The Powerbeats Fit are designed to handle runs, gym sessions, or daily commutes with a compact yet secure fit, making them versatile for various activities. These earbuds represent Apple's latest iteration in fitness-focused audio, building on the success of previous models while introducing key improvements.
Design and Comfort
Apple has revamped the compact workout Beats earbuds, sticking to a winning formula while slimming down and enhancing comfort. The new Powerbeats Fit are the direct successors to the popular Beats Fit Pro from 2022, priced at £200. They join the recently redesigned Powerbeats Pro 2 as Apple's fitness alternatives to the AirPods.
The Fit feature Beats' standard earbud design with a flexible silicone stabiliser wing that curves around the inside of the concha, unlike the Pro 2 which wraps around the outside of the ear. This results in a far more compact and discreet earbud, especially in subtler colours, and one that is more comfortable to wear with glasses.
Secure Fit and Controls
Once twisted into place, the earbuds remain firmly in the ears, even during vigorous head movements or wet conditions like running in the rain. The new wing offers slightly more flexibility than the Fit Pro without sacrificing grip, though some users may experience uncomfortable pressure after extended wear, such as an hour or so.
A single button on each earbud handles playback and noise-cancelling controls, with options to adjust volume via press and hold. Call quality is very good, sounding natural and clear even in quiet environments, with minimal background noise intrusion on busy streets.
Battery and Connectivity
The earbuds provide up to six hours of playback with noise cancelling, and the charging case can recharge them three times for a total of 24 hours before needing a USB-C connection. The flip-top charging case is light and 17% smaller than the previous version, making it easier to fit in pockets.
Equipped with Apple's H1 chip, the earbuds offer seamless connectivity to iPhones and other Apple devices, supporting spatial audio, music sharing, and Siri. For Android users, the Beats app provides many advanced features, including instant pairing, customisation, updates, and battery widgets, ensuring cross-compatibility for those using both platforms.
Sound and Noise Cancelling
The Beats deliver superior sound quality compared to average workout buds, making them suitable for general listening. They produce balanced sound with powerful low-end response, good tone separation, and decent detail in mids and highs. Similar to the Powerbeats Pro 2, they excel with punchier genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, or electronic tracks, though they fall short of the AirPods Pro 3.
Active noise cancellation effectively dampens road noise and commuter sounds, though it struggles with higher tones like clicks and chatter. A natural-sounding transparency mode aids awareness during runs, but it is best used in safer environments like parks.
Sustainability and Price
Apple does not specify an expected lifespan for the batteries, but they should last over 500 full-charge cycles with at least 80% capacity. The earbuds are not repairable, but Apple offers individual replacements for lost or damaged parts, including a £69 battery service. The company provides trade-in and free recycling schemes, including for non-Apple products.
The Beats Powerbeats Fit cost £199.95. For comparison, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at £250, the Beats Studio Buds+ at £180, the Beats Solo Buds at £80, and the AirPods Pro 3 at £219.
Verdict
The Beats Powerbeats Fit are a minor revamp of the already great Beats Fit Pro, aligning them with Apple's earbud lineup. While not as comfortable or advanced in audio and noise cancellation as the AirPods Pro 3, or as ideal for running as the Powerbeats Pro 2, the Fit offer easier commuting without over-ear hooks and better comfort with glasses.
They serve as excellent workout buds that can double as regular earbuds, with good noise cancelling, great sound, and cross-platform compatibility. Few earbuds can match this versatility.
- Pros: Secure fit, good sound, solid noise cancelling and transparency modes, decent battery life, good case, good call quality, spatial audio, cross-platform compatibility.
- Cons: Expensive for workout buds, no multipoint connectivity, ear hook can be uncomfortable after a while, non-replaceable battery.
