t spectacular, especially for Android users: There’s no LDAC support, or AptX, so you don’t get treated to the highest quality streaming. That’s no great loss, but it is a shame. Apple users can listen to the higher quality streams from Apple Music though, so that’s a bonus.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Controls and app

• Physical controls!
• All built-in on iPhone
• Barebones Beats app on Android

Physical controls. On earbuds no less! I don’t like how every pair of wireless earbuds now uses touch controls — so to see proper buttons on the Powerbeats is, in my eyes at least, an enormous tick in the ‘buy these’ column.

There are four different buttons on the Powerbeats, two on each bud. Thanks to their larger frames, there’s space for a full-volume rocker that you use to, you guessed it, change the volume. On the outer edge of the bud there’s the second button, and both sides do the same thing. Press once to play/pause, twice to skip, and thrice to go backward a track. Hold the button down to change between ANC on and transparency modes, and then press once and then hold to start a heart monitoring session.

The controls are simple to use, and thanks to their physical nature, you won’t be pressing them accidentally when you go to take the buds in and out. They’re also a whole lot better if you’ve got sweaty fingers, or if you’ve got gloves on. No more will your fingers not register taps and swipes as they might with some of the alternative options out there, but they’re a whole lot easier to distinguish when you’ve got simple inputs should you be en-gloved. If you’re a big fan of touch controls you’re out of luck, and there’s the unfortunate side effect of a slight ‘clunk’ reverberating around your head when you use them, but I think it’s a worthy trade-off.

App control on iPhone is managed through the settings menu, just like the AirPods. From there you can change the ANC mode, and play with the EQ settings. You can also turn on the personalized spatial audio here, and keep them updated. They also work with Siri out of the box with Apple devices. Android users have a slightly more restricted time. The Beats app lets you change the ANC mode and update the headphones. This is also where you start the heart rate monitoring on Android. Unfortunately, there are no EQ settings here — but you can use ‘Find my Beats’ should you misplace them.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Fitness features

• Heart rate monitor hiccups
• Great ear hook keeps them in place
• IPX4

Now, I’m no expert in fitness, so I’ve reached out to someone who actually is — our Fitness Writer, Nick. He’s also been testing out the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and he has some thoughts to share about the buds; how good they are for fitness users, and how they might fit into your workouts.

NHF: I’ve run over 150 miles with the Powerbeats Pro 2 as well as doing cycling, HIIT sessions and yoga with them, and they are among the best workout headphones I’ve tried, which is all down to the secure and comfortable fit, solid sound and battery life, and the physical controls, which are much easier to use during workouts than a touch panel.

You’ll notice I didn’t mention the heart rate monitoring, because for now that feature leaves a lot to be desired. Only seven apps can use the feature on iOS at launch, as long as you have permission to do so turned on deep with the Health app.

These apps are Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Open, Slopes, YaoYao, and Ladder, with the glaring omission being the popular sports tracking app Strava. On Android, any apps with heart rate capabilities can link to the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 HR monitor, so I'm unsure why that's not the case on iOS.

I mostly used the Peloton and Nike Run Club apps with the headphones, and experienced a lot of dropouts where the HR stopped reading during workouts, even though my audio was still connected.

The accuracy of the HR readings was also hit and miss. I had a couple of runs and one strength workout where the reading was in line with the reliably accurate Wahoo TRACKR chest strap, but I often saw readings that were way too high, especially during runs where I think the headphones locked onto my cadence rather than my heart rate. I also couldn’t connect the headphones to the Garmin Fenix 8 or Coros Pace Pro sports watches to show HR on them during workouts. Problematically, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will connect to an Apple Watch, but by default will only record the data logged by the watch's HR sensor anyway.

As comfortable as they are, the headphones need to link to all apps and watches, and the connection needs to be more reliable. Even then, if you want the most accurate heart rate monitoring I’d still get a chest strap. Even with these issues, though, I still genuinely believe that the Beat Powerbeats Pro 2 are outstanding sports headphones and would be top of my list for people who need an earhook to keep their buds in place during runs and other workouts.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Sound quality

• Quick, dynamic bass
• Solid lower mids
• Some weirdness in the upper mids

It’s been a long time since Beats was derided for being bass-heavy monsters, only good for booming low-end and little else. Subsequent products like the Beats Studio Buds+ and the Solo 4 have shown that the Beats audio engineers really do know their stuff when it comes to tuning in a decent sound signature, and there’s evidence of that expertise here — although the audio experience isn't totally flawless.

The buds really shine the most in the low end. There’s some solid extension in the bass frequencies, allowing for some decent rumble from bass guitars and low-end synths. Kick drums have good impact and punch, and pounding bass beats in hip-hop and other bassier genres are well represented. This follows into the low-midrange, giving guitars decent body and width. That lends a certain weight to the sound, and makes things fairly warm on first listen.

They can get fatiguing for longer listens, however. There’s some pronounced sibilance at the very top, leaving cymbals and other high-range sounds feeling overly sharp. Play something with any amount of tambourines or lots of big drum cymbals, and you’ll really start to feel them after a while. Then there’s a slight dip in the upper mids, which doesn’t help, either; it makes guitars feel slightly one-dimensional and takes the edge of plucked strings and palm-muted, distorted power chords. The extra bass goes a long way in making things tolerable, but it’s immediately noticeable.

To demonstrate the issue, I listened to Dragged Into Sunlight’s Boiled Angel. That’s a track that needs some decent representation in the upper mids for the distorted guitar line and terrifying, harsh vocals and clarity in the top end for the pervasive cymbal use. The Powerbeats Pro 2 managed a good job of the lower end part of the track, with good presence of the bass guitar the majority of the guitar parts, but the sibilance left the cymbals feeling overly slicing in their presentation.

Thankfully, for other music you’re going to have less of an issue. Kendrick Lamar’s DNA shows some of that healthy low-end bounce, and some solid vocal clarity. Kendrick’s bars are more than legible throughout the length of the piece, and the kick drum hits with plenty of impact. The light cymbal line is slightly backward in the mix, and this isn’t as susceptible to the sibilance issue. S-sounds and plosives are a little harsh, but that’s nit-picking.

To really get the bass going we move on to Chase & Status’s Badadan, and there’s a lot to love. The bass reproduction is thick and heavy, but fairly precise. It’s pervasive enough that the sibilance of the hi-hats is masked fairly well, although the vocal line does struggle a little bit, and the very edges of the synth stabs and sweeps are a little sharp. Overall though it’s plenty of fun — and it’s going to get you motivated at the gym or when you’re out for a run.

Spatial Audio with Apple Music is about as you might expect. If you’re already a fan of the format when using the likes of the AirPods Pro 2, you’re going to love the headtracked audio here, with wider, more spacious mixes. Android fans might not have as much fun though. On my Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I found the spatial audio switch in the settings menu of my phone, but the format didn’t work in Tidal or Amazon Music Unlimited. Shame.

Some of the issues with sound can be eq’d out on the iPhone, although the problem doesn’t go away entirely. Thanks to a lack of customizable eq on Android, however, those of us with Google-powered phones are left slightly more out in the cold.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: ANC

• It’s fine…
• But there are better
• Good transparency mode

The ANC built into the Powerbeats Pro 2 isn’t going to win any awards, but you’re going to be fairly well sealed into your own world when you’ve got them in your ears. There aren’t different levels of noise canceling as you might find with the Sony and Bose alternatives, so there’s no battery-saving option that still blocks out a little noise in quieter spaces. In real life, the noise canceling performs alright. Keyboards are quieted, AC units are silenced, and the noises of a commute are muffled.

I did find in a trip to the grocery store that they struggle slightly with areas filled with loud conversation. I could still just about hear the talking of customers around me, and while it was still much quieter than without, it still felt slightly disappointing. Overall, the ANC that’s perfectly fine — but you’ll have to crank the volume of your tunes if you don’t want to hear background music in the gym.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Call quality

• Fine for normal calls
• Not as good for conference or work calls

To test the call quality of the buds, I tried out a couple of different environments. I called a colleague from my home office to check how the buds performed in a normal call, without any real background noise. On my end, everything was fine with my colleague's voice coming through clearly. On the other end, things were more distant, and I sounded like I was on speaker phone — fine for chats with your mates or a quick work call, but not as good for more professional settings.

Turning on some traffic noise didn’t affect my voice in any meaningful way, but the Beats didn’t do anything to negate it. I was still audible over the rest of the noise, but it was loud enough to make my recipient have to listen more closely to the call. Again, a quick call to say you’re going to be home for dinner is going to be no problem at all — but you’ll want something slightly different if you’ve got a more professional call coming up.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Battery life

• 10 hours with ANC off
• An extra 35 hours in the case

The battery of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is good, and it just about outperforms that which you’ll find on the Sony and the Bose competition. 10 hours without ANC turned on is pretty good, and I found my testing pretty much matches that claim. There’s no official ANC-on battery figure, but I managed to pull about 3 hours out of them and was left with around 60% battery life. That’s not too bad, and given you’ll be pretty close to the case and you’re unlikely to be out exercising for longer than 8-10 hours you’ll be able to juice them back up fairly quickly.

The charging case has another 35 hours inside, and you can put the buds back in the case for 5 minutes to get an extra 90 minutes of charge. That’s a useful bonus if you find them run out over a longer work day, or during a long flight.

Strangely, however, the battery life is worse here than in the exemplary Beats Solo buds. Those pack in 18 hours of battery life to the buds, a whole 8 hours more than the Powerbeats Pro 2. Now, there’s more to run here, like the ANC, the improved sound quality, the H2 chip, and the heart rate monitor, but the ANC and Heart rate monitor aren’t on all the time. As it stands, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have excellent battery life — but it feels like it could be even better.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Verdict

If you’re after a pair of excellent fitness buds, ignoring the heart rate monitoring and focusing on fit, comfort, and security, then the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great option for listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and music while you work out. They look super slick as well thanks to their svelte design, and their ten-hour battery life will get you through a trip to the gym or a run without any problems at all.

A word of warning for audio purists: If you’re after a pair of buds for sound and ANC, however, you might well be better of with something like the AirPods Pro 2 (that sell for the same price) or spending a bit more for a pair of WF-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. You won’t get the same secure fit, but you’ll get better sound quality and much better ANC for only a slightly larger financial outlay.

At the end of the day, the target audience of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the workout crowd, and everyone who's tried them on our fitness team loves them. As far as a pair of throw-in-your-bag-and-go earbuds are concerned, the Powerbeats Pro 2 outperform the competition in all the places that matter.

More from Tom's Guide

• I love the Sonos Arc Ultra — but it’s lacking this key ingredient
• I just tested these new headphones and I like them more than Bose QuietComfort Ultra — and they're $200 cheaper
• AirPods Pro 3 major upgrades just tipped by new Apple patent

The original Beats Powerbeats Pro have been a fixture in our round-up of the best running headphones since they were launched way back in 2019. But the Powerbeats Pro are missing some features that are standard on newer headphones, such as active noise cancellation, and were overdue for an update.

That update has arrived, and as you can see from our Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review, ANC is one feature of many that has been added to the second version of the buds. They also offer improved sound quality, heart rate tracking and longer battery life, all in a smaller, sleeker design.

I’ve been using the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for all my workouts in the weeks ahead of their launch, running more than 150 miles with them as well doing cycling, strength sessions and yoga, and I’m impressed. They’re a worthy successor to the originals and certainly among the best workout headphones available, but not every new feature has hit the spot.

Here’s what I’ve loved and what I haven’t about the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 after 150 miles of running and other workouts.

Beats PowerBeats Pro 2: What I like

The fit is very secure and comfortable

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a smaller and thinner design than the original buds and sit very comfortably on the ear throughout long runs and daily use. I found I could wear them with glasses and a hat without my ear getting too cluttered, and no uncomfortable pressure is put on the ear by the hook or in-ear buds.

They also stayed in place reliably through runs and other rigorous workouts. I wore the Powerbeats Pro 2 for a 22-mile run during marathon training and they didn’t require any adjusting. The earhook certainly gives you peace of mind on this front compared with in-ear buds that just use wings or nothing at all.

The controls are easy to use while running

Many sports headphones now use touchpads instead of button controls, a trend I dislike immensely because buttons are much easier to use on the run, especially during winter when I’m usually wearing gloves or mittens.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a simple-but-effective setup, with volume controls and a multifunction button on both buds. I was able to change the volume, skip, play and pause and switch between ANC and transparency modes easily on the run and during other workouts.

The battery life is impressive

Given the size of the Powerbeats Pro 2 and their case, you might argue that they could offer even better battery life, but eight hours of use in ANC mode with another 28 in the case is still plenty to ensure they lasted me weeks of running plus other use.

The quick-charge feature also nets you 1.5 hours of use from just five minutes of charging, which is enough to see you through most runs, so if you are caught short of juice, you can get them charged in the time it takes to change into your running gear.

The sound quality is good

You’ll get a more in-depth appraisal of the sound quality on the headphones in our Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review, but I was impressed by the sound during workouts. While they don’t have the clarity of some top buds I’ve tested like the Bose QC Earbuds Ultra, the full, bassy sound of the Powerbeats Pro 2 helped to push me through hard workouts and I enjoyed using them outside my training as well.

The transparency mode is useful

The addition of ANC makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 better headphones outside workouts than the originals, and the transparency mode is very useful during outdoor runs when I want to hear what’s going on around me.

I found I could hear traffic and sounds like bikes coming up behind me during runs, and the transparency mode was my preference on my outdoor runs, while when I was using the treadmill the ANC filtered out the sound of the machine well.

Beats PowerBeats Pro 2: What I dislike

The HR monitor is hard to use, and not always accurate

At launch, the HR monitoring on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 only works with seven apps on iOS (it works with any app you can connect an HR monitor to on Android), and I found it hard to set up even with those apps, having to go deep into the settings in the Health app to turn on permissions.

I also experienced regular dropouts where the heart rate wasn’t being sent to the app I was using during runs, and even when it did work the accuracy was hit and miss. On a couple of runs the headphones matched the Wahoo TRACKR chest strap’s readings perfectly, but on most of them the Powerbeats Pro 2 seemed to lock onto my cadence rather than my HR and had far too high a reading as a result.

If you use HR to judge your effort during run and your overall training load, I’d stick with using a running watch or ideally a chest strap or armband monitor, which have proved the most reliable for me as a runner.

I couldn’t connect the HR monitor to my Garmin or Coros watch

As well as having limited compatibility with apps on iOS, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones wouldn’t link up with the Garmin Fenix 8 or Coros Pace Pro watch to show live HR readings during runs. This makes the feature a lot less useful if you’re trying to run in a certain HR zone and don't want to have to keep looking at your phone to see your HR.

Things get windy with ANC on

When I turned the ANC on during runs on windy days I found that rather than filter out this noise, the wind made it harder to hear my audio,which was another reason I mainly used the transparency mode when outdoors.

This is not a problem confined to the Powerbeats Pro 2, but I have found that the Bose QC Earbuds (2024) and Jabra Elite 8 Active are better at filtering out wind during runs when in ANC mode.

More from Tom's Guide

• I ran, cycled and worked out with the Shokz OpenFit 2 — here’s my verdict
• Best running headphones
• I ran a 2:27 marathon using the Garmin Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — which is better?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has topped our best phone list for several months, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max had the title before that. But the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is so good it is now our No. 1 phone overall.

As you'll see in my Galaxy S25 Ultra review, it surpasses Apple's flagship in a number of ways, including its AI capabilities. But there are other areas where Samsung outshines the iPhone, including its performance, camera versatility and special features.

Don't get me wrong. The iPhone 16 Pro Max beats Samsung in some ways, too. But here's where the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes out on top.

Smarter AI features

If you haven't heard of cross-app actions, it kind feels like magic when you try it out. Thanks to a partnership with Google Gemini, you can use the Galaxy S25 Ultra to accomplish multiple tasks at once using just your voice across multiple apps.

