RW Verdict: Easily some of the best running headphones we’ve worn in a while, if you’re already running in the Powerbeats, you’ll be astounded by the improvements.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Best wireless headphones
- Instantly connect to your phone, making getting out the door easier
- Best wireless headphones
Cons
- Resting heart rate
| Type | We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Nine hours (24 hours with charging case) |
| Noise-cancelling | No |
| Accessories included | Charging case, ear tips in four sizes, USB charging cable |
If, like me, you’re the kind of runner that has a mad rush to charge all your gadgets ten minutes before running out the door, you’ll be impressed by the Beats Powerbeats Pro. They charge in their case, you get 90 minutes of playback after just a five minute charge and even the most techno-phobe runner will be impressed at how seamlessly they connect to your phone.
The little details that matter
When you get them out the box, you’ll notice that the Powerbeats look more like the Apple Airpods than previous versions of the Powerbeats. Stored inside a magnetic case, that also charges the headphones when they’re inside, you can forget wires getting tangled in your bag, or having to unknot headphones, instead, the pods connect to your phone seamlessly and start playing music upon being put in your ears.
On the run, they were lightweight and didn’t move. Little details like the music stopping if you removed one earpod were impressive and it was easy to pause and skip songs without having to dig your phone out. When not running, the headphones worked well during phone calls and, unlike previous versions of Powerbeats headphones, they didn’t dig in uncomfortably when you were wearing glasses.
Charging and battery life
In-ear, true wireless, Garmin and iPhone in time for a race is a first-world problem I often struggle with. The Powerbeats Pro charge in their case in your bag and even a small amount of charge gives you enough playback to power your run commute. The charger cable is the same as the Apple iPhone charger, which comes in handy when travelling (Android users, don’t let this put you off, there’s a charging cord in the box).
On the tech side of things, Beats write, “Each earbud has up to 9 hours of listening time and more than 24 hours of combined playback with the magnetic closure case. With Fast Fuel, you get 1.5 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging and up to 4.5 hours after 15 minutes of charging.”
How do they compare with previous versions of the Powerbeats?
As someone who listens to Podcasts more than music, sound wise, I didn’t notice much difference to previous versions of the Powerbeats. They blocked out enough noise to let me enjoy my podcast, but not too much so I couldn’t hear the traffic. That said, the techy experts Beats were quick to add, “Sound was the highest priority in the development of Powerbeats Pro. Completely re-engineered from the inside out, the earphones boast an upgraded linear piston driver that leverages an efficient, pressurised airflow to create a powerful acoustic response in a small package. Enhanced sound quality means incredibly low distortion and great dynamic range across the entire frequency curve.”
Practicality-wise, however, the lack of wires is game changing, especially when running. I’ve pulled headphones out three miles into a marathon because I just couldn’t bear the wire hitting the back of my neck and I’ve had to stop on the track when the wires get tangled in my necklace. A cliche as it sounds, being completely wireless, these headphones allow you to forget about fiddling and just get on with your run.
The downsides?
Of course, spending more than £200 on a pair of headphones is a big ask, but in my opinion, if you’re going to invest in a pair of running headphones for training for a marathon, or just using on the move, these are worth the price tag.
Available in black, ivory, navy and moss.
