Pros
- Useful features for Apple iOS users
- Inclusion of an extra-small eartip size
- Flexible wingtips are comfortable and secure
Cons
- Not the best sound quality for the price
- Noise cancellation is just okay
- Expensive for what they are
The Powerbeats Fit, which hail from Beats By Dr. Dre, are a follow-up to the Beats Fit Pro, which launched four years ago. They are very similar in design with a few upgrades. Designed for active users, they work well with both iPhone and Android devices. But with the Apple H1 chip, iPhone users will get specific features that make them a perfect complement. After spending a few weeks with these buds, here’s my take.
About the Powerbeats Fit
The Powerbeats Fit have a more flexible wingtip compared to the Beats Fit Pro they replace, come with a smaller case, are more durable, and provide better overall in-ear comfort. Both the buds and the case now boast an IPX4 water-resistant rating. You also get a new extra-small eartip size for those with smaller ears.
The custom acoustic platform and proprietary drivers deliver powerful, balanced sound and support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience. Adaptive EQ tailors sound based on each earbud’s individual fit and seal. There’s also advanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that blocks external noise, while Transparency mode keeps you connected to your surroundings when needed.
Powered by the Apple H1 chip, iOS users can enjoy features like Automatic Switching between devices, Audio Sharing, hands-free Hey Siri, Find My, and more. For Android users, the Beats App enables one-touch pairing, customizable controls, battery status, and Locate My Beats.
On-device controls allow you to easily manage music playback, adjust volume, switch listening modes, handle calls, and activate your voice assistant. For calls, dual beam-forming microphones accurately capture your voice, combined with an internal processor that reduces external noise like wind.
You get up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case, each bud delivering up to seven hours of playback per charge. With Fast Fuel, a quick five-minute charge will provide up to an hour of playback.
Powerbeats Fit is available in Jet Black, Gravel Gray, Spark Orange, and Power Pink for $249.95 in Canada.
Powerbeats Fit Review
I’ll start by noting that I did not review the Beats Fit Pro, so this won’t be a comparison but a standalone take on these new earbuds.
The Design
I received my sample in a Gravel Gray finish, which looks closer to a beige-tinted colour. You’ll find the signature Beats lower-case “b” emblazoned on both the buds and the case.
The small size of the buds combined with the extra-small eartip option for those who need it make these buds a good choice if you have smaller ears. That said, those with larger ears can still enjoy a secure and comfortable fit with one of the larger tips. Once in place, twist them such that the flexible wingtip secures to the edge of your outer ear, and they’ll stay in place, even during rigorous activity.
Sound Quality
Through my review period, I listened to music from sources like Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM as well as accompanying audio with video content from Netflix. I started with my usual, Radiohead‘s “Creep.” Compared to some of the higher-end buds I have reviewed this year, these don’t quite measure up. The song lacks depth and clarity, with an almost artificial sound to it. It’s not unpleasant, but knowing what this tune can sound like from a pair of headphones makes the difference clear.
Knowing Beats’ prowess when it comes to bass reproduction, I decided to try a track that’s more bass-heavy and moved on to “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars along with “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys. In both cases, the bass was wonderfully reproduced, but the balance, detail, and clarity was world’s behind other earbuds. Playing the same tunes through the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100s right after, the difference was night and day. This isn’t to say the Powerbeat Fit won’t be enjoyable for most users. They serve a different purpose, and they sound more than acceptable for the average user wearing them while going for a run, working out, or commuting.
I switched to watching a clip from Mindhunter on Netflix and this is where these earbuds shine. Audio with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking was pleasant and immersive. I felt as though I was watching (and listening) from several speakers around me. As a character addresses a group of people in a room, you hear each sound, from the cheers and clapping to the clinking of glasses, from every section of the room. In an outdoor scene, birds chirping and cars driving by are wonderfully balanced with the main dialogue. When there was a loud bang from a character’s car after he started the engine, I visibly jumped, feeling as though it was right there behind me. I found the experience was just as pleasant when listening to podcasts.
App Experience
With an iPhone, you don’t need an app but rather access settings through the Bluetooth menu once the earbuds are connected. With Android, you need to download the Beats app. Either way, the options are pretty minimal and straightforward. This includes turning on noise cancellation or transparency mode, running an ear tip fit test to ensure you have the right size and they are inserted and positioned properly, turning automatic ear detection on or off, and toggling personalized spatial audio on or off. There are no EQ settings or anything beyond that, which might be appreciated for those who just want a simple pair of buds. You can also see battery life for both buds and the case.
In terms of on-bud controls, there are press and hold functions that you can set to adjust volume. You can also set the left or right earbud to do things like turn off or on noise cancelling or activate Siri. Press once to play or pause. I like that there’s an audible and recognizable “click” when you push the bud in. While touch sensors are nice, sometimes you have to fidget too much to find the right spot to tap or swipe. The click is a subtle yet appreciated and simple confirmation.
You can also customize call controls. Pressing once will always answer a call, but you can set pressing again either once or twice to mute or unmute and pressing once or twice to end a call.
iPhone Users Get Useful Features
While these earbuds, as noted, pair beautifully with both iPhone and Android devices, you get additional features and functions when pairing them with an iPhone. The buds can be added to Find My in case you misplace them, though you can also add them to Locate My Beats in the Beats app on Android.
With iPhone, you get things like incoming messages real aloud to you, an appreciated feature when I’m out for morning walks, for example, so I don’t have to fish for my phone in my pocket. I also love that it works with the new autoplay music feature with Apple Watch Series 11 so I can set a specific playlist or podcast to start playing as soon as I initiate a walking workout. Along with seamless switching among Apple devices, you can engage in FaceTime calls with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Noise Cancelling
Turn on noise cancelling to eliminate some of the distracting noise around you, like the hum of the furnace, the hustle and bustle of the streets while you go for a run, or the sound of the subway. Use transparency mode when you want to let in some sounds. The noise cancelling performance isn’t anything to write home about. It won’t rival on-ear headphones and you likely won’t want to wear these on a flight: they won’t be sufficient. While wearing them at home, for example, I could still hear the hum of my furnace when it kicked in with heat while my fingers tapping on the keyboard were still fairly prominent. But for moderate noise cancelling, they will do the trick.
Should You Buy the Powerbeats Fit?
Based on specs alone, the Powerbeats Fit aren’t a massive upgrade from the Beats Fit Pro. If you already own those and love them, there’s no need to buy these new ones. But for new users, especially those with smaller ears, you’ll appreciate the more secure fit and the smaller eartip sizes. The smaller case that adds IPX4 is nice, too, versus the bigger, bulkier case of the previous-gen version.
These are a solid pair of sports earbuds for those who plan to wear them while exercising, walking or running, or light commuting. I wouldn’t rely on these for air travel, but for the bus or subway, they’re fine. They aren’t for discerning listeners, either, but perfect for wearing while you listen to a motivational playlist or podcast during your morning 5K run. With iPhone, it’s nice that you can hear your messages through the buds so you don’t lose focus and momentum. I find they sound best with spoken-word content, like podcasts and watching movies or TV shows. So, for those who like to indulge in an episode or two during their train commute home, these will be a good match.
At $250, the Powerbeats Fit are a bit expensive for what they are, but worth the extra money for iPhone users who will leverage the added features and seamless connection. For Android users, while they work well with those devices, too, you’re paying for a few extra features you can’t use. So, I’d suggest looking elsewhere for a pair that’s a better match. But for sporty iPhone users, the Powerbeats Fit will be a welcome companion at the gym, on your runs, and during commutes.