Latest news with #HenryT.Casey
CNN
24-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Apple's new MacBook Air M4 line just dropped to its lowest price yet
Apple just released its new MacBook Air M4 series earlier this spring. The laptop has only been on store shelves for a little over a month, and now steep discounts have arrived at Amazon. Unlike the first sale I spotted in March, today's price cuts apply to both the 13-inch and the 15-inch versions of the new best MacBook in town. Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M4 The second chance to save on Apple's newest MacBook Air is here. Several colors — including the new Sky Blue —are included in the sale, with a price drop of $89. This is an extra $39 below the original discount I tracked back in March and a new all-time low price. Apple 15-Inch MacBook Air M4 Step up to the larger version of our favorite laptop with a $100 discount. This version sports the same M4 processor, 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage as its smaller counterpart, just with a 15-inch display. Apple has finally brought its latest chip to its beloved MacBook Air. The new M4 version improves everything our editors and readers have come to enjoy about the compact and powerful laptop. In the words of my friend and fellow Underscored editor Henry T. Casey, Apple's newest machine is 'the best boring laptop [he's] ever used.' That's not a diss either! When a company routinely releases a best-in-class product generation after generation, it's no surprise the newest iteration would live up to its expectations, not to mention earn our praise. Casey spent the past week running the model through its paces. You can check out his full MacBook Air M4 review for all of the insight on why Underscored has a new contender for the throne of the best laptop, but my favorite takeaways are the more affordable price ($100 below last year's model) as well as the new Sky Blue color. Everything from previous models, like the thin build, gorgeous display and solid keyboard, has returned. Not everyone needs the latest and greatest laptop to get work done. As someone who's typing this on an older MacBook Pro, I certainly get that point, but if you're in the market for a new machine that you're hoping will last as far into the future as possible, today's launch discount on the MacBook Air M4 is quite enticing. It's the best that Apple has to offer since Apple products (and its MacBooks in particular) are known for their incredible lifespans compared to other laptops on the market. The decision to take advantage of today's deal comes down to what you value most. If you'd like to spend a little extra on a future-proofed computer that'll last as long as possible, the MacBook Air M4 is the way to go. The ongoing tariffs situation also makes today's tech deal a notable chance to upgrade your machine without paying full price — or worse: paying above the current retail rate if price hikes take effect. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors with many years of product testing experience as well as experience researching and recommending other buys, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to ensure we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior deals editor Rikka Altland has personally been reviewing all kinds of tech and home goods for nearly a decade. She applies that tenure to coverage like today's MacBook Air sale. Altland has been using Apple laptops since high school and swears by the brand for her own computing.
CNN
14-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Best Buy's massive spring sale is finally here. Save on AirPods, TVs and so much more
Today, Best Buy is starting the week by launching a massive spring sale. While other major retailers welcomed the beginning of a new season with discounts back in March, Best Buy waited to enjoy the spotlight all on its own. These deals were certainly worth the wait, and I've shopped through hundreds of offers to find the 24 best discounts. Below, you can cut right to the chase and save on the latest tech, appliances, TVs and more as part of Best Buy's Spring Sale. Apple AirPods Max USB-C The newer AirPods Max score you the addition of a universal USB-C charging port and a fresh set of colors. The same great sound, ANC and seamless Apple integration remain from the original. Best Buy is matching the best price of the year with this $69 discount. Read our review Meta Quest 3S VR Headset We called the Meta Quest 3S the "best gateway into virtual reality yet." Today's rare discount makes the headset an even better value, taking $30 off for the first time this year. Read our review Apple 24-Inch 512GB iMac M3 The previous-generation iMac M3 is the exact model I use as my personal computer. It offers tons of power for work and play within a sleek, space-saving design. Unlike the one I use, this upgraded version offers double the SSD storage. It has also never sold for less, thanks to its $500 discount. Read our review Lenovo 8-Inch Legion Go S Gaming Handheld Why wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 when Lenovo's latest gaming handheld is on sale? Best Buy has marked down the Legion Go S for the very first time since it dropped back at CES 2025, offering this compact alternative to other portable gaming machines for a more appealing our review Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) Smart home tech doesn't have to be an eyesore. Google certainly proves that with its latest Nest Learning Thermostat, which enticed CNN Underscored electronics writer Henry T. Casey with its equal parts sleek and smart design. You can save $40 upfront with today's deal, then go on to save even more on your cooling bill with automated AC features. Lenovo 16-Inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop Put this 16-inch laptop to work by day and then fold over its touchscreen display to enjoy it as a tablet after hours. Best Buy takes $300 off the hybrid machine. KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer If you're looking for the best stand mixer money can buy, look no further than this KitchenAid. It comes in several discounted colors and delighted our editors by combining a classic profile with reliable, modern-day features. Blackstone 28-Inch Outdoor Griddle Save $250 on this outdoor griddle. Put its 45,000 BTUs of heating prowess and three independently controlled heating zones to work making massive breakfast spreads or bringing home the hibachi experience. