Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless: Improved but still pricey
This is the POWERBEATS3 WIRELESS, the next generation of Beats best selling bluetooth sports headphone, which looks a lot like its' predecessor but does have small but important changes.
Beats has slightly altered the design in an effort to improve the fit of the headphones and allow more people to get a tight feel.
This new model did fit me a little better, but I still couldn't get a tight seal from one of the four included tips.
So I tried a few I had lying around from other headphones and ended up with a foam comply tip that worked for me.
it's important to get a snug seal because if you do this is one of the better sounding Bluetooth sports headphones out there, with good detail, strong bass and pretty open sound, however if you don't it will sound thin and mediocre and you will be disappointed, particularly since this headphone costs $200.
As for other changes, you get a new protective carrying case which I liked.
And the RemoteTalk inline remote has been redesigned and the buttons are more responsive.
On the inside, the headphone's equipped with Apple's new W1 custom BlueTooth chip.
While the headphone works just fine with Android and other BlueTooth enabled audio devices, the W1 chip makes pairing automatic with Apple devices.
And the battery life is improved.
It's up from about 8 hours to about 12 hours.
Also with Beats fast fuel feature, a five minute charge gives you one hour of playback.
I prefer Beats' cable management system to J Bird's, and it's easy to adjust the cable and cinch it around the back of your head for a tighter fit if you want it that way.
Unlike Beats new BeatsX headphones this model charges via microUSB not lightning.
And I think some people will prefer the BeatsX, which is coming soon and cost 50 dollars less.
There's also plenty of competition from the likes of Jaybird, BOSE, All those new models make this a tougher sell at $200, and yes it is overpriced but at least it is improved.
I'm David Carnoy for cnet.com, thanks for watching.
Up Next
These Are the Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for 2023
Up Next
These Are the Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for 2023
AirPods With a Screen: Breaking Down Apple's Patent
AirPods With a Screen: Breaking Down Apple's Patent
Nothing Ear 2 Buds Review: Solid Sound and Familiar Look
Nothing Ear 2 Buds Review: Solid Sound and Familiar Look
These are the Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
These are the Best Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review: Sony Gets Beat
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review: Sony Gets Beat
All About Google's Pixel Buds Pro
All About Google's Pixel Buds Pro
How Sony's LinkBuds and Apple's AirPods Compare
How Sony's LinkBuds and Apple's AirPods Compare
AirPods third-gen review: They actually sound good now
AirPods third-gen review: They actually sound good now
Trying out Nothing's inexpensive Ear 1 earbuds
Trying out Nothing's inexpensive Ear 1 earbuds
Comparing Apple AirPods Pro to Amazon Echo Buds 2
Comparing Apple AirPods Pro to Amazon Echo Buds 2
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
Latest How To All how to videos
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
How to Use a Quest 3 Like the Vision Pro