For example, I could press the side button on the phone and say "look up the date and time of the Oscars and add it to my calendar and then text the info to Mike." The S25 Ultra will find the information, create a Google calendar entry with it and then text my brother. All I have to do is confirm.

Or I could ask Gemini to look up the top five ice cream places near me and then turn it into a Samsung note, making sure to include the phone number and address.

The iPhone is supposed to get functionality like this with an upcoming update to Siri in iOS 18.4, but the the Galaxy S25 Ultra can do it now and do it well.

Another smart AI feature is AI select, which lets you quickly take action by selecting an item on your screen — such as transforming a YouTube video to a GIF.

Brighter display

It's one thing to compare our testing results. It's another to take these two flagship phones our in direct sunlight and see how they compare.

I fired up the "Superman" trailer on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Samsung's display looked much brighter outdoors. Superman was definitely not benefitting from our yellow sun through the iPhone.

It was a similar story when I loaded Tom's Guide on both handsets. The Amazon logo and the white background are a lot more vibrant.

These results are backed up by our lab tests, in which the Galaxy S25 Ultra turned in 1,860 nits of screen brightness when viewing HDR content, compared to 1,553 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

More powerful zoom

The most notable camera upgrade for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its 50MP ultrawide camera, which enables more detailed macro shots. But overall Samsung's biggest camera advantage over the iPhone remains its dual telephoto lenses.

While the iPhone 16 Pro Max makes do with a 5MP tetraprism zoom lens that goes up to 25x digital zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs 5x and 3x telephoto lenses with a max 100x zoom. And I generally found better results when I put these cameras head to head in a few zoom shots at different levels.

First up is the shot of a fish market sign at 25x taken across a highway. The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers more detail in the sign in the foreground but also the Reserved Parking sign in the background. There's more noise in the iPhone's image.

Next, I took this 10x zoom photo of a tire, and at first glance the iPhone's pic looks more inviting because it's brighter but if you look closely the tire treads are more detailed through the Samsung.

Lastly, I took this 25x zoom photo indoors from across the room of a vase. The Samsung S25 Ultra's image is noticeably sharper as you make out more of the specks of paint and the threads of the curtain in the background.

Better graphics performance

The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max split on the Geekbench benchmark, which measures CPU performance. Samsung's phone won on multi-core and the iPhone on single-core.

But it was not close on the 3DMark benchmark, which measure graphics performance.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung's phone delivered considerably higher frame rates in the 3DMark Solar Bay Unlimited test, hitting 42.4 fps.

By contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max mustered 28.1 fps on the same test. So the Samsung was more than 50% faster on this graphics test.

Audio Eraser gives you more control

The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a new Audio Eraser feature that gives you more fine control over what you remove or minimize in your videos compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone lets you minimize background noise when you edit video with its Audio Mix feature, but the options are fairly limited with Standard, In-Frame, Studio and Cinematic.

Samsung's flagship goes a step further by letting you tweak the volume of voices, music, wind and crowd using handy slider controls. I prefer this approach.

Sketch to Image

While this is not a brand-new feature — it debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6) — Sketch to Image is a fun and creative way to enhance your photos.

For example, I used the S Pen to draw a very crude looking bee on top of a flower, and within seconds the Galaxy S25 Ultra transformed my stick figure into a realistic bee on hovering above the flower.

Faster charging

I'm bummed that the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn't have MagSafe-like Qi2.0 charging built in. You need to spring for a case in order to get the necessary magnets to attach to compatible accessories.

But when it comes to regular wired charging the S25 Ultra is still in the lead versus the iPhone 16 Pro Max. With a 45W charger we got to 71% in 30 minutes. The iPhone 16 Pro Max got to just 55% in the same amount of time.

Bottom line

To be clear, the iPhone 16 Pro Max beats the Galaxy S25 Ultra in some ways. In our testing the iPhone lasted a bit longer on charge, though both handsets got over 17 hours. You also get MagSafe charging built in with the iPhone.

Then there's the iPhone 16 Pro Max's handy Camera Control and Action Buttons, as well as the overall gravitational pull of the Apple ecosystem. But if you're tempted to switch from iOS to Android, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the phone to beat.

More from Tom's Guide

• One UI 7 just fixed a massive problem on Samsung Galaxy phones
• Samsung tri-fold foldable could be called Galaxy G Fold — and that's a terrible idea
• Apple foldable iPhone leaker just tipped a crazy big 12-inch screen — here's all the details

Intel's latest Arrow Lake chips are set to debut this February, with the Intel Core Ultra 200HX series processors aiming to give gaming laptops a big performance boost. Thanks to new benchmarks, they're looking to be the best laptop processors on the market.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU has shown up on PassMark, an independent benchmarking website, and it's now ranked as the fastest laptop processor around. It scored 61,010, placing it ahead of the upcoming AMD Fire Range Ryzen 9000HX CPUs, including the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D (57,112) and Ryzen 9 7945HX (54,826) chips.

Specs for the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX include 24 cores (8 performance cores, 16 efficient cores), 24 threads and a max speed of 5.4 GHz. This chip, along with the rest of the HX series, is made for “creator and gaming notebooks," as Intel says. Judging by these specs and the benchmark, gaming laptops will see quite a leap in performance gains.

It isn't certain which laptop was tested to get this benchmark score, but it's been spotted in upcoming gaming laptops such as the Asus ROG Strix G16 and Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI — which we've named a mid-range monster in our hands-on testing.

Despite being the best-performing laptop processor tested on PassMark overall, even beating the powerful M4 Max, Intel's latest chip still couldn't beat Apple's M-series chips in a key area: single-thread performance.

Apple chips still dominate in single-thread performance

PassMark also revealed single-thread performance benchmarks, and it appears Apple's lineup of M3 processors still leads the charge compared to the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU.

Results show the Ultra 9 275HX achieved a score of 4,732. While it's still one of the top listed performers, the Apple M3 Max (4,792), M3 Pro (4,775) and M3 (4,747) outclassed Intel's next-gen CPU. Single-thread performance relates to a CPU's ability to perform a single task — the bigger the number, the better the performance.

Intel's latest Core Ultra 200H CPUs are expected to offer a 5% boost in single-thread performance, which is an area Intel often performs well in. However, according to these results, it doesn't quite catch up to Apple's M-series processors.

Seeing as the M3 processors even beat the M4 lineup, it indicates that the M3 chips are better suited to excel in PassMark's benchmark. According to tests in our MacBook Pro M4 review, the M4 greatly outperforms the M3 in both Geekbench and handbrake tests. So, take these benchmarks with a pinch of salt.

Intel Core Ultra 200HX is still looking strong

While the PassMark benchmarks only hint at what to expect from Intel's latest Arrow Lake CPUs for laptops, they're still a strong indicator of what performance will look like in upcoming gaming laptops this year. This is especially true given that Intel Core Ultra chips have offered underwhelming performance in the past (check out our Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 review).

Here's a quick look at the Intel Core Ultra 200HX chips coming down the pipeline:

Of course, performance also depends on the laptop itself and whether it can handle the chip's power inside. We will be testing Intel's new Arrow Lake chips soon, and we'll get a better gauge of how powerful these CPUs are. In the meantime, check out the best gaming laptops on the market.

More from Tom's Guide

• Intel Core Ultra 200H and HX Series chips are here — everything you need to know
• I’m hyped for Snapdragon X2, but it must outmuscle Intel and AMD — 5 ways to do so
• I just built an RTX 5090 gaming PC — here’s what I used and how to build your own

During last month's Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung demoed the Audio Eraser feature that’s one of many new Galaxy AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S25. In the clip, it showed off how the phone leverages AI to analyze the audio and then remove unwanted noise in the background for crystal clear audio.

Since I’ve tested out Google and Apple’s versions — Magic Audio Eraser and Audio Mix respectively — without much in the way of good results, I was a little skeptical about Samsung’s take on this feature. So I shot a handful of videos to see if the Audio Eraser feature is actually any good on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

For this test, I want to specifically see how well Audio Eraser removes background noise such as the wind and other ambient sounds while preserving and enhancing the primary voice in the video. Additionally, I want to see how far I could record video while preserving the quality of the primary audio source. Here’s what I found.

Audio Eraser: What you need to know

What I really love about Audio Eraser is that it works on any video, so footage doesn’t technically need to have been shot on a Galaxy S25 phone for the feature to do its magic. That said, I imagine that the processing would be better because of the studio quality mics on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Nevertheless, I can take a video I shot from years ago that’s filled with noise and use Audio Eraser to enhance the clip.

Secondly, Audio Eraser is exclusive (for now) to the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, where it’s accessed through the Gallery app. When you access Audio Eraser, it analyzes the audio and determines what kinds of sounds are there in the clip. From what I’ve seen in testing, it can discern sounds such as voices (primary person speaking), wind, crowd, and other noises, which are then displayed as separate icons.

Selecting each one allows you to adjust the intensity of those sounds, so you can tune the audio to exactly what you want. For example, you can make your voice the most prominent audio source in the video, but still allow just a little of the ambient noise to come through. Conversely, you can choose to remove your voice completely and just have the ambient background noise — and Audio Eraser is really effective at it.

Once you’re satisfied with the changes, you can choose to save or save the altered video as a copy.

Enhanced voices, outstanding sound isolation

I want you to listen to the clip above, which I recorded with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s rear main camera at 4k 30 fps. There wasn’t a whole lot of noise while I was walking down the block toward Bryant Park in New York City, but what’s really impressive about this Galaxy AI feature is its ability to isolate my voice from the background.

In the second clip above that I edited with Audio Eraser, it sounds like the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a noise cancellation mode that mutes everything except my voice. The end result sounds like I recorded a voiceover for the video inside of a soundproofed recording studio. From my experience, the microphones have no problem at all picking up my voice from behind the camera.

For the next clip I switched over to the front-facing camera and proceeded to go to a pretty noisy part of Bryant Park — where the wind was a bit more gusty. The clip straight out of the camera has some wind noise in it, along with people chatting around in the background and your typical New York City noises.

After I tuned down all the ambient noise that the Galaxy S25 Ultra recognizes, all of the noise in the original video is effectively gone. However, my voice ends up having this slight artificial tone to it — which I suspect is an unintended consequence. It’s still usable in my opinion.

Next up I wanted to see how well the Galaxy S25 Ultra could record audio at farther distances. While the previous two clips were recorded at arm’s length at most, the next one above is much farther at approximately 7 feet away from the camera. Even though the noise wasn’t as deafening as Bryant Park, I can still hear some banging in the background. Impressively, however, the microphones were able to pick up my voice very well — so it doesn’t sound as distant as on some other phones.

Again, Audio Eraser works its magic, and those banging sounds in the background aren’t there at all in the clip above. Even during those short few seconds when the banging noises are there, the isolation doesn’t distort the sound of my voice.

Since Audio Eraser works with any video, I tried it out on the above clip that one of my colleagues shot with the Pixel 8. Not only do the heavy wind sounds dominate the audio, but the sounds of the rippling water is also there.

Similar to the result of my video shot in Bryant Park, all of the distracting noises from the Pixel 8’s video are removed with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Audio Eraser feature. There’s some distortion to the voice in the video, but I can still understand what he’s saying.

And finally, I took a video we shot back in the fall with the iPhone 16 Pro to test out its Audio Mix feature. This time around, though, I applied Samsung’s Audio Eraser feature.

In the original clip above, you can notice how distant my voice sounds even though the camera was recording approximately 5 feet away from me.

While my voice is amplified a bit with the help of Audio Eraser, it still has a slight artificial tone to it. However, the background noise is completely gone in the edited clip above.

Interestingly, Audio Eraser can’t distinguish multiple voices because at one point, you can still hear my colleague speaking from behind the camera. But despite this, the Galaxy's Audio Eraser does a lot better job than Apple’s own Audio Mix feature.

Bottom Line

I really wasn’t expecting Audio Eraser to do this good of a job, which is a much more satisfying experience over similar features from Apple and Google. Galaxy AI’s ability to analyze all the different sounds and apply the necessary suppression is a handy tool for those times when I don’t have my wireless microphone on me and have to rely on the on-board mics of my phone.

Clearly the Galaxy S25 Ultra benefits from some outstanding microphones that not only pick up clear audio, but I’m even more surprised by how distant voices can still be picked up with ease. Sure, there’s a little bit of distortion when there’s a lot of noise in the background of the Audio Eraser clips, but it’s not unusable in my opinion like how it can be with the implementations by Apple and Google. Samsung's Audio Eraser is a reliable feature that works extremely well.

More from Tom's Guide

• ASUS quietly released the ROG Phone 9 FE — but you can’t buy one right now
• One UI 7 just fixed a massive problem on Samsung Galaxy phones
• Samsung could finally ditch the hole-punch camera with Galaxy S26 Ultra — what we know

Wearing headphones or earbuds all day while working is just plain uncomfortable. This is why it feels so great to turn up the volume on a pair of the best computer speakers or even your laptop when you finally get home after leaving the office or even your favorite coffee shop. But what if you could have that same experience while sitting next to someone without bothering them in the slightest?

Although Lenovo’s new rollable laptop stole the show at CES 2025 this year, it wasn’t the device that impressed me the most at the company’s booth. Instead, it was an all-in-one computer with a neat trick up its sleeve.

Don’t get me wrong, the new ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 is far from the more consumer-friendly iMac M4 and certainly won’t be for everyone as it’s aimed at professionals and business users. Likewise, this new all-in-one is expected to fetch a high starting price of around $2,500+ when it launches later this year.

Still, the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 made me do something I had never thought I would: actually consider an all-in-one computer over a desktop, laptop or even one of the best mini PCs.

Here’s everything you need to know about the innovative Focus Sound technology under the hood of Lenovo’s latest all-in-one and why I think it has the potential to change how we work in the office and maybe, even how we listen to audio on the rest of our devices one day.

Private audio right from your display

Even with one of the best monitors, their built-in speakers have a reputation for being subpar when compared to the sound quality that you get from a pair of bookshelf speakers or even a soundbar for your PC. This makes sense as you have a whole lot less room for tweeters, drivers and woofers when you need to cram all that into a monitor. However, what if the display itself was also the speaker?

Well, that’s just what Lenovo is doing with its new ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6. Through a partnership with the directional audio company Audfly, the PC maker integrated Audfly’s screen-directed sound technology right into this all-in-one’s display. Without getting too technical, there are tens of thousands of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) speakers with two audio channels (left and right with Dolby Atmos support to boot) embedded into one of the display’s layers.

Not only does this avoid adding extra bulk to this all-in-one’s display but you’re actually getting better audio quality overall since MEMS speakers can deliver high-fidelity audio. At the same time, as long as you have the display in an ergonomic position (which is easy to do thanks to the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6’s adjustable height stand), the audio coming from these speakers is in the perfect position at ear level. Now back to what I said before about no longer needing headphones or earbuds in the office.

Since this is an all-in-one computer after all, there’s a camera bar at the top which in addition to a webcam also houses a number of other sensors, including the one that powers Lenovo’s Human Presence Detection 2.0. Basically, this is what turns the screen on when you approach the computer and shuts it off and locks your computer when you step away from your desk — another great thing to have in an office environment.

These days, every computer you can buy has some form of AI baked into it. Whether that’s for noise cancellation, altering your background or keeping you in frame when you’re on a video call or for something as simple as power management for getting the most battery life out of your laptop. All great to have for sure but the way in which the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 uses AI impressed me the most so far.

AI is used for presence detection; at Lenovo’s booth, I saw what's pictured above whenever someone else walked by the screen. However, this AI is also what allows this all-in-one’s Focus Sound tech to send audio from the computer to you and to you alone.

During my hands-on time with at CES, a Lenovo rep played videos on the screen while the company’s Executive Director of Worldwide Commercial Portfolio and Product Management, Tom Butler literally stood next to me and told me that he couldn’t hear a thing from the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6’s in-display speakers. Sure enough, when I stepped over to the side by only a few feet, I too couldn’t hear the audio coming from its speakers.