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice maker Now, more than ever, you deserve to treat yourself. Don't settle for typical ice cubes when the good ice is just one purchase away. This well-reviewed GE Profile countertop ice maker just dropped to its best price of the year. Read our review Bella Pro Blaze Pizza Oven+ If you're getting hungry reading our guide to the best pizza ovens, this discount is for you. Bella delivers a more affordable option than any of the models on our list while still cooking 12-inch pies at up to 750°F. Samsung Bespoke French Door Refrigerator This smart refrigerator features a French door design that opens up to hold 29 cubic feet of groceries and produce. Best Buy might not be the first place you'd expect to buy a new fridge from, but today's $860 discount will have you our review Pit Boss Sportsman Smart 850 Pellet Grill Spend more time this spring with friends and less time hovering over the grill. This smart pellet grill features onboard Wi-Fi, allowing you to monitor its cooking temperatures right from your smartphone. Hisense 55-Inch U6N QLED Google Smart TV When CNN Underscored first reviewed the Hisense U6K, we found that this was one of the best budget TVs on the market. This week's $200 discount applies to the newer U6N version, which features small tweaks to make the model an even better buy. Read our review Sony 65-Inch Bravia 8 OLED Google Smart TV There's a reason why hundreds of Best Buy shoppers bought this TV at full price: OLED delivers an unmatched viewing experience. Now, it's $500 off and dropping to within $2 of its lowest price in 2025. Samsung 85-Inch Q60D 4K Smart TV Not everyone is going to have room for an 85-inch television. But if your home theater will only be complete once you bring home a behemoth of a TV, Samsung has you covered. Today's $700 deal combines a QLED panel with the kind of screen real estate you'd normally only get from an actual theater. LG 65-Inch C4 Evo OLED TV LG's C4 Evo was one of the best televisions in 2024. Last year's TVs now come with better prices, as Best Buy takes $300 off the home theater experience that is at the best price since Black Friday. Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1-Channel Soundbar System Do you find yourself constantly turning the volume up and down to hear dialogue in your favorite shows? Then, it might be time to ditch your TV's built-in speakers for this Samsung soundbar system. It's $170 off and comes with an adaptive sound mode that can enhance voice clarity. Samsung 55-Inch The Frame TV Last but certainly not least on this list of discounted TVs is The Frame. Samsung's beloved art television is sure to become a true centerpiece of any room with its digital picture frame our review Greenworks 1900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Kit Wash off winter grime without cleaning out your wallet. This electric pressure washer kit from Greenworks is now $120 off — down to its best price of the year. Niu KQi2 Pro Foldable Electric Kick Scooter Spring weather is the perfect time to see what all of the hype is about for the micro-mobility movement. Whether it's for joyrides around the block or quick trips to the store, this electric scooter is a fun, environmentally friendly way to get around. Anker 288Wh SOLIX C300X Portable Power Station When CNN Underscored's resident expert on all things outdoors, Kai Burkhardt, recommends you bring something on your next adventure, it's a big deal. He found the DC version of the C300 to be an extremely versatile and portable power station, and now the AC model is $40 off. Read our review Worx Nitro 20V 5-Inch Cordless Pruning Saw If your yard only needs some minor attention to get greenery looking its best, this handheld pruning saw might just be the perfect tool for the job. The electric saw has a 5-inch blade that's perfect for shaping hedges, bushes and even small tree branches. Solo Stove Bonfire Bundle We're obsessed with Solo Stove here at CNN Underscored. Discounts rarely ever come around on the brand's popular outdoor fireplaces, but Best Buy is delivering with $30 off this bundle. Cuisinart Propane Patio Heater Enjoy your patio even when the sun goes down with this outdoor propane heater. It's $50 off and helps keep the party going even as cooler summer nights roll in. Back in March, nearly every major retailer had a spring sale to match Amazon's spring Prime Day. Well, nearly every retailer. Best Buy opted not to launch a sale of its own then. Now, the retailer is ready to enjoy its time in the sun without having to compete against other brands. But don't worry! The deals are just as competitive as last month's and, in some cases, are even better than the offers from March. Our senior deals editor Rikka Altland spotted the price drop this morning while searching for the best finds of the week. She has worked in service journalism for nearly a decade and is an expert at deal hunting and price-history analysis. Altland also regularly reviews tech for a living, frequently collaborating with Underscored's team of testing experts.
