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- Best overall: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Best budget: Beats Studio Buds+
- Best premium: Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
- Best for workouts: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the workout pick, with earhooks, active noise cancellation and up to 45 hours of listening with its case when ANC is off.
- Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case suits listeners who want an open fit and up to 30 hours of listening with the case.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is the premium choice for strong noise control and an in-ear fit.
- Compare fit, noise control, battery life and Apple-device features before choosing a Black Friday 2026 pair.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case offers an open fit and up to 30 hours of listening with its case, while Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 adds secure earhooks, active noise cancellation and up to 45 hours with its case when ANC is off. The right pick depends first on fit: AirPods sit without silicone tips, while Powerbeats Pro 2 wraps around the ear.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across Apple and Beats earbuds. The shortlist includes the direct matchup and alternatives for commuting, exercise, travel and everyday listening. On paper, battery figures and feature lists help narrow the field; fit and the features you will use should make the final call.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-stated battery life for earbuds and charging cases, noting when ANC changes the figure.
- Prioritized fit choices, including open earbuds, silicone tips and workout earhooks.
- Checked noise-control features such as ANC and Transparency mode against everyday listening needs.
- Reviewed water- and sweat-resistance ratings and called out the limits of each rating.
- Considered Apple-device features and practical owner feedback without treating a spec sheet as a guarantee of comfort.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Earbud listening time | Total with case | Noise control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case | Open-fit iPhone listening | Up to 6 hours | Up to 30 hours | No ANC |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Workouts and secure earhook fit | Up to 10 hours, ANC off | Up to 45 hours, ANC off | ANC and Transparency |
| Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Open fit with ANC | Up to 4 hours, ANC on | Up to 20 hours, ANC on | ANC and Transparency |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | Premium in-ear noise control | Up to 6 hours | Up to 30 hours | ANC and Transparency |
| Beats Fit Pro | Compact workout fit | Up to 6 hours | Up to 24 hours | ANC and Transparency |
| Beats Studio Buds+ | Compact everyday ANC | Up to 9 hours | Up to 36 hours | ANC and Transparency |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Earhook fit without ANC | Up to 9 hours | Up to 24 hours | No ANC |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case is the best open-fit pick for iPhone listeners who dislike silicone tips, with up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Open-fit listening and everyday iPhone use
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 6 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 30 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Chip
- Apple H1
- Open fit avoids silicone ear tips.
- Supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Compact case supports MagSafe charging.
- No active noise cancellation or Transparency mode.
- Open fit lets surrounding sound in.
Are Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case is worth considering for listeners who prefer open earbuds and Apple-device convenience. The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case's up-to-6-hour earbud battery and 30-hour case total suit daily listening, but it does not offer ANC.
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#2 · Top pick
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the best workout pick for listeners who want earhooks and ANC, with up to 45 hours of total listening when ANC is off.
Best for: Secure fit for exercise and active listening
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 10 hours with ANC off
- Total with case
- Up to 45 hours with ANC off
- Noise control
- ANC and Transparency mode
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Heart-rate monitoring
- Built in
- Earhooks help keep the earbuds secure during movement.
- ANC and Transparency mode expand their use beyond workouts.
- Heart-rate monitoring adds exercise-focused utility.
- The earhook design takes up more space than compact earbuds.
- Battery life is lower with ANC or Transparency mode enabled.
Are Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for exercise, thanks to earhooks, ANC and up to 45 hours of total listening with ANC off. Choose it over open-fit AirPods when a secure workout fit is the priority.
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#3
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is the best open-fit ANC choice for iPhone users, with up to 4 hours of listening per charge with ANC on.
Best for: Open-fit listening with noise cancellation
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 4 hours with ANC on
- Total with case
- Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Noise control
- ANC and Transparency mode
- Water resistance
- IP54
- Combines an open-earbud design with ANC.
- Includes Transparency mode and wireless case charging.
- IP54 rating covers dust and water resistance.
- ANC does not block sound as completely as a sealed in-ear fit.
- Listening time with ANC on is shorter than some alternatives.
Are Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering if you want an open fit with ANC rather than silicone tips. The earbuds offer up to 4 hours with ANC on, with up to 20 hours total from the case in that mode.
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#4
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is the best premium in-ear pick for Apple users, with up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Premium noise control and an in-ear seal
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 6 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 30 hours
- Noise control
- ANC and Transparency mode
- Water and dust resistance
- IP54
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Silicone tips create a sealed in-ear fit.
- ANC, Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio support varied settings.
- USB-C case supports charging and Precision Finding.
- Some listeners find silicone tips less comfortable than open earbuds.
- The premium feature set is unnecessary for listeners who do not need ANC.
Are Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is worth considering for Apple users who want an in-ear seal, ANC and Transparency mode. Up to 6 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case make it a versatile premium option.
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#5
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro is the best compact workout alternative for listeners who want stabilizing wingtips, with up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Exercise with a compact, wingtip-secured fit
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 6 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Noise control
- ANC and Transparency mode
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Chip
- Apple H1
- Flexible wingtips help stabilize the fit during workouts.
- ANC and Transparency mode suit commutes as well as exercise.
- Apple H1 features support convenient iPhone pairing.
- Wingtips and in-ear tips do not suit every ear shape.
- Case battery total is below the Powerbeats Pro 2 figure.
