It’s been virtually a 12 months for the reason that Beats Match Professional got here out. Laptop computer Magazine considers it one of many greatest Apple wi-fi earbuds cash should buy, and a few critics even contemplate it Apple’s No. 1 true wi-fi mannequin. I’m with them.
For weeks, I’ve swapped between the AirPods Professional and Beats Match Professional, concluding that the latter is the superior product. May it’s as a result of it’s newer? Perhaps it’s the truth that the 2 merchandise are almost an identical, besides the Match Professional has a extra engaging design and colour choices.
I’ve extra arguments to make, and whether or not you agree or not, that is the hill I’m keen to die on. Let me put you onto the the reason why the Beats Match Professional is Apple’s greatest wi-fi earbuds.
Kind, perform, and style – perfected
I query your style in type if you happen to suppose AirPods look sizzling. Seeing them at all times jogs my memory of a typical joke that circulates amongst journalists: they appear to be tampons hanging out of your ears. Regardless of their goofy look, I’ll admit the AirPods supply wonderful consolation and flawless operation, particularly the AirPods Professional.
However, Beats pulled off the trifecta, giving the Match Professional a sensible design, together with high-end performance and trendy traits. The oval form is extra flattering on the ears, and the put in wingtips improve on-ear stability. Specs are just like what you get on the AirPods Professional (extra on that later). Then there’s the long-lasting B emblem sitting on the entrance button that brings status and swagger to the buds. Let’s not overlook the number of popping colorways: Black, Sage Grey, Stone Purple, and White.
The Match Professional has just one restricted version launch below its belt: the Kim Kardashian assortment, which consists of three impartial colours that match the fact star’s signature nude palette. Roll your eyes all you need. That’s nonetheless three extra colours than the AirPods Professional, and so they’re very engaging.
Exercise buds not pretending to be greater than they’re
Apple satisfied tens of millions of iPhone customers that the AirPods Professional can be utilized for exercising. Apparently, an Ear Match Tip Take a look at, put in ideas, and sweat/water resistant (IPX4) safety routinely qualifies them for such use. These aren’t, nor have been they initially designed to be full-on exercise earbuds. I repeat – these aren’t exercise earbuds!
The Match Professional are exercise earbuds. They arrive with a safer match, the identical IP score, and sturdiness that’s far superior to the AirPods Professional. Beats’ exhausting plastic casing doesn’t crack or scuff as simply as Apple’s casing. There’s a cause Apple makes near a billion in AirPods replacements yearly.
Drop each pairs of buds within the free weights space at your fitness center (and even from a excessive distance) and see which survives.
Higher efficiency for a cheaper price
There was a time when Beats merchandise have been overpriced. Now that they’re below the Apple umbrella, Beats wi-fi earbuds are priced decrease than Apple’s prime providing: the AirPods Professional ($249). Clearly, Apple needs you to know their flagship product is the one boasting each the Apple emblem on the packaging and better MSRP.
The Match Professional launched for $199 and has almost the identical function set as its porcelain cousin. I’m speaking all of the bells and whistles: Adaptive EQ, ANC/Transparency mode, audio sharing, computerized switching, management customization, Ear Tip Match Take a look at, EQ choice, Quick-Gas charging, Discover My (AirPods) integration, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and Spatial Audio with headtracking.
Sound is extra fine-tuned on the Match Professional, producing fuller, extra dynamic sound with tighter bass response. Noise cancellation is equally nice. Battery life is barely longer with a full cost producing 6 to 7 hours of listening time versus the AirPods Professional’s 4.5 to five hours. Beats’ charging case holds 27 to 30 hours, whereas Apple’s case maxes out at 24 hours. The Match Professional can also be extra platform impartial and performs nicer with Android gadgets, offering app help and painless connectivity.
The AirPods Professional has two high-end options you received’t discover on the Match Professional: pressure sensor controls and wi-fi charging. Most individuals can stay with out the 2, particularly since Quick-Gas charging is customary on all Apple and Beats earbuds: a 5-minute fast cost = 1 hour of listening time.
What concerning the AirPods Professional 2?
I’m not silly. The AirPods Professional 2 will doubtless go down as Apple’s true wi-fi crowning achievement when it releases. Among the just lately launched options and minor design tweaks give it a bonus over the Match Professional. However till I get a number of months of use out of Apple’s newest creation, I’m using with Beats.
Two elements already serve within the Match Professional’s favor: longer battery life and securer match. Are options like a MagSafe charging case with built-in speaker, personalised spatial audio, and contact quantity controls going to make all of the distinction for the AirPods Professional 2? Perhaps.
The all-new H2 processor is the AirPods Professional 2’s most compelling hallmark because it makes the buds future-proof. Then once more, the H1 processor continues to be a beast that continues to benefit from iOS updates and lengthen the lifespan of all suitable merchandise, together with the Match Professional.
And will the Match Professional see a re-release with the H2 chip stuffed beneath its hood? This isn’t past the realm of risk. Keep in mind that Apple has up to date previous AirPods releases. Look what occurred through the AirPods 3 launch after they quietly up to date the AirPods Professional with a MagSafe wi-fi charging case. There’s little must revamp the Match Professional because it’s nonetheless contemporary and in style, so repacking it with a stronger processor is extra superb than creating an entire new mannequin.
We’ll see if it ever involves fruition.
Backside line
Worth is all the things, and the Match Professional will get you extra in your greenback. The quantity of performance stuffed into these buds surpasses the MSRP. Furthermore, the percentages of snagging them on sale are considerably excessive; we’re predicting this to be one of many greatest Black Friday offers this 12 months.
The primary-gen AirPods Professional ought to obtain a beneficiant worth drop as soon as its successor involves market. It additionally appears to be discontinued (Apple’s web site not lists it). Securing a pair will solely be tougher as soon as retailers undergo their present inventory.
Subsequently, if you happen to’re all in on Apple’s ecosystem and want buds to pair together with your iPhone 14, know that the most effective buy is the Match Professional…presumably till the AirPods Professional 2 hits retailer cabinets.