CNN
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Our favorite product releases this week: Cabeau, Sony, Supergoop and more
There are a ton of great products that drop every week — and we're here, as always, to keep you up to date on the best of them. Each week, we'll be rounding up a short list of our favorite product drops from the last seven days for you to shop as you sip your morning coffee or take a quick break from work (trust, it's the only list you need for staying up to date on these things). This week brings the launch of the latest Cabeau travel pillow, two new Sony portable Bluetooth speakers, a seasonal Supergoop sunscreen and more. This All-Star home theater upgrade just got even better Back in January, our colleagues first saw the new Samsung The Frame Pro TV. Now it's finally beginning to ship. Deemed the 'most exciting CES 2025 TV' by Underscored's resident tech maestro, Henry T. Casey, the new and improved version of the television that doubles as a digital art display wowed by implementing Samsung's Neo QLED technology. Casey was impressed by its brighter colors and upgraded contrast, which should help for bringing everything from moody, cinematic hits like 'Dune' and classic works of art like Katsushika Hokusai's Great Wave off Kanagawa to life. There's also the new Wireless One Connect box, which helps The Frame Pro live up to its namesake. There are less cords to run from your entertainment console up to the television, offering a cleaner look that more closely resembles a framed piece of art. Those upgrades all earn the television a steep price tag. The 65-inch version starts at $2,200, while the larger 75- and 85-inch offerings retail for $3,200 and $4,300, respectively. Like sun-kissed skin in a bottle One of our favorite sunscreens comes in a new, glowy formula. The Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops deliver an all-over highlight that lives up to its name. Its made with SPF 40 and skin care goodies like hydrating jojoba and sunflower oil and turmeric extract to brighten the appearance of skin. Its squeezy tube packaging makes it easy to dispense a controlled amount directly onto skin. I just traveled to Florida, and the Golden Hour shade blends seamlessly with my tan. I've yet to test it against the sun's rays, but I can attest that it lays a beautiful, lightweight makeup base. It doesn't feel greasy or irritate my dry, sensitive skin. The maker of our favorite travel pillow just got an upgrade For years, we have entrusted Cabeau with keeping us comfortable on flights, long car rides and the like. After testing 10 popular travel pillows, the Cabeau Evolution S3 came out on top as our favorite pick. This week, the brand decided to give us a treat ahead of your next spring or summer travel plans with the release of its Evolution X pillow. This new edition is adjustable, has a convenient front closure and prevents your head from tilting to avoid neck pain. We love that it is suitable for a variety of heights with these new features and its upgraded breathability features with the large frontal cooling vents and lightweight cover. It retails for $50 in four different colors and is selling out quickly so snag it while you still can. Two new versions of an editor-approved speaker Sony has launched two new portable Bluetooth speakers this week. Last year, the brand refreshed its latest audio products with the Ult series, and now two new additions have arrived. We raved about the original Ult Field 1 speaker back when our editors took it for a spin, and our senior deals editor Rikka Altland shares much of the same sentiments around its bass-heavy audio system after using it herself. Now, the Sony Ult Field 3 and Ult Field 5 deliver much of the same features, just with louder sound systems. There's still the same Ult technology that gives the whole lineup its name, allowing you to boost the bass output just by pressing a button. If these new speakers are anything like their smaller counterpart, there will be a lot to love. The new Sony Ult Field 3 sells for $200 and the Ult Field 5 clocks in at $330. Both are now available for purchase at Amazon. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have been seen sporting these adorable ballet-inspired flats. They combine streetwear elements like a rubber sole and lace-up design with the satin material and shaped toe seen in the dance shoes. Choose from four colors, including black, white, pink and blue. They can even fold up in half for easy portability — much like a true ballet style. TKTK This vegan and compostable deo is Easter basket ready For those in the market for unique Easter basket items, consider this adorable and sustainable refillable deodorant from Wild. The starter pack, which includes the egg-adorned case and compostable refills, starts at $15. Depending on your skin type and preference, you can choose from 15 classic scents and eight sensitive scents like Cherry Blossom, Juicy Mango and Ocean Mist — just to name a few. If you're looking to set your giftee up, you have the option of adding on a subscription with refills that can be delivered anywhere from four to 14 weeks. Doing this saves you 20% and you can skip or cancel the subscription at any time. Retro Xbox vibes with modern Hall Effect joysticks Last week, we shared Backbone's take on the resurgence of transparent designs that is sweeping through the world of consumer electronics. 