Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Are These the Ultimate Workout Buds?
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 have officially landed, and as the follow-up to Beats’ best-selling in-ear headphones, these new buds promise a sleeker design, improved fit, and a feature-packed experience tailored for athletes and casual listeners alike. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Design & Comfort: Smaller, Lighter, and Smarter
At first glance, the Powerbeats Pro 2 might look familiar, but Beats has made some notable refinements under the hood. The signature ear hook design – a favorite among fitness enthusiasts – now comes with a 50 % smaller and more flexible nickel-titanium alloy build. Translation? A lighter, more secure fit that won’t budge even during your sweatiest workouts – I can gladly confirm that this holds true.
Some key changes:
20 % lighter earbuds – Less bulk, more comfort.
Ear hooks that retain their shape – No more worrying about stretching them out over time.
33 % smaller charging case – Now with wireless charging for added convenience.
I found the conforming properties of this new material to be quite impressive, as the ear hooks always reverted back to their original shape even after I bent and twisted them. Plus, these headphones are overall very comfortable to wear.
And speaking of the case – yes, it’s still bigger than an AirPods Pro case, but the reduction in size makes it far more pocket-friendly. If you’re someone who constantly misplaces earbuds, you’ll probably appreciate its chunkier build.
One small downside? The physical buttons (which control playback and volume) are handy, but they’re easy to press by accident while adjusting the earbuds. And when you do press them? They click loudly – not a dealbreaker, but a minor annoyance.
For those who like options, the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in four colors:
Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange.
Features: Packed With Smart Tech for Everyday Use
Beats luckily didn’t just tweak the design – they upgraded the internals as well. The new H2 chip (the very same chip the AirPods Pro 2 use) unlocks a host of premium features, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, and Personalized Spatial Audio.
Here’s a closer look at what these earbuds bring to the table:
1. Heart Rate Monitoring
For the first time, Beats has integrated optical heart rate sensors into each earbud. These sensors sync with fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Strava to track your heart rate during workouts.
How it works:
Uses green LED light to measure blood flow, pulsing over 100 times per second.
Sensor is tiny – 1/16th the size of the one in an Apple Watch.
No impact on battery life and can be disabled if you don’t need it.
The catch? It’s not perfect by a long shot! In my experience, the results from running are rather hit or miss. And if you own an Apple Watch, your iPhone will prioritize that for heart rate data (which is saying quite a lot about its accuracy). Also, it doesn’t work with Garmin or Coros watches, and occasional dropouts have been reported during runs.
2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode
The Powerbeats Pro 2 finally get ANC, meaning you can block out distractions at the gym or during commutes. When you need to stay aware of your surroundings (say, while running outdoors), Transparency Mode lets in ambient noise.
In comparison to the AirPods Pro 2, the ANC is unfortunately quite a bit worse in my experience, which is quite surprising, considering that both models run the same H2 chip.
3. Personalized Spatial Audio
By tracking your head movements, these earbuds create a 3D-like sound experience, making music feel richer and more immersive – especially with Dolby Atmos tracks. It keeps up with the AirPods Pro 2’s Spatial Audio feature.
4. Other Notable Features
In-ear detection – Music pauses when you remove an earbud.
USB-C charging case – Finally, no more Lightning cables!
Bluetooth 5.3 – Stable connection, lower latency.
Automatic switching between Apple devices.
Audio sharing with another set of Beats or AirPods.
Compatibility: User-Friendly for Android
For once, Android users aren’t getting the short end of the stick with an Apple-owned product. Unlike certain otherdevices (cough AirPods cough), the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a fully functional experience on Android. Thanks to the Beats App, Android users get access to:
Find My Device & Locate My Beats – Never lose a bud again.
Listening mode controls – Toggle between ANC and Transparency Mode easily.
Battery status widgets – Quite handy for knowing when it’s time to charge.
Over-the-air updates – No manual updating required.
Bottom line? You won’t feel like a second-class citizen just because you’re not in the Apple ecosystem.
Sound Quality: A Punchy, Balanced Experience
Let’s get one thing out of the way – if you’re expecting studio-grade audiophile sound, you might want to look elsewhere (hello, Sony XM5s). But if you’re after bold, energetic audio that keeps you moving, the Powerbeats Pro 2 absolutely deliver.
Here’s what you get:
Deep, punchy bass – Beats knows its audience, and bass lovers won’t be disappointed.
Clear mids and highs – Vocals and instruments sound crisp without being harsh.
New venting system – Reduces ear pressure and improves overall comfort.
Upgraded dual-layer driver – Larger than previous Beats models, tuned for wider frequency response.
How does it compare to AirPods Pro 2 you might wonder? I would say AirPods Pro 2 sound a bit more refined – especially in the highs. But some people will prefer the more dynamic and engaging tuning of the Powerbeats Pro 2. If you like energetic, workout-friendly sound, these are definitely for you.
Call Quality: Loud and Clear
Earbuds that sound great for music but terrible on calls? No thanks. Beats put in the work to make sure the Powerbeats Pro 2 handle calls pretty good:
Upgraded microphones – Better voice clarity, even in noisy environments.
Voice isolation tech – Filters out background noise for clearer calls.
Voice accelerometer – Helps pick up your speech while reducing ambient sound.
In my testings people on the other end reported clear, natural-sounding voices with minimal distortion. Whether you’re taking work calls or just yelling at your friend to meet you at mile five, you’ll be heard.
They are not the best in class but definitely get the job done quite well.
Water & Sweat Resistance
Planning to take these through intense workouts or a downpour? Luckily, no problem. The Powerbeats Pro 2 boast an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle:
✔️ Sweat and light rain – Perfect for gym sessions and outdoor runs.
❌ Swimming or full submersion – You should only take them for a jog, not a dive.
Battery Life: No Mid-Workout Charge Needed
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer some of the best battery life in the business. Here’s how it breaks down:
10 hours of listening time per charge (ANC off).
45 hours total with the charging case.
8 hours of listening time with ANC on.
36 hours total with ANC on + case.
Fast Fuel charging: 5 minutes = 1.5 hours of playback.
Translation: If you forget to charge them overnight (happens to me more often than I’d like to admit), a quick 5-minute boost will have you covered for most workouts.
Price: A Competitive High-End Option
At $249.99, the Powerbeats Pro 2 sit in the premium earbud category, right alongside the AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and Sony WF-1000XM5s. But unlike some of their competitors, they’re specifically designed for active users – making the price easier to justify if you’re looking for secure, sweatproof earbuds with premium sound.
Marketing & Packaging
Beats went all out with its “Listen to Your Heart” campaign, enlisting LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani to showcase the Powerbeats Pro 2. The message? Passion fuels performance – whether you’re dominating the court, field, or treadmill. At least that’s the message.
Would these earbuds make you play like LeBron? Nope.
Will they stay in place while you try? I actually do think so, yes.
For the packaging? Well, sustainability might not be the first thing you think about when buying earbuds, but Beats is taking small steps in the right direction. The Powerbeats Pro 2 packaging is made from 100 % plant-based materials, sourced from recycled fibers and sustainable forests.
It’s not a huge leap for the industry, but at least it’s a step toward reducing e-waste.
Final Verdict: Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a secure, sweat-resistant, and bass-heavy pair of earbuds that can handle workouts and daily life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are an excellent choice. They may not have the absolute best ANC on the market, but their long battery life, improved call quality, and comfortable fit make them a top contender for active users.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Comfort | Lighter & more comfortable than original, secure fit, smaller case | Case still larger than AirPods, physical buttons can be accidentally pressed |
| Features | Heart rate monitoring, ANC, Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio, long battery life, fast charging, Find My, Android support | Heart rate monitor has some limitations, ANC not as strong as AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Quality | Punchy bass, clear mids & highs, upgraded dual-layer driver, new venting system | I still prefer AirPods Pro 2 tuning |
| Call Quality | Clear, natural calls, great noise isolation | – |
| Battery Life | 10 hours per charge, 45 hours with case, Fast Fuel charging | – |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 rating, sweat & splash-resistant | Not suitable for swimming or submersion |
| Price | Competitive for premium workout earbuds | No major discounts expected soon, and there are definitely cheaper options out there |
Who Should Buy the Powerbeats Pro 2?
✅ Athletes & fitness lovers – Secure ear hook design + sweat resistance.
✅ Bass lovers – Strong low-end, but still balanced sound.
✅ Android users – Finally, full feature parity with iOS.
✅ Anyone who hates charging – Long battery life + Fast Fuel charging.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
❌ Commuters or frequent flyers – ANC is good, but not the best in class.
❌ People who prefer compact earbuds – The case is smaller than before, but still not tiny.
❌ Audiophiles – These are fun-sounding, but not reference-grade.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 might not be the perfect earbuds for everyone, but for those who need secure, workout-friendly earbuds with long battery life, they’re among the best options on the market.
For those of you who aren't particularly sporty, I would still recommend the AirPods Pro 2 over the Powerbeats Pro 2, especially for Apple users.
Would you choose these over the AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5s? What do you think about these headphones? Any questions? Let me know in the comments down below!
By the way, if you’re looking for more tech reviews, news or tutorials, check out my newsletter.
Thank you very much for reading, and have an awesome day!
FAQ
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Absolutely. With their secure ear hook design, sweat resistance (IPX4 rating), and long battery life, these are some of the best workout earbuds you can buy. They stay put no matter how intense your session gets – whether it’s running, lifting, or HIIT.
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making them more energetic and dynamicthan AirPods Pro 2. However, AirPods Pro 2 have a more refined, balanced sound with slightly better ANC. If you love bass-heavy, workout-friendly sound, Powerbeats Pro 2 are for you.
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Yes, but it’s not the strongest ANC on the market. It does a good job of blocking out gym noise and light chatter, but if you need absolute silence, options like the AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are better.
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Yes! Unlike some other Apple products, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a fully functional experience on Android through the Beats App. You’ll get access to Find My Device, battery widgets, over-the-air updates, and sound customization – luckily, no missing features here.
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🔋 10 hours per charge (ANC off), 8 hours (ANC on)
🔋 45 hours total with charging case (ANC off), 36 hours (ANC on)
🔋 Fast Fuel charging: 5 minutes = 1.5 hours of playback
Translation: You won’t need to worry about charging these mid-workout.
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Yes! If you lose your Powerbeats Pro 2, Apple users can locate them using Find My, while Android users can use the Beats App to find them via Find My Device.
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Nope. While they’re sweat and splash-resistant (IPX4 rating), they’re not waterproof. That means they can handle sweaty workouts and light rain, but don’t take them for a swim or shower.
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It’s useful but not perfect. The built-in optical heart rate sensor works okay during workouts, but quite a few users reporte occasional dropouts or cadence misreads (myself included).
Also, if you’re wearing an Apple Watch, your iPhone will prioritize it over the earbuds for heart rate tracking.
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 retail for $249.99, putting them in the same price range as AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. They’re a solid buy if you want premium workout earbuds with Apple’s ecosystem benefits.
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