The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro stand out in the crowded true wireless earbud market by integrating advanced health and fitness tracking features into a device primarily designed for audio. At around $150, they aim to be a versatile, all-in-one solution for both work and workouts, positioning themselves as a compelling alternative to more expensive and less feature-rich competitors.
All-in-One Health and Fitness Tracking
A key differentiator is the PPG optical heart rate sensor in the right earbud. This allows the PowerBuds Pro to monitor heart rate in real-time during physical activity, a feature typically reserved for dedicated fitness trackers or smartwatches. While some reviews note that the accuracy may not be on par with a chest strap, it is generally considered reliable for steady-paced runs and offers a valuable metric for casual and intermediate athletes. The earbuds can also provide heart rate alerts if a user exceeds a certain threshold, a helpful tool for managing workout intensity.
Beyond fitness, the PowerBuds Pro also offers unique health-focused features for sedentary users. An accelerometer-based "cervical protection" feature detects head and neck posture, providing reminders to correct slouching. They also monitor listening volume in real-time and provide weekly recommendations to prevent hearing damage, following World Health Organization guidelines.
Core Earbud Features and Performance
When it comes to core earbud functions, the PowerBuds Pro generally perform well. They feature adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) with four different modes for various environments (indoor, travel, workout, and adaptive). While not class-leading, the ANC is effective at muting a significant amount of ambient noise. Sound quality is described as good, with a bass-heavy profile that can be customized via the companion app's equalizer settings. A "Motion Beat" mode can also automatically enhance bass during workouts to provide extra motivation.
The design is reminiscent of Apple's AirPods Pro, with short stems and a matte white finish. They are IP55 dust and water-resistant, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Battery life is also respectable, offering up to 9 hours of music playback with ANC off and a total of 30 hours with the charging case.
Amazfit PowerBuds Pro Key Considerations
While the PowerBuds Pro are a feature-packed hybrid, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. The fit has been a point of contention for some users, who found them to be less secure during high-intensity activities compared to models with ear hooks. Additionally, the touch controls on the stems, which require a squeeze rather than a simple tap, have received mixed feedback. The charging case charges via USB-C but lacks wireless charging, a notable omission for some users.
In conclusion, the Amazfit PowerBuds Pro are more than just a pair of earbuds. They are a feature-packed hybrid that combines solid audio performance and decent ANC with an impressive suite of health and fitness tracking capabilities. Their unique blend of features offers a compelling value proposition, especially for those seeking a single device for both their daily commute and their workout routine.
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