Stellar Vibes

Top-notch tunes need equipment to match

- WILL PALMER

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Three things matter most in today’s wireless headphones: a dependable Bluetooth connection, quality sound, and a snug fit. Beats’ Powerbeats Pro nails them all. These earphones have the same light weight and low profile of your typical popcorn-size buds, but with hooks that help anchor them in place, so they don’t feel painfully wedged into your ears. But what puts the Powerbeats over the top is bold, clear, dynamic sound and louder- than-average output compared with other Bluetooth models. They last an impressive nine hours on a charge (a five-minute refill gets you 90 minutes more). The charging case, which holds 15 hours of additional juice, is bulky, but the Powerbeats have other virtues, like sensors that start and stop the music automatically when you put them in or take them out. Sure, you’ll find fine options for less, but for travel, workouts, or just working, these are the best we tested.