Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro
When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, Apple dominates the conversation with its iconic AirPods line. But since acquiring Beats in 2014, Apple has also leveraged the Beats brand to offer compelling alternatives that blend its ecosystem magic with a distinct style and focus. Two standout options in this lineup are the Beats Fit Pro and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)—both high-end earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC), seamless Apple integration, and premium sound. Yet, despite their shared DNA, these earbuds cater to slightly different audiences and use cases.
Launched in November 2021, the Beats Fit Pro brought a fitness-focused design with wingtips and a sporty aesthetic, while the AirPods Pro 2, released in September 2022, refined Apple’s flagship earbuds with cutting-edge upgrades like the H2 chip and enhanced ANC. In 2025, both remain top contenders in the wireless earbud market, frequently pitted against each other by iPhone users and beyond. So, which pair is right for you? In this comparison, we’ll break down their design, fit, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, features, compatibility, and value to help you decide.
Design and Fit: Style Meets Stability
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The AirPods Pro 2 stick to Apple’s signature design: sleek, stemmed earbuds in glossy white. Weighing 5.3 grams each, they’re lightweight and unobtrusive, with a minimalist aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable. The stems aren’t just for show—they house touch-sensitive controls for playback, volume, and ANC modes. Apple includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (extra small, small, medium, and large), allowing users to fine-tune the fit via the Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS.
While the AirPods Pro 2 are comfortable for everyday use—think commuting, casual listening, or light walks—they aren’t designed with intense physical activity in mind. During vigorous workouts like running or HIIT, some users report the earbuds feeling less secure, especially if sweat affects the seal. Their IPX4 water resistance protects against splashes and light rain, and the charging case shares this rating, complete with a lanyard loop and a speaker for Find My functionality.
The case itself is compact (50.8 grams), resembling a dental floss container with rounded edges. It supports wireless charging (including MagSafe) and uses a Lightning port—though rumors of a USB-C transition persist as Apple aligns with EU regulations.
Beats Fit Pro
In contrast, the Beats Fit Pro ditch the stems for a stemless, sculpted design that sits flush in the ear. At 5.6 grams each, they’re slightly heavier than the AirPods Pro 2, but the real game-changer is the integrated wingtips. These flexible silicone stabilizers tuck into the upper ear, providing a rock-solid fit that’s ideal for workouts, runs, or any high-movement activity. The wingtips are one-size-fits-all, which works surprisingly well for most users, though some with smaller ears might need adjustment time.
Beats offers three ear tip sizes (small, medium, large) and the same Ear Tip Fit Test as the AirPods, ensuring a proper seal for sound and ANC. With an IPX4 rating, the earbuds match the AirPods Pro 2 for water resistance, but the case lacks any rating, making it less durable against sweat or spills.
The Beats Fit Pro case is larger and heavier (55.1 grams), with a flip-top design and a USB-C port for charging—no wireless charging here. While it’s still pocketable, it feels less premium than the AirPods’ case, with a slightly plasticky build. Aesthetically, Beats wins with variety: black, white, sage gray, stone purple, and special-edition colors like the Kim Kardashian collab, compared to the AirPods’ lone white option.
Verdict: Design and Fit
If you prioritize a secure fit for active lifestyles, the Beats Fit Pro’s wingtips make them the clear winner. They stay put during workouts, while the AirPods Pro 2 can feel precarious without that extra grip. For casual use or a sleek, iconic look, the AirPods Pro 2 shine. Style-wise, Beats offers more personality, while AirPods lean on brand recognition.
Sound Quality: H2 Power vs. Beats Balance
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a refined audio experience that builds on the original’s strengths. The sound profile is balanced yet dynamic, with crisp highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm. The 11mm drivers, paired with Adaptive EQ, adjust in real-time to your ear’s acoustics, ensuring consistent quality across genres—whether it’s the layered instrumentation of classical or the thumping beats of hip-hop.
Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adds an immersive, theater-like dimension, especially for movies or Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music. Personalization via iPhone camera scanning further tailors the experience. While not the loudest earbuds on the market, they excel in clarity and refinement, appealing to casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro, driven by the H1 chip and 9.5mm drivers, lean into Beats’ legacy of bold, energetic sound. The bass is fuller and more pronounced than the AirPods Pro 2, but it’s controlled—not the bloated, muddy low-end of older Beats models. Mids and highs are clear, though they lack the pinpoint precision of the AirPods Pro 2’s H2-driven output. This makes the Fit Pro ideal for bass-heavy genres like EDM, rap, or rock, where the extra thump enhances the vibe.
