Beats just dropped the Powerbeats Fit earbuds with redesigned wing tips that are 20% more flexible than before. The $199 wireless earbuds launch today in four colors including a spark orange that matches the iPhone 17 Pro, targeting users who want stability without over-ear hooks.
Beats is making another play for the wireless earbuds market with the Powerbeats Fit, a refresh of the Fit Pro line that launched back in 2021. The company's betting that better comfort will win over users who've been on the fence about wireless earbuds.
The headline feature here is the redesigned wing tip that Beats claims is 20% more flexible than the previous generation. According to Beats engineers, this new design provides the same level of stability as the over-ear hooks found on the Powerbeats Pro 2, but without the bulk. That's a smart move - many users love the security of ear hooks but hate how they feel during extended wear.
The Powerbeats Fit went on sale today through Apple's online store for $199.99, undercutting the AirPods Pro 3 by a significant margin. You can grab them in jet black, gravel gray, power pink, and spark orange - that last color clearly designed to complement the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro that's been flying off shelves.
But here's where things get interesting from a tech perspective. While Apple's premium AirPods Pro 3 and the pricier Powerbeats Pro 2 both run on the newer H2 chip, the Powerbeats Fit sticks with the H1. That means you're missing out on some of the latest computational audio features, but you still get the essentials: one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, Find My tracking, and seamless syncing across your Apple devices.
Android users aren't left out completely, though they'll need to rely on the Beats mobile app for pairing and customization. The app includes some thoughtful touches like a Fit Test feature that helps you pick the right ear tip size - something that sounds basic but makes a huge difference in real-world use.
The physical redesign extends beyond just the wing tips. Beats managed to shrink the charging case by 17%, making it easier to slip into tight jeans pockets without sacrificing battery life. The earbuds themselves deliver up to seven hours of playback, extending to 30 hours with the case. Turn on ANC and those numbers drop to six and 24 hours respectively - still competitive for this price range.
Sweat and water resistance stays at IPX4, so these are built for workouts but you won't want to take them swimming. The active noise cancellation won't match what you get from the AirPods Pro 3, but Beats has included transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, and adaptive EQ that adjusts sound based on your environment and ear seal.
