The Powerbeats Pro 2 are finally here, bringing long-awaited improvements to one of the most popular fitness earbuds on the market. As the direct successor to the original Powerbeats Pro, these wireless earbuds now offer active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, improved battery life, USB-C and wireless charging, and a better overall sound experience. But what truly sets them apart is their built-in heart rate sensor, a feature that fitness enthusiasts and athletes will find particularly interesting.
While these new features make the Powerbeats Pro 2 feel more like the sports-focused siblings of the AirPods Pro 2, the question remains—do they live up to expectations? Are the heart rate sensors reliable? How do they compare to other fitness-focused earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum Sport? And, most importantly, are they worth the price tag?
In this in-depth Powerbeats Pro 2 review, we’ll break down everything you need to know—design, sound quality, battery life, fitness tracking accuracy, and real-world performance. If you’re considering buying these earbuds, read on to find out if they are the right fit for your workout routine.
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Design & Comfort: A Familiar Look with Small Tweaks
At first glance, the Powerbeats Pro 2 look nearly identical to their predecessor. They retain the signature ear hook design, which helps keep them secure even during intense workouts. However, there are some subtle refinements that improve their overall comfort and usability.
Lighter and More Comfortable Fit
One of the biggest complaints about the original Powerbeats Pro was their slightly bulky and heavy feel. Thankfully, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are lighter and offer a better weight distribution for a more comfortable fit. They also come with multiple ear tip sizes, allowing users to find the perfect seal for their ears.
Matte Finish & New Colors
Apple has introduced a matte finish, which gives the earbuds a more premium feel. They also come in several new color options, making them stylish as well as functional.
Sweat & Water Resistance
Like their predecessor, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are IPX4-rated, meaning they are resistant to sweat and light splashes. While this is sufficient for gym workouts and running, they are not fully waterproof, so they may not be ideal for swimming or extreme weather conditions.
Sound Quality: A Noticeable Improvement
Apple has significantly improved the audio quality of the Powerbeats Pro 2, making them more than just fitness earbuds. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, or commuting, these earbuds deliver a well-balanced, dynamic sound experience.
Stronger Bass & Clearer Highs
Beats earbuds have always been known for their bass-heavy profile, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 are no exception. However, Apple has tuned them to provide a more balanced sound, ensuring that the mids and highs are just as clear as the deep bass. Whether you’re listening to hip-hop, rock, or podcasts, the audio remains rich and immersive.
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
For the first time, the Powerbeats Pro 2 come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). While it’s not on the same level as the AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5, it does a solid job of blocking out ambient noise in a gym or busy environment.
The Transparency Mode is another welcome addition, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while running or cycling outdoors.
Spatial Audio & Adaptive EQ
Apple’s Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts the sound based on the shape of your ears, creating a more personalized listening experience. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking also makes a difference, especially when watching videos or listening to immersive music.
Heart Rate Sensor: How Accurate Is It?
One of the standout features of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart rate monitor. This is a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts, as it eliminates the need for an additional heart rate strap or smartwatch.
How Does It Work?
The heart rate sensor is located inside the earbuds, measuring beats per minute (BPM) directly from your ear. Optical heart rate sensors generally perform best when placed against areas with good blood flow and minimal movement, which makes the ear an interesting location for tracking heart rate.
Accuracy Testing: Indoor Cycling, Running & Strength Training
To test its accuracy, we compared the Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate readings against three other devices:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Garmin HRM-Pro Chest Strap
- Polar Verity Sense Arm Strap
Indoor Cycling: Surprisingly Accurate
During steady-state cycling workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 delivered results nearly identical to the chest strap and smartwatch. There were minor fluctuations, but overall, they performed exceptionally well for low-movement activities.
Strength Training & HIIT: Surprisingly Good
Wrist-based heart rate sensors struggle with accuracy during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and weightlifting due to wrist flexion. However, the Powerbeats Pro 2 handled these exercises impressively well. The heart rate readings remained stable and consistent throughout bench presses, squats, and rowing intervals.
Running: Struggles with Cadence Lock
Running proved to be the biggest challenge for the Powerbeats Pro 2. The earbuds sometimes locked onto cadence instead of actual heart rate, leading to inaccurate readings. This is a common issue with ear-based and wrist-based sensors, especially for runners with a high step cadence.
Final Verdict: If you do a lot of strength training or cycling, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great alternative to chest straps. However, runners may find them less reliable compared to a traditional smartwatch or chest strap.