Obviously I’d have to call one in for more thorough testing in both a home and an office environment but in the brief time I spent with this all-in-one, it really piqued my interest. More so than the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with its rollable screen and even the Lenovo Legion Go S, despite the fact that it’s the first handheld gaming PC running SteamOS that isn’t from Valve.

Not your average all-in-one

Now this wouldn’t be an article about the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 if I didn’t walk you through the rest of the specs and features. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra Processor, this all-in-one can also be outfitted with an optional NPU and your choice of a Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E or even a Wi-Fi 7 network card. Its 27-inch, 1440p display has “near edgeless” bezels and also a 120 Hz refresh rate which you’ll be able to take advantage of with a Nvidia RTX 4050 laptop GPU.

Port wise, you get one USB4 port, one USB-C port, three USB-A ports, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader and basically everything else you could need. Besides the iconic red ThinkPad control knob for tweaking settings in its on-screen display menu, there are easily accessible ports on the side of the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6.

Now here’s the kicker besides its personal audio that made me completely rethink all-in-ones: the included stand is sleek and height-adjustable but you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. The ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 is VESA mountable so you could install it on your existing monitor arm or stand if you don’t want to completely redo your desk setup.

A new frontier for built-in speakers

Built-in speakers have historically gotten a bad wrap but with Audfly’s Focus Sound tech, you may not feel the need to pick up a pair of computer speakers or even a soundbar for your desktop computer. The same could be true for those clunky-looking headsets with a gooseneck microphone or even a pair of AirPods if you want a more modern example.

I know the ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 and the audio tech inside is aimed at professionals but when I saw it in action, my mind went to a completely different place. Say you and your partner are working from home. Now imagine a his and hers workstations setup where you could both have your own music or videos playing without bothering one another. Now that would be cool.

Gazing a bit farther into the future, I could see this audio tech ending up in Lenovo’s laptops sooner rather than later. Next would be tablets and from there, your smartphone. No more blaring music from smartphone speakers in public. Instead, it would be directed right to you and to you alone.

Visiting Lenovo’s booth was one of my highlights of CES this year and I made it a point to do so as out of all the other PC and hardware makers, Lenovo is still keeping it weird, in the best way possible.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tried Lenovo's transparent laptop of the future
• Apple iMac M4: 3 reasons to buy and 2 reasons to skip
• Foldable laptops? I’ll take the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i instead

Just in time for CES 2025, Circular has lifted the curtain to reveal the new Circular Ring 2, a completely redesigned smart ring that offers two key features that no other smart ring, including the Oura Ring, can match. These include on-finger ECG readings with FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection and a potentially revolutionary new digital sizing process.

The Circular Ring 2 is set to arrive in four finishes this spring boasting specs and a starting price comparable to the best smart rings available in 2025. Here's everything you need to know about the new Circular Ring 2.

Circular Ring 2: price and availability

Announced on January 5th, 2025, the Circular Ring 2 is expected to launch via a crowd-funding campaign in mid-to-late January before shipping in March with a starting price of $349, the same as the Oura Ring 4; but unlike Oura, the Circular Ring is subscription-free.

Perhaps a more direct competitor, price-wise, is the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which is also subscription-free, and costs $399.

No word yet on sizes but 2023's Circular Ring Slim is available in sizes six through 13 — and your choice of a black or silver finish — and it's safe to assume that the Circular Ring 2 will be available in a similar range of dimensions.

The Circular Ring 2 will also ship in two new finishes, gold and rose gold, as well as silver and black.

Circular Ring 2: design and key features

The Circular Ring 2 has been completely redesigned. While the Circular Ring Slim is made from a mix of materials, including aluminum, titanium and unspecified non-metal material on the inside, the new Circular Ring 2 has an all-titanium exterior.

The Slim is notoriously easy to scratch — just ask our colleagues at Tech Radar — so, I'm hopeful this shift in materials will lead to a more durable outer surface on the Circular Ring 2.

The Circular Ring 2's environmental sealing rating has been slightly increased over the Ring Slim, from IPX8 to IP68. This still isn't quite enough water resistance for swimming but it should be enough for hand washing and showering.

In addition to the exterior redesign, the Circular Ring 2 boasts new sensors for better holistic tracking accuracy. More importantly, the Ring 2 is officially one of the first smart rings on the market promising on-finger ECG readings to monitor heart health, along with FDA-approved AFib detection.

Neither the Oura Ring 4 nor the Samsung Galaxy Ring support ECG readings or AFib detection via the finger, but plenty of Samsung smartwatches, including the latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, do.

Circular Ring 2: battery life and charging case

One of our most notable complaints about the Circular Ring Slim is its unimpressive battery life, averaging just two days of use per charge. However, the new Circular Ring 2 touts a whopping eight days of life per charge. And that's with 24/7 health and sleep monitoring.

This level of longevity puts the Ring 2 in the same camp as the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring. The Circular Ring 2 also ships with a new wireless charging dock, which sounds similar in concept to what you get with the Galaxy Ring (a dock we like very much).

Circular Ring 2: updated sizing process and app

One of my greatest frustrations about smart rings in 2025 is how tedious the sizing process tends to be. Even if you know your ring size, smart ring sizing marches to the beat of its own drum and varies from brand to brand.

While the big players, including Samsung and Oura, still recommend customers buy a $10 sizing kit before purchasing their smart ring, Circular is taking a more earth-friendly approach to smart ring sizing.

Digital Ring Sizing is a new feature coming to Circular's companion app that presumably uses your camera to get an exact ring size measurement, saving you the hassle of ordering, waiting for, using, and tossing out a superfluous kit before committing to a ring.

The companion app has also been redesigned to make navigation easier.

Circular Ring 2: outlook

I haven't had a chance to try the Circular Ring Slim but its quirks are fairly well documented, particularly by my colleague, Sam Hopes, who initially loved the device, but ultimately ditched it in favor of her Oura Ring 3. Her biggest qualms: a less-than-comfy design that scratches too easily, a confusing app with spotty data transfer reliability and unimpressive battery life.

The Circular Ring 2 seemingly addresses each of these pain points, and then some. And if it fully delivers in the battery life, durability, usability and reliability departments then it could very well be the subscription-free, smartphone OS-agnostic alternative to the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring that the people deserve.

In fact, if the Circular Ring 2 lives up to its billing and the ECG and AFib detection features work reliably, Circular could very well steal Oura's crown as the smart ring manufacturer to beat in 2025.

I'll be checking out the new Circular Ring 2 in person at CES 2025 this week and look forward to sharing my hands-on experience and initial impressions in the coming days.

More from Tom's Guide:

• Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 — everything we know so far
• 5 smartwatch and smart ring predictions for 2025 — Apple Watch Ultra 3, Samsung AR glasses and more
• The Amazfit Helio is my favorite smart ring — here’s why its sudden price drop is a problem

The perfect pair of wireless earbuds doesn’t exist. Sure, there are near-flawless releases like the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5, but both sets of buds still have their fair share of flaws. The same goes for every flagship model from the industry’s top audio manufacturers.

Some companies manage to fix their issues, while also creating new ones in the process. Others continue to neglect criticisms in key performance areas. Then there are those who make matters worse by drastically changing things that were already impeccable.

If Apple, Bose, Sony and numerous others want to improve their upcoming true wireless creations, they should start by addressing their biggest imperfections. Here is the top issue for each major audio brand that they must fix on their next-gen wireless earbuds.

Sony

Biggest problem: 3D audio setup

The Sony WF-1000XM5 might be the closest thing to perfection in the true wireless space. Most criticisms about these buds were fixed via software updates, which brought new features and stronger connectivity into the mix. There’s only one problem, and it’s a problem that remains present on all Sony wireless headphones and earbuds: the 360 Reality Audio setup.

Sony’s spatial audio technology delivers convincing immersive sound. It isn’t better than Apple’s or Bose’s spatial audio formats, but it’s respectable and works well with most Sony products that support the Headphones Connect app (recently rebranded as Sound Connect).

If only the setup was as simple as other spatial audio alternatives that require scanning your ears to create a sound profile. The feature struggles to capture selfies of your head and ears. Even worse is the head-tracking test that requires several tries to register movements. We request that Sony develop a more effective solution for the rumored WF-1000XM6.

Apple

Biggest problem: Battery life

Apple’s kryptonite remains battery life. Yes, it has increased ANC playtime on the AirPods Pro 2 by about 1.5 hours and total playtime by 6 hours. However, that has been the industry standard for battery life on wireless earbuds for the past three years. Meanwhile, the class-leading Sony WF-1000XM5 boast up to 10 hours per charge and budget noise-cancellers like the JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4 generate up to 14 hours on a single charge. Apple’s battery management is terrific at optimizing performance and squeezing out every bit of juice from the MagSafe charging case, but the playtime complaints won’t stop until the AirPods start matching their competitors.

Bose

Biggest problem: Call quality

It’s a controversial take, but the call quality on current Bose wireless earbuds has not lived up to the brand’s legendary reputation. The first-gen QuietComfort Earbuds are still some of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls and they outperform newer rivals with stronger mic arrays and wireless technologies, including the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose’s recent releases. Performance has dipped with every new QC model. ANC on the QC Earbuds 2 wasn’t as strong on calls. Additions like adaptive filters, dynamic microphone mixing and more intelligible voice pickup didn’t strengthen voice calling on the QC Ultra Earbuds. Going back to the beginning might do Bose some good to get things right.

JBL

Biggest problem: Buggy companion app

JBL is one of the few brands that check almost every box. Adequate battery life. Endless features. Great sound. Reliable call quality. Strong noise cancellation. Unfortunately, the company has yet to develop a reliable companion app. Every version of the JBL Headphones app tends to be plagued with bugs, as we witnessed firsthand when testing the Tour Pro 3. If it wasn’t crashing several times, it would display the wrong battery life or would not connect to the buds. These are issues that should have been fixed several generations back.

Samsung

Biggest problem: The Cybertruck design

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro were some of the sleekest oval-shaped buds ever made and provided IPX7 protection for top-level waterproofing. However, Samsung felt inclined to follow every other AirPods wannabe and make both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro long-stem buds. The slimmer and more angular stems are eye-catching, but the buds’ overall appearance is a weak true wireless impression of the Tesla Cybertruck. Furthermore, the lower IPX5 rating and standard-looking case are huge downgrades compared to the previous flagship, which our Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro comparison breaks down in detail.

Sennheiser

Biggest problem: Lack of spatial audio

No audio brand is more under-appreciated than Sennheiser. The German sound specialist has released several excellent flagship buds under its Momentum True Wireless imprint, while also developing top-tier personalization features that elevate sound performance. For all its ingenuity, the brand can’t seem to add spatial audio to its wireless earbuds.

Sennheiser’s Ambeo 3D sound technology is used in loudspeakers and soundbars and “translates an original immersive or surround mix into two channels of audio that deliver a spatial experience far beyond stereo.” Netflix’s spatial audio is also powered by it. Not having it on the Momentum True Wireless 4 has hurt the product’s appeal. Sennheiser can steer its true wireless ship in the right direction by making Ambeo available on the Momentum True Wireless 5.

Beats

Biggest problem: No wireless charging

Why is it that all AirPods models come with wireless charging, yet the technology has been excluded from every Beats true wireless SKU? As huge fans of the flagship Fit Pro, this is incredibly frustrating, especially when we’re wirelessly charging several devices at work throughout the day. This makes Beats’ buds look inferior from a functional standpoint. More so, it’s a disservice to not allow Beats users the right to power up their case by dropping it on a wireless charger or the Apple Watch charger.

Google

Biggest problem: Gemini AI integration

Wireless earbuds with artificial intelligence will be a huge trend in 2025. Google tried getting ahead of the competition this past year with the stellar Pixel Buds Pro 2, which featured the company’s generative AI assistant called Gemini. The results were somewhat mediocre. It doesn’t always produce the most accurate answers and can often misinterpret requests. Gemini is a noteworthy glimpse of the future, but for now, don’t expect Gemini to replace your favorite chatbot (*cough* ChatGPT *cough*) until Google makes several improvements.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 ways Apple could have improved the AirPods Max – but didn't
• I tried these earbuds specifically designed for sleeping and I love them — but there's just one big problem
• Best Apple AirPods alternatives: Top picks of 2024

Apparently a great tool for napping well during the day and sleeping better at night, binaural beats are having a moment on TikTok. And it's not just video content creators shouting about their sleep-inducing benefits, neuroscientists and researchers are too.

With thousands of posts under the hashtag #binauralbeats and over 2.1 million views on one video by content creator @hey.im.rach about how binaural beats can help you take the perfect nap, we want to find out more about this phenomenon and whether it really works as a sleep aid.

Alongside their sleep benefits, binaural beats supposedly help reduce stress and anxiety. Here we'll delve into the science behind the way these sound frequencies work to help you decide whether they are beneficial for you and your sleep needs.

What are binaural beats?

Binaural beats are an auditory illusion that occurs when two tones of different (but very close) frequency are played simultaneously to each ear through headphones.

According to research, this causes the brain to perceive a third tone (i.e the binaural beat) at a much slower frequency that is equal to the frequency difference between the two tones (for example, if you heard a 330Hz tone in one ear, and a 340Hz tone in the other, the binaural beat perceived by the brain would be 10Hz).

Research indicates that these slow frequency sound waves could be helping to slow down brainwave activity, promoting a calm state of mind and making it easier for you to fall asleep.

Scientists believe that these binaural beat, lower frequency soundwaves may be affecting our brainwaves, slowing them down to corresponding waves of similar frequencies. For example, if the binaural beat is somewhere between 9 to 14Hz, in theory it would correspond with alpha waves, which are associated with states of relaxation like meditation.

How do binaural beats help you nap?

The aim of a nap is to boost your alertness and energy levels by having short periods of sleep during the day. That's great in theory, but if it takes you 30 minutes to fall asleep for a nap, the whole process becomes a little less effective. This is where binaural beats may be able to help you. How? By increasing alpha wave brain activity.

Alpha waves are related to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This is a quiet and restful phase of sleep where brain activity and heart rate slow down and eye movements stop. This phase happens at the beginning of your sleep cycle.

So, by increasing alpha wave activity in the brain and subtly shifting your brainwaves towards slower frequencies associated with drowsiness and sleep, binaural beats could be the perfect gateway into napping.

Essentially, binaural beats are believed to reduce mental stimulation and guide your brain towards a deeper level of relaxation. In doing so, they prompt a faster sleep onset and enhance the quality of your nap by inducing deeper sleep in a shorter time frame.

• Read more: Is napping good for you? What the experts want you to know about daytime sleeping

Can binaural beats ease anxiety and stress?

When experiencing stress and anxiety during sleep, high frequency beta waves, associated with alertness, active thinking and nervousness are the most active brain waves. Unsurprisingly, anxiety and stress are among the biggest disruptors of sleep. However, binaural beats may be able to help here, too.

A meta study of research into the effects of binaural beats on anxiety and depression noted that, overall, studies have shown they have a positive impact when it came to alleviating symptoms of these conditions (though they noted that different lower frequency waves had been used in various studies).

Another study comparing ASMR and binaural beats saw the participants testing "an 8 Hz binaural beat for daytime and a 5 Hz binaural beat for nighttime." The study found both to be effective at stress reduction and saw improvements in sleep latency, total sleep time, time in bed for both, as well and sleep efficiency for the group who tested the effects of binaural beats.

The most popular binaural beats on Spotify and YouTube

From 'Delta Healing' tracks to 'Happy Lucid Dreams' tones, there is an expansive library of binaural beat tracks to chose from on both Spotify and YouTube. Here are our top picks on Spotify:

• Delta Healing by Binaural Beats Sleep
• Binaural Beats (Deep Sleep) by Binaural Beats Sleep
• Happy Lucid Dreams by Deep Sleep Music Collective
• Sleep Meditation by Deep Sleep Music Collective
• Isochronic Tones by Binaural Beats Sleep

And YouTube:

• Sleep Hypnosis by 3AM Relaxation
• The Deepest Healing Sleep by SleepTube
• Emotional Detox by The Lucid Mystic's Sleep Music
• Winter Aurora by SleepTube
• Angelic Manifestation by Aparmita

Top 3 binaural beat alternatives to help you nap

Body scan meditation 

A body scan meditation is a practice that can help you fall asleep by increasing your awareness of your body, the physical sensations it is experiencing and helping you relax.

