Monster Beats by Dre Powerbeats review

The styling is certainly in-your-face, but these Powerbeats have great accuracy and control to offer Tested at £120

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Get past the gaudy styling and these over-ears are worth a listen

Pros

  • +

    Great detailing, balanced sound, stay in position, amazing accuracy and control

Cons

  • -

    In your face styling

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If the styling of the Monster iBeats is a little too in-your-face, you’re going to have a real problem with the Powerbeats.

They’re almost entirely red, and thanks to the chunky over-ear band, there’s no hiding them.

Of course, that band does serve a purpose: to keep them in your ears even when you’re exercising, and we can confirm that recreational joggers and sprinters-for-the-bus will appreciate that.

Thankfully the Powerbeats are about more than flash and fit: they also sound super. The presentation is powerful, weighty and pacey, but with excellent overall balance and a great deal of detail.

Lovers of rock, hip-hop and dance music will be especially pleased, but the truth is that the Powerbeats have the accuracy and control to turn their hand to just about any genre.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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