Beats not too long ago launched the brand new Powerbeats Match – a revamped model of the favored Beats Match Professional. The earbuds are an alternative choice to Apple’s AirPods, and it’s onerous to not evaluate them to the brand-new AirPods Professional 3, which had been additionally not too long ago launched.
Whereas each are designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, they do have some key variations. In the event you’re not sure which one is best for you, learn on as we evaluate Powerbeats Match and AirPods Professional 3 in design, sound high quality, and extra.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Design and luxury
The very first thing you’ll discover is that the 2 earbuds had been designed for very totally different life.
Powerbeats Match are clearly constructed with sports activities and exercises in thoughts. Beats redesigned the wingtip to be extra versatile, which provides them a safer match for operating or fitness center classes. The case can also be smaller than the outdated Beats Match Professional, although it nonetheless expenses solely through USB-C. Sadly, there’s no wi-fi charging right here.
AirPods Professional 3, then again, is a extra premium choice targeted on on a regular basis use. They arrive with new foam-infused silicone suggestions for a greater seal and luxury throughout lengthy listening classes. Apple additionally ensures a safe match with AirPods Professional, however not having a wingtip makes them extra more likely to fall out of your ears throughout very intense exercises.

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In contrast to Powerbeats Match, the AirPods Professional 3 charging case helps MagSafe wi-fi charging. Plus, it additionally allows you to add a lanyard and has a built-in speaker for Discover My alerts. AirPods Professional 3 additionally presents 5 totally different ear tip dimension choices: XXS, XS, S, M, and L. Powerbeats Match, then again, doesn’t have the XXS choice.
For stability throughout exercises, the Powerbeats Match are the clear winners with versatile wingtips and a extra rugged design. For all-day consolation and a extra refined look, AirPods Professional 3 take the lead.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Sound high quality and ANC
That is the place the hole between the 2 fashions turns into clearer.
The Powerbeats Match use Apple’s H1 chip, so their sound high quality and noise cancellation are roughly on par with the first-generation AirPods Professional. They sound good, however not cutting-edge. It’s the standard Beats tuning with strong bass, plus first rate Lively Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes.

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The AirPods Professional 3 preserve the identical H2 chip launched with the AirPods Professional 2, however with minor acoustic updates. In comparison with Powerbeats Match, AirPods Professional 3 have a extra immersive and clear sound. The ANC in AirPods Professional 3 can also be rather more environment friendly, even higher than in AirPods Professional 2.
Each AirPods Professional 3 and Powerbeats Match help Adaptive EQ, which intelligently adapts the sound to match your environment and the match of every earbud, and Customized Spatial Audio.
In case your priorities are the very best sound and noise cancellation, the AirPods Professional 3 are simply the best alternative.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Battery life
With regards to wi-fi headphones and earbuds, many customers are involved about battery life. Whether or not it’s for getting by means of a protracted day at work or a transatlantic flight, having extra battery life is all the time a superb benefit.
Surprisingly, each Powerbeats Match and AirPods Professional 3 ship very comparable outcomes on this regard, with just a few variations.
Powerbeats Match ship as much as 7 hours of playback on a single cost. Mixed with the charging case, you should utilize them for as much as 30 hours.
AirPods Professional 3, then again, now last as long as 8 hours of playback on a single cost. Nonetheless, its charging case has a smaller battery and extends playback time to as much as 24 hours.
In different phrases: AirPods Professional 3 final a bit longer on a single cost, however the Powerbeats Match’s case offers you extra complete battery if you have to recharge them on the go.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Health and sensible options
First, let’s dive into what Powerbeats Match and AirPods Professional 3 have in widespread. They each help options resembling “Hey Siri,” Introduced Notifications, quick pairing with iOS, computerized machine switching, auto-pause, and Discover My help.
Nonetheless, since Powerbeats Match have the H1 chip and AirPods Professional 3 have the H2 chip, Apple-branded earbuds provide some further options. This consists of Adaptive Mode and the not too long ago introduced Stay Translation. The most recent AirPods additionally provide decrease latency and can be utilized as lavalier microphones when paired with an iPhone.
One other function unique to AirPods Professional 3 is a coronary heart charge sensor for monitoring exercises with out the necessity for an Apple Watch. And even in case you have an Apple Watch, the sensor within the earbuds can enhance the accuracy of coronary heart charge measurement.
On the similar time, Powerbeats Match are extra common on the subject of working with different platforms. Android customers can obtain the Beats app to unlock fast pairing, widgets, EQ changes, and site monitoring.
If you need all the most recent options, AirPods Professional 3 are the correct alternative. However in case you plan to make use of your earbuds with an Android cellphone or pill, Powerbeats Match are a greater choice.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Coloration choices
That is the place Beats nonetheless stands out. Whereas AirPods Professional 3 are solely obtainable in white, Powerbeats Match are available enjoyable coloration choices like Spark Orange and Energy Pink, and they’re additionally obtainable in grey and black.
In the event you wish to match your earbuds with the remainder of your outfit, Powerbeats Match may swimsuit you nicely. I particularly love the brand new Powerbeats Slot in Spark Orange – they go nicely with the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Professional and likewise with the brand new orange rugged case from Beats.