During this type of meditation you typically start by noticing sensations at the top of your head and gradually move down your body, bringing your attention to each part. In a guided body scan, you might be encouraged to consciously releasing any tension you feel, something you can also do if you're practicing this method alone.

You can practice this independently or listen to guided body scan meditations on YouTube.

Cognitive shuffling 

Cognitive shuffling is a sleep technique that involves visualizing seemingly random objects to deliberately scramble your thoughts, with the intention of distracting you from worries and helping you fall asleep.

Developed by a Canadian scientist, the idea is that your brain will stop trying to make any sense of the random thoughts, and effectively ‘switch off.’

The Navy Sleep Method 

Both the Navy Sleep Method and the Military Sleep Method are recommended by experts, with the latter claiming to help you fall asleep in two minutes and the former designed for short, restorative naps.

The Navy sleep technique involves laying on the floor with your legs elevated and is designed for you to wake up after about 10 minutes. So, if you need a brief snooze it's ideal.

The Military Sleep Method, meanwhile, is a longer process that involves relaxing your muscles, breathing techniques and imagined scenarios. However, when we tested the method over three months, we found it helped us fall asleep within minutes by the second month. Of course, you can also use this method for a nap, as long as you set an alarm!

How to create the perfect power nap

Before turning on the binaural beats, you'll need a sleep space that is conducive to daytime power napping. We recommend setting up with a bed for your body type, sleep style and sleep needs by selecting one of this year's best mattresses, as well as investing in the best bedding for ultimate comfort.

Nap timing is also crucial. You don't want to sleep for too long or too close to bedtime to ruin your overnight sleep.

We define a power nap as anything between 20 to 30 minutes, which is enough time to give you a boost in energy without keeping you up at night. But, if you're especially tired, a full 90-minute nap (which constitutes the length of a full sleep cycle in the average healthy adult) might be a better option. Either way, we recommend taking a nap in the early afternoon so as to avoid disrupting your main sleep.

You'll also need to think about lighting and sound. Black out blinds are a great option if you nap regularly during the day (light is one of the main wake up cues, after all), while you might want to invest in noise cancelling ear plugs to ensure your snooze is uninterrupted. Just don't forget to have your alarm volume turned up!

• Read more: 'Better mental clarity and energy' — do coffee naps combat the afternoon slump? We took a 'nappucino' to find out

While things like generating podcasts and videos are nice, we've long hoped our newfound grasp of artificial intelligence might spur on some more genuinely useful improvements that mankind can benefit from.

Thankfully, we've had examples of this with the detection of 160,000 new viruses, but a new boast from Google might make a difference for just about everyone.

The tech giant's DeepMind division focused on pushing the limits of AI development, has released a blog post describing how its new GenCast model can predict weather and extreme conditions more accurately than leading tools.

In fact, it can deliver "faster, more accurate forecasts up to 15 days ahead", which might mean your local weather presenter's days might be numbered.

Google can predict the weather more than two weeks in advance

The current leader in weather forecasting, ENS, is maintained by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF - they really need better branding), but in testing, Google's new GenCast model performed up to 20% faster.

It's not expected to replace current weather forecasting technology, but could supplement it in the near future, but it's perhaps most useful in more extreme conditions.

According to Google, it could help anticipate hazards like heatwaves and cold blasts, and it beat ENS when it came to predicting the paths of hurricanes and cyclones.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just saw the future of gaming — Google's Genie 2 can turn text into a playable game in real-time
• I used Google Gemini to streamline my grocery shopping and it saved me time and money — here's how
• OpenAI announces '12 days of OpenAI' with a new product or model every day

It’s not hyperbole to say that Apple makes some of the best wireless earbuds money can buy. At the same time, the company has a history of making its new AirPods and Beats models relatively unattainable for budget-conscious consumers. That is until now.

The AirPods 4 and Beats Solo Buds are the latest entry-level offerings from both brands that can be purchased at generously low prices. Both sets of buds integrate with Apple’s ecosystem for a seamless audio experience. They also boast similar features that are packed into chic and compact designs.

Want to know which inexpensive Apple buds get you more for your money? Our in-depth breakdown has the answer.

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Specs compared

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Price & availability

Apple released two versions of the AirPods 4 – one with ANC for $179 and one without ANC for $129. White is the only color they come in. This face-off profiles the (non-ANC) version.

Beats launched the Solo Buds at $79, though Target is currently selling them for as low as $49, which is clearly the more enticing price point. Four colors are available: Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Grey, and Transparent Red.

You can purchase either set of buds on the Apple website or at popular online retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

Winner: Beat Solo Buds

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Design

These are the smallest buds and portable case that Beats has ever made. Despite no IP rating, the build quality is sturdy and can sustain sweat and water particles. We don’t advise exercising with them. All the color options are attractive, plus they fit well and make for an incredibly light carry. Comfort has its issues, but only when dealing with the controls (more on that later).

The only difference between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 is the former’s tinier charging case. Everything else was left untouched: the long-stem silhouette, open-ear sound ports, and plastic construction. IP54 sweat and water resistance protect the buds and charging case. The buds rest comfortably on the concha, but their loose fit is a concern for daily commuters and light joggers.

Winner: Beats Solo Buds

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Controls

The AirPods 4 maintain the series’ flawless control scheme. Users receive excellent voice controls, precise motion detection, and force sensors that produce great tactile feedback. “Hey Siri” voice activation instantly acknowledges and executes verbal inquiries. The force sensors accurately respond to single-/multi-press and long-press gestures. Wear detection doesn’t disappoint either, auto-pausing content whenever removing the buds and enabling playback when placed on your ears.

Like all other Beats buds, the Solo Buds have multifunctional buttons with solid tactility to enable different functions via single/multi-press or long-hold gestures. Just know that pressing them pushes the buds further into your ears and causes discomfort. “Hey Siri” voice activation and wear detection are unavailable on the Solo Buds.

Winner: Apple AirPods 4

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Sound quality

Audio performance on the AirPods 4 and Solo Buds is shockingly good, considering their low MSRPs.

Music and movies sound clearer and more immersive on the AirPods 4. Apple stuffed its H2 processor into the latest AirPods, along with a dynamic range amplifier and high-excursion driver that dish out clear frequency range and rich bass. Personalized Spatial Audio gives Dolby Atmos content a dynamic and lively presence that you won’t experience on other open wireless earbuds. Speaking of which, both AirPods 4 models are designed to let ambient noise in, though the ANC version does a better job of minimizing incidental sounds.

As for the Solo Buds, they’re easily the best-sounding Apple buds under $100. Dual-layered drivers deliver powerful bass and well-balanced frequencies, resulting in near-high-fidelity audio. Playback is smooth when listening to the best music streaming services on iOS/macOS and Android devices. The acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents also produce fuller output. Bass can come on heavy at times, though that’s nothing new for Beats products.

Winner: Tie

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Special features

The AirPods 4 carry many of the same upscale features as the AirPods Pro 2, including an adaptive EQ, Find My integration, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and multiple listening modes (e.g., Headphones Accommodations, Personalized Spatial Audio). Other standouts include automatic switching, audio sharing, low wireless audio latency, and access to numerous Apple Music settings.

Meanwhile, the Solo Buds support some of the same features as their porcelain rival. On the list: audio sharing, Find My, Personalized Spatial Audio, and all Apple Music settings. Everything else is reserved for high-end Apple and Beats products. One benefit to owning the Solo Buds is that they come with Android integration to take advantage of platform staples like Google Fast Pair and Find My Device.

Winner: Apple AirPods 4

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Connectivity

All AirPods and Beats earbuds instantaneously connect to iOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. One-tap pairing is automatically enabled when opening either model’s case. The Solo Buds are more platform neutral and easily connect to Android devices, thanks to a proprietary chipset that Beats designed for use with Google-operated devices. The Solo Buds even have Bluetooth multipoint technology to pair to two Android devices simultaneously. The AirPods 4 are compatible with Android devices, but the pairing process isn’t as seamless, nor are you given access to certain features (e.g., spatial audio, Siri).

Winner: Beats Solo Buds

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Call quality

These are decent calling headsets at best. Expect clear and loud voice calling on both ends, along with minor muffling and some background noise when talking in rowdy environments. The AirPods 4 have the edge due to their stronger mic array that demonstrates superior vocal capture and pronunciation on FaceTime calls.

Winner: Apple AirPods 4

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Battery life

Numbers can be deceiving, especially when it comes to battery life. This mainly applies to the Solo Buds, which are rated at 18 hours at full charge. However, there is a huge caveat – the case does not have an internal battery. That means the case doesn’t provide extra charges.

The AirPods 4 aren’t any better. Yes, Apple’s charging case can hold up to 30 hours, but a single charge only gets you 5 hours max, and that’s with special features turned off.

Neither case supports wireless charging.

Winner: Tie

AirPods 4 vs. Beats Solo Buds: Verdict

The smarter purchase is the AirPods 4. Performance is stronger in more areas, specifically controls and special features, which greatly expand functionality. These buds are far from perfect; the poor battery life and substandard craftsmanship speak volumes. Still, this is a notable pickup for Apple users that want an intuitive and reliable AirPods experience for several dollars less than the flagship AirPods Pro 2.

Don’t overlook the Beats Solo Buds. Whether at regular price or sale price, these buds make for a fantastic budget Christmas gift and backup pair for your more expensive wireless earbuds. Dynamic sound and spatial audio support in a trendy miniature design should appeal to most brand enthusiasts. It’s just unfortunate that they come with a limited feature set and no additional playtime.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best cheap wireless headphones for travel in 2024
• EarFun Air Pro 4 vs. EarFun Air 2 NC: Which budget ANC earbuds should you buy?
• Here's what happened when I swapped my AirPods for Status Audio's audiophile earbuds

The instantly recognizable Beats brand has some great cans in its considerable stables, and the Beats Studio Buds are some of the most affordable. They're super compact, sound good, and offer some surprisingly effective ANC.

Now, thanks to some great Black Friday deals, you can pick up the Beats Studio Buds for just $79 at Amazon with a massive 47% discount. That's a return to the buds lowest price ever.

If you give our Beats Studio Buds review a read, you'll find a pair of wireless earbuds that outperform their affordable price. We love the small, imminently pocketable case, and the noise canceling impressed us with how much noise it was able to block. We liked them so much, in fact, that they earned a very solid 4 stars, and a whole hearted recommendation from our tester.

I also love the Beats Studio Buds, and it's all down to their case. I am what you might call a "case connoisseur," with very particular criteria that an earbud case must match before it gets a "hm, this is a good case" from me. I wear skinny jeans (because it's still 2012 in my head), so I like a slim case that slips effortlessly into my pockets. Too fat, and it sticks into my leg. I like a case that's a smooth shape with rounded corners, rather than a sharper square or rectangle.

The Beats Studio Buds case matches every single one of my case criteria. It's small and thin enough so it doesn't dig into my thigh. It's a pebble like shape, so there aren't any angles or edges. It's a great case, and it lends the earbuds an extra 16 hours of battery, extending the 8 hours you get out of the buds. Nice.

There are more deals besides the Beats Studio Buds out there at the moment, and I'm tracking all of them live in the Best Black Friday headphones deals live blog. Stay tuned for more epic earbuds and headphones deals if the Beats Studio Buds don't take your fancy.

Beats true wireless resume is nearly flawless. From the excellent PowerBeats Pro, which remain a top seller, to the flagship goliath that is the Fit Pro, the company has consistently put out some of the best wireless earbuds that money can buy.

Its two latest models – the Solo Buds and Studio Buds + – carry several traits of the best Beats headphones. That includes bass-forward sound, instantaneous pairing with all Apple devices, and stylish designs that pay homage to the brand’s trendy aesthetic. Best of all, they’re both relatively affordable at their respective price points.

These are two affordable investments for Apple and Android users on a budget. As for the better pickup, our comparison has the answer.

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Specs compared

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Price and availability

Beats launched the Solo Buds at $79 / £62 / AU$120, which fall below the $99 AirPods 2 and make them the most affordable true wireless entry in the Apple or Beats catalog. The Studio Buds+ carry a higher MSRP at $169 / £179 / AU$269, though the buds are occasionally on sale (we’ve seen them as low as $130). Both models can be purchased on popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy or the Apple/Beats website.

The Solo Buds’ pricing is too good to pass up, though their compromises may sway you towards the Studio Buds+, when on sale.

Winner: Beats Solo Buds

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Design

The Solo Buds are Beats tiniest buds yet and maintain signature details such as the iconic B logo and vibrant colorways: Arctic Purple, Matte Black, Storm Gray, and Transparent Red. They’re built from sturdy plastic with IPX4 certification for sweat and water resistance. The oval-shaped design rests pleasantly on the ear and provides a secure fit. Beats constructed the case to be compact and conveniently portable, and it bears resemblance to the Pill portable speaker.

The Studio Buds+ look exactly like the original Studio Buds. However, Beats updated this version with newer components and sleeker colorways like Transparent, which gives the buds and charging case a see-through appearance that’s inspired by the Nothing Ear (1). It looks awesome in person. These buds have the same build quality, comfort, and IP rating as the Solo Buds. The case is light and travel-friendly as well.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds+

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Controls

Each model carries multifunctional buttons to execute a variety of functions: call management, digital assistant, playback, volume. The controls are responsive and produce solid tactile feedback to ensure listeners of intended actions being met. Where the Studio Buds+ have the edge is “Hey Siri” voice activation to instantly fire up Apple’s AI bot for accurate hands-free voice commands. The Solo Buds require you to manually enable the feature.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds+

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Sound quality

The Solo Buds sound great for their price. Beats equipped them with a two-layer dynamic diaphragm transducer and laser-cut micro-venting holes that help with bass response and passive noise isolation. You’ll enjoy punchy bass and a well-balanced frequency range that suits many music genres. Sound can be personalized in iOS through the EQ setting with 20+ presets. Spatial audio is automatically enabled when indulging in Dolby Atmos-mixed content, and performance is decent. Audio can also be shared with another AirPods or Beats headphones owner.

Not only do the Studio Buds+ offer these same features, but they come with fine-tuned drivers developed from scratch that produce cleaner bass with “ultra-low distortion.” Music and movies sound livelier, and bass remains impactful on high-energy tracks. Spatial audio operates the same way, though it is slightly better on these buds. Active noise cancellation refines the listening experience by effectively blocking out unwanted noises from the soundstage. Whether it’s basic ANC mode or the impressive transparency mode to increase situational awareness, the technology doesn’t compromise sound quality.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds+

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Special features and apps

Both sets of buds benefit from Apple’s ecosystem, hosting similar features that are tied to iOS, along with Google integration via Beats’ proprietary chipset. Aforementioned features like audio sharing, EQ, and spatial audio are accounted for. Others include audio switching, control customization, Find My integration, microphone assignment, and one-tap pairing with iOS and Android devices (Google Fast Pair).

The Studio Buds+ are more advanced with ANC at the helm. That and battery life (more on that later) are what differentiate the two products from a functionality standpoint.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds+

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Call quality and connectivity

Call quality on Beats wireless earbuds has been moderately good. These two releases are sufficient for making calls when in a pinch. Callers on the opposite end will be able to make out sentences, though ambient noise presence can disrupt conversations. Connectivity is strong on both sets of buds. The Solo Buds and Studio Buds+ easily pair to recognized devices, plus they can extend range up to 50 feet in open spaces.

Winner: Tie

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Battery life

On paper, the Solo buds are the longest lasting wireless earbuds on the market…per charge, that is. They generate up to 18 hours when fully charged, which is nearly triple the AirPods Pro 2’s playtime. Unfortunately, the case they come with doesn’t have a battery, so you get zero charges or additional playtime. There isn’t even a USB-C cable bundled with the package. At least the buds support Fast-Fuel charging (5 mins = 1 hour of playtime).

