AirPods Pro 1 vs Beats Fit Pro
The AirPods Pro 1 and the Beats Fit Pro sit in the same premium wireless earbuds class, but Apple and Beats don’t always agree on what matters most. The spec sheets tilt toward the Beats Fit Pro, which leads in 1 of 3 areas and opens its biggest gap on battery & charging. Add $49 of difference in launch price, and the Beats Fit Pro has a strong argument before a single spec is compared.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Beats Fit Pro wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Beats Fit Pro wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.7
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Beats Fit Pro has 1.5 h more listening per charge
It’s a lopsided result (6 h for the Beats Fit Pro, 4.5 h for the AirPods Pro 1) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The Beats Fit Pro runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
-
The AirPods Pro 1 has
The spread here is large: 1.61 oz on the AirPods Pro 1 versus 1.94 oz on the Beats Fit Pro. Expect to notice it. Case weight often reflects battery size, so a heavier case can mean more reserve power.
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The AirPods Pro 1 has wireless charging
The AirPods Pro 1 brings wireless charging, and the Beats Fit Pro has no equivalent. Wireless charging lets you drop the case on a charging pad instead of hunting for a cable.
Design & Size
On the scale, these two are practically level.
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with wingtips |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | 1.61 oz (winner) | 1.94 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
The differences on sound & noise cancelling are small enough to ignore in daily use. Either pair will serve you equally well on sound & noise cancelling.
Battery & Charging
Beats Fit Pro leads
On battery & charging, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Beats Fit Pro. On its side, the Beats Fit Pro has 1.5 h more listening per charge. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips. The AirPods Pro 1 brings wireless charging. Bottom line for battery & charging: the Beats Fit Pro has the edge.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods Pro 1: 4.5 h Beats Fit Pro: 6 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Wireless charging
AirPods Pro 1: yes Beats Fit Pro: no If you already own a wireless pad, the AirPods Pro 1 fits right into your routine.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
Neither the AirPods Pro 1 nor the Beats Fit Pro has a real advantage in the features & connectivity category. If features & connectivity was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (added by firmware) | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 4.5 h Shortest listening per charge | 6 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes (winner) | No |
| Charging port | Lightning | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | Class 1 Bluetooth (Apple H1 chip) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Force sensor on stem | Physical button on each earbud |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stem | In-ear with wingtips |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | 1.61 oz (winner) | 1.94 oz |
Price
| Spec | AirPods Pro 1 | Beats Fit Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 | $200 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Beats Fit Pro launched at $49 less than the AirPods Pro 1, a gap of 25%. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Beats Fit Pro does, and it keeps $49 in your pocket.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of November 2021. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods Pro 1 if…
- you carry the case in a small pocket (1.61 oz vs 1.94 oz)
- you already own a wireless charging pad
- you’re comfortable with how Apple does things
Choose the Beats Fit Pro if…
- you want longer listening per charge (6 h vs 4.5 h)
- you want more value for your money ($49 less at launch)
- you trust Beats and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the AirPods Pro 1 or the Beats Fit Pro?
The Beats Fit Pro makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if your top priority is.
Does the AirPods Pro 1 last longer on a charge than the Beats Fit Pro?
The Beats Fit Pro comes out ahead on battery (single charge), with 6 h compared with 4.5 h on the AirPods Pro 1.
Which costs less, the AirPods Pro 1 or the Beats Fit Pro?
At launch, the Beats Fit Pro undercut the AirPods Pro 1 by $49. These figures are as of November 2021, and street prices can change.
Is the AirPods Pro 1 lighter than the Beats Fit Pro?
Weight won’t decide this one; the AirPods Pro 1 and the Beats Fit Pro are very close.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The AirPods Pro 1 and the Beats Fit Pro are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. The Beats Fit Pro wins me over with 1.5 h more listening per charge. To be fair, the AirPods Pro 1 has, and that’s not nothing.
In my head, the AirPods Pro 1 is the a lighter case pick and the Beats Fit Pro is the battery & charging pick.
My pick: the Beats Fit Pro, with one exception: if you know that would make a real difference in your routine, go for the AirPods Pro 1.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.