8Bitdo is following suit with a translucent green controller of its own. The new Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is reminiscent of the gamepad that came in the box with the original Xbox back in 2001, but works with more than just Microsoft consoles. Xbox and Windows PCs may be at the top of the compatibility list, but you'll also find support for iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones. As retro as the jade green design is, 8Bitdo is backing its newest gamepad with some more modern tech. Hall Effect joysticks allow the controller to fight off stick drift and other issues that plague controllers after prolonged use. There's also back paddle buttons and a 3-way switch that allows you to quickly toggle between connected devices. You can pre-order the 8Bitdo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for $70 at Amazon. Be the best-dressed guest Outfit your slate of weddings this year with Abercrombie's wedding guest outfits. New styles just dropped in the brand's Best Dressed Guest collection, including everything from halter neck and strapless necklines to satin and ruffled materials. Even the bride can get in on the action, with mini dresses perfect for rehearsal dinners and white sets for bachelorette parties. For men, there are tailored suit offerings as well as casual yet polished sweater polos and linen options. I previewed the collection in person and loved all the options for every sort of destination wedding, from tropical to courthouse. As we all know, weddings can be an expensive affair, so I appreciate that most styles fall under $100 too. Mix and match bestselling lotions and washes Our associate deals editor, Elena Matarazzo, has been using Salt & Stone body wash and mist for the past few months. She has been loving the brand's Saffron & Cedar scent and has even swapped out Glossier You as her everyday perfume for the brand's clean smelling body spray. Today, Salt & Stone released its latest Build Your Own Mini Set that allows you to mix and match four of its bestselling products in a travel ready size. Deodorant, body mists, lotions and washes in Santal & Vetiver, Bergamont & Hinoki and more range from $12 to $20 and are perfect for throwing in a gym bag or commuter tote. This week also saw the launch of other products our editors deemed worthy of standalone coverage. Shop all these additional launches below, including a new Swiffer floor cleaner, Takeya water bottle and more. Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweep and Mop Deluxe Kit Swiffer has released a new way to clean your floors. The Sweep and Mop lives up to its name with the ability to tackle dry and wet messes. Takeya Sport Water Bottle Takeya has a new leakproof water bottle out this week. It comes in four sizes with two lid types, all of which feature a silicone bumper and triple-wall vacuum sealed insulation. Rothy's The Espadrille Mary Jane Flats These washable Mary Janes just received a spring makeover. Wear them around town, to a garden party or on your next seaside vacation and enjoy the the padded heel for extra comfort. Google Pixel 9a Google's latest budget phone offers a cleaner design and beats the iPhone 16e on camera and display tech. It's finally up for purchase after our editors took a hands-on look earlier in the our review As deals editors at Underscored, we are some of the first people to hear about the latest product news from reader-favorite brands. Our deals team — comprised of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo — is passionate about product launches that we would be tempted to shop, and we enjoy finding a coveted new item (especially one from a brand with top marks from our experts) because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
CNN
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Our favorite product releases this week: Cabeau, Sony, Supergoop and more
There are a ton of great products that drop every week — and we're here, as always, to keep you up to date on the best of them. Each week, we'll be rounding up a short list of our favorite product drops from the last seven days for you to shop as you sip your morning coffee or take a quick break from work (trust, it's the only list you need for staying up to date on these things). This week brings the launch of the latest Cabeau travel pillow, two new Sony portable Bluetooth speakers, a seasonal Supergoop sunscreen and more. This All-Star home theater upgrade just got even better Back in January, our colleagues first saw the new Samsung The Frame Pro TV. Now it's finally beginning to ship. Deemed the 'most exciting CES 2025 TV' by Underscored's resident tech maestro, Henry T. Casey, the new and improved version of the television that doubles as a digital art display wowed by implementing Samsung's Neo QLED technology. Casey was impressed by its brighter colors and upgraded contrast, which should help for bringing everything from moody, cinematic hits like 'Dune' and classic works of art like Katsushika Hokusai's Great Wave off