Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
After a significant five-year hiatus, Apple has introduced the revamped Powerbeats Pro 2, a product that originally helped solidify the Beats brand’s reputation among fitness enthusiasts.
The original Powerbeats Pro garnered attention for their secure and wireless design, quickly becoming the go-to earbuds for athletes, including notable figures such as LeBron James and Anthony Joshua.
With the launch of the Powerbeats Pro 2 in 2025, Apple aims to enhance its standing in the market for premium workout earbuds, pricing them at £250 ($250). The company has retained the successful aspects of the original design while introducing improvements such as a sleeker fit, enhanced noise cancelation, and an integrated heart rate monitor.
The earbuds maintain a similar structure to their predecessor, featuring a flexible silicone hook that secures them over the ear. The design not only reduces weight but ensures a comfortable fit for prolonged use, whether commuting or engaging in rigorous physical activity.
Each earbud includes a multifunction ‘b’ button that facilitates playback and noise cancellation, along with a volume rocker for convenient adjustments during workouts. According to reports, the earbuds provide approximately eight hours of playback with noise cancellation activated, and can extend to ten hours without it. They come housed in a compact flip-top case that allows for 3.5 additional charges, making it about 30% smaller than the previous model, although still sizable enough to fit comfortably in a bag or tightly in a pocket.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are equipped with the innovative H2 chip and connectivity features shared with Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. This ensures seamless integration with Apple devices, facilitating features like spatial audio for content consumption, audio sharing features, Siri support, and lossless audio capabilities when paired with an Apple Vision Pro.
Furthermore, these earbuds are versatile for Android users, allowing access to advanced functionalities via the Beats app, which provides one-touch pairing, customization options, and updates—offering a degree of flexibility often absent in other Apple products.
Great Beats sound and effective noise cancelling
The sound quality of the Powerbeats Pro 2 benefits from the advanced H2 chip, granting them many of the premium features of the AirPods, including robust active noise cancellation that efficiently diminishes external noise. While it delivers excellent performance, some higher frequency sounds, such as conversations, may occasionally filter through.
The earbuds effectively manage wind noise and boast an impressive transparency mode, enhancing situational awareness during activities such as walking or exercising in the gym. Although users reported some reduced awareness while running, the feature remains practical for environments like parks and urban streets.
Sound quality is notably improved in the new Powerbeats, delivering a well-rounded audio experience with remarkable clarity across various musical genres. While they shine in pop, hip-hop, and rock, the earbuds also exhibit sufficient depth for more intricate genres like classical music. However, despite being high-quality workout earbuds, they might not match the AirPods Pro in sound customization options, appearing somewhat sanitized in certain musical contexts.
Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2 include Apple’s personalized spatial audio technology for immersive sound experiences when watching movies or making calls, which benefits both ends of conversations.
Specifications
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, HR sensor
Battery life: 8 hours ANC playback (36 hours with case)
Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat resistant)
Earbud dimensions: 45 x 41 x 24mm
Earbud weight: 8.7g each
Charging case dimensions: 75 x 66 x 34mm
Charging case weight: 69g
Case charging: USB-C, Qi wireless
Heart rate monitoring in your ear
The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature integrated optical heart rate sensors designed to track pulse through the ear, similar to other brands’ fitness earbuds. These sensors work when both earbuds are in use, comparing data to provide readings via Bluetooth to a connected device every five seconds.
During testing, the heart rate monitoring accuracy was found to be comparable to that of devices like the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch, provided that users have the necessary compatible applications to connect. While the earbuds can sync with a range of Android applications, the selection is limited on iOS, with only a few popular options such as Runna and Nike Run Club being streamlined for use on Apple devices.
For Android users, the earbuds can interface with most heart rate-compatible applications without issue, including apps like Strava.
Heart rate data collected can be stored in the Health app on iPhone or within connected workout applications on Android devices.
Sustainability
The charging case for the Powerbeats Pro 2 is designed for durability, supporting both USB-C and Qi charging; however, its size raises concerns about portability. Apple does not specify an expected battery lifespan, though they are anticipated to endure over 500 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their original capacity.
Some components of the earbuds use recycled plastic, though they are not designed for repair. Apple does offer replacements for lost or damaged parts and has recycling and trade-in programs in place for its products, including those not originally manufactured by Apple.
Price
The suggested retail price for the Powerbeats Pro 2 is £249.95 ($249.99). In comparison, the Beats Fit Pro is priced at £219.99, the Beats Studio Buds + are available for £179.99, and the Beats Solo Buds retail at £79.99. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 cost £229, while the Sennheiser Momentum Sport is priced at £199.
Verdict
The Powerbeats Pro 2 represent a significant enhancement over their predecessors, positioning them among the top choices for premium workout earbuds.
The fit is both secure and lightweight, ensuring stability during intense physical activities without the discomfort often associated with earbuds featuring ear hooks. They excel in sound quality for boisterous gym sessions while also offering versatility in daily listening. Effective noise cancellation is a boon during commutes, and the transparency mode is superior to many alternatives, although it still somewhat limits environmental awareness compared to open-ear options.
While the heart rate monitoring feature adds an innovative touch, its reliance on third-party applications may pose a barrier for iPhone users, unlike Android users who have wider compatibility.
At £250, the Powerbeats Pro 2 command a premium price, but their multifaceted use may justify the cost, particularly for iPhone users who prefer a secure fit. Nonetheless, the lack of a replaceable battery remains a critical drawback, contributing to concerns about longevity.
Pros: excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation and transparency modes, extended battery life, secure and comfortable design, intuitive controls, spatial audio capabilities, and good call quality with compatibility across platforms.
Cons: high price point, case is not highly portable, limited app compatibility for heart rate features on iPhone, absence of multipoint connectivity, and disposable nature due to non-replaceable battery.
Source
www.theguardian.com