Beats Fit Pro Review: Are They Worth It?

The Challenge of Earbud Reviews and Individual Fit

Evaluating earbuds presents a unique challenge, as the anatomy of each person’s ears differs. Truly, no two ears are identical. Recognizing this, I understand the significance of discovering a pair that provides a comfortable and secure fit, especially for prolonged use.

Initial Impressions of the Beats Fit Pro

Upon the initial leaks of the Beats Fit Pro, some reservations arose. The design closely resembles the Studio Buds released earlier by the Apple-owned brand, but with a notable addition: wings. These wingtips, regardless of their designation – wings, eartips, or fins – were initially unappealing.

This aversion stems from past experiences with workout headphones. Earlier models often featured rigid, pointed wings intended for stability during activities like running. While acknowledging their functional purpose, I generally prefer to avoid inserting pointed objects into sensitive areas of the body unless absolutely necessary.

Comfort and Design Refinements

Despite my initial concerns, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the Fit Pros. The earbuds themselves are relatively compact, and the eartips contribute to their overall size. They share similarities with the Powerbeats Pro in this regard, but achieve their stability with less bulky plastic.

The success of the tips lies in their size, shape, and the pliable silicone material used in their construction. This malleability ensures a secure fit without causing discomfort or digging into the cartilage.

While not definitively the most comfortable earbuds tested, the Powerbeats Pro still hold that distinction. Their over-ear design effectively distributes weight and pressure. However, at just 11.2 grams, the Fit Pros remain lightweight enough for extended wear.

Secure Fit During Exercise

The Fit Pros excel at maintaining a secure fit during physical activity. Having recently resumed running, I tested numerous earbuds with varying degrees of success. Maintaining headphone placement during workouts requires consideration of both movement and the impact of perspiration, which can make adjustment difficult.

The Fit Pro performed exceptionally well in this regard, surpassing many recently tested earbuds. For those prioritizing a reliable pair of gym earbuds, these are a strong contender.

Controls and Functionality

The wingtip integrates with a physical button, activated by pressing the edge furthest from the ear tip. Pressing the center applies more pressure. A single press controls playback and call answering, a double press advances the track, a triple press rewinds, and a long press toggles between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes.

Physical buttons are essential for workout headphones, as touch controls can become unreliable with sweat. The relatively small size of the buttons can lead to accidental presses during adjustments, but they still outperform most earbuds in this context. They represent a significant improvement over the Studio Buds, which proved difficult to keep in place during runs.

Wingtip Considerations and Replacement

It’s important to note that the wingtip is permanently attached to the button and cannot be removed or replaced. While removing them after a workout might be desirable, it could compromise their structural integrity. If the wingtip is damaged, the entire unit must be returned under warranty, as Apple/Beats does not sell the component separately.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

The sound quality is comparable to other Beats products – characterized by a bass-heavy profile. For listeners who appreciate the subtleties of genres like jazz, Sony earbuds might be a better choice. These are ideally suited for energetic playlists during workouts. The Active Noise Cancellation is also highly effective, successfully blocking out ambient noise and disruptive gym music, particularly when using larger silicone tips.

Apple Ecosystem Integration

As an Apple-owned brand, the Fit Pros integrate seamlessly with iOS devices, thanks to the inclusion of the H1 chip. This enables fast pairing, automatic device switching, Find My functionality, and Spatial Audio. Spatial Audio utilizes head tracking to create a more immersive listening experience, and dynamically adjusts sound based on screen placement in FaceTime. While currently feeling like a novelty, it offers potential for future applications. Android users can access the full experience by downloading the Beats app.

Charging Case and Battery Life

The transition from looped designs to wingtips has resulted in a significantly smaller charging case. The Powerbeats Pro’s case was notably large, while the Fit Pro’s case is compact enough to fit in a pocket. Hardware improvements also contribute to increased battery life, offering 27 hours of combined playtime compared to the Powerbeats Pro’s 24 hours. The earbuds themselves provide six to seven hours of playback, depending on usage. The case charges via USB-C in approximately 90 minutes, though wireless charging is not supported.

Positioning within the Beats Lineup

Interestingly, the Fit Pros do not replace existing Beats models. The Powerbeats Pro, Studio Buds, and tethered units remain available. This redundancy is characteristic of Beats’ approach, which often differs from its parent company, Apple.

Pricing and Availability

Priced at $199, the Beats Fit Pro fall between the Studio Buds and Powerbeats Pro in terms of cost. However, for most users, particularly those who exercise frequently, they represent the best overall value. Preorders begin today, with shipping commencing on November 5.