Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Fit and Sony’s LinkBuds Fit (review) are both true wireless earbuds launched in 2025, built for people who want a mix of fitness-friendly design and modern audio features. But there are some differences in their appearance, finish, features, their audio tuning, how they tune out noise, and more. Moreover, the Apple earbuds pair is pricier. So, here is how the two Fitness earbuds compare across major areas that matter to buyers. Since we are currently in the process of reviewing the Powerbeats Fit, this comparison will solely focus on the differences in their specifications to provide a general view of what each model offers.
SurveyDesign and fit
Both Powerbeats Fit and Sony LinkBuds Fit use a wing-tip design that locks the earbuds into place during workouts, making them more suitable for running, HIIT, or gym movement. The Beats earbuds offer a better sealed fit. Both of them offer multiple ear-tip sizes and carry an IPX4 sweat rating.
The LinkBuds Fit weigh less per earbud: 4.9 grams versus 5.78 grams for a single Powerbeats Fit earbud. So, the Sony pair may be more comfortable for all-day use. While the touch controls on the Sony Buds are reliable, the button-based controls on the Beats earbuds can feel more precise.
Software features
Both earbuds offer ANC and transparency modes, app-based customisation, and EQ controls. Powerbeats Fit benefits from Apple’s H1 chip, which enables instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Spatial Audio with head tracking on Apple devices. Sony’s LinkBuds Fit lean into audio customisation and codec flexibility, including support for LDAC, Adaptive Sound Control, and DSEE upscaling. Sony also offers a spatial sound feature called Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, although it works with select apps and tracks only, and may require a subscription.
Beats keeps the app experience simple with basic settings like Automatic Ear Detection, button controls, in-ear fit test, etc. Sony’s Sound Connect app has far more features, like Speak to Chat, Equaliser modes, hands-free device assistant access, Background Music Effect, etc. The layout can feel crowded at first, but once you get used to it, you get access to many more settings and controls.
Audio
Sony LinkBuds Fit support SBC, AAC, and LDAC, which means they can deliver higher-resolution audio on devices that support LDAC, mainly Android phones. They pack Sony’s V2 processor and 8.4 mm drivers. Sony also includes features like Adaptive Sound Control and DSEE upscaling, which can enhance compressed audio.
Powerbeats Fit use Apple’s H1 chip, which is found in AirPods (2nd gen and later), some Beats models, and AirPods Max, too. This offers lower latency and a stable and efficient playback experience. As for codecs, it supports SBC and AAC only. There is no LDAC or aptX, so wireless audio quality is limited to what AAC can offer. However, they support Apple’s Spatial Audio with head tracking, which gives a more immersive listening experience in supported apps.
So in short, Sony has the advantage in codec flexibility and potential audio resolution, while Beats leans on Spatial Audio and benefits from Apple’s H1 processing.
Noise handling
LinkBuds Fit’s ANC is overbearing, while Powerbeats Fit’s ANC feels easier on the ear. Moreover, the sealed, locked-in design of the Powerbeats Fit helps passive isolation, giving ANC more to work with. For this piece, we tested ANC indoors and both fared similarly. Even with ANC, you will hear high-pitched voices, keyboard sound, movement of office chair wheels, etc, on both.
On the flipside, I found the Ambient Sound on the Sony earbuds felt more natural than the Transparency mode on the Beats earbuds.
Also Read: OnePlus Buds 3r review
Battery life, charging
Powerbeats Fit claims to last around 6 hours on a single charge with ANC on, with up to 30 hours total using the case. In our test, Fast-fuel charging gives roughly one hour of playback from five minutes of charge. It takes around 20 minutes to fully charge the thing.
LinkBuds Fit is said to last around 5.5 hours per charge with ANC on, and up to 15.5 hours with the case. Sony also supports quick charging, which is said to take about 2 hours to fully top up.
Neither supports wireless charging.
Beats has a clear edge on battery endurance, which can benefit heavy users, travellers, and gym-plus-commute routines.
Pricing and availability
The Beats Powerbeats Fit has launched at a higher price of Rs 24,900 (and is currently available for Rs 19,999 in some stores). Meanwhile, the Sony LinkBuds Fit launched in India at Rs 18,990 and is now retailing for Rs 14,990.
Sony’s LinkBuds Fit undercut them by a noticeable margin, making them more attractive for buyers who want ANC and modern audio features at a lower price. Also, regional discounts and festival offers may widen or shrink the gap depending on the market.
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
| Feature | Beats Powerbeats Fit | Sony LinkBuds Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | Not disclosed (Apple-tuned) | 8.4 mm dynamic driver |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Spatial audio support | Yes, Apple Spatial Audio with head tracking | Yes, Sony 360 Reality Audio (supported apps only) |
| ANC + Ambient mode | ANC + Transparency | ANC + Ambient Sound |
| Battery life (earbuds + case) | 6 hrs + 30 hrs | 5.5 hrs + 15.5 hrs |
| Charging | Fast Fuel: 15 to 20 minutes | Quick Charge: ~2 hr |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Weight (per earbud) | 5.78 g | 4.9 g |
| Sweat/water rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Chipset / Processing | Apple H1 chip | Sony V2 processor |
| App experience | Basic controls, simpler UI | Feature-rich, custom EQ, Speak-to-Chat |
| Launch price in India | Rs 24,900 (listed now at ~Rs 19,999 in some stores) | Rs 18,990 (currently ~Rs 14,990) |
Closing line
In the end, the choice comes down to priorities: While Sony delivers wider codec support, richer app controls, and a lower starting price, Beats has a longer battery life claim, a more secure fit in our experience and boasts deeper Apple integration. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and need gym-ready stability, the Powerbeats Fit can make a solid case despite the premium. But, since we haven’t tested both earbuds side by side yet, it’s too early to make a definitive call on real-world sound quality or the ANC effectiveness. Stay tuned to Digit for our Powerbeats Fit review and similar comparisons.
Also Read: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max specifications comparison
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
