Apple might need owned the Beats model since 2014, however you wouldn’t comprehend it by wanting on the lineup. Over the previous few years, Apple has largely saved the Beats id intact. Final summer time, it gave the Beats Tablet speaker a brand new lease on life, and earlier this yr, it gave the Powerbeats Professional 2 a heart-rate sensor earlier than its personal AirPods Professional. This week, Apple’s Beats launched one other member of the non-AirPods household, the Powerbeats Match.
If Powerbeats Match look acquainted, that’s as a result of they’re. Beats is revamping the wonderful Beats Match Professional to carry them below the high-end Powerbeats model. I had the prospect to check out the brand new earbuds at an occasion held by Apple and Beats and walked away impressed.
A very gym-friendly design
The very first thing I seen once I picked up the Powerbeats Match was the wingtip. Beats says it’s 20 % extra versatile than earlier than, and it’s positively noticeable. The outdated Match Professional wing was safe, however may really feel considerably uncomfortable after a long term. Nonetheless, the brand new one has somewhat extra give with out sacrificing the locked-in stability that makes these nice for intensive exercises.
The Powerbeats Match’s new wingtips are softer and extra comfy in your ear.
Foundry
The opposite instantly apparent change is the case. It’s about 20 % smaller than the Beats Match Professional case. The outdated case wasn’t large, nevertheless it was somewhat unwieldy, so having a extra compact case means it would match into tight pockets extra simply.
That alone makes the Powerbeats Match really feel like a product I’d truly toss in a pocket on the way in which to the health club quite than cramming right into a bag. The case can also be IPX4-rated now (as are the earbuds themselves), so somewhat sweat and drizzle received’t be a fear.
The earbuds themselves haven’t drastically modified form. They’re a bit slimmer and really feel barely higher sculpted, however should you’ve used Match Professional earlier than, you’ll immediately acknowledge them.
Similar strong core expertise
After all, Beats saved many of the options that customers cherished within the Match Professional, together with Energetic Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. The sound high quality can also be fairly related – the Powerbeats Match nonetheless have that traditional punchy bass signature from Beats that’s good for exercise playlists, however the vocals and mids are additionally clear sufficient.
The sound was respectable and acquainted – not precisely a leap ahead, however nonetheless satisfying for informal listening and for exercises. ANC blocked many of the surrounding occasion buzz, and Transparency Mode labored properly for listening to my environment with out having to take away the earbuds from my ears.
The brand new Powerbeats Match case is somewhat smaller than earlier than.
Foundry
Simply don’t anticipate a dramatically totally different sound from the Beats Match Professional should you’re already accustomed to it. ANC additionally feels just about the identical. Powerbeats Match are extra about enhancing the design of each earbuds and the case.
On the subject of battery life, Beats says that Powerbeats Match lasts as much as 7 hours on a single cost. Mixed with the charging case, they will attain as much as 30 hours of use.
All of the software program options powered by Apple’s H1 chip stay intact, similar to Adaptive EQ, Customized Spatial Audio, computerized gadget switching, Audio Sharing, Discover My, and Hey Siri. Android customers nonetheless get fast pairing and a full-featured Beats app with match assessments and controls.
For me, the one draw back is that Powerbeats Match case nonetheless lacks wi-fi charging assist, so all charging must be accomplished with a USB-C cable.
Consolation and elegance
Consolation is the true story right here. The brand new wingtip materials makes a surprisingly large distinction throughout motion. I ran on the treadmill for some time and tried just a few jumps, and the earbuds didn’t transfer in my ears. And in contrast to the Beats Match Professional, the brand new softer wing didn’t hassle me in any respect.
Beats consists of the identical 4 sizes of silicone suggestions, from extra-small to giant, so getting a correct seal isn’t troublesome. And since the acoustic profile depends on that seal for the most effective bass and ANC, discovering the suitable tip nonetheless issues.
The brand new Powerbeats Match have a deeper orange that matches the iPhone 17 Professional.
Foundry
The colour choices obtainable for Powerbeats Match are extra enjoyable than ever: Jet Black, Gravel Grey, Energy Pink, and the standout Spark Orange.
In the event you purchased an iPhone 17 Professional in Cosmic Orange, the Spark Orange choice completely matches the favored coloration choice. I don’t suppose that’s an accident. Beats has an extended historical past of matching its palettes to present iPhone colours, and it’s good to see that synergy once more.
The Energy Pink choice is daring too, whereas Gravel Grey feels delicate and understated should you’d quite not put on one thing flashy on the health club.
A brand new semi-pro choice
With Powerbeats Professional 2 sitting above it because the true ear-hook mannequin for hardcore athletes, Powerbeats Match now clearly serves because the extra compact, everyday-friendly sport choice. They’re priced at $200, the identical because the outgoing Match Professional, so that you’re not paying additional for the refinements.
For most individuals who run, bike, or simply need buds that received’t budge on the treadmill, these strike an incredible steadiness: lighter and smaller than the Powerbeats Professional 2, however safer than AirPods.
You don’t get wi-fi charging on the case, however battery life is somewhat higher than the AirPods Professional 3.
Foundry
Powerbeats Match looks like what Beats Match Professional all the time needed to be: a sport-first earbud that’s extra comfy and simpler to pocket, with a daring look. The sound hasn’t modified, and that’s wonderful – it was already ok for the target market.
In the event you already personal Match Professional and are pleased with them, you in all probability don’t have to rush out and improve until the smaller case or softer match solves a ache level for you. However should you’ve been on the fence, otherwise you like the thought of matching your earbuds to your new orange iPhone, this replace makes a robust case for giving Beats’ sport buds one other look.
Powerbeats Match is obtainable now for $200 within the U.S., with in-store availability starting October 2.
