36 Macworld • August 2019REVIEW
company. The Powerbeats Pro are the first true
wireless Beats and they are excellent because
they take all the best things about AirPods and
substantially improve the fit and audio performance.
In fact, aside from the enormous charging case,
there isn’t much to complain about for most people- so long as you have an iPhone.
Design
From first wear they justify that premium, though.
I have always had issues with in-ear headphone fit
and comfort, but the Powerbeats Pro immediately
felt great. Only once on a run did the right bud fall
out, scratching it slightly but no other damage done.
They come with four tip sizes, and when paired
with the adjustable ear hooks they are more flexible
(literally and metaphorically) than many other
wireless earbud and earphone designs.
The design is much improved from older
Powerbeats like the recent wireless Powerbeats 3.
Powerbeats Pro come in black, green, blue or white,
and are a much more refined and sleeker, modern
design compared to the garish green older models.
Even though you’re paying a premium at least
you’re getting a premium-looking product.
A downside to this excellent design is the case
it comes in. It’s an absolute monster – though the
ear hook design means it was never going to be as
small as the AirPods dental floss sized enclosure.
But it meant that I realistically never went out
without a bag when I took the Powerbeats Pro with
me because they are too large and bulky to fit in a