Meanwhile, the Studio Buds+ generate 9 hours per charge, depending how you use the buds. The charging case holds up to 36 hours total, providing multiple charges for additional playback. Quick charging is equal to the Solo Buds.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds Plus

Beats Solo Buds vs. Beats Studio Buds+: Verdict

We wouldn’t blame you for gravitating towards the Solo Buds, which are half the price of their elder sibling. They deliver strong audio and single-charge battery life (up to 18 hours) in a super-chic design that appeals to fashionistas and trendsetters. Access to upscale features like Find My Integration and spatial audio add to their value.

However, the Studio Buds+ offer greater performance. It’s not just about their powerful noise cancellation, satisfying audio or slightly bigger feature set. Battery life is the key, and it’s much bigger and more practical on these buds. Spending $169 seems a bit steep, especially when you can get much of the same performance from the best cheap wireless earbuds. That doesn’t diminish their elite status.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best AirPods 2024: Top Apple models tested and rated
• AirPods Max 2 and AirPods 4 on track for later this year
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds

Best deals

Beats seems to be making a habit of revealing new products in the hands (or in the ears) of famous athletes. Most recently the new Beats Pill appeared in the mitts of one Lebron James, and then was spotted swinging from the finger of F1 star Daniel Ricciardo. Now, we've gotten a glimpse of the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, courtesy of the Dodgers' designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani.

In the short Instagram video, we're also given a rough date (or year) as to when we can expect to see the new headphones — "coming 2025". Whether that means we only need wait a few months for January or a whole year for next September remains to be seen, but it's the most news we've gotten about a new pair of Powerbeats for some time.

Since 2019, in fact.

What do they look like?

In the video, we're given a shot of Ohtani wearing the buds, in a cream colorway. They look different from the old model — curvier, smaller, and potentially more comfortable. They retain the ear hook, however, something that could be crucial for athletes who need their earbuds to stay put no matter how much they might be moving around.

It's athletes that these new buds are being aimed at as well. Putting my meager understanding of the Japanese language to work (and Google Translate), the caption reads "everything an athlete could want". The new Powerbeats Pro 2, then, are for the most active amongst us.

The video finishes with the name — the Powerbeats Pro 2 — and then "coming in 2025". Beyond that, there's nought much else to glean from the video, so to work out what kind of features they might have we have to look back at the first model.

The Powerbeats Pro, released in 2019, featured the H1 chip from the AirPods Pro of the time. That made their noise canceling excellent, and their sound quality top-notch as well. To this end, could we expect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to feature the H2 chip of the AirPods Pro 2? It would stand to reason. That would also bring better battery life to the Powerbeats, hopefully up from 9 hours.

As for sound quality, until we've got them in our ears, it's going to be impossible to tell. Given the sound quality improvements from the likes of the Beats Solo Buds and the Studio Buds + that have come in recent years, however, we reckon that there could well be some great sound coming from the Powerbeats redesign.

Of course, we now have to wait for 2025 to roll around before we get our first glimpse of the new Powerbeats. Stay tuned for more Beats news as we learn more over the coming months — and whether you should just grab a pair of AirPods 4 that might be revealed at the Apple Glowtime event on Monday, September 9th.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone 16 — 7 biggest rumors you need to know
• Google Maps just got a welcome redesign— here’s what’s new
• iPhone 16 pre-orders — new rumor says this is the date

The original internet-breaker is back with the second installment of Kim Special Edition Beats headphones. Almost exactly two years ago, Kim Kardashian partnered with Beats by Dre to release a limited-edition line of Beats Fit Pro in a selection of neutral hues. Now, the Beats Studio Pro have received the Skims founder's iconic color treatment.

There are three colors in the Beats Studio Pro Kim Special Edition collection: Moon, Dune and Earth. Moon is a sandy beige, while Dune looks sourced right from the movie's sunset scenes. Earth is a deep brown, falling somewhere between fresh soil and a melted Hershey's bar.

Follow Tom's Guide on TikTok for more unboxing videos of the latest viral tech gadgets. 

The Beats Studio Pro are one of the best Beats headphones you can buy. Like many of the best headphones on the market, these cans have great active noise cancellation and plenty of smart features. One of the biggest selling points is a 40-hour battery life, which is better than many options in the same price tier (including the Apple-designed AirPods Max.)

And there are no other noise-canceling headphones that have the explicit Kim K stamp of approval. After all, the reality TV star and entrepreneur is one of the OG online influencers. She has a massive fan base, if not for her role on The Kardashians Hulu show, then for her coveted Skims apparel or brilliant designer fashion moments. 

As such, I expect the Beats Studio Pro Kim Special Edition colors to sell out sooner rather than later. Luckily, you can find all three colors linked conveniently below. 

Beats Studio Pro Kim Special Edition — find every color here

More from Tom's Guide

• Beats Solo 4 review: A solid improvement
• AirPods Max 2 — everything we know
• The Beats Pill is back! 5 things I like and 3 that I don't

After several months of covert appearances in the hands of celebrities and athletes, the Beats Pill (2024) has been officially announced today (June 25), with a sticker price of $149. 

Despite sporting some new impressive drivers for better sound excursion, the overall look of the speaker hasn’t changed much since its predecessor launched way, way back in 2012. The new model is slightly larger and heftier, however, and it comes with an IP67 rating for both water and dust resistance. Inside is a large new battery that purportedly offers 24 hours of playback and, like the rest of Beats’ 2024 lineup, uses USB-C for fast charging. 

I’ve had the speaker in my hands for a little under a week now and had the chance to take it for a spin at home and outside in the nice summer weather. While my final opinions on the Beats Pill (2024) are still coalescing, here are the five things I’m liking about the speaker and the three things I’m not after spending some time with the speaker.

Here's what I like about the Beats Pill (2024) 

Its IP67 water resistance

If you’re making an outdoor speaker, it needs to have some sort of IP rating. While most speakers settle for IPX4 water resistance, the Beats Pill goes all-in with the water- and dust-resistant IP67 rating. Does that mean you should take it into the ocean with you on vacation? Absolutely not. But IP67 does mean that you can have it outside during a party and a small spill or a little rain won’t ruin it forever.

Its cool color options

If I had a nickel for every mundane black portable speaker I've reviewed over the years, I'd probably be able to hang up my hat as a journalist and retire. Sadly, there's no extra bonus for spending time with the last umpteen similarly designed Bose, Sony and JBL portable speakers  —  it's just part of the job. 

Despite lots of similar-looking products out there, not everybody coats their speakers in the same two color options, with Beats opting for a few new fun options like Statement Red and Champagne Gold. Yes, there's a Matte Black option for those that want to go for the classic look, but Champagne Gold is — in my opinion — the only real option to go for here.

Extra-long 24-hour battery life 

This one is relatively self-explanatory. A portable speaker is only as good as its battery life, and the Beats Pill goes big here with a 24-hour playback time. That's more than enough for a full-day barbeque or a day at the beach without needing to stop and recharge. 

But there's another hidden benefit here: Unless you run a small business where you constantly want music playing, it’s not uncommon to go weeks without using a portable Bluetooth speaker. You might bring it camping over a long holiday weekend in the spring, but then it could sit there until the 4th of July just waiting for another shot to be outside. Over time, most speakers will run out of juice.  

With 24 hours of playback time, however, there’s a chance that the Beats could sit there for a few weeks and still hold a charge the next time you go to use it.

It can do left-right stereo pairing when you have two of them

This one's pretty niche, but should you decide to buy two Beats Pill speakers, you can use them together either as one really loud speaker or as a left-right stereo system. This isn't a feature that I've tested quite yet — I've mostly been focused on battery life and sound quality comparisons — but I'll definitely double up before my final review.

I also like its well-balanced tuning

A decade ago, Beats got the reputation for being so bass-heavy that most music outside of electronica and rap were almost unlistenable. But the Beats Pill isn’t remotely like that. In the dozen or so hours of listening I’ve conducted with the Beats Pill, I’ve genuinely liked a lot of what I’ve heard. 

There’s a great balance between bass response and mids so bops of all genres — from glorious rap songs like “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar to melodic screeds like “Vampires” by Olivia Rodrigo — all sound great.

Here's what I don't like about the Beats Pill (2024)

I'm not a fan of its clarity or soundstage

Despite some cool cross-compatibility features with both iOS and Android devices, this is still a pretty basic Bluetooth speaker. There’s no room calibration technology at play here to improve clarity or soundstage. Stereo imaging will obviously help here when you buy a pair of them, but one Beats Pill on its own isn’t going to make it feel like you’re front-row at a show — a wide soundstage just isn’t there. 

That’s not to say that the Beats Pill doesn’t get loud (it certainly does), but as far as clarity is concerned, the new-and-improved drivers don’t always present acoustics in the upper registers as clearly as I’d like. That can mean missing out on some small background details in your music that simply don’t get the same boost that lyrics and bass effects in the mids and low-end got.

I really don’t like its price of $149 

In any other year, the Beats Pill would be an easy sell to a lot of folks — unfortunately it’s coming just a few months after the launch of the Sony Ult Field 1 speaker that’s cornered the sub-$100 market and the Sonos Roam 2 that feels a bit more premium for around $200. The Beats Pill is stuck in this awkward middle-ground between the two that can be hard to justify.  

I'm sure prices will drop during the upcoming holiday season, they always do, but at its launch price of $149 and compared to the likes of the Sony Ult Field 1, I think the Beats Pill is just slightly over-costed for what it offers.

There's no H2 Chip for Spatial Audio support

I know this one's a long-shot, but could you imagine a speaker of this size being capable of Spatial Audio? Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons including its size, driver configuration and lack of an Apple H2 Chip, this simply isn't possible. 

Still, if Amazon could do it with the Amazon Echo Studio, there's a shot that Beats could do it as well. Sadly, however, the new Pill won't be the product to break that barrier. Here's hoping that feature gets included when the next Pill launches sometime in the...checks notes...2030s. Oh dear.

More from Tom's Guide

• This $499 Klipsch Dolby Atmos speaker systems blew me away on movie night
• The big secret no one tells you about when buying a new TV
• Sonos Ace vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which are best?  

Apple and Beats by Dre have finally confirmed a new Beats Pill speaker with a teaser video shared on X. The teaser lists a June 25 date, which we'll have to assume is when the Beats Pill speaker will arrive.

Rumors surrounding the previously discontinued Bluetooth speaker started gaining steam in the last couple of months. It was all sparked by the appearance of a new Beats speaker carried by LeBron James before a playoff game back in April. Later, the speaker was seen with F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo. 

The first images of the speaker were actually spotted hidden in the iOS 17.5 beta. That leak suggested that new speaker will come in red, gold or black.

The latest teaser from Beats didn't feature any specs but a number of details were found in FCC listings on the regulatory body's website. 

We haven't seen a Beats Pill speaker since 2022 when the Beats Pill+ was released. The 2024 version is supposed to feature double the battery life of that speaker at an estimated 24 hours. 

Despite a lighter weight of 1.5 pounds, the newer Pill should be bigger than the 2022 version at 8.6 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches. Beats Pill 2024 replaces the old USB-A and Apple lightning ports with at least one USB-C charging in and out port. It should also feature Find My Device integration. The last two upgrades are ones that Apple has been integrating into most of the company's devices.

One small feature that wasn't shown in the teaser but that we saw in LeBron James' earlier leak is the addition of a lanyard, something the Pill+ did not have. It's honestly a nice feature for a portable speaker and kind of surprising that one wasn't featured in previous models.

Since 2022, competitors like Sony and Bose have released cheaper, excellent portable Bluetooth speakers in the ULT Field 1 and the SoundLink Flex. It'll be interesting if Beats lowers the $230 release price of the Pill+ to meet its competitors. Otherwise, it'll be in the range of the recently announced SoundLink Max from Bose which costs $399 but sounds great and looks great.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best Beats headphones 2024: Top wireless and wired picks
• I tested the $79 Beats Solo Buds — biggest pros and cons
• Beats Solo 4 review: A solid improvement

The Beats Solo Buds are the smallest, most affordable earbuds you can score from Apple's subsidiary audio brand. There are some trade-offs compared to pricier models in the Beats collection, but overall, there are a lot of perks packed into an adorably tiny package.

Though they're not quite as compact as, say, the JLab JBuds Mini, the $79.99 Beats Solo Buds manage to deliver 18 hours of battery life and punchy performance. Custom-built acoustic architecture pays off based on my testing, while the passive noise isolation is quite effective. I appreciate that these earbuds are well-suited for both iPhone and Android users, too.

You'll definitely want to consider a different pair of the best wireless earbuds like the Beats Studio Buds+ and Beats Fit Pro for exercise or active noise cancelation purposes. But if you're a Beats fan on a budget, and are in the market for basic earbuds that are great to take on-the-go, the Solo Buds are easy to recommend. Read my full Beats Solo Buds review below to find out why.

Beats Solo Buds: Cheat sheet

• What are the Beats Solo Buds? The Beats Solo Buds are the smallest and most affordable earbuds in the Beats lineup.
• How much do the Beats Solo Buds cost? $79.99 / £79.99
• What is the Beats Solo Buds release date? June 18, 2024.
• Who are the Beats Solo Buds for? Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a basic pair of earbuds for work, commuting, and more.
• What is the Beats Solo Buds battery life? 18 hours of playback, with no additional charge provided by the case.

Beats Solo Buds: Specs

Beats Solo Buds: Features

The Beats Solo Buds come in a case that looks, to me, like a miniature Beats Pill. The pair of buds inside are respectively compact. They look similar design-wise to the Beats Solo Buds+, but they actually feature a bespoke ergonomic design that prioritizes comfort and stability. 

The acoustic architecture is also bespoke, powered by a two-layer dynamic diaphragm transducer as well as laser-cut micro-venting holes that help with bass response and passive noise isolation. Plus they have Spatial Audio for making playback sound more immersive. Meanwhile, digital microphones in each bud work with a "noise-learning" algorithm trained with over 7,000 hours of simulated environmental sounds for clear call quality.

As with other Beats headphones and earbuds, the Solo Buds have several native features when paired with an iPhone. One-touch setup, Audio Sharing, Find My, and automatic handoff between iPhone and Apple Watch are the important ones. But Android users also get Google Fast Pair, Google Find My Device, and Audio Switch for source handoff. The key difference between the two systems is that you'll use Settings in iOS and the Beats app in Android to configure the touch controls.

You'll miss out on a few features, though. The earbuds don't have "Hey Siri" functionality — you have to physically trigger the voice assistant by touching the earbuds. You also don't get any kind of IP rating for sweat and water resistance. While they'd probably be OK for light activity, I wouldn't recommend wearing them where excess moisture might be involved. Check out our guide to the best workout headphones instead.

Beats Solo Buds: Battery life

The Beats Solo Buds last for up to 18 hours of playback per the official Beats estimate. I haven't yet gauged whether the Solo Buds meet this claim, but will do so as part of this official review scoring. 

It's important to note that the Solos Buds case doesn't hold additional charge, so when the buds are low on power you'll need to replace them in the case and plug the case into a USB-C power source to charge. This seems like an odd trade-off, considering many cheap wireless earbuds like the $40 JLab JBuds Mini even have a charging case. That said, the JBuds Mini only last up to 20 hours total with the charging case, so there's not a major benefit. But on the other hand, there are the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC which cost $75 and have up to 50 hours of battery life with the charging case. 

The Beats Solo Buds do have a fast charging feature where 5 minutes of charge gets you up to 1 hour of playback. They should be fully charged in 1 hour and 20 minutes; however, you'll need to provide your own charging cable as Beats doesn't include one in the box.   

Beats Solo Buds: Outlook

The Beats Solo Buds come at a time when you can get a very capable pair of wireless earbuds for very little money. With so many options to choose from, it's hard to say whether the Beats Solo Buds are the best earbuds for the price. But the Beats brand has a lot of name recognition, and I'm certain these Solo Buds will be a popular pick on Apple Store shelves. 