Kanagawa to life. There's also the new Wireless One Connect box, which helps The Frame Pro live up to its namesake. There are less cords to run from your entertainment console up to the television, offering a cleaner look that more closely resembles a framed piece of art. Those upgrades all earn the television a steep price tag. The 65-inch version starts at $2,200, while the larger 75- and 85-inch offerings retail for $3,200 and $4,300, respectively. Like sun-kissed skin in a bottle One of our favorite sunscreens comes in a new, glowy formula. The Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops deliver an all-over highlight that lives up to its name. Its made with SPF 40 and skin care goodies like hydrating jojoba and sunflower oil and turmeric extract to brighten the appearance of skin. Its squeezy tube packaging makes it easy to dispense a controlled amount directly onto skin. I just traveled to Florida, and the Golden Hour shade blends seamlessly with my tan. I've yet to test it against the sun's rays, but I can attest that it lays a beautiful, lightweight makeup base. It doesn't feel greasy or irritate my dry, sensitive skin. The maker of our favorite travel pillow just got an upgrade For years, we have entrusted Cabeau with keeping us comfortable on flights, long car rides and the like. After testing 10 popular travel pillows, the Cabeau Evolution S3 came out on top as our favorite pick. This week, the brand decided to give us a treat ahead of your next spring or summer travel plans with the release of its Evolution X pillow. This new edition is adjustable, has a convenient front closure and prevents your head from tilting to avoid neck pain. We love that it is suitable for a variety of heights with these new features and its upgraded breathability features with the large frontal cooling vents and lightweight cover. It retails for $50 in four different colors and is selling out quickly so snag it while you still can. Two new versions of an editor-approved speaker Sony has launched two new portable Bluetooth speakers this week. Last year, the brand refreshed its latest audio products with the Ult series, and now two new additions have arrived. We raved about the original Ult Field 1 speaker back when our editors took it for a spin, and our senior deals editor Rikka Altland shares much of the same sentiments around its bass-heavy audio system after using it herself. Now, the Sony Ult Field 3 and Ult Field 5 deliver much of the same features, just with louder sound systems. There's still the same Ult technology that gives the whole lineup its name, allowing you to boost the bass output just by pressing a button. If these new speakers are anything like their smaller counterpart, there will be a lot to love. The new Sony Ult Field 3 sells for $200 and the Ult Field 5 clocks in at $330. Both are now available for purchase at Amazon. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have been seen sporting these adorable ballet-inspired flats. They combine streetwear elements like a rubber sole and lace-up design with the satin material and shaped toe seen in the dance shoes. Choose from four colors, including black, white, pink and blue. They can even fold up in half for easy portability — much like a true ballet style. TKTK This vegan and compostable deo is Easter basket ready For those in the market for unique Easter basket items, consider this adorable and sustainable refillable deodorant from Wild. The starter pack, which includes the egg-adorned case and compostable refills, starts at $15. Depending on your skin type and preference, you can choose from 15 classic scents and eight sensitive scents like Cherry Blossom, Juicy Mango and Ocean Mist — just to name a few. If you're looking to set your giftee up, you have the option of adding on a subscription with refills that can be delivered anywhere from four to 14 weeks. Doing this saves you 20% and you can skip or cancel the subscription at any time. Retro Xbox vibes with modern Hall Effect joysticks Last week, we shared Backbone's take on the resurgence of transparent designs that is sweeping through the world of consumer electronics. 8Bitdo is following suit with a translucent green controller of its own. The new Ultimate 3-Mode Controller is reminiscent of the gamepad that came in the box with the original Xbox back in 2001, but works with more than just Microsoft consoles. Xbox and Windows PCs may be at the top of the compatibility list, but you'll also find support for iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones. As retro as the jade green design is, 8Bitdo is backing its newest gamepad with some more modern tech. Hall Effect joysticks allow the controller to fight off stick drift and other issues that plague controllers after prolonged use. There's also back paddle buttons and a 3-way switch that allows you to quickly toggle between connected devices. You can pre-order the 8Bitdo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for $70 at Amazon. Be the best-dressed guest Outfit your slate of weddings this year with Abercrombie's wedding guest outfits. New styles just dropped in the brand's Best Dressed Guest collection, including everything from halter neck and strapless necklines