Battery Life & Charging: A Major Upgrade
Battery life is another big win for the Powerbeats Pro 2. Apple has extended battery life to 9 hours per charge (compared to 6 hours on the original Powerbeats Pro). With the charging case, you get up to 36 hours of total listening time.
Fast Charging & USB-C
For the first time, USB-C charging replaces Apple’s Lightning port, making it more convenient for Android and iPhone users alike. The earbuds also support Fast Fuel Charging, providing 1 hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
Wireless Charging
Apple has also added wireless charging support, allowing you to place the case on a Qi-compatible charging pad for easy recharging.
Connectivity & Limitations: Room for Improvement
While the Powerbeats Pro 2 integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, there are some frustrating limitations that may affect certain users.
No Dual Bluetooth Connectivity
Unlike some premium fitness earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 cannot connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This means you cannot listen to music on your iPhone while also transmitting heart rate data to a Peloton bike or fitness equipment.
Limited Third-Party App Support
Currently, only a few fitness apps (Nike Run Club & Peloton) support heart rate tracking from the Powerbeats Pro 2. Popular apps like Strava and Zwift do not yet work, which could be a deal-breaker for cyclists and endurance athletes.
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Final Verdict: Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 Worth It?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver major improvements over their predecessor, making them one of the best fitness-focused wireless earbuds on the market. With great sound, ANC, transparency mode, a built-in heart rate sensor, and improved battery life, they are a strong competitor to AirPods Pro 2.
However, runners may struggle with heart rate accuracy, and the inability to connect to multiple devices at once is a major limitation. If Apple updates the software to fix these issues, the Powerbeats Pro 2 could become the ultimate fitness earbuds.
Pros:
- Improved sound quality with Adaptive EQ & Spatial Audio
- Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
- Heart rate tracking is highly accurate for cycling & strength training
- Long battery life with fast charging & wireless charging
- Lightweight, comfortable fit with secure ear hooks
- USB-C charging makes them more convenient
Cons:
- Heart rate tracking struggles during running
- No dual-device connectivity (can’t stream music & transmit heart rate at the same time)
- Limited app compatibility at launch
If you prioritize fitness, cycling, and strength training, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are worth considering. However, if you’re a serious runner or need seamless multi-device connectivity, you may want to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does the Powerbeats Pro 2 have noise cancellation?
- Yes. The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which helps block out background noise in noisy environments like the gym. There is also a Transparency Mode that allows external sounds in, making it safer for outdoor workouts.
2. How accurate is the heart rate sensor on Powerbeats Pro 2?
- The heart rate sensor is quite accurate for steady workouts like cycling and weight training, but it struggles with running due to cadence lock. For most fitness activities, it performs well, but runners may prefer a chest strap or smartwatch for more reliable tracking.
3. How long does the battery last on Powerbeats Pro 2?
- The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer 9 hours of battery life per charge, with the case providing up to 36 hours of total playback. A 5-minute fast charge gives 1 hour of use, and it also supports wireless charging.
4. Can I use Powerbeats Pro 2 for running?
- Yes, you can, but the heart rate tracking may not be 100% accurate during runs due to cadence lock issues. However, they stay securely in place with ear hooks, making them a solid choice for running if you don’t rely heavily on heart rate tracking.
5. Are Powerbeats Pro 2 better than AirPods Pro 2 for workouts?
- For fitness and workouts, yes. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have ear hooks for better stability, longer battery life, and built-in heart rate tracking. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have better noise cancellation and seamless Apple integration.
6. Can Powerbeats Pro 2 connect to multiple devices at once?
- No. Unlike some premium earbuds, Powerbeats Pro 2 do not support dual-device connectivity. You cannot listen to music on your iPhone while also transmitting heart rate data to gym equipment like a Peloton bike.
7. Do Powerbeats Pro 2 work with Android?
- Yes. While optimized for Apple devices, they work with Android too. However, some features, like Seamless Pairing and Find My integration, are exclusive to Apple users.
8. Are Powerbeats Pro 2 waterproof?
- No. They have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain, but they are not fully waterproof. They are not suitable for swimming.
9. Do Powerbeats Pro 2 support wireless charging?
- Yes. The case supports Qi wireless charging, along with USB-C fast charging.
10. Can I use Powerbeats Pro 2 without an Apple Watch?
- Yes. The heart rate sensor works independently and can sync with compatible fitness apps like Nike Run Club and Peloton, even if you don’t own an Apple Watch.
