If I would have compared the most selling brands from Beats by Dr. Dre versus Bose at the time of launch my review could have been totally different, but after years while the products become stable and introduction prices are changed it is important to re look into what is called as Value for Money, Purpose of use (Travel vs Gym vs Running or Jogging)
Powerbeats3 vs Bose Soundsport, which product provides more Value for Money as on Jan 2018?
Well look at the prices prevailing as on Jan 2018 and you will find that both the products are priced in mere difference of couple of Dollars … which means that you will have to compare them based on features & quality of sound that they deliver … moreover one most important thing which I feel is value for a traveler is how much time your headphones last in a single charge so that you need not hunt for charging the headphones everywhere… and in case you need to get it fueled again .. it should be possible to do in matter of 10 minutes .. I think this aspect keeps value to you.
Okay .. first look at the comparison table where I have tried to compile as many things I know for the particular headphone, and highlighted some of the differences quickly . later we will see in details comparison of each aspect of them and take a final call ..
Beats Powerbeats3 vs Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones Specs Comparison Table
| Wireless Headphones Comparison | Beats Powerbeats 3 | Bose Soundsport |
| Best buy offer | Best Buy | Best Buy |
| Color | White, Yellow, Blue, Black, Red | Auqua, Black, Citron, Power Red |
| Wireless range | up to 30 ft (9 m) | |
| Bluetooth | Class 1 Bluetooth® Stereo Bluetooth | BT v 4.0 |
| Memory | Up to 8 devices can be remembered | |
| Inline mic | Inline Call and Music Controls Inline Volume Control | An inline mic/remote lets you answer/end calls, play/pause tracks and adjust volume—without reaching for your phone. |
| Sweat and weather resistant | Yes, Seat proof & Water resistant with IPX4 Protection | IPX4 rating The acoustic ports are positioned to resist sweat and weather and Hydrophobic cloth keeps moisture out |
| Voice Assitant | Take calls, control your music and activate Siri with RemoteTalk | |
| Battery life | 12 hours of battery life, with Apple’s power-efficient W1 chip | Up to 5 hours |
| Fast Fuel | a 5-minute charge gives you 1 hour of playback | No 2 hours charging time |
| Easy NFC Pairing | No | Yes |
| StayHear+ tips for stability | Eartips with four size options | Three sizes of StayHear+ Sport tips. tips unique shape creates a gentle seal in your ear and the extended flexible wing provides support and improved stability. |
| Free Bose Connect App | Auto-off timer, volume control and battery readings. | |
| Music share | seamless setup and switching for your Apple devices | Connect two wireless Bose headphones to share music from your mobile device. It simplifies splitting music from one source, and you can do it right from the app. |
| Bluetooth device switch | You can go from a call on your smartphone to music on your tablet or laptop with a quick swipe | |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion | |
| Dimensions without the cable | 1.2″ H x 1″ W x 1.2” D | |
| Weight w/o cable | 0.8 oz | |
Build Quality & Style:
- Powerbeats3 carry same look as of Powerbeats2 whereas Bose looks more premium with super glossy finish. Also the logo matters while you wear them, surely its counted in your style statement. So you need to decide what you would like to be seen .. With Beats or Bose 🙂 its personal choice indeed.
Wearing Comfort:
- Powerbeats3 are provided with 4 size of eartips which suits to all ear canal sizes as well isolating noise to some extent.
Also its provided with Special hooks which helps holding the headphones in place. However if you use them for prolong time, then due to hook pressure you might feel bit uncomfortable. - Bose soundsport are also equipped with 3 sizes of eartips, tuned in special material / shape after research and supported by special wings which again helps them to keep in place during workouts.
Now here Bose soundsport are more comfortable than Powerbeats3, you can wear them for prolonged listening.
One more thing is that Bose are provided with a special clip which gets attached to your shirt as well as adjust the cord length, this adds to more comfort & secure.
Sound Quality: Drives the utility of both these headphones, Gym or Running ?
- Beats Pwoerbeats3 is meant for them who are doing workouts and need Bass punch and loud music, which will make them concentrate within the noises .. the sealing provided is also more perfect compared to Bose one.
- Whereas Bose Soundsport are meant for listening to the environment as well as deliver balanced Bass performance, so maybe they are good for running or doing yoga rather than workouts in a gym.
Microphone & Controls:
- Both feature inline mic which can Control volume, skip song tracks and make remote phone calls without reaching out your phone.
Compatibility & Connectivity:
- Powerbeats3 are featured with Apple W1 chip and obviously goes more with an Apple devices, although they are also compatible with Android phones.
- Soundsport features the NFC which will do quick pairing with your Android phone without being spent time for pairing manually.
Battery Power: How much your headphone will last in single Charge?
Battery power is the most important thing, it is the design optimization how the power is utilized in your chip to long last in a single charge, specially for a vivid traveler or a hiker.
- Powerbeats3 is clear winner here with rock solid 12 hours of Music playtime as against only 6 hours in Bose. Also a 5-minute charge gives 1 hour of playback in Powerbeats3 which means a lot to a traveler who is always on move and even if forgets to charge the headphone, gets it back to life within no time.
- Although Bose has charging case which can deliver 18 hours of paytime, I will prefer having juice into the headphone itself instead of depending upon putting it inside charging case.
Final words and recommendation for Powerbeats3 vs Soundsport:
- Powerbeats3 has super battery life with 12 hours of music playtime, quick paring with Apple iPhone / iPad with its W1 Chip, Sound isolation for Gym workouts, Loud and heavy bass delivery.
With downsides of slight discomfort for long time wearing and so called loud sound delivery, you may choose it specially for Gym Workouts.
Best Buy
- Soundsport on the other hand is weak in battery life (but gets 18 hours of life support from battery case), Delivers Bose sound signature, and designed for listening of environment around you, which means they are more suitable for Running or Jogging which lets you feel safe in tune with environmental sounds.
Best Buy
As on Jan 2018 both are priced around $200 range, so what gets you selecting is the Sound signature and Purpose of use.
So choice is your 🙂
Cheers !!