to satin and ruffled materials. Even the bride can get in on the action, with mini dresses perfect for rehearsal dinners and white sets for bachelorette parties. For men, there are tailored suit offerings as well as casual yet polished sweater polos and linen options. I previewed the collection in person and loved all the options for every sort of destination wedding, from tropical to courthouse. As we all know, weddings can be an expensive affair, so I appreciate that most styles fall under $100 too. Mix and match bestselling lotions and washes Our associate deals editor, Elena Matarazzo, has been using Salt & Stone body wash and mist for the past few months. She has been loving the brand's Saffron & Cedar scent and has even swapped out Glossier You as her everyday perfume for the brand's clean smelling body spray. Today, Salt & Stone released its latest Build Your Own Mini Set that allows you to mix and match four of its bestselling products in a travel ready size. Deodorant, body mists, lotions and washes in Santal & Vetiver, Bergamont & Hinoki and more range from $12 to $20 and are perfect for throwing in a gym bag or commuter tote. This week also saw the launch of other products our editors deemed worthy of standalone coverage. Shop all these additional launches below, including a new Swiffer floor cleaner, Takeya water bottle and more. Swiffer 2-in-1 Sweep and Mop Deluxe Kit Swiffer has released a new way to clean your floors. The Sweep and Mop lives up to its name with the ability to tackle dry and wet messes. Takeya Sport Water Bottle Takeya has a new leakproof water bottle out this week. It comes in four sizes with two lid types, all of which feature a silicone bumper and triple-wall vacuum sealed insulation. Rothy's The Espadrille Mary Jane Flats These washable Mary Janes just received a spring makeover. Wear them around town, to a garden party or on your next seaside vacation and enjoy the the padded heel for extra comfort. Google Pixel 9a Google's latest budget phone offers a cleaner design and beats the iPhone 16e on camera and display tech. It's finally up for purchase after our editors took a hands-on look earlier in the our review As deals editors at Underscored, we are some of the first people to hear about the latest product news from reader-favorite brands. Our deals team — comprised of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo — is passionate about product launches that we would be tempted to shop, and we enjoy finding a coveted new item (especially one from a brand with top marks from our experts) because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
CNN
04-04-2025
- CNN
AirPods Pro 2 or Beats Powerbeats Pro 2? I tested both top buds to find a winner
The AirPods Pro 2 are the de-facto earbuds of choice when it comes to most people I see out in the wild every day, but the small army of folks wearing Beats' Powerbeats Pro aren't far behind. It's easy to understand why: Beats' popular workout earbuds offer a more secure fit than the AirPods whether you're hitting the gym or your daily commute, all while still giving you most of those sweet Apple perks. It's no surprise, then, that the new Powerbeats Pro 2 are even closer to parity with the superb AirPods Pro 2, with both buds offering similar sound quality, immersive spatial audio and hassle-free pairing to your iPhone, iPad and Mac. The Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 are easily among the best true wireless earbuds you can buy, but with so many similarities between the two, you're probably wondering which pair you should commit a few hundred bucks to. Fortunately, I've used both sets of buds extensively — from sweaty basketball sessions and crowded commutes to existential evenings spent listening to sad music — and am ready to make that decision easy for you. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Our favorite wireless earbuds for Apple users, the AirPods Pro 2 offer superb audio quality, noise cancellation and seamless compatibility with your iPhone, iPad and Mac. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 The Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the best workout earbuds we've tested yet, with a sleek, slimmed down design, great battery life, integrated heart rate tracking and most of the AirPods Pro 2's key audio features. Yes Yes Yes Yes 1.79 oz 2.74 oz IPX4 (sweat and water resistance) IPX4 (sweat and water resistance) No Yes Yes No 6 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (with case) 10 hours (earbuds), 45 hours (with case) Yes Yes White Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, Electric Orange iOS iOS, Android While they do a lot of the same things, the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 couldn't be more different in the design department. The AirPods Pro 2 are simple and discreet, whereas the Powerbeats Pro 2 are big, bold and sport large ear hooks to all but eliminate the chance that they'll slip out when you're a sweaty mess at the gym. There's no objective winner here; it really just depends on what kind of fit you like. I'm not a fan of ear hooks, and never really feel like my AirPods Pro 2 are in danger of falling out — even during the dozens of hours I've