Powerbeats Pro question and comment

[mcfly2]

Got my Powerbeats Pros on Saturday. So far all the reviews that have praised them are correct, in my opinion. I have a question and a comment:

1) How do you put on your Powerbeats Pro? For me, it is a 2 handed operation for each one. I read a review a few days ago where the reviewer said that they were difficult for him to put on. I figured he was exaggerating, but damn I'm having a hard time with it. I will say, once I get them on, they fit great and are very comfortable. Right now my method is to push the earpiece into my ear hole with one hand, and then start the ear hook over my ear with the other hand, then rotate the whole thing to the correct position while guiding the ear hook around my ear. Can anyone out there do it with one hand?

2) I wore them on a bike ride this morning. Music volume is definitely high, and I wouldn't ask for more volume. But I was listening to an audio book, and even on the highest volume setting, I could not understand the audio when I was going down a steep hill, because of the wind noise. Right now I have the pads that were installed out of the box. I'm going to try the largest pads and see if that blocks out the wind.

 

[Nikhil72]

For fit, I loop the hook behind my ear in a twisted fashion and then insert the buds after.

 

[darrinS]

All I can say is I am physically challenged with an illness and I can put these on one handed. I use my right hand for the right side and my left for the left. I grab the earbud with my index and thumb right in the middle of the earbud, with the index finger on the button on top. I first fit the loop in the front of my earlobe and then while twisting it down and in I place the tip in my ear. I have been using Powerbeats for years so that I'm sure helps. I bet within a few days you won't need two hands.

 

[rutiger]

i feel your pain. i watched that same review and thought to myself this dude is a moron if he can't fit them easily. well yeah, mine just showed up and the first few times i've tried to fit them it seems awkward as hell with one hand...or even two tbh. i think it's just a mental block being so used to airpods.

i also switched to largest tips because i can't seem to get these to fit quite right which makes it sound super tinny.

 

[Superfuture48]

i feel your pain. i watched that same review and thought to myself this dude is a moron if he can't fit them easily. well yeah, mine just showed up and the first few times i've tried to fit them it seems awkward as hell with one hand...or even two tbh. i think it's just a mental block being so used to airpods.

i also switched to largest tips because i can't seem to get these to fit quite right which makes it sound super tinny.

None of the stock eartips worked for me. The sound isolation was poor due to not getting enough seal. I did switch to a pair of Comply eartips and while it improved the volume slightly the sound is still not loud enough. I hope they can release a firmware update to address this issue.

 

[jterp7]

I tried these in store the other day. Volume does seem a bit low. Theyre def better than airpods but worth 250? Still not really sure

 

[rutiger]

These might turn out to be the first apple product I’ll have ever returned. I find them to be incredibly uncomfortable so far. I have no issues with AirPods. Just wanted something beefier for running as I regularly run long distances. Also having glasses I find the ear hook to be more intrusive than I thought it would be. Bummed as I really looked forward to getting these.

 

[akidokraja]

None of the stock eartips worked for me. The sound isolation was poor due to not getting enough seal. I did switch to a pair of Comply eartips and while it improved the volume slightly the sound is still not loud enough. I hope they can release a firmware update to address this issue.

I thought mine are broken or something but I am glad I am not the only one that thinks that volume levels are lower than Powerbeats 3 and Airpods. It’s approximately 20-30% lower. Maybe an update can fix this. I can’t believe that none of the famous youtubers/bloggers commented on this. Do they even use the products before posting reviews?

 

[Jamooche]

I agree with the above comments. Yes, they require 2 hands to put them on. For running - get a package of the silicon Ear Buddyz from amazing...super secure and increase the sound quality too.

Here's the post I made on a different thread:

I went for a run yesterday in the wind with both the AirPods (with Ear Buddyz covers) and the Powerbeat Pro. I wore shorts with pockets and was easily able to switch between the two every 1/4 mile or so. Outside with car noise, wind, etc. the sound quality is about the same, but maybe a little better for the Airpods. The Airpods are much more comfortable and almost disappear on your ears. The Powerbeats plug your ear and thus don't allow for sweat and air to get in and out of your ear. I've never liked running with earplug style / earbud style headphones and this trend continues with the Powerbeats. You can hear your footsteps reverberate in your ear due to the tight seal. And the wind noise is still present with these to a high degree.

To make a long story short, I've already packaged up the Powerbeats and will be returning them. There is very little benefit to sound quality unless you are in a silent room at home. They are much more uncomfortable, and I don't like the earplug style. Hope this helps.

 

[dgreening]

I thought mine are broken or something but I am glad I am not the only one that thinks that volume levels are lower than Powerbeats 3 and Airpods. It’s approximately 20-30% lower. Maybe an update can fix this. I can’t believe that none of the famous youtubers/bloggers commented on this. Do they even use the products before posting reviews?

