PowerBeats Pro vs BeatsX smackdown: Which should you buy?

Knowing about new audio technology is our expertise. When something new arrives on the market, we put the device through the paces and then inform you of our likes and dislikes.

PowerBeats Pro and BeatsX are both made by Apple’s Beats. However, this is where their similarities end. Time has provided the former with better specs than the older product. Still, there’s a considerable price difference between the two which many will consider.

Breaking down the differences

In one corner you have truly wireless earphones that share the same H1 chip as the recently released AirPods 2 earphones. In the other is a pair of headsets that rely on traditional inline controls and include a neck cord.

	PowerBeats Pro	BeatsX
Price	$250	$120
Battery life	9 hours, 24 hours with charging case	8 hours
Charging case	Yes	No
Chip	H1	W1
Fast charge	5 mins = 90 minutes	5 mins = 2 hours
Custom fit	Yes	Yes
Auto pause	Yes	No
Hey, Siri (handsfree)	Yes	No
Noise isolation	Yes	Yes
Released	May 2019	February 2017

Despite its higher price, we recommend the more expensive and newer PowerBeats Pro over the BeatsX. Our decision is based on three factors: convenience, voice control, and battery life.

The PowerBeats Pro earphones are truly wireless in that they don’t rely on cords to get the job done. In doing so, they are easier to use, as they wrap around your ears (like a hook) for a comfortable and secure fit. With no cords, the PowerBeats Pro offers a modest footprint when traveling in the chargeable carrying case. Speaking of that chargeable case, it provides 24 hours of combined playback courtesy. The BeatX only offers 8 hours in total and doesn’t include a charging case. The BeatsX earphones are also comfortable and come with different sized ear tips, but because they include a Flex-Form neck cord, are much bulkier.

In recent years, Apple has put a lot of its resources into making Siri a better voice assistant. Part of this transformation has included adding the ability to activate Siri with only your voice on key products such as Apple Watch, AirPods 2, and now, PowerBeats Pro. Just say “Hey Siri” to get started. For this to be possible on the PowerBeats Pro, Apple has installed the new H1 chip that’s also on the AirPods 2. This chip makes it quicker to pair the earphones with other Apple devices, maintain the Bluetooth connection, and more.

With the older W1 chip, the BeatX earphones can’t do this. Activating Siri on the BeatsX means pushing a button on the inline controls, which is much less convenient.

Did we also mention PowerBeats Pro are sweat and water resistant, while the BeatX are not?

Beyond this, both products include similar features. Each product, for example, provides noise isolation and are available in multiple colors, although they are different. The PowerBeats Pro comes with ear tips in four size options, just like the BeatsX. Having different tip options allows for a customized fit.

PowerBeats Pro

Newest pair in the neighborhood

$250 at Apple

Experience Apple’s all-new H1 chip in this Beats wearable device

These truly wireless headphones are durable and stylish and perfect for fitness gurus and everyday users alike. Just don’t get bit by the price.

Beats X

A budget choice

A little bit older and not truly wireless, but still a worthy solution

$120 at Amazon

If you’re looking for wireless Beats and would rather not spend $250, BeatX is still a terrific choice. The earphones will provide years of enjoyment for half the price of the PowerBeats Pro.