spent playing basketball with them on. That said, I find the Powerbeats Pro 2 to be very comfortable, and it was often easy to forget I had their soft rubber hooks nestled around my ears when I was in the middle of a workout or commute. You should still try before you buy if you can; while I liked the fit, my colleague Henry T. Casey found these buds to go a bit too deep into his ear canal for his liking. Beats' buds offer a total of five ear tip sizes over the AirPods Pro's four, meaning they'll likely fit a wider range of people. And while Apple continues to only release the AirPods Pro in boring ol' white, the Powerbeats Pro 2 pull through with four attractive color options including Jet Black, greyish Quick Sand, Hyper Purple and the Electric Orange version that I own (go Knicks). Even with all of that in mind, I'm still team AirPods here. While the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good deal more compact than their predecessor, they're not nearly as pocketable as the sleek case that houses the AirPods Pro 2. I also find wrapping the Powerbeats Pro 2's hooks around my ears and finding the right fit to be a bit of a process, whereas I can pop my AirPods Pro 2 in within seconds and be good to go. And while Beats' buds have a more exercise-friendly fit, both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 carry the same IPX4 rating, meaning they're equally good at surviving a sweaty workout or a run in the rain. TL;DR: Get the AirPods Pro 2 if you want the more compact, less obtrusive earbuds. If you want maximum stability for workouts (or just really like colors), go with the Powerbeats Pro 2. If sound quality is your main priority, this is a no-contest: just get the AirPods Pro 2. The neurotic indie rock of Petey USA's 'I'll Wait' absolutely crackled on Apple's buds, from the blistering drums to the layers of frantic vocals made incredibly clear in spatial audio. When I switched over to the Powerbeats Pro 2, the song sounded disappointingly flat, with only its bouncy bass guitar coming through with a satisfying punch. The difference was even more stark when I threw on Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' — the track's menacing bass punched me in the gut on the AirPods Pro 2, whereas it barely had enough oomph to end Drake's career on the Powerbeats. To Beats' credit, the Powerbeats Pro do sound good on their own terms, and I eventually got used to their thinner output when using them over the span of a week. But the difference is pretty stark when you put them side-by-side. Fortunately, you get most of the same audio perks on both sets of buds, including Personalized Spatial Audio for engrossing 360-degree sound and the Adaptive EQ tech that tunes things to your surroundings. The AirPods Pro 2 continue to have the edge when it comes to active noise cancellation. Having used both sets of buds extensively while riding loud subway cars and walking busy New York City streets, I always found myself wishing the Powerbeats would drown out just a bit more noise than they did. This remained the case when I switched between the two buds while blasting some airport sounds from my computer; there was a much more dramatic difference between Transparency and ANC mode on the AirPods Pro 2. And while both earbuds' Transparency mode did a great job keeping me aware of my surroundings, only the AirPods Pro 2 have the handy Adaptive Audio mode that mixes Transparency and ANC on the fly based on your environment. It's my go-to mode on the AirPods Pro 2, and definitely something I miss on the Powerbeats. TL;DR: Get the AirPods Pro 2 if you want the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 are both powered by Apple's H2 chip, which means you'll enjoy effortless pairing with your iPhone and perks like spatial audio and 'Hey, Siri' support no matter which pair of buds you buy. But if you're on team Android or use a mix of Android and iOS devices around the home, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a clear advantage. Like all of the best Beats headphones, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are blissfully platform agnostic. Whether you're popping into the iOS settings menu or using the dedicated Beats app for Android, you'll be able to do things like customize the controls, adjust various microphone and noise settings and perform an ear tip fit test to find the right fit. You'll also get perks like one-touch pairing and the ability to track down your lost buds (Find My on iOS; Locate My Beats on Android), no matter which platform you're on. By comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 can pair to an Android phone just fine, but you'll miss out on key features like spatial audio and the ability to customize settings. Athletes may be swayed by the Powerbeats Pro 2's unique heart rate tracking capabilities, which isn't something you'll find on most wireless earbuds (and certainly not the AirPods Pro 2). The feature worked reliably enough in my testing, and as someone who can't be bothered to wear an Apple Watch, I appreciated the ability to get a bit of extra insight into my workouts without any extra gear. It works with most iOS and Android apps that can track your heart rate, which is a nice