I am not getting the same results as you. There is a definite difference for me on the volume between the AirPods and the PowerBeats Pro. I felt I had to turn the AirPods all the way up to block out other noise and have a great sound. I usually don't do that because I like my ears but last night I used the PBPro's working out and I didn't have to have the volume up to wash out the sounds in the gym. It was still comfortable sound level but I was glad it did a better job of blocking out the talkers. I know PBPro's have the noise cancelation (to a point) but the volume level is not as high as the AirPods. And to compare with the PB3's, I thought the PBPro's were very comparable in sound and feel.

 

[rutiger]

To make a long story short, I've already packaged up the Powerbeats and will be returning them. There is very little benefit to sound quality unless you are in a silent room at home. They are much more uncomfortable, and I don't like the earplug style. Hope this helps.

same. all packaged back up and will return them. i tried them again this morning with the various tip options. in all cases they don't seal well and i just find them painful in my ear in general. i also tried a brief run and the footstep thuds are noticeable as you mentioned when compared to airpods. i've run a number of halfs with my airpods and found them to work very well. was hoping these would take it up a notch with regards to sound and battery life, but they just don't work for me.

 

[myapple2019]

I am not getting the same results as you. There is a definite difference for me on the volume between the AirPods and the PowerBeats Pro. I felt I had to turn the AirPods all the way up to block out other noise and have a great sound. I usually don't do that because I like my ears but last night I used the PBPro's working out and I didn't have to have the volume up to wash out the sounds in the gym. It was still comfortable sound level but I was glad it did a better job of blocking out the talkers. I know PBPro's have the noise cancelation (to a point) but the volume level is not as high as the AirPods.

I concur with you as I experience the same at the gym. Powerbeats Pro is much superior than AirPods for working out. The hook is not intrusive at all with my glass frame.

 

[Superfuture48]

same. all packaged back up and will return them. i tried them again this morning with the various tip options. in all cases they don't seal well and i just find them painful in my ear in general. i also tried a brief run and the footstep thuds are noticeable as you mentioned when compared to airpods. i've run a number of halfs with my airpods and found them to work very well. was hoping these would take it up a notch with regards to sound and battery life, but they just don't work for me.

I thought mine are broken or something but I am glad I am not the only one that thinks that volume levels are lower than Powerbeats 3 and Airpods. It’s approximately 20-30% lower. Maybe an update can fix this. I can’t believe that none of the famous youtubers/bloggers commented on this. Do they even use the products before posting reviews?

I have similar problems to you both. I've been comparing my 1st gen Airpods to the PBpro and I think I'm going to return them as well.

I find the sound signature of the PBpro to be inaccurate and too sculpted for my taste. I even prefer the Airpods in terms of sound quality. The sound signature is so imbalanced that the PBpro feels that it's lower volumed compared to the Airpods. It's very disappointing because I really prefer an in-ear buds. I'm a long time user of Etymotic IEM and I had to switch to wireless earbuds when I upgraded to an Iphone XS Max.

I have a pair of triple flanged eartips that I'm waiting on to be delivered and if the sounds isolation doesn't improve I may check out the Sennheiser Momentum as an alternative.

 

[aloper]

Got my Powerbeats Pros on Saturday. So far all the reviews that have praised them are correct, in my opinion. I have a question and a comment:

1) How do you put on your Powerbeats Pro? For me, it is a 2 handed operation for each one. I read a review a few days ago where the reviewer said that they were difficult for him to put on. I figured he was exaggerating, but damn I'm having a hard time with it. I will say, once I get them on, they fit great and are very comfortable. Right now my method is to push the earpiece into my ear hole with one hand, and then start the ear hook over my ear with the other hand, then rotate the whole thing to the correct position while guiding the ear hook around my ear. Can anyone out there do it with one hand?

2) I wore them on a bike ride this morning. Music volume is definitely high, and I wouldn't ask for more volume. But I was listening to an audio book, and even on the highest volume setting, I could not understand the audio when I was going down a steep hill, because of the wind noise. Right now I have the pads that were installed out of the box. I'm going to try the largest pads and see if that blocks out the wind.

#1...I'll try to describe how to put them on, one handed as best I can...

Pick up one of the buds just using your middle, ring and pinky fingers across the top, and put your thumb on the bottom. Put your index finger on the ear loop, along the bottom edge of it. Put it up to your ear, first pressing the ear loop against your head, just over your ear, using your index finger. Then fit the main part of the bud into your ear...See the attached pic on how to hold them...The key is first getting the ear hook against your head, over your ear, then sliding the main body and ear tip into your ear. Once you practice it a few times, you will get it...

#2 One option may be to switch to something like Comply foam tips. The same ones Comply makes for the Beats X, work fine with the Powerbeats. These will help isolate outside noise. However, like you I noticed the same thing. Music is loud enough for me, but for some reason, I have to crank up audiobooks almost to 100% when I'm outside, and there are competing noises going on...Odd.