This summer, be prepared to see the new Beats Solo Buds everywhere you go — Beats just announced that its new true wireless earbuds will launch on June 18 for $79.

Not only do they look awfully affordable at half the price of the AirPods 3, but the Beats Solo Buds will come in four color options: Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple and Transparent Red. Three of those colors will be available at all retailers, but Arctic Purple will only be available to Apple and Target. 

As we reported when they were announced alongside the new Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones, the Beats Solo Buds will offer a new smaller case and outer shell that will make them easier to carry and wear for longer periods of time, as well as an extended 18-hour battery life between the buds and the case.

The Buds will be compatible with both iOS and Android, allowing for one-touch pairing, automatic pre-pairing across your devices, plus Find My or Find My Device, depending on which OS you use.

Affordable true wireless earbuds are on the rise

Once upon a time, the name Beats was synonymous with pricey headphones. Still, the Beats Solo Buds is just the latest example of the company dropping its prices to keep up with the competition from Sony, JBL and other major players in the audio space.

The price difference also helps products from Beats, a subsidiary of Apple, differentiate themselves from Apple products like the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 which typically cost between $150 and $250. 

That being said, the Solo Buds do seem to make a few omissions to hit their $79 price point. There's no mention of active noise cancellation, for example, nor is there hands-free Siri like you'd find on the AirPods Pro lineup.

Surprisingly these do offer spatial audio support via Apple Music. We'll have to try them for ourselves to see how they sound, but it's great to see such a low price barrier to one of the biggest new formats in audio. 

Looking to snag some earbuds for even less? Check out our guide to the best cheap wireless earbuds.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 reasons why the Beats Studio Pro headphones will be better than the AirPods Max
• Beats Fit Pro vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which Beats wireless sports earbuds should you buy?
• The best Beats headphones 2024: Top wireless and wired picks

For some reason, leaks regarding the return of the Beats Pill bluetooth speaker have been coming in two week intervals. The latest hint that the speaker is returning comes courtesy of a report from 9to5Mac, which finally provides us with some potential specs. 

Previously, the unannounced Beats Pill speaker was spotted being carried by LA Lakers star Lebron James and F1 racer Daniel Ricciardo before a playoff game and a race. 

Later images of the Bluetooth speaker were spotted in the iOS 17.5 beta update. That leak showed the Beats Pill in red, black and gold, which the report confirms. There was also an FCC listing on the regulatory body’s website.

According to unnamed sources, the 2024 Beats Pill will be a big upgrade over the last Beats Pill+ which was quietly discontinued in early 2022. 

The new model is supposed to have bigger bass, louder sound and a reengineered racetrack woofer. 

To start the 2024 version is doubling the battery life from 12 hours up to 24. It appears that the speaker will be slightly bigger than the discontinued model at 8.6”x2.8”x2.8” versus 8”x2.5”x2.5”-inches. That size difference is coming with a lighter weight; 1.5 lbs compared to the previous 1.65 lbs. 

The older model had USB-A outputs and an Apple lightning input port. Those are both gone, being replaced by USB-C charging in and out. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the new Pill speaker will make the leap from Bluetooth 4.0 to Bluetooth 5.3. 

One small feature, especially for a portable speaker, that was not in the previous model is an included lanyard that is removable. We saw it in use when LeBron James had the speaker before a playoff game.

Neither Beats or Apple has made any announcements about a potential new Bluetooth speaker or a price.

The previous model launched at $230, and most reviewers found that it was an upgrade over previous Beats speakers but couldn’t justify the price. 

In comparison, Bose’s SoundLink Flex which is of a similar size sells for $149. The sized-up SoundLink Max recently launched for $399. It is a much bigger speaker though.

At present, Beats only sells headphones and earbuds, like the recently announced Solo4 wireless headphones. If Apple hasn't announced anything by then, we'll expect another Beats Pill rumor to pop in another two weeks.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: Top models for great sound
• JBL PartyBox Stage 320 review
• Best JBL speakers in 2024

Just days after being dumped from the playoffs, LeBron James, the tech-leaker, might be gaining some steam. After the superstar basketball player was spotted with a speaker that resembled a Beats Pill, new leaks from within Apple’s iOS seem to confirm that an updated Beats Pill is coming.

MacRumors first spotted images of a new Beats Pill speaker in the iOS 17.5 beta, which is currently running for testers. The photos show three different colors of the latest portable speaker: red, black and gold. However, based on what we saw LeBron James carrying, it might be more rose gold. Alternatively, there might be more colorways than just the three.

Beats and Apple have kept mum about any new speakers. The last thing Beats announced was the Beats Solo 4 buds. We recently reviewed the Beats Solo 4 over-ear headphones and found them excellent. 

Beats hasn’t released a new portable speaker since the Beat Pill+ in 2022. Reviewers praised the Pill+ for its quality sound but decried the high price point ($230 at launch). 

The speaker that James carried in photos taken of him shows a lanyard. The images found in the iOS 17.5 beta don’t show a lanyard but don’t show much else. 

We expect a new Beats Pill will have the aforementioned lanyard and most likely improved Bluetooth technology. Recent headphones have all featured USB-C charging; we imagine that trend will continue with a new Beats speaker. 

Beats will have some competition if they jump back into the speaker pool. We were recently wowed by Sony’s ULT Field 1 during a hands-on test in London. And Bose just announced a super-sized sequel to the excellent SoundLink Flex speaker in the SoundLink Max. 

The ULT Field 1 and the SoundLink Flex retail for between $120 and $150. Here’s hope a new Beats Pill could get closer to that price than the $399 of the forthcoming SoundLink Max.

Finally, we would caution professional athletes from wandering around with unreleased Beats speakers. F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was also spotted with one during the Grand Prix in Miami this past weekend. Like James and the Lakers, Ricciardo and his Red Bull car were losers on the day and lucky not to finish in last place, though a distant 15th out of 20 isn’t that much better. Perhaps leaking Beats is terrible luck.

More from Tom's Guide

• These budget Bluetooth speakers have transformed the way I play games
• Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: Top models for great sound
• Best outdoor speakers in 2024: Great sound and durability

While the news of the Beats Solo4 wireless headphones is going to take up most of the headlines today (April 30), it’s not the only affordably priced new addition to the Beats lineup. There’s also the new Beats Solo Buds that will cost just $79 when they go on sale in June.

The Solo Buds, as pictured above, are the smallest earbuds we’ve yet seen from Beats and will be available in four different color variants: Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple and Transparent Red.

According to Beats, the Solo Buds are the smallest earbuds the company has ever produced, but still offer that beefy full-bodied sound that the company is known for. The earbuds are both iOS- and Android-compatible and offer an 18-hour battery life.

Speaking of batteries, just like the latest AirPods Pro 2, the Beats Solo Buds also use USB-C for quick-charging, and Beats says that a 5-minute charge gives up to 1 hour of playback. They also conveniently comply with the EU’s universal charging standard that goes into effect by the end of 2024.

Beats are dropping the price

Once upon a time, Beats was known as a luxury brand, but these days the company (now owned by Apple) runs the gamut of prices. 

At the high end there's the Beats Studio Pro that launched at $349 / £349 / AU$529; at the mid-range is the new Beats Solo 4 that will cost $199; and now at the low end there's the new Beats Solo Buds and older Beats Flex that cost $79 and $69, respectively. 

Admittedly, not all of the new earbuds and headphones have been award-winners — only the Beats Fit Pro have landed on our list of the best wireless earbuds — but in terms of value, it's been hard to beat Beats.

That said, Beats isn't alone at this lower price. Nothing recently released its low-cost Ear (a) earbuds for $99, while brands like EarFun and JLab launch cheap new earbuds every other week it seems like. 

It's a crowded market, but it's nice to see that big names like Beats aren't afraid to throw their hat into the ring. Will the new $79 Beats Solo Buds offer an award-winning, budget alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM5? Only time will tell, but if you're searching for cheap wireless earbuds, we can help.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nothing Ear (stick) review: Stylish half in-ear buds are hard to beat at $99
• Nothing Phone 2a is tougher than you might think
• I’ve been using the Nothing Phone (2) for three months — 3 things I love and 1 I hate

LeBron James looks to have given the tech world a big clue about an unreleased Apple product over the weekend. The Los Angeles Laker arrived at the Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday carrying what eagle-eyed gadget lovers (h/t macrumors) quickly discerned as an unreleased version of the Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker.

The prospect of a new Beats Pill is an interesting one since Apple quietly discontinued the most recent version in early 2022. That was the Pill+ and while reviewers at the time praised the improvements it made in sound quality, they were put off by the high price ($230 (£190, AU$360 at launch) and many reasoned that other options at the time, like the JBL Charge 3 or UE Boom 2, offered a better overall package.

Apple seemed content to let the issue lie and instead Beats seemingly focused on turning out some really rather good headphones instead. But is the Pill about to make a comeback? Based on the fact one of the biggest sports superstars on the planet is walking around with one in plain view — and having it posted on Instagram — seems to be a big clue.

The speaker in James’ hand clearly shows the Beats logo and he’s carrying it by a lanyard, something that wasn’t present on any previous Beats Pill speaker.

What else could we expect from a new Beats Pill? Almost certainly USB-C charging and some refinements to the audio and Bluetooth technology given the last version of the product was released nine years ago.

Beats has plenty of brand clout in the audio space but the competition for the best Bluetooth speaker is only getting more intense. There’s a strong rumor that Sonos will launch the Roam 2 in a few months and, recently, the new Ult-series Bluetooth speakers from Sony blew away Tom’s Guide audio editor Lee Dunkley when he got to hear them at a London-based launch event.

So, while it looks like a new Beats Pill speaker is on the horizon, its success in the market is anything but a slam dunk in 2024.       

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched my Sony WH-1000XM5 for the Nothing Ear — here’s what happened
• Sony WH-CH520 review
• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro dummies leak — their cases reveal big changes

Following the Beats Solo 4 rumors and today's (April 3) 9to5Mac report outlining specifications and a release date, it looks as though a next-gen Beats Solo 4 headphone model will be arriving next month priced at $199. That's the same price as the Beats Solo 3 launched in 2016.

The report suggests that it's increasingly likely that the launch date for the new Beats Solo 4 will be May 2. It's important to point out, though, that there's no official word from Apple-owned Beats on a Solo 4 headphone launch at this time.

9to5Mac claims that the specifications are from a source that has proven reliable in the past and details a bunch of key improvements coming in the Beats Solo 4.

Improved battery life with USB-C charging 

While the Beats Solo 3 came with a micro-USB charging port, the Solo 4 will be upgraded to the universally accepted USB-C port. They're expected to retain the 3.5mm jack, enabling wearers to make a wired connection to compatible playback devices for lossless audio.

Battery life on the Solo 4 is also expected to get a boost over the Solo 3, bringing the total up to 50 hours. Additionally, Beats' Fast Fuel charging is expected to give up to 5 hours of wireless playback from a 10-minute top-up.

Improved audio capabilities

Sonically, we can expect a sound boost thanks to custom 40mm drivers that promise better clarity and wider frequency range.

Beats Solo 4 will also support Apple's spatial audio tech with dynamic head tracking support, for truly immersive sound experiences.

They're expected to support Bluetooth version 5.3, although there's no mention of what codec support will be offered. It's also expected that they'll offer improved call quality thanks to beam-forming mics that use voice-targeting algorithms for clarity.

Improved comfort and features

Along with a choice of three main color options, the new Solo 4 headphones are expected to feature ultra-plush ear cushions to enhance comfort for all-day wear. They're expected to be light at 7.65 ounces (around 217g), which is lighter than many of the best over-ear headphones and will retain their foldable design for great portability. A soft carry case will also be supplied.

Beats is also said to be bringing one-touch pairing support for Android, and Find My support will work from iCloud devices.

We'll be calling them in for testing as soon as we can, however, as the Beats Solo 4 are still a few weeks away at this point, you might want to consider a pair of the best headphones if you've been waiting to upgrade.

Apple is set to have an exciting week ahead: In the wake of launching pre-orders for its brand-new MacBook Air M3, the company is purportedly announcing an updated pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones with a release date set for May 2. 

With no major hardware update since September 2016, the Beats Solo line are long overdue for a return and, thanks to several sources Mark Gurman, a long-time Apple insider who writes for Bloomberg, it looks like we're finally getting them. 

According to 9to5Mac, the long-awaited Beats Solo 4 will cost $199 and will sport several enhancements, such as USB-C connectivity, a 50-hour battery life and spatial audio. Leaked images from a several weeks prior also suggest that the Beats Solo 4 will come in three main colors — blue, pink, and black. 

At long last, Beats Solo return

The reveal of a new pair of Beats Solo headphones was first leaked via code within Apple’s iOS 17.4 software update. Leaked images alongside the info (thanks MacRumors) shows how little the Solo 4 version will change design-wise, keeping the same general look as its predecessor.

Beyond just personalized spatial audio, the Solo 4 headphones could also bring several features found on previous Beats products, including simple tap gestures. These include things like double pressing the Beats “b” button for skipping songs, long pressing for Siri activation, and a simple tap to play and pause music or answer calls.

Little else is known about the new Beats Solo 4, but they could prove to be some of the best headphones to release this year — depending, of course, on price and performance.

As already mentioned, the Beats Solo 3 headphones were launched all the way back in September 2016 with a price of $299; they now cost as little as $99 at some retailers. The last known Beats headphones released by Apple were the Beats Studio Pro in July 2023, which didn’t exactly fair too well in our review at the time.

A reinvigorated Beats Solo 4 that takes up some of the more incredible upgrades gifted its Beats Solo Pro model could potentially prove to usher in some real competition against heavy hitters such as Sony and Sennheiser at the $200 headphone range.

We'll be putting them to the test when they come out in May, but until then you can check out our list of the best headphones for some fully-tested alternatives.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 reasons why the Beats Studio Pro headphones will be better than the AirPods Max
• Beats Fit Pro vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which Beats wireless sports earbuds should you buy?
• The best Beats headphones 2024: Top wireless and wired picks

Beats wireless earbuds and headphones are some of the most desirable on the market. They regularly rank among the best over-ear headphones and best wireless earbuds we've seen, but at their full price they can often seem out of reach. 

With sales season in full swing, though, I'm seeing up to 50% off some models. Listed below are the best Beats Black Friday deals I've found in the U.S. and U.K. right now, meaning you can get your hands on these stylish and durable models for less. You just need to know where to look. 

Several Beats models are winners of our coveted Editor's Choice award, and rank among the best sports headphones or best running headphones we've ever tested. All the Beats models here come with strong durability, fit and comfort, and offer slick platform integration combined with great sound quality and top-tier features. 

Keep scrolling to find the best Beats deals you can buy right now, and remember to follow our Black Friday deals coverage for more outstanding sales to shop.

Beats Black Friday deals — Quick links to U.S. sales

• Beats Studio Buds: was $149 now $99 @ Amazon
• Beats Solo 3: was $199 now $129 @ Amazon
• Beats Studio Buds Plus: was $169 now $134 @ Amazon
• Beats Powerbeats Pro: was $249 now $149 @ Amazon
• Beats Studio Pro: was $349 now $169 @ Amazon
• Beats Fit Pro: was $199 now $171 @ Walmart

Beats Black Friday Deals: U.S. sales

Beats Black Friday deals — Quick links to U.K. sales

• Beats Solo 3: was £199 now £109 @ Amazon
• Beats Studio Pro: was £349 now £279 @ Amazon
• Beats Studio Buds: was £159 now £99 @ Amazon
• Beats Studio Buds Plus: was £179 now £139 @ Amazon
• Beats Powerbeats Pro: was £269 now £179 @ Amazon
• Beats Fit Pro: was £219 now £149 @ Amazon
  

Beats Black Friday deals: U.K. sales

Black Friday Beats deals — what to look for in 2023

Many factors come into play when shopping for the best headphones, but your decision should always come down to intended use. That being said, you’ll want to take the following categories into account before settling on any pair.