Spatial Audio is present with head tracking, matching the AirPods’ immersion, though personalization isn’t an option. Overall, the sound is fun and engaging, prioritizing enjoyment over analytical detail—a perfect fit for workouts or casual jams.
Verdict: Sound Quality
The AirPods Pro 2 edge out the Beats Fit Pro for their superior clarity, balance, and H2-driven finesse, making them the better all-rounder. The Beats Fit Pro, however, deliver a punchier, more workout-friendly sound that some users—especially bass lovers—might prefer.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency: Quiet vs. Awareness
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The H2 chip takes the AirPods Pro 2’s ANC to new heights, blocking low and midrange noise—like airplane engines or office chatter—down to a whisper. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the first-gen model, and real-world use backs this up: it outperforms the Beats Fit Pro and rivals top competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5. Adaptive Transparency mode is a standout, reducing harsh sounds (e.g., sirens) while letting you hear your surroundings naturally—a feature Beats lacks.
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro’s ANC, powered by the H1 chip, is solid but not class-leading. It handles consistent low-end noise (e.g., gym hums) well but lets higher frequencies—like voices or sudden clangs—seep through more than the AirPods Pro 2. Transparency mode is natural and effective, though it misses the adaptive tweak. For workouts or casual use, it’s sufficient, but it doesn’t match the AirPods’ next-gen prowess.
Verdict: Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 2 win hands-down with superior ANC and Adaptive Transparency, ideal for travel or noisy environments. The Beats Fit Pro’s ANC is decent for fitness or lighter use but falls short in demanding scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The AirPods Pro 2 offer 6 hours of playback with ANC on (7 without), plus 30 hours total with the case. Wireless charging (MagSafe-compatible) and a Lightning port provide flexibility, and a 5-minute charge yields about an hour of use.
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro edge out slightly with 6 hours (ANC on) or 7 hours (ANC off) per charge, and 27 hours total with the case. USB-C charging is a plus for Android users or those with modern cables, but the lack of wireless charging feels like a miss. Fast charging mirrors the AirPods: 5 minutes for an hour.
Verdict: Battery Life
The AirPods Pro 2 take the lead with longer case life and wireless charging versatility, though the Beats Fit Pro’s USB-C and slightly better single-charge endurance are notable.
Features and Compatibility
Both earbuds integrate seamlessly with Apple devices via the H1 (Beats) or H2 (AirPods) chip, offering one-tap pairing, automatic switching, hands-free Siri, and Find My support. The AirPods Pro 2 add precision tracking via the U1 chip in the case and hearing aid features (introduced in 2024), while the Beats Fit Pro lack these extras.
Controls differ: AirPods use stem squeezes and swipes (including volume), while Beats rely on physical buttons—more reliable during sweaty workouts. Android compatibility is stronger with Beats, thanks to the Beats app, which offers fit tests and control customization—AirPods lack an Android app, limiting functionality outside iOS.
Verdict: Features
AirPods Pro 2 offer more advanced features and iOS polish, but Beats Fit Pro win for cross-platform flexibility.
Price and Value
the AirPods Pro 2 retail at $249, often dipping to $189-$199 during sales. The Beats Fit Pro, originally $199, frequently hit $159-$179. For the price, Beats offer great value for fitness buffs or Android users, while AirPods justify their premium with top-tier ANC and ecosystem perks.
Verdict: Value
Beats Fit Pro are the budget-friendly pick, especially on sale. AirPods Pro 2 are worth it if you prioritize ANC and Apple exclusivity.
Final Thoughts
The Beats Fit Pro are the go-to for active users—runners, gym-goers, or anyone needing a secure fit and punchy sound. Their lower price and Android support broaden their appeal. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the premium choice for Apple loyalists, offering unmatched ANC, refined audio, and ecosystem integration for commuting, travel, or all-day use.
If fitness is your focus, grab the Beats Fit Pro. For the best overall experience in Apple’s world, the AirPods Pro 2 reign supreme. Either way, you’re getting a slice of Apple’s audio magic—tailored to your lifestyle.
