Built to move: the Powerbeats Fit are the perfect workout companion

Beats By Dr. Dre launched the Beats Fit Pro four years ago, and finally, there’s a follow-up for fitness folks with the Powerbeats Fit. Designed to meet the needs of active, on-the-go Canadians, they are secure and stable with noise cancelling you can turn on or off. Whether you’re upgrading from the Beats Fit Pro or looking for a solid pair of sports earbuds, we’re here to help. Are these worth it? And how do they compare to the model they’re replacing?

Here, I’ll look at key features like fit and finish, sound quality, battery life, smart features, and controls. This will hopefully help you make the right decision.

First impressions: what’s new with Powerbeats Fit

Admittedly, I haven’t tried the Beats Fit Pro. But considering the improvements, I’m confident in saying that these are the better of the two models. I was impressed with the look out of the box. The sample I received is in Gravel Gray, which has a beige tint to it. The compact case features the signature Beats lower-case “b” on the front. The buds have the same “b” on them as well along with flexible wingtips to secure them to the outer edge of your ear. Twist them in place and they aren’t going to move, even during rigorous workouts.

Comparison chart

Let’s take a look at the specs side by side to compare these with the model they’re replacing.

Fit and comfort: designed to stay in place

One of the biggest differences between the Powerbeats Fit and Beats Fit Pro is the redesigned flexible wingtips. These provide a more secure fit that also results in improved in-ear comfort. Most notably, you get an additional extra-small ear tip size for these secure wireless earbuds, ideal for those with smaller ears.

The charging case is smaller and more compact, now with an IPX4 rating as well. This means both the buds and the case can withstand light exposure to water. In Canada, that can mean everything from light rain to snow. They’re also sweatproof, great for runners and those who work out at the gym or home.

Sound quality and performance: decent audio

I listened to audio from a variety of sources, including Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Netflix, both indoors and while outside going for walks. I also connected the buds to both an iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Overall sound quality

While listening to various musical tracks, the buds lack warmth and sound a bit tinny and harsh. Comparing listening to my reference track, Radiohead‘s “Creep”, on higher-end buds, the difference is noticeable. These don’t rival expensive, premium buds when it comes to balance and overall sound quality. But you still get a good sense of detail and a pleasant listening experience. Overall, as expected from the Beats line, you get balanced audio with relatively punchy bass. If you’re looking for great workout earbuds with bass to get you going for an intense session, these fit the bill.

Personalized Spatial Audio support

These buds support Personalized Spatial Audio, so you can listen to immersive tracks from compatible services like Apple Music and feel the tunes envelop you. In tracks like Bryson Tiller’s “Whatever She Wants” in Spatial Audio on Apple Music, for example, audio in the intro provided a fully immersive 3D sound experience. The Beatles‘ “Come Together” sounds great as well, the musical notes enveloping me, instruments distinct with every guitar strum and beat of the drum.

Dynamic head tracking

With dynamic head tracking, if you move your head around while on a conference call or watching a movie, the sound remains front and centre. It’s not as noticeable as with higher-end headphones that have this feature. I find it’s most prominent with spoken word content, like podcasts, audiobooks, and phone calls.

Spoken word content and calls

For listening to tunes while you commute or workout, and for calls and podcasts, you’ll find that these work especially well. With calls, the beam-forming mics accurately capture your voice while also reducing external noise. Watching Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix when connecting the buds to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the sound was fabulous, dialogue immersive with nice stereo separation, details coming through clearly. From the drop of a needle onto a record player in one scene to the distinct sound of sweeping, it was beautifully reproduced. Most impressive was a distant knock on a door that sounded like it really was coming from far behind me. I was thoroughly impressed with the performance.  

Connectivity to your phone: iOS and Android

While Beats is owned by Apple, the Powerbeats Fit do work with both iPhone and Android. With iPhone, the phone automatically identifies and pairs to the buds and even opens a quick scan of your face to analyze your ears. Access app-like features by clicking on the connected device right from the Bluetooth menu, including turning spatial audio on or off. They are added to Find My as well in case you misplace them. For Android, download the Beats app to enjoy one-touch pairing and features like Locate My Beats.

