According to recent reports, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have finally arrived after a six-year wait, offering significant upgrades including active noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and a more compact design, while maintaining the same $249.99 price point as their predecessor.
In this Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Fitness Audio Revolution
Are wireless earbuds becoming the ultimate fitness companion? With the release of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, it certainly seems so. These highly anticipated earbuds have arrived after a six-year wait, targeting fitness enthusiasts and active individuals who demand both performance and style. Designed to elevate workout experiences, the Powerbeats Pro 2 combine advanced features like heart rate monitoring and active noise cancellation with the brand’s signature sound quality.
In this Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review, we’ll examine whether these $249.99 earbuds live up to the hype and justify their premium price tag. From their sleek design and improved fit to their impressive battery life and new technologies, we’ll explore how these earbuds stack up against competitors and their predecessors. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual gym-goer, join us as we dive into the world of Powerbeats Pro 2 to determine if they’re the workout companion you’ve been waiting for.
Feature-Packed Fitness Earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance the workout experience. Here’s an overview of the key specifications and features:
- Design and Comfort:
- Redesigned ear hook made of nickel-titanium alloy for improved durability and fit
- 20% lighter than the original Powerbeats Pro
- IPX4 sweat and water-resistant rating
- Available in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange
- Audio Quality:
- Powered by Apple’s H2 chip for improved audio processing
- Features Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio
- Supports Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode
- Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Built-in LED sensors for real-time heart rate tracking
- Compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, and Runna
- Battery Life and Charging:
- Up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge
- Up to 45 hours with the charging case
- Supports Qi wireless charging
- 33% smaller charging case compared to the previous model
- Additional Features:
- Voice Isolation technology for improved call quality
- One-touch pairing and automatic switching for Apple devices
- Android compatibility through the Beats app
Real-world Performance Analysis
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have undergone extensive real-world testing across various activities and environments. Here’s a breakdown of their performance:
- Real-world Usage:
- Secure fit during high-intensity workouts and running, thanks to the redesigned ear hooks
- Comfortable for extended wear, with users reporting no discomfort even after hours of use
- Stable Bluetooth connection, with minimal dropouts reported
- Sound Quality:
- Bass-heavy profile that excels in genres like hip-hop and electronic music
- Clear vocals and well-defined highs in rock and metal tracks
- Personalized Spatial Audio adds depth to compatible content
- Overall sound quality comparable to high-end competitors like AirPods Pro 2
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
- Effective at reducing constant background noise like fans and gym equipment
- Struggles somewhat with human voices and sudden noises
- Not quite as powerful as market leaders like Bose, but impressive for sports-focused earbuds
- Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Generally accurate when compared to dedicated fitness trackers and smartwatches
- Some inconsistencies noted during initial warm-up periods
- Performance improves as exercise intensity increases
- Battery Life:
- Consistently achieves the advertised 10 hours of playback (8 with ANC)
- Quick charging provides 1.5 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of charging
Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy
The Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitoring feature shows promise but has some limitations. While the technology borrows from Apple Watch sensors, accuracy can vary depending on fit and activity level. During testing, the earbuds’ heart rate measurements generally matched those of an Apple Watch when properly fitted. However, the system prioritizes data quality, sometimes cutting off transmission entirely when confidence is low. This can lead to gaps in heart rate tracking, particularly during the initial warm-up period of workouts. The earbuds’ performance tends to improve as exercise intensity increases, possibly due to better sensor contact from sweat or increased blood flow. For optimal results, users should ensure a snug fit and may need to experiment with different ear tip sizes.
Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy
The Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitoring feature shows promise but has some limitations. While the technology borrows from Apple Watch sensors, accuracy can vary depending on fit and activity level. During testing, the earbuds’ heart rate measurements generally matched those of an Apple Watch when properly fitted. However, the system prioritizes data quality, sometimes cutting off transmission entirely when confidence is low. This can lead to gaps in heart rate tracking, particularly during the initial warm-up period of workouts. The earbuds’ performance tends to improve as exercise intensity increases, possibly due to better sensor contact from sweat or increased blood flow. For optimal results, users should ensure a snug fit and may need to experiment with different ear tip sizes.