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Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: Water resistance
Powerbeats Match are IPX4 licensed, which implies they’re splash resistant. You should utilize them within the rain with none worries, however submerging them in water isn’t a good suggestion.
AirPods Professional 3 are IP57 licensed, making them extra proof against being submerged in water for a couple of minutes, in addition to being mud resistant. So in case you’re a slipshod one who typically washes your earbuds along with your pants, go together with AirPods Professional 3.
Powerbeats Match vs AirPods Professional 3: A 3rd choice…
What if I instructed you there’s additionally a 3rd choice for you? Powerbeats Professional 2, which had been launched earlier this yr, compete extra straight with Apple’s AirPods Professional. They’ve the H2 chip with decrease latency and higher ANC (although not precisely the identical because the AirPods Professional 3), and likewise the built-in coronary heart charge sensor.
As well as, Powerbeats Professional 2 presents an much more safe match with lengthy earhooks, best for sports activities (though they could be a bit annoying in case you put on glasses). In addition they ship as much as 8 hours of playback on a single cost and as much as 36 further hours with the charging case.

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Sadly, regardless of having the H2 chip, they nonetheless lack help for the brand new Stay Translation function in iOS 26. At the very least in addition they include 5 totally different sizes of silicone tip – though they’re not foam-filled.
Powerbeats Match or AirPods Professional 3: Which one must you purchase?
Once more, they’re all nice wi-fi earbuds, every with their very own distinctive options aimed toward a distinct viewers.
Powerbeats Match are finest for runners, gym-goers, and anybody who desires earbuds that keep put it doesn’t matter what. They sound first rate and have good ANC for many conditions. They’re additionally a bit cheaper and are available in additional colours. Plus, they’re extra fitted to Android customers. In the event you nonetheless have older AirPods or different earbuds, you’ll undoubtedly like them.
In the event you’re prepared to spend a bit extra and the safe health match isn’t a difficulty for you, go together with the AirPods Professional 3. They provide the very best sound, the very best ANC, and likewise some unique options. They’re best for iPhone customers who already personal AirPods Professional and need to take their expertise one step additional.
And in case you’re a critical athlete who wants an especially safe match and likewise desires issues like higher ANC and a coronary heart charge sensor for exercises, Powerbeats Professional 2 is the correct alternative for you. They value the identical as AirPods Professional 3, so it’s a alternative about what sort of consumer you might be.
Talking of worth, right here’s how a lot every one prices, although they’ll typically be discovered on sale:
On the finish of the day, Apple and Beats now provide a lineup that covers almost each sort of consumer. Whether or not you’re searching for the last word exercise earbuds, an on a regular basis companion to your iPhone, or one thing in between, there’s an choice for you.