With either, you can run an ear tip fit test to ensure you’re using the right ear tip size for you and manage controls. See battery life, adjust listening mode (off, transparency, and noise cancellation), and customize controls. Press once or twice, for example, to switch listening mode, adjust volume, pick up or end calls, and activate Siri. The on-device controls are simple to use. I like that it’s an actual button versus a touch sensor, so you feel a slight click to confirm you’ve pressed the right spot.

I wish there were EQ settings in the app/settings to adjust balance based on if you’re listening to rock, hip hop, or even a podcast. But the simplistic app is appreciated for those who might feel otherwise overwhelmed with too many options.

Active noise cancelling and transparency mode

These wireless earbuds with ANC help block external noise so you can have a relaxing run without being distracted by the buzzing of the cars going by or enjoy a flight without hearing the loud airplane engine. Transparency mode lets in sounds when you need them, like a flight attendant talking to you or city traffic.

I wore these buds out for weekend morning walks on quiet trails and busy streets. I also tested them while working at home and intentionally doing things like running the vacuum. ANC works decently but it doesn’t rival over-ears headphones. Still, they do a pretty good job in eliminating some distraction. You’ll find them beneficial during daily commutes on the train or subway or while going for quiet trail walks like me.

Controls & smart features: advantages with iPhone

These buds come with the Apple H1 chip, so you get a seamless experience with an iPhone or other Apple device. Easily switch among Apple devices and enjoy FaceTime with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. iMessages are read aloud and they work with the new autoplay music feature with Apple Watch Series 11. Set a favourite playlist or podcast to initiate as soon as you put them on to start a walk or workout. If you want to use the Powerbeats Fit with Android, setting them up is as simple as pairing any other Bluetooth headphones. You aren’t lacking any core features if you decide to use these with an Android device, but you do get added features with iPhone.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is the same as the Beats Fit Pro. You get seven hours of playback per charge, enough for a one-hour workout every day for a week. Use the included charging case to get up to 30 hours total, effectively getting you through the entire month. A five-minute quick charge adds an hour of listening in a pinch.

Powerbeats Fit vs Beats Fit Pro: what’s the difference?

The biggest difference between the Powerbeats Fit and Beats Fit Pro is the design. The Powerbeats Fit are smaller with a redesigned wingtip that ensures better comfort and stability. They also come with an extra small ear tip size. The charging case is smaller as well and meets an IPX4 water-resistant rating. They come in a new selection of colours, too. If you didn’t like the way the Beats Fit Pro fit your ears, these are a complete redesign from an aesthetic and fit perspective. But many of the core audio features remain the same.

Who should buy the Powerbeats Fit?

The Powerbeats Fit are fitness earbuds specially designed for active individuals. If you run, walk, workout at the gym, or even at home, they’re a good option. But commuters will appreciate them, too. While they’re ideally suited for Apple iPhone users, Android phone owners aren’t left out in the cold.

If you already own the Beats Fit Pro and you’re fine with how they fit, these are more of an iterative update in terms of specs and features, so I wouldn’t rush to upgrade just yet. If you’re buying new, go with these new ones, of course. Or if you found the Beats Fit Pro didn’t fit well, the Powerbeats Fit may correct that. That’s especially true for those with smaller ears who might otherwise have trouble finding a solid pair of wireless earbuds that fit. The inclusion of an extra-small ear tip size could be the deciding factor. With that said, the buds do come with small, medium, and large ear tip sizes as well to accommodate larger-sized ears, too.

Final verdict: are the Powerbeats Fit worth it?

The Powerbeats Fit aren’t the best-sounding wireless earbuds I have reviewed. But they offer great value for dollar, especially if you own an iPhone. You’ll be able to enjoy a seamless connection and added features like auto-play for music and podcasts, audible iMessages, and Siri integration. If you want a pair of earbuds to wear while working out, commuting, even for Zoom calls, that perfectly work within the Apple ecosystem, these make sense. They’re a viable choice for Android users, too, but they’re best suited to Apple iPhone owners.

The Powerbeats Fit are one of the most exciting new wireless earbuds of 2025. Ready to add some music to your active lifestyle? Find the Powerbeats Fit at Best Buy Canada.