Design: Are you looking for in-ear, on-ear or over-ear headphones? Wired or wireless? Luxury or sporty? Since these are headphones that will be used for multiple occasions, you want something that suits your lifestyle. Whatever type you choose, make sure the headphones are well built, easy to carry, and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.

Sound quality: Different models offer different sound, and since you’re buying a pair to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find headphones that match your sound preference, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear to where you can hear the littlest nuances in recordings. 

Battery life: Battery life is also key in choosing the best wireless earbuds. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.. 

Accessories: It's disappointing spending money on a new pair of headphones or wireless earbuds only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. Any models that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.

Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor. 

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now there are plenty of early Black Friday deals to help you get the best tech for less.

The Beats Studio Pro are the latest over-ear noise-canceling headphones from one of the most iconic names in audio. These are a direct successor to the Beats Studio3 Wireless, which makes a lot of sense when you see and hear them — they’re almost identical.

What Beats has done this time around is improve the active noise cancelation power and boosted battery life, both of which were sorely lacking in the Studio3 Wireless. Quick charging provides around four hours of playback from a 10-minute charge (handy if you’re about to board a flight and forgot to charge them) and they come with both the USB-C port and 3.5mm jack that were missing on Apple’s similarly spec’d AirPods Max.

That said, after spending some time with them, the AirPods Max still feel like the superior product — especially, when you can find them for just $30 more when they’re on sale in the US. 

Overall, the Beats Studio Pro deliver that fun, bass-thumping audio experience with a few important upgrades, but ultimately their narrow sound, lack of an IPX rating, heat-prone foam and exorbitant price tag prevent them from scoring top marks in our testing. 

Beats Studio Pro review: Price and availability

The Beats Studio Pro were released on July 19 2023 and are available to buy at most major retailers and Apple’s website. 

In terms of price, the Beats Studio Pro come in at $349 / £349 / AU$529, which feels pretty expensive for what’s on offer — the headphones, a soft carrying case, a 3.5mm audio cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable.

You can make the argument that the Beats Studio3 Wireless also came out at that price nearly six years ago while nearly everything else has risen in price since then, but that price puts them in direct competition with some of the best wireless headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

I’m not sure the Beats Studio Pro deliver a performance on par with the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5, especially when it comes to noise cancelation and audio reproduction. But those feelings could change when we start to see these go on sale sometime in the next 12 months.

Beats Studio Pro review: Design

If looks could kill, the Beats Studio Pro would be wanted for murder. They offer a sleekness to their look that makes them fit most head shapes without issue. Critical-listening headphones like the Sennheiser HD800 sound great, but wearing them anywhere outside of your home would make you look like a psychopath. The Studio Pro, however, was designed to be so effortlessly stylish that anyone, anywhere can wear them and not look awkward.

Despite a premium look, however, the actual industrial design is a bit underwhelming. The vast majority of the headphones are plastic, which helps keep them light, but also makes them feel a bit cheap in the hand. The hinges are metal, which is great, but the only thing holding the earcups to the band is a small bit of plastic. Accidentally sit on them one time and it’s easy to imagine them breaking.

Inside the headphone, Beats is using a two-layer diaphragm on its custom 40mm speaker driver. A 25% increase to its Neodymium magnets helps the Beats reach a lower bass level than its predecessors and upgrades to the built-in microphones improve call quality. 

The two issues I see from a design standpoint are the lack of an IPX rating and the non-detachable earpads. Sweat will very easily permeate the absorbent-feeling earcups, and those will likely degrade over time. That became such a large issue with the Beats Studio3 Wireless that now there’s a whole third-party market for Beats replaceable earpads.

Both of these were key considerations for Beats to make — and they do seem to be given some thought — but were ultimately not put into the final product.

Beats Studio Pro review: Comfort

The nice benefit of the nearly all-plastic design of the headphones is that they’re incredibly lightweight and don’t sit heavy on the head. All the weight is really put into the earcups, which means the top band feels really comfortable. 

Similarly, the cushions themselves now feel softer and more pliable than in previous generations. In short bursts, I think the headphones are actually very comfortable. 

Unfortunately, though, if you plan on using them for more than 45 minutes to an hour, you’re going to notice some new unintended consequences of the new material. To wit, the material really isn’t breathable in the same way that the AirPods Max are, and that can cause them to heat up faster and retain that heat while you’re listening to them. After a half-hour or so, you’ll feel that heat in the inner foam, right where your ears sit inside the earcups.

If you’ve struggled to find over-ear headphones that you could wear for hours on end and still be comfortable, I don’t think the Beats Studio Pro will do anything to dissuade you. 

Beats Studio Pro review: Controls

Like previous generations, you can control playback using the pad on the side of the headphones. Pressing the large ‘b’ button controls music (pause/skip/back) depending on how many times it’s been pressed, and you can control volume by pressing above or below the ‘b’ button. The multi-function button on the right earcup turns the headphones on and off, switches between listening and EQ modes, checks battery life and pairs your device. It sounds like a lot, but the functionality doesn’t take long to get used to.

When it comes to connecting them to a phone, tablet or laptop, you’ve got three options — there’s a classic 3.5mm headphone jack; a USB-C port that can connect the headphones to a computer or tablet; and there’s built-in Bluetooth. 

When you have the option, I recommend connecting it via USB-C. Not only will you get a slight uptick in sound quality, but you can change the default sound profile to one of three options that are suited for music, entertainment, and phone calls, respectively.

Like most Beats products, the Studio Pro are designed to be compatible with Android and iOS devices and have a few features that you’d find on first-party products. On iOS that includes being able to use the command “Hey Siri” to summon the virtual assistant and multi-point pairing with Android and Chromebook devices. It’s nice to see Beats staying platform agnostic this far into its ownership under Apple.

Beats Studio Pro review: Sound quality

The Beats Studio Pro are a return to Beats’ signature sound — that bass-heavy thumpiness you might remember from a decade or more ago. Songs like “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus will hit you upside the head with the bass, but it comes at the expense of details at the midrange. Nearly every song I listened to on the headphones over a Bluetooth connection followed suit: there’s some fun bass, but ultimately the loss of detail in the midrange never felt worth the tradeoff.

Worse, there’s a noticeable amount of sibilance when you drift towards the upper trebles — and that could make snares and high pitches sting if you’re listening at a higher volume. A great example of this is the Bob Marley classic “Three Little Birds” where the cymbal plays on every off-beat, which just becomes painfully obnoxious after about a minute.

Songs that I streamed from Amazon Music and Spotify also had a narrow sound to them. I didn’t come into it expecting open-back headphone levels of depth, but the Studio Pro makes it feel like the instruments are right next to your ears without any real separation. 

To try to get a good feel for what the headphones were capable of, I re-listened to Macklemore’s 2017 album Gemini. In each track, the bass came through loud and clear with some songs actually putting out some juicy sub-bass frequencies that I could feel. That said, Macklemore himself sounded sharp and nasally — more than he usually does, I mean — which made some tracks wholly unlistenable. 

Where things improved slightly is when I threw on some spatial audio tracks or returned to listening to them via a USB-C connection. “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire (an absolute classic in my headphone testing playlist) sounded great in Dolby Atmos on Apple Music. The trumpet arpeggios are lofted above the mix and the added head tracking feature helps make the track feel more alive. It’s the way this song was meant to be heard.

In short, these headphones are fun for bass-lovers, but if you like a more balanced sound quality you’re better off elsewhere.

Beats Studio Pro review: Active noise cancelation and transparency mode

The Beats Studio Pro’s active noise cancelation is in the good-but-not-great category. It’s strong enough to block out someone talking in the background, but not strong enough to overcome noises like engines or subway trains. 

One thing that greatly helps the noise cancelation is the material of the pads themselves: they offer some light passive noise reduction. Even with noise cancelation turned off completely, audio and the passive noise reduction of the earpads can blur outside noise. 

All that being said, I don’t feel like the active noise cancelation on display here rivals the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, AirPods Max, or even the AirPods Pro 2. If you want top-tier noise cancelation, those are the models to go for instead.

What’s nice here, however, is transparency mode — a feature that allows you to hear what’s going on around while still playing your music. It’s a feature that all the newer Beats earbuds have and has now made its way to Beats’ flagship over-ear model.

Beats Studio Pro review: Battery life

Beats places battery life at around 40 hours with ANC turned off and around 24 hours with it on. That number feels about right based on mylistening experience, but it will change depending on how loud you like your music. (I was  probably only able to squeeze about 18 hours of playback time from a charge, but that was listening at a high volume  while testing for levels of distortion.)

Need a quick hit of juice before getting on a plane? The Studio Pro can get up to four hours of a playback from just 10 minutes on a charger. 

Beats Studio Pro review: Call quality and connectivity

Despite some major improvements in the area, call quality is just fine on the Studio Pro. In my testing, call quality over Bluetooth wasn’t able to surpass the speakerphone of the iPhone 14 (our test device) and paled in comparison to holding the phone up to my ear.

You can expect better sound quality when connected to a laptop via USB-C, but the microphones are susceptible to picking up ambient noise in the background like ambulances. Without stronger noise reduction on the microphones, I won’t be using these as my go-to headphones for the next conference call. 

Beats Studio Pro review: Verdict

There’s definitely an audience out there for the Beats Studio Pro. Folks who work from home and can stay connected via USB-C to their laptops and tablets — especially if those tablets have Apple Music with Dolby Atmos spatial audio — will surely like them. The noise cancelation is good enough to drown out neighborhood noise and the call quality is just OK. 

That said, for travelers or music purists, I’m not sure these are the best fit. Beats has shown us that its earbuds can do balanced sound quality with a wide soundstage — but the Studio Pro are specifically designed to bring back that thumping bass. 

Ultimately, without better noise cancelation or better long-term comfort, and at this steep sticker price, the Studio Pro feel like a low note on Beats’ five-year-long upward trajectory.

Reports of Apple developing $99 AirPods (codenamed the AirPods Lite) started circulating online earlier this year shortly after the flagship AirPods Pro 2 debuted. AirPods this affordable could help the company expand their consumer base by making their audio ecosystem more accessible to budget shoppers. They could also be a financial flop. 

The disappointing sales and reduced production of regular AirPods indicate series consumer fatigue. On top of that, the anticipated compromises that Apple will need to make to accommodate the AirPods Lite’s low price point have us questioning their worth.

Apple already has several attainable models in their true wireless lineup capable of boosting sales and drawing in new iPhone users. The AirPods 2 currently sell for $99 at online retailers including Amazon and Walmart, and continue to operate at a high level with many of the same software perks as their upscale siblings. Then come the Beats Studio Buds with active noise-canceling capabilities, which can regularly be found discounted to $99 and serve as an affordable alternative to the first-gen AirPods Pro.

Ultimately, it’s the recently launched Studio Buds+ that stand out as Apple’s best value true wireless earbuds. Beats’ mid-range buds are more expensive at $169, but the amount of functionality they carry surpasses their MSRP. They’re not just a better bargain than most of the market’s best cheap wireless earbuds, they’re proof that Apple’s rumored entry-level AirPods are unnecessary. Here's why.

1. AirPods Lite could mean poorer build quality

The AirPods Lite would likely duplicate the open-ear design of their predecessors, which is comfortable, but has some of the poorest build quality and on-ear stability in the category. You can bet that Apple will use the same cheap (or even cheaper) plastic for any 'lite' version of these buds. Also, expect the same long-stem silhouette that has become tiresome after several generations. To me, that doesn’t sound appealing whatsoever, not even at $99.

Meanwhile, Beats’ true wireless designs continue to demonstrate excellent craftsmanship, no matter the price point. The Powerbeats Pro debuted four years ago and they still outshine every AirPods model. Beats improved their in-ear design with sleeker and more affordable Studio Buds, which the flagship Fit Pro and Studio Buds+ successfully adopted; the former has installed wing tips and the latter has a cool transparency colorway similar to the Nothing Ear (2).

Simply put, the Studio Buds+ are bound to have the more attractive, durable, and innovative design.

2. Specification would be too limited

So far, there's no information regarding the AirPods Lite’s feature set. Experts predict it will be similar to the AirPods 3, highlighted by a dynamically tonal soundstage, force sensors, and maybe MagSafe wireless charging. I'm confident though that premium features like active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio will be omitted.

Now look at what the Studio Buds+ offer. That would be ANC and Spatial Audio, Apple’s two biggest sound features previously mentioned, along with 90% of the AirPods Pro 2’s functionality. Add longer battery life and optimized Android support to the list as well.

The AirPods Lite could have one or two exclusive features not available on any Beats model. If so, that still isn’t convincing enough to skip the Studio Buds+. Also, Apple would never place features on their cheapest AirPods that aren’t accessible on higher-priced AirPods.

3. Beats' Studio Buds+ are Apple's best value 'buds

The $179 AirPods 3 are solid buds with many of the same performance hallmarks as the $249 AirPods Pro. Yet despite their lower cost, they haven’t sold well, with Apple shoppers preferring to spend extra on advanced features such as adaptive ANC and built-in Find My (AirPods) support for the MagSafe charging case. More so, they’re inferior to the cheaper-priced Studio Buds+.

The Studio Buds+ outperform the AirPods 3 in numerous categories, including battery life, connectivity, fit, and sound. Not to mention they come with ANC, a feature missing on the AirPods 3. That’s a much better value from $169 buds.

Therefore, if Apple’s mid-range option can’t even rival Beats’ less expensive model, the odds are less favorable for the $99 AirPods Lite.

4. Is an AirPods Lite version really worthwhile?

The codename alone implies that the AirPods Lite will be the most inferior AirPods you could own. That doesn’t mean they’ll suck though, and I'm confident that Apple will engineer any budget version to be highly serviceable for iPhone and Mac users.

They just won’t match the overall performance or value of the Studio Buds+. These are terrific wireless earbuds that beat every AirPods model not carrying the Pro moniker. With the right marketing, which is Beats’ specialty, they could, and should, be positioned as Apple’s go-to beginner buds.

Should the AirPods Lite find their way onto store shelves, expectations are that the Studio Buds+ will still deliver a more complete experience and offer more bang for your buck, making the AirPods Lite comparatively worthless.

More from Tom's Guide

• I bought the Beats Fit Pro — and I actually like them better than AirPods Pro 2
• Best Apple AirPods models tested and rated
• Beats Studio Buds+ vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 

I love running. It isn’t something I do daily, but an activity I engage in after long and stressful workdays. Running has also helped boost my mental and physical health entering my 40s.

Before hitting the streets or treadmill, I reach into my workout bag and grab wireless earbuds that best suit my workout agenda. Water-resistant buds often join me on light jogs in the rain, while soundful buds with powerful active noise cancelation push me through intense training sessions.

I could just name my prime pair and leave it at that. However, not mentioning my other favorites would be a disservice since they’re equally great and offer their own set of perks. Some of these you’ll find on our best running headphones list and some are hidden gems worth trying out. These are the wireless earbuds I recommend most for running.  

Best running earbuds for outdoor training

1. Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro are essentially a sporty version of the original AirPods Pro. Both models have the same sound features, including Apple’s adaptive EQ, noise cancelation, and personalized spatial audio. Music on the Beats has more punch to it, thanks to stronger bass response that blends nicely with crisp mids and highs. The extra oomph they bring to music stimulates a second wind during my 5K runs. ANC blocks out 85% of incidental sounds and the transparency mode keeps awareness up when sprinting on sidewalks. 

Seasoned runners will love the installed wingtips since they fold and mold to the outer part of the ears with ease. The silicone tips withstand lots of sweat to maintain a strong seal. Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test doesn’t perform as well as it does on the AirPods Pro 2, which are also reliable for running (read my hands-on experience). However, slight adjustments lock the Fit Pro in place. Excellent “Hey Siri” voice activation makes controlling these buds a breeze for seamless voice commands on the move.