perk to have. Just know that the Powerbeats Pro's heart rate tracking is designed specifically for workouts, and isn't meant to be an always-on solution that can alert you to possible health issues like the Apple Watch can. While the AirPods Pro 2 can't track your heartbeat, they can potentially protect your hearing. Thanks to a recent software update, Apple's flagship earbuds have a suite of Hearing Health features — including a hearing test that has you respond to various tones and can identify possible hearing loss. Should you find yourself in need of assistance, you can use what Apple says is a 'clinical-grade' hearing aid feature that can amplify certain sounds for you. While my test showed little to no signs of hearing loss, I did get a demo from Apple last year that showed off the dramatic difference between what a hearing impaired person might hear normally and how it can be improved with the AirPods Pro 2. Even if you're not hard of hearing, you can toggle the earbuds' Hearing Protection feature that's designed to make loud environments (like concerts or construction sites) more bearable. While I personally can't speak to the possible medical benefit of the AirPods Pro 2's assistive hearing tools, I certainly appreciate having them handy. TL;DR: Get the Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want a smoother experience on Android and want earbuds that can track your heart rate. If protecting your hearing is a concern, the AirPods Pro 2 can help. Looking for good endurance? Go with the Powerbeats Pro 2. Beats' workout buds are rated to last up to 10 hours on a single charge, with a whopping total of up to 45 hours when you factor in the charging case. That makes the AirPods Pro 2's battery life, which is rated for 6 hours of continuous playback and a total of 30 with the case, seem paltry. These runtimes are largely in line with what I experienced in the real world;I usually felt like I was getting a day or two of extra use out of the Powerbeats before I had to plug the case in. I'm generally fine with the AirPods Pro 2's battery life, but I've definitely had a few moments where they died a bit too soon for my liking — particularly towards the end of most cross-country flights. Helping Beats secure this round is the fact that the company finally, finally added wireless charging to a pair of its earbuds. This has always been a major drawback of Beats buds compared to their Apple counterparts, but now I can just plop the Powerbeats Pro 2 onto my wireless charging pad the same way I do with my AirPods. It's yet another feature that brings the two buds to near-parity, and paired with the Powerbeats' superior battery life, makes Beats' earbuds a great pick for folks who want to avoid constantly reaching for that charging cable. TL;DR: The Powerbeats Pro 2 will get you longer battery life. Both of these earbuds might carry the same $249 MSRP, but the AirPods Pro 2 are easy to find for less than that. Apple's beloved earbuds are almost always on sale at most third party retailers for around $200, and have dropped to as low as the $150 range during major sale events like Black Friday. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have held steady at their $249 retail price since they first launched in early 2025, though they're a much newer product, and will likely start to see some drops once the holidays roll around. TL;DR: The AirPods Pro 2 typically cost about $50 to $90 less than the Powerbeats Pro 2 — for now, at least. You can't really make a bad choice between the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2, but they each serve a pretty distinct purpose. The latest AirPods Pro are the ultimate all-arounders, and have more or less become the default for anyone with an iPhone in their pocket. They offer better sound and noise cancellation than the Powerbeats, and can usually be found for cheaper. As their athlete-laden advertisements suggest, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are tailor-made for people who live in the gym or on the track. Their ear-hook design, while not for everyone, is ideal for maximum security while working up a sweat. They can even track your heart rate, which is great if you want a better overall look at your exercise sessions. They match most of the AirPods Pro 2's key features, and unlike Apple's buds, work equally well whether you're rocking an iPhone or are fully team Android. CNN Underscored thoroughly vets all the products we cover, and we provide full transparency about how these products are tested, so you know they'll meet your standards because they meet our requirements. Our skilled writers and editors have many years of testing experience that informs them how to properly review products, and we ensure each article is edited for accuracy and clarity. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering electronics for more than a decade and has overseen Underscored's consumer tech reviews since 2022. In those years, he's accrued and tested more sets of wireless earbuds than his desk can reasonably fit. He's been a loyal AirPods Pro 2 user since they first launched a few years back, but he's always testing the latest competitors to see if his go-to buds can be dethroned.
