Short answer: the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. It ranks #176 of 467 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $249. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks #364, rated 3.5/5, at $199, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the tougher choice. Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. It is rated IP57 against IPX4 for the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. Watch for: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the better-sounding pick. A preference score of 77 in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.8 dB standard deviation and every band from 20 Hz to 10 kHz within about 2 dB of target, gives a balanced and natural sound. The catch: Treble above 10 kHz runs about 8 dB below target, with a 13.6 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so cymbals and room ambience lose their airy shimmer.
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50 saving on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #364 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #176 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 77 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 1.78 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | True wireless |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (8.7 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (45 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP57 | IPX4 |
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for Beats Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Beats Fit Pro vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Apple AirPods Pro 3: $199.00 TWS Amazon $199.00 eBay
Pros: Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. The response stays fairly even overall, with a 2.4 dB standard deviation from target and a gently warm tilt that suits warm and bassy tastes. Active noise cancelling, an IP57 rating that covers dust and immersion, and 8 hours per charge (24 with the case, ANC on) make it an easy everyday pair.
Cons: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy. Codecs stop at SBC and AAC, and the Beats Fit Pro earns a slightly higher rating for less money.
Full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IP57 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: $249.00 TWS Amazon $249.00 eBay
Pros: A preference score of 77 in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.8 dB standard deviation and every band from 20 Hz to 10 kHz within about 2 dB of target, gives a balanced and natural sound. Bass holds to 30 Hz within 1 dB of target, so low notes keep their weight. Battery life is a standout at 10 hours per charge and 45 with the case, alongside active noise cancelling and IPX4 splash resistance.
Cons: Treble above 10 kHz runs about 8 dB below target, with a 13.6 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so cymbals and room ambience lose their airy shimmer. At 8.7 g per earbud it is heavier than most true wireless buds, and codecs are limited to SBC and AAC.
Full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (45 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 1.78 dB standard deviation |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 77 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.7 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons