Apple has revamped its iconic Powerbeats Pro earbuds after five years, introducing the Powerbeats Pro 2—a new generation aimed at taking the top spot in premium workout earbuds.
This upgrade comes with improved features, including noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and enhanced connectivity for an elevated fitness experience.
The Evolution of Powerbeats Pro
Design and Fit: Lighter and More Comfortable
The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintains the classic design of its predecessor, with a flexible silicone wire that wraps around the back of the ear for a secure fit.
While the overall shape remains unchanged, Apple has managed to slim down the bulk, making these earbuds significantly lighter without compromising their stability.
This updated version remains snug during intense workouts and is also comfortable for long listening sessions, such as during commutes.
Battery Life and Charging Case
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers around eight hours of playback with noise cancellation (or ten hours without it).
The charging case, which has been reduced in size by 30%, can provide 3.5 full charges for the earbuds. Though still fairly large, the case is easy to fit into a bag and requires a USB-C or Qi wireless charger.
| Feature | Powerbeats Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours with ANC (10 without) |
| Charging Case | 3.5 full charges |
| Case Dimensions | 75 x 66 x 34 mm |
| Earbud Weight | 8.7g per earbud |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat-resistant) |
Connectivity: Seamless Integration with Apple and Android
The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses the same H2 chip found in AirPods Pro 2, ensuring a seamless connection across various Apple devices. Features include spatial audio for immersive movies and music, Siri integration, and lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro.
For Android users, the earbuds offer a range of features via the Beats app, including one-touch pairing, customization options, and software updates. This makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 one of the most versatile options on the market, especially for users who don’t own Apple devices.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancelling
Exceptional Sound with Powerful Bass
The Powerbeats Pro 2 stands out for its balanced sound and excellent tonal separation. Whether you’re into pop, hip-hop, or rock, these earbuds offer great low-end punch and crisp high notes.
They’re versatile enough for classical or jazz music, although they lack customizable sound settings, which might make them feel a bit too clean for genres like dance music.
Effective Noise Cancellation
With the addition of active noise cancelling (ANC), these earbuds are now able to block out external sounds efficiently. Though not quite on par with the AirPods Pro, the ANC is highly effective for most environments, significantly reducing background noise.
The transparency mode is especially useful during workouts, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings. However, while running, it may slightly diminish your awareness compared to open-ear designs like bone-conduction headphones.
Heart Rate Monitoring: A Game Changer for Fitness
Optical Heart Rate Sensors in the Earbuds
One standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the optical heart rate sensor, which can track your pulse by analyzing blood flow through your ears.
These sensors, located on the part of the earbuds that touches the tragus (the inside part of your ear), are designed to deliver accurate heart rate data. For iPhone and Android users, this data is sent to the respective fitness apps, such as Runna, Nike Run Club, or Strava.
For Apple users, heart rate data is stored in the Health app, while Android users can track the data via the connected workout app. The accuracy of the heart rate sensor is on par with traditional devices like the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch, making it a useful tool for fitness tracking during workouts.
Sustainability and Durability
Apple has integrated recycled plastic into the internal components of the earbuds. While the battery is not user-replaceable, the earbuds should last for more than 500 charge cycles, maintaining at least 80% of their original capacity. Apple offers trade-in and recycling schemes, though the earbuds are not designed for repairs.
Pricing and Competitor Comparison
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at £249.99 (€299.95/$249.99/A$399.95), putting them in direct competition with other premium workout earbuds like the Beats Fit Pro (£219.99) and Sennheiser Momentum Sport (£199.99).
Despite the premium price tag, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a blend of high-quality sound, solid noise cancelling, and useful fitness features, making them worth considering for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Verdict: A Top Choice for Fitness Fans
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is a marked improvement over the original model, with better sound quality, noise cancelling, and heart rate monitoring features that set them apart from other workout earbuds.
They are comfortable, durable, and versatile enough to be used for everyday listening. While the high price point and the lack of replaceable batteries may deter some users, these earbuds are an excellent choice for anyone looking for premium fitness audio gear.
FAQs
How long do the Powerbeats Pro 2 last on a single charge?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer 8 hours of playback with noise cancelling active, or 10 hours without it.
Can I track my heart rate using the Powerbeats Pro 2?
Yes, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature optical heart rate sensors that can monitor your pulse and sync the data to compatible fitness apps.
Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 compatible with Android devices?
Yes, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, offering features like one-touch pairing, customization, and heart rate monitoring.