A Long-Awaited Upgrade: Improved Fit, Sound, and Battery Life
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have finally landed, and for anyone who takes their workouts as seriously as their playlists, these earbuds promise to be a game-changer. After years of anticipation, these next-gen workout buds bring a bold overhaul in design, sound, and features that cater specifically to the needs of iPhone owners—and yes, even those on Android.
Redesigned for the Real World
One of the most notable improvements is the redesigned earhooks. Forget the old, clunky design that would slip off mid-run. The new, narrower hooks grip your ears with a confidence that matches the intensity of your workout. Whether pounding the pavement or hitting the gym, the Powerbeats Pro 2 stay in place, providing a snug, secure fit that won’t quit when you do.
Sound That Moves With You
Equipped with Apple’s latest H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a sound experience that’s both dynamic and powerful. The earbuds have been re-engineered to deliver louder, more dynamic audio with support for spatial sound and dynamic head tracking. They come with active noise cancellation and transparency modes—a nod to the AirPods Pro—but while these features are impressive, they aren’t quite as refined. Still, for those who like their music loud and clear during a workout, the upgrade is evident.
The Unexpected Heart-Rate Monitor
For the first time, Beats has integrated a built-in heart-rate monitor into its earbuds. Tiny LED optical sensors pulse over 100 times per second to track your blood flow, delivering real-time performance data to your favorite workout apps. While this isn’t revolutionary if you already wear an Apple Watch, it’s a neat extra for those who prefer to travel light without sacrificing workout insights. Just note: this feature only kicks in during workouts, not as a constant health monitor.
Compact Power and Connectivity
No one wants to lug around a charging case the size of a brick. The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a more compact case—roughly two-thirds the size of its predecessor—and support wireless charging via Qi and USB-C. With up to 10 hours of earbud playtime (8 hours with ANC) and a case that pushes total battery life to 45 hours, these earbuds are built to last through your longest sessions. And if you’re an Android user, you’re not left out; the Beats companion app brings many of these features to your device as well.
The Price of Performance
At $250, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a hefty price tag, placing them squarely in the premium tier. They’re designed for those who demand quality and durability in their workout gear—if you’re an iPhone owner looking for top-tier earbuds that blend style, comfort, and performance, these are hard to beat. However, the competition is fierce, and the cost might give some pause.
Final Thoughts
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are a testament to a brand that refuses to rest on its laurels. They blend improved design, robust audio, and thoughtful features like heart-rate monitoring into a package that’s as much about style as it is about performance. For anyone whose workouts are sacred and who demands reliability and quality in their gear, these earbuds deliver—with a few caveats. They might not be revolutionary for the tech-savvy fitness fanatic already invested in an ecosystem like the Apple Watch, but they stand as a bold upgrade in a crowded market.
For those who live life on the move, these earbuds are more than just a piece of tech—they’re a companion in every stride, a testament to innovation, and an essential part of a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Pros
- Secure and Comfortable Fit – The redesigned, slimmer earhooks provide a better grip and stay in place even during intense workouts, eliminating the looseness that plagued the original model.
- Improved Sound Quality – Louder and more dynamic than its predecessor, with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking for a more immersive experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode – A long-overdue upgrade that brings these workout earbuds closer to AirPods Pro-level functionality.
- Heart-Rate Monitoring – A unique feature that provides real-time fitness data without needing additional wearables, making it useful for those who don’t already have an Apple Watch.
- Smaller Charging Case – A welcome reduction in size compared to the original, making it more portable while still offering substantial battery life.
- Long Battery Life – Up to 10 hours of continuous playback (8 hours with ANC), with a total of 45 hours using the case, ensuring you won’t run out of power mid-workout.
- Wireless Charging and USB-C Support – Finally ditches the outdated Lightning port, making charging more convenient and versatile.
- Works Well with Android – While optimized for iPhone, the Beats companion app ensures Android users still get features like one-touch pairing, Locate My Beats, and heart-rate tracking.
Cons
- Pricey for Workout Earbuds – At $250, they’re just as expensive as AirPods Pro, which may make buyers hesitate given the increasing competition in the premium fitness earbud space.
- Noise Cancellation Isn't Best-in-Class – While an improvement, the ANC is not as strong as that found in the AirPods Pro or other high-end earbuds, making it less effective in loud environments.
- Heart-Rate Monitor Is Redundant for Apple Watch Users – Since the Powerbeats Pro 2 defers to the Apple Watch for heart rate readings, the feature doesn’t add much value for those already wearing one.
- Charging Case Is Still Big – Despite being smaller than before, the case remains bulkier than most true wireless earbuds, making it less pocket-friendly.
- No MagSafe Support – While the case supports wireless charging, it lacks MagSafe magnets, meaning it won’t attach to Apple’s charging accessories for a more secure charge.
- Limited Advanced Features Compared to AirPods Pro – No Adaptive ANC, Personalized Volume, or Conversation Awareness, keeping it a step below Apple’s flagship earbuds.
Verdict
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are a long-overdue and well-executed upgrade