Rival Earbuds Face-Off
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 face stiff competition in the premium wireless earbud market. Here’s how they compare to some key rivals:
Feature | Powerbeats Pro 2 | AirPods Pro 2 | Sennheiser Momentum Sport | Sony LinkBuds Fit | Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $249.99 | $249 | $329.95 | $199.99 | $199.99 |
Sound Quality | Bass-heavy, energetic | Balanced, detailed | Rich, customizable | Good, but not flagship level | Excellent, customizable |
ANC Performance | Good | Excellent | Very good | Decent | Very good |
Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | No | Yes, more accurate | No | No |
Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP54 | IPX4 | IP68 |
Battery Life (with case) | 45 hours | 30 hours | 24 hours | 30 hours | 32 hours |
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling mix of features at a competitive price point. While they may not have the best ANC or sound quality in absolute terms, their combination of secure fit, heart rate monitoring, and long battery life make them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Comparison: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 both offer premium features at the same $249 price point, but cater to different user needs. The Powerbeats Pro 2 excel in fitness-focused features, with a secure over-ear hook design, heart rate monitoring, and a bass-heavy sound profile ideal for workouts. They also boast a longer battery life of up to 45 hours with the charging case. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more discreet design, better noise cancellation, and a balanced sound signature suitable for everyday use. While both use Apple’s H2 chip for seamless connectivity, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have the advantage of Android compatibility through the Beats app.
- Key differences:
- Design: Powerbeats Pro 2 have ear hooks, AirPods Pro 2 are more compact
- Battery life: 45 hours vs 30 hours (with case)
- Sound profile: Bass-heavy vs balanced
- Unique features: Heart rate monitoring (Powerbeats) vs U1 chip for precision finding (AirPods)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros:
- Secure fit with redesigned ear hooks, ideal for intense workouts
- Bass-heavy sound profile with clear highs, suitable for energetic music
- Built-in heart rate monitoring for fitness tracking
- Impressive battery life of up to 45 hours with the charging case
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for versatile listening
Cons:
- ANC performance lags behind some competitors in noisy environments
- Heart rate monitoring can be inconsistent, especially during initial warm-up
- Premium price point of $249.99 may be steep for some users
- Charging case, while 33% smaller, is still bulky compared to rivals
- Limited customization options for sound profile
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling package for fitness enthusiasts and active users. With their secure fit, impressive battery life, and integrated heart rate monitoring, they excel in workout scenarios. The addition of ANC and transparency mode, along with improved sound quality, makes them versatile for everyday use as well.
At $249.99, they’re an excellent choice for:
- Fitness enthusiasts seeking durable, sweat-resistant earbuds
- Users who want heart rate tracking without a separate device
- Those prioritizing battery life and secure fit over top-tier ANC
However, they may not be ideal for:
- Audio purists seeking the most balanced sound signature
- Users primarily focused on noise cancellation performance
- Those looking for the most compact earbud design
Ultimately, the Powerbeats Pro 2 justify their price tag for active users who will leverage their fitness-focused features. While they may not lead in every category, their well-rounded performance and unique combination of features make them a worthy investment for the right user.
Share and Shop
Ready to experience the Powerbeats Pro 2 for yourself? You can order them directly from Apple’s website or through authorized retailers like Amazon. Available in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange, these earbuds are priced at $249.99.
Have you already tried the Powerbeats Pro 2? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or discuss how these earbuds have impacted your workouts in the comments below. Your feedback helps other readers make informed decisions and contributes to our community’s knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 waterproof?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are IPX4 certified, making them resistant to sweat and water splashes from any direction. This rating ensures they can withstand intense workouts and light rain. However, the charging case is not water-resistant, so it should be kept dry.
How long does the battery last?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge. With the charging case, you can get a total of 45 hours of battery life in Adaptive EQ mode. When using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, the battery life reduces to 8 hours per charge, with 36 hours total including the case.
Do the Powerbeats Pro 2 work with Android devices?
Yes, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are compatible with Android devices. While they’re optimized for Apple products, Android users can access most features through the Beats app. However, some functionalities like automatic device switching may be limited to Apple ecosystems.