 

[yoheywut]

Glad I’m not crazy. The volume seems oddly low, and I just can’t seem to get a comfortable fit. My BeatsX with the little wing tips installed were perfect for hours, but these Pro’s are just not quite comfortable.

 

[Superfuture48]

Glad I’m not crazy. The volume seems oddly low, and I just can’t seem to get a comfortable fit. My BeatsX with the little wing tips installed were perfect for hours, but these Pro’s are just not quite comfortable.

More people are starting to notice the low volume levels. I thought it might just be me. I think apart from the lack of a good seal (poor sound isolation) the sound signature of the PBpro is very unbalanced and the vocals are muddied by the low end. It just seems like the Airpods have better clarity thus making them sound louder vocally.

If I can't find eartips that work better to isolate the sound, I'm going to be very disappointed to return them. I love the H1 chip and battery life, but the unbalanced sound signature along with the poor isolation makes music very difficult to hear in a normal outdoor environment.

 

[drew0020]

I’ve decided to return mine as well. Expected to be very impressed, but I think Airpods spoiled me!

 

[myapple2019]

same. all packaged back up and will return them. i tried them again this morning with the various tip options. in all cases they don't seal well and i just find them painful in my ear in general. i also tried a brief run and the footstep thuds are noticeable as you mentioned when compared to airpods. i've run a number of halfs with my airpods and found them to work very well. was hoping these would take it up a notch with regards to sound and battery life, but they just don't work for me.

After using my Pro since Friday last week and reperformed what the poster said, I could attest the opinion is not totally justified.
[QUOTE="Jamooche, post: 27360543, member: 598700"

To make a long story short, I've already packaged up the Powerbeats and will be returning them. There is very little benefit to sound quality unless you are in a silent room at home. Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]
I found this opinion is not true from what I have experienced from using the Pro since last Friday.

I just hope all MacRumor visitors who want to purchase the Powerbeats Pro do not take all return product comments seriously. Go to Apple Store, try and judge the product based on your own experience.

 

[ChrisTX]

The only complaints I have with these so far is that the left ear bud gives some ear fatigue and soreness likely due to not being put on properly. I feel like the rubbing on the top of my left ear is due to the tightness of the ear hook itself. None on my right ear so this is likely an issue with how I’m wearing them. I’ll need to adjust to see if that helps at all. I have some comply foam ear tips I plan to try out to see if that seals off the outside noise a little better. Otherwise 2 days in the gym and some outside cardio and these have done well.

 

[Wangta]

I thought mine are broken or something but I am glad I am not the only one that thinks that volume levels are lower than Powerbeats 3 and Airpods. It’s approximately 20-30% lower. Maybe an update can fix this. I can’t believe that none of the famous youtubers/bloggers commented on this. Do they even use the products before posting reviews?

Haven't gotten mine yet, but wondering if that's another way for them to get the stated 9 hrs battery life? Lower volume = less power use?

I also ordered a set of Comply sport thingies. Cheaper on amazon than on the Comply website - and it includes prime shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJLZS76

 

[3rdiguy]

I am having connection issues. They drop connection and I have to re-pair them multiple times. Sometimes the issue is with my Mac. Other times they just blank out and I have to use the pairing button

 

[akuma13]

I received mine today and for the hour or so of using it, It’s comparable to the airpods yet with slightly more bass and isolation. I too thought i had volume/isolation issues but my fit was wrong. You do have to twist them around your ear to make sure they are inserted properly. Are they worth $250? Totally not. You can find this audio quality with any $30 bluetooth you can find on amazon. We are paying for the convenience of true wireless, strong connectivity, apple simplicity and the beats brand.

 

[yoheywut]

I had a very frustrating thing occur today. I left the house with my buds only, leaving the case at home. I should have been able to get through my commute and work day with the 9 hour battery life. But 10 minutes into my bus ride, I heard the buds disconnect, and now my phone doesn’t recognize them at all. I’m assuming I have to drop them into the case to retrigger the pairing process, but that’s not possible until hours from now. So now I’m left with two useless buds. Think I might be returning these guys.

 

[dgreening]

I had a very frustrating thing occur today. I left the house with my buds only, leaving the case at home. I should have been able to get through my commute and work day with the 9 hour battery life. But 10 minutes into my bus ride, I heard the buds disconnect, and now my phone doesn’t recognize them at all. I’m assuming I have to drop them into the case to retrigger the pairing process, but that’s not possible until hours from now. So now I’m left with two useless buds. Think I might be returning these guys.

I replied on your other post.
Have you tried to click on them in the bluetooth settings?

 

[cyberock]

I have no problems putting these on one handed. If they don't fit right out of the box, you can bend the hook a little, it is meant to be shaped but I had no problem right out of the box.

I absolutely love these headphones. I look at them as the perfect runner's head phones. No more wires bouncing on the back of my neck while I run. I have been using them in the gym and home too. For those who say it isn't loud enough, been able to get a good enough seal and loud enough to drown out the wife nagging me.