Are Beats Fit Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Beats Fit Pro is worth considering for workouts if you prefer compact earbuds with stabilizing wingtips instead of earhooks. ANC, Transparency mode and up to 24 hours with the case give it flexibility for exercise and everyday listening.
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#6
Beats Studio Buds+
The Beats Studio Buds+ is the best value-focused ANC pick for listeners who want a compact design, with up to 36 hours of total listening from the case.
Best for: Compact everyday earbuds and travel
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 9 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 36 hours
- Noise control
- ANC and Transparency mode
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Small earbuds and case are easy to carry.
- Long stated battery life supports extended listening.
- ANC and Transparency mode handle different environments.
- No earhooks or wingtips for a workout-locking fit.
- Apple ecosystem integration is less extensive than AirPods.
Are Beats Studio Buds+ worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Beats Studio Buds+ is worth considering for compact everyday use, especially if ANC and long battery life matter. The earbuds offer up to 9 hours per charge and up to 36 hours with the case, without the bulk of earhooks.
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#7
Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is the best earhook option for listeners who prioritize a workout-ready fit, with up to 9 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Workout stability without ANC
- Earbud listening time
- Up to 9 hours
- Total with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Noise control
- No ANC
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Chip
- Apple H1
- Adjustable earhooks secure the earbuds during active use.
- Physical controls are easy to access during exercise.
- Up to 9 hours of stated earbud listening time.
- No ANC or Transparency mode.
- The charging case is larger than compact earbud cases.
Are Beats Powerbeats Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Beats Powerbeats Pro is worth considering for listeners who want earhooks and long per-charge listening, but do not need ANC. Up to 9 hours from the earbuds suits extended workouts; newer Powerbeats Pro 2 adds ANC and more total case battery.
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Which is better, AirPods 3 or Beats Powerbeats Pro 2?
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case suits open-fit comfort; Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 adds earhooks, ANC and longer case-supported listening. Apple lists up to 6 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case. Beats lists up to 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with its case when ANC is off.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case leaves the ear canal open. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 uses silicone tips for an in-ear seal, with Transparency mode to let environmental sound through. Choose based on fit and how you listen.
How do the earbuds compare for sound and noise cancellation?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) have ANC; Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case does not. ANC helps reduce background noise on transit and in shared workspaces, while an in-ear seal also blocks some sound passively.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and Beats Fit Pro include Transparency mode. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation offers ANC with an open fit, which lets more surrounding sound in than sealed earbuds.
Which earbuds are best for workouts?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 stands out for workouts with earhooks, ANC and up to 45 hours of case-supported listening with ANC off. Its IPX4 rating indicates splash resistance, not protection for swimming.
Beats Fit Pro offers flexible wingtips and up to 24 hours with its case. Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case also has an IPX4 rating, but its open fit lacks added ear retention. Check comfort and stability before a long session.
Which option works best for commuting and travel?
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) combines an in-ear seal, ANC and Transparency mode. It offers up to 6 hours of earbud listening and 30 hours with the case.
Beats Studio Buds+ offers up to 9 hours per charge and 36 hours with its case. Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation suits open-fit listeners. For travel, compare battery life in the listening mode you plan to use and choose earbuds comfortable enough for the full journey.
What should Apple users know before choosing Beats?
All seven picks pair with an iPhone, but Apple-specific features vary. Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C), Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and Beats models with Apple chips support convenient pairing and Apple-device functions.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is suited to listeners who prioritize workout stability and heart-rate monitoring. Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case offers Spatial Audio and an open fit. Check device switching, Find My support and case charging for the specific model.
Buying Guide
Choose the fit first
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case has an open fit. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 adds earhooks; Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and Beats Studio Buds+ use in-ear tips.
Compare battery life by listening mode
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 lists up to 45 hours with its case when ANC is off. ANC use changes battery life, so compare figures for the mode you use.
Match noise control to your setting
ANC reduces background noise; Transparency mode lets environmental sound through. Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case has neither feature.
Check workout fit and resistance
IPX4 and IP54 ratings indicate resistance under specified conditions, not waterproofing. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earhooks and Beats Fit Pro wingtips provide different ways to stabilize earbuds.
Compare complete product packages
For Black Friday 2026, check the model, case, included tips and charging compatibility. Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case and Apple AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) have different features.
FAQ
Are AirPods 3 or Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 better for the gym?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is better suited to gym sessions for listeners who want secure earhooks, ANC and heart-rate monitoring. Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case has an IPX4 rating and an open fit, but no earhooks or ANC.
Do Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have noise cancellation?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 includes active noise cancellation and Transparency mode. The earbuds provide up to 10 hours of listening with ANC off and up to 45 hours total with the case in that mode; ANC use reduces those battery figures.
How long do AirPods 3 last with the charging case?
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case provides up to 6 hours of listening per charge and up to 30 hours total with the case. Actual listening time varies with settings, use and other factors.
Are Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 compatible with iPhone?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 works with iPhone and supports convenient Apple-device pairing features. The earbuds also work with Bluetooth devices beyond Apple, so they suit listeners who use more than one mobile platform.
Which earbuds have the longest battery life in this guide?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 has the longest stated total battery life in this guide, at up to 45 hours with its case when ANC is off. Beats Studio Buds+ follows with up to 36 hours total; ANC use changes playback figures.
Are AirPods 3 water resistant?
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case has an IPX4 rating for water resistance. The rating is intended for exposure such as sweat or splashes, not swimming or submersion, and it does not mean the earbuds are waterproof.