Adequate battery life keeps them operating for a reasonable length of time: 6 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off. The slim charging case is a light carry and holds up to 30 hours. Fast-Fuel charging also generates 1 hour of use on a 5-minute quick charge. 

Currently priced at $199, the Fit Pro are occasionally on sale for as low as $159, which makes them a steal.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.

Best value earbuds for running

2. Jabra Elite 4 Active

Jabra has the most compelling fitness earbuds lineup, but the annoying naming conventions and similar spec sheets make it difficult choosing between entries. Much of their ad dollars have been spent pushing the high-end Elite 7 Active, and though they’re reputable buds, the less expensive Elite 4 Active deliver more bang for your buck. ANC is better than what’s available on the Elite 7 Active and suppresses low-/mid-frequency sounds at a higher rate. Premium features like Personalized ANC tailor noise neutralization to your hearing and the proprietary HearThrough mode keeps you on your toes by making ambient noises audible in all environments.

Obviously, you want great sound to go along with great ANC, and the Elite 4 Active are on top of their audio game. Impactful bass blasts through the 6mm drivers to kickstart runs on an energetic note. Multiple presets let you enhance and personalize the soundstage; Treble Boost is fantastic for hip-hop and rock tracks. The tight seal produced by Jabra’s gel tips also allow for full sound consumption, ensuring you feel every kick, snare, and pounding drum effect.

These buds are composed of durable plastic and covered in IP57 moisture protection to keep the internals safe from excessive sweat or water damage. The charging case is compact, lightweight, sturdy, and stores up to 28 hours. Speaking of battery life, the Elite 4 offers 7 hours of ANC playtime. 

So many selling points and I’ve yet to touch on the biggest one: pricing. Amazon currently has them at $119, but we have seen them as low as $89, making them unbeatable value for budget shoppers.

Read our full Jabra Elite 4 Active review.

Best running earbuds for battery life

3. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen)

Inexpensive sports headphones often come with more compromises than they’re worth. Not the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC. The $99 second-gen version carries features found on some of the best wireless earbuds. I’m talking about app support with a customizable 8-band EQ, multiple presets, wear detection, and built-in Tile functionality to track misplaced or lost buds on your smartphone. They are available to buy directly from JLab’s website, although they don't appear to be sold outside the U.S. right now.

ANC is included. The technology doesn’t perform well, but it’s useful enough to drown out common distractions such as chatty gym rats and loud TVs. Be Aware is the more serviceable feature and it provides a great sense of security by picking up external sounds clearly. I could hear cars and dump trucks coming up the street, along with sirens from several blocks away.

As for battery life, you’re looking at a category leader that outlasts every other sports headphone by several hours. Expect 11 to 15 hours per charge, depending how you use the buds. The durable charging case holds an additional 70 hours. An IP66 rating makes these buds dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant. Lastly, JLab’s Cloud Foam tips deliver optimal fit, adding to the Epic Air Sport ANC’s value.

Read our full JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) review.

Best running earbuds for optimal fit

4. Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Powerbeats Pro were my No. 1 pair until the newer Beats Fit Pro hit store shelves. I still rely on them to provide the best on-ear stability on runs. Beats’ hook design keeps the buds latched on and the silicone tips maintain a tight grip around the canal. Wearing the Powerbeats Pro for longer than 2 hours straight is fatiguing, but that’s mostly a worry for long-distance runners. Casual runners will appreciate the robust construction and IPX4 water-resistant coating that fends off sweat and rain.

These are the company’s most bass-heavy wireless earbuds. The low end is monstrous on EDM, hip-hop, and rock recordings and doesn’t compromise mids or highs. Vocals are also prominent on acoustic tracks and podcasts. ANC is absent, but the Powerbeats Pro’s in-ear design isolates noise well enough to remain focused on runs. 

Battery life is equal to the all-new Beats Studio Buds+ at 9 hours per charge; high volume and FaceTime calls don’t affect playtimes much. Call quality is another positive and some of Apple’s best in the category.

Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro review.

Best earbuds for running with health features

5. Amazfit PowerBuds Pro

The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro are fitness-first buds with tons of functionality. They double as an activity tracker that automatically detects when you’re running and saves workout data directly on the buds. This data can then be synced with third-party running apps like Runtastic, RunKeeper, and MapMyRun. Heart-rate monitoring is also built into the buds to record BPM (beats per minute). Other innovative health features include Cervical Protection to analyze and calibrate your posture, along with the Hearing Health setting that displays decibel levels to better curb bad listening habits and preserve your hearing.

Energetic sound complements most music genres and can be customized via EQ or multiple presets in the companion app. The combination of deep bass and high clarity had me enjoying workout playlists on jogs and relaxing instrumentals during cool downs. ANC doesn't wow, but it’s effective for outdoor use, specifically the Adaptive setting, which adjusts noise neutralization to your surroundings. Thru Mode is the better performer and pipes in lots of external sounds for wide ambient awareness.

Despite the low battery life (5 hours per charge), Amazfit’s charging case is clutch and extends listening times with an additional 30 hours of portable power. The solid mic performance shouldn’t be overlooked either, demonstrating superb speech recognition when speaking Google Assistant and Siri commands.

Read our full Amazfit PowerBuds Pro review.

More from Tom's Guide

• I test wireless earbuds for a living and these are my top 5 picks for all budgets
• 5 of the best headsets and headphones for working from home
• I tried the AirPods Pro 2 for running, here's what happened

After six years, Beats is poised to unveil a successor to the Beats Studio3 — the Beats Studio Pro has just appeared in a recent FCC filing following a leak last month discovered in the internal files of iOS 16.5. 

First spotted by MacRumors, the headphones in question go by the product number A2924 — just a few numbers away from the A2931 model number used by the AirPods Pro 2 — and have an ID of BeatsStudioPro1,1.  

Digging through the filing, we discovered that the Pro headphones seem to support Bluetooth LE, a new codec that would give the Studio Pro a huge uptick in sound quality. 

In addition to a new audio codec, we speculate that the new Beats Studio Pro will likely feature Apple’s H2 wireless chip that enables the new adaptive audio feature coming to the AirPods Pro 2 and, by extension, active noise cancellation like the Beats Studio3 have.

So how do we know that it’s coming soon? The report was filed with the FCC on June 15 and became available to the public on June 20. Typically, FCC filings become public just a few months before the products are officially announced, which means the headphones will be announced sometime in the next two months — though neither Apple nor its subsidiary Beats have made any claims to that effect.

Time to head to back to the Studio 

Beats headphones haven’t seen a new over-ear model added to the lineup since the Beats Solo3 were released in 2019, though there have been a half-dozen in-ear models in that time. The most recent of which was the Beats Studio Buds+. 

A return to the over-ear design feels overdue at this point, especially if Apple plans on adding both Bluetooth LE and the H2 Wireless Chip in the latest model.

As far as potential pricing, there’s no real indication based on the FCC filing. If they’re designed to supersede the Beats Studio Wireless3 that currently retail for $349 on Apple’s website, it’s possible the Studio Max could come in at $399 or more. 

We won’t have pricing information until Apple and Beats officially announce the headphones, and there’s a good chance that won’t happen for another few months. Until then, over-ear headphone aficionados can grab a pair of the Apple AirPods Max — or a pair of the Sony WH-1000XM5 that just launched last year. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Sony WF-1000XM5 — everything we know about the release date, price, and design
• 5 things the Sony WF-1000XM5 will do better than the AirPods Pro 2
• Best headphone deals

Despite listening to all kinds of headphones over the years, and more recently dozens of the best wireless earbuds as audio editor at Tom's Guide, you may be surprised to learn that I've never encountered a pair of Beats' earbuds. That is until earlier this week, of course. 

As an audio expert with more years under my belt than I wish to mention, I care a lot about getting the best sound quality and helping consumers make the greatest possible connection to their favorite music through high-quality audio experiences. From Apple's AirPods Pro 2 to Sony's WF-1000XM4, I've experienced the majority of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around, but never Beats. 

That may sound unusual, but Beats hasn't exactly chimed with my audiophile aspirations owing to its bass-rich sound tuned for the hip-hop music community. Since being at Tom's Guide, though, I've found myself embracing all kinds of audio products to suit many different styles, helping budget and aficionado music lovers alike on their journey to achieve better listening experiences. 

Additionally, Beats hasn't launched a model for a couple of years, and so the arrival of the Beats Studio Buds+ ANC earbuds earlier this week was my first encounter with the brand.

Beats first impressions

As I mentioned in my hands-on review, the Beats Studio Buds+ ($169 / £179 / AU$269) are extremely compact and feel well finished. Sticking with the iconic design of the original, these are easily the smallest set earbuds I've encountered; to the point where my large fingers found it difficult to pop them in and out of the charging case. 

If you're after a discreet pair of earbuds (apart from Beats' "b" branding that is), these are a very unobtrusive design. If you're after something a bit more substantial with a high-end look and feel, though, then you'll need to look at designs like the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro ($179), or the Nothing Ear (2) with their transparent styling for $20 less than the Studio Buds+. 

What happened to Beats' big bass sound?

Our original Beats Studio Buds review mentioned the bass rich sound that was especially punchy with ANC or Transparency modes engaged. The review also mentioned that the treble was on a par with our AirPods Pro (our top best wireless earbuds at the time). This wasn't what I got from the latest Beats.  

I was expecting the new Beats Studio Buds+ to have very similar sonic signature to the original version, with a big bass-heavy sound. But to my ears, the bass doesn't sound nearly as big or punchy as I anticipated, and doesn't live up to the description of the original. 

In fact, the recently reviewed OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have a much bigger bass sound when listening to the two models side-by-side, although the Studio Buds+ do score better with more openness around the mid and treble frequencies. What's more, the new Beats Studio Buds+ don't appear to bring any greater bass depth or warmth over the sound signature of the more refined-sounding Apple AirPods Pro 2, which is surprising.

What I did get listening to the Beats Studio Buds+ sonic sound signature is a lot more sparkle on high frequencies. While this initially gives the impression of sounding more open and detailed, it's exactly the frequency range that makes highs sound brash and tizzy, which can quickly get tiring. Even after a very short listening period, I found the sound balance fatiguing and too hard going with some tracks.

With Drake's "Search & Rescue", I can hear what feels like a hint of Beats' original signature sound working well. But with music outside the genre, the frequency balance tends to be on the lean side when compared to in-ear rivals. There's a lack of bass depth and warmth that I wasn't expecting when listening to Loreen's Eurovision-winning song "Tattoo" streamed via Apple Music, particularly when listening at lower volume levels. Even the bass-heavy "Cha, Cha, Cha" by Käärijä (Finland's entry) doesn't quite have the same level of impact, and the bass depth and warmth feels curtailed compared to several rival earbuds I tried.

Re-engineered Beats

Whether Apple-owned Beats has re-engineered the sound of the latest Studio Buds+ earbuds is hard to say for sure given that I don't have a pair of the original Studio Buds to compare them to. The press information does suggest that some internal adjustments have been made with a dual-layer speaker design for balanced bass levels with lower distortion.

This all sounds well and good, but I can't help feeling that whatever adjustments have been made, the result is a less engaging sound overall if you're buying these Beats buds to listen to anything other than rap or hip-hop. Of course, any sound EQ balance can easily be adjusted via your playback device or streaming service of choice. 

Overall, I can't help but feel a little bit underwhelmed by the sound of the new Beats Studio Buds+, and this first encounter hasn't quite lived up to my expectations. The iconic design and new transparent option are enough to keep loyal fans interested, but in an overcrowded market these already feel outperformed by plenty of better-sounding and more feature-laden rivals.

More from Tom's Guide

• I found all-day comfort in these new flagship earbuds
• Which Beats earbuds are best for sports?
• 7 hidden iOS features every new iPhone owner needs to know 

Although there's no official announcement from Apple about the rumored Beats Studio Buds+, their arrival is looking increasingly imminent following several images being circulated online that shows the new buds popping up at a Best Buy store in the U.S. over the weekend. 

In a Twitter post shared by tech enthusiast Ben Geskin, the first image (above) shows what looks to be the rumored active noise cancelling Beats Studio Buds+ in their packing box. The artwork on the packaging shows a picture of the Beats Studio Buds+ in their hotly anticipated transparent design, and the writing on the box suggests that battery life will run up to 36 hours with the charging case.

This is the first 'in the wild' sighting we've seen of the new Beats earbuds. Although they weren't actually available to purchase in the Best Buy store, it's a strong indication that the new model is being shipped out and that certain stores already have stock, and could suggest an on sale date coming very soon. 

The second image shared by Geskin shows several boxes stacked together, indicating that the Beats Studio Buds+ will also be available in white or black color options. 

This latest sighting is further confirmation that an update to the original Studio Buds that launched in 2021 is imminent. It reinforces the details we learned from the Amazon listing page leak that was spotted at the end of April, that listed the Beats Studio Buds+ with a May 18 release date and a $169 price tag, which works out to be around £135 / AU$255. 

We'll keep you updated with more info as it arrives. 

Beats Studio Buds+: Outlook 

Despite the rumor mill being fueled by the accidental Amazon listing and stock seen at certain retail stores, there's no official announcement from Apple on when it plans to launch the Beats Studio Buds+ noise-cancelling earbuds. 

Furthermore, although the design looks very similar to the original Beats Studio Buds, which are considered to be a sportier version of Apple's AirPods Pro priced at $149, there's no indication on whether they will be replaced by the Plus model, or whether they will continue alongside the new $20 more expensive Studio Buds Plus.

While we anticipate that new buds will incorporate many Apple and other Beats wireless earbuds features like spatial audio, audio sharing, automatic device switching, “Hey Siri," and Find My support, it looks like we're going to have to wait a little while longer before we get proper confirmation.

More from Tom's Guide

• This 3D spatial audio app made me feel like I was being buried alive
• My pick of the 5 best wireless earbuds for all budgets
• Beats Studio Pro headphones with spatial audio upgrades tipped by Apple

If the imminent launch of the Beats Studio Buds+ that's slated for May 18 wasn't enough, it looks as though Apple could also be gearing up for another spring launch with a big update to its popular Beats Studio over-ear headphones. 

A post put out by those eagle-eyed guys at 9to5Mac says that an additional Apple launch could be in the cards with new Beats Studio Pro headphones also looking likely to be introduced. 

Although there's no comment from Apple about either model, the information for the new Beats Studio Pro headphones came following images discovered in the internal files of iOS 16.5 that was released to developers in beta form earlier this week. Additionally, sources close to 9to5Mac have confirmed the existence of the Beats Studio Pro model. 

The new model is said to come with stronger noise-cancelling performance, along with upgrades that include transparency mode and personalized spatial audio support for the first time.

If the rumors do turn out to be true, it's also likely that the Studio Pro will feature a USB-C port for charging, and benefit from the same custom chip upgrade rumored to be fitted to the Beats Studio Buds+ to support performance enhancement and the suggested additional feature upgrades. 

Although the new model is yet to be spotted in the wild, the development project code name appears to suggest that the design is in partnership with U.K. fashion designer Samuel Ross. Ross has previously worked with the brand on the limited edition Beats Studio 3 (pictured). 

Images seen by 9to5Mac suggest the Beats Studio Pro will be available in black, white, dark blue, and brown color options. 

Beats Studio Pro: Outlook 

With the most recent Beats Studio 3 headphones update introduced in October 2017, it's fair to say that the model is due a refresh. They have been a solid choice for buyers for many years, but noise-cancelling performance has moved on and due a few upgrades to compete with modern rivals and as a cost-effective alternative to Apple's AirPods Max flagship over-ear headphones.

There's no information on the likely price of the Studio Pro headphones, or whether the Studio 3 ($349) will be replaced or continue alongside. Whether Apple plans to introduce these new Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones at the same time as the Studio Buds+ expected to arrive later this month, is hard to say. But it's looking increasingly likely that new Studio models will be arriving in stores very soon.

More from Tom's Guide

• All the best Beats headphones ranked and rated
• iOS 16.5 — all the new features for your iPhone  
• This spatial audio app made me feel like I was buried alive