When it comes to performance earbuds that combine stamina, style, and sound, two brands consistently rise to the top of buyer shortlists: JBL and Beats. The JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Powerbeats Pro offer durability and features loved by athletes, commuters, and casual listeners alike. Both are wireless, sweat-resistant, and packed with audio tools designed for high-impact lifestyles—making them compelling contenders for best true wireless earbuds in 2025.
As a longtime audio reviewer at RatedByMia, I’ve had hands-on experience with both of these earbuds across workouts, commutes, phone calls, and relaxed listening sessions. In this post, I’ll break down how they compare—feature by feature—so you can confidently choose your ultimate music companion.
Let’s take a closer look at these two standout products:
Comparison Overview
| Product | Key Features | Release Date | Star Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Endurance Peak 3 | IP68 waterproof, 50-hour battery life, Powerhook™ design, dual beamforming mics | 2023 | 4.2 out of 5 | Check product boxes below for the most up-to-date pricing. |
| Powerbeats Pro | Apple H1 chip, secure-fit earhooks, sweat & water resistance, 9-hour playtime (24 with case) | 2019 | 4.5 out of 5 | Check product boxes below for the most up-to-date pricing. |
Design & Build
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 showcases a rugged, sport-focused aesthetic with sweatproof and waterproof materials that meet IP68 standards. Its flexible over-ear Powerhook™ design automatically powers them on when worn, offering a snug and stable fit during intense movements. The buds are large, but the ergonomic design keeps them comfortable for extended wear.
Powerbeats Pro also features an over-ear earhook design with soft, rounded angles and a sleek Apple-inspired finish. Although not as waterproof as the JBL (they’re rated only IPX4), they still hold up well during workouts and light rain. The charging case is bulkier than typical wireless earbuds, while the earbuds themselves are lighter and more compact than they appear.
If rugged durability is your top concern, JBL Endurance Peak 3 wins. But if you’re more drawn to minimal, Apple-style design, Powerbeats Pro earns major style points.
Features & Functionality
This is where things get interesting in the jbl endurance peak 3 vs powerbeats pro comparison. Both offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity and are optimized for minimal lag and dropouts. However, user needs will determine the better pick.
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 includes dual beamforming microphones for clearer calls, touch controls, and Ambient Aware & TalkThru technologies for real-time noise control. It’s excellent for outdoor usage, safety, and crystal-clear call moments.
Powerbeats Pro is powered by the Apple H1 chip, which guarantees rock-steady connection, faster pairing, and voice-activated Siri for hands-free control. Although it lacks ambient modes, it makes up for it with audio-sharing, ear-detection, and stronger integration within the Apple ecosystem.
JBL brings more noise and environment versatility, while Powerbeats Pro excels at smart, streamlined convenience—especially for Apple users.
Ease of Use
In terms of initial setup, Powerbeats Pro has the edge, especially for Apple device owners. Thanks to the H1 chip and iOS integration, pairing is nearly instantaneous, and once connected, switching between Apple devices is automatic. The physical buttons also provide tactile control for volume and playback, which some users may prefer over touch gestures.
That said, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 isn’t far behind. Pairing is quick and stable, including with Android devices. The touch controls are intuitive, though they may take a few tries to master. Plus, the Powerhook™ feature that automatically powers the earbuds on and off adds to DJ-level convenience.
For cross-platform usage, JBL is more universal. For ease with Apple systems, Powerbeats Pro remains king.
Performance / Effectiveness
When evaluating sound quality in this jbl endurance peak 3 vs powerbeats pro duel, it’s important to look at balance, bass, and user context.
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 delivers JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound with a warm, energetic profile. Great for fast-paced playlists and immersive podcast sessions, these buds bring out lower notes well without overwhelming vocals or detail. Passive noise isolation is solid, and with TalkThru and Ambient Aware, shifting between awareness and immersion is smooth.
Powerbeats Pro offers even clearer audio and richer detailing, with a more balanced profile that slightly favors mids and highs. Its acoustic tuning is ideal for R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and pop, and the soundstage feels broader and more refined. The secure fit and noise isolation also keep distractions out, even without ANC.
If you’re an audiophile or prefer sonic precision, Powerbeats Pro clinches the win. If robust, bass-driven sound is your vibe and you’re often outdoors, JBL suits you better.
Value for Money
Both models deliver fantastic value depending on your needs. The JBL Endurance Peak 3 includes features like immersive environmental awareness modes, advanced waterproofing, and 50 hours of battery life, which is well above average. It’s a feature-rich device that feels built to last in rugged environments. Check the product boxes below for the most up-to-date pricing.
Powerbeats Pro justifies its value with seamless Apple integration, H1 chip advantages, dynamic sound, and refined design. Even without ANC or ambient features, it offers a premium music and call experience with impressive battery life (9 hours per charge, 24 with case).
JBL offers more rugged resilience and feature variety. Powerbeats Pro appeals to users wanting smart, stylish audio with seamless Apple connectivity. Again, for accurate pricing, see the product listings included above.
jbl endurance peak 3 Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- IP68 dustproof and waterproof—swim-friendly and gym-tested
- Massive 50-hour battery life
- Ambient Aware & TalkThru safety features
- Secure Powerhook™ keeps buds in place during movement
- Warm, high-energy JBL audio
- Cons:
- Touch controls can be fiddly during workouts
- Larger size may not fit every ear
- No integrated voice assistant
powerbeats pro Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Apple H1 chip enables instant pairing and voice activation
- Sleek, stylish design
- Tactile physical button controls
- Balanced sound performance across genres
- Great for iPhone and iOS ecosystem users
- Cons:
- No ambient or noise transparency modes
- Bulkier charging case
- Limited water resistance (IPX4)
Final Verdict
Ultimately, choosing between JBL Endurance Peak 3 vs Powerbeats Pro comes down to what you value most in your earbuds experience.
Choose JBL Endurance Peak 3 if you’re an athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or need maximum battery life and waterproofing. It’s the more adventure-ready pick, with bass-driven sound and versatility that thrives in challenging environments.
Choose Powerbeats Pro if you’re an Apple user looking for refined design and reliable connectivity. Its sound is beautifully balanced, setup is effortless, and the overall user journey is clean and intuitive—especially if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
Both provide stellar performance in their own way. It comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. Either way, your ears are in for a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds good for swimming?
Yes! With an IP68 rating, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and even submersion, making them swim-safe for short durations.
Do Powerbeats Pro work well with Android phones?
They do, but some features like Siri and automatic device switching are exclusive to iOS. Android users can still enjoy great sound and reliable Bluetooth performance.
Which has better call quality – JBL Endurance Peak 3 or Powerbeats Pro?
Both offer clear call quality, but JBL uses dual beamforming mics with ambient noise suppression, which helps slightly in loud environments. Powerbeats Pro offers consistency and clarity, especially with iPhones.
Can I use one earbud at a time?
Yes. Both the Endurance Peak 3 and Powerbeats Pro support mono mode, allowing you to use either earbud independently for calls or music.
Which has longer battery life?
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 wins this round with 10 hours per charge and a total of up to 50 hours with the case. Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours standalone and 24 with the charging case.
Ready to Pick Your Earbuds?
Both earbuds cater to different lifestyles, and now that you’ve seen how they stack up, it’s time to decide what suits your rhythm best. Check the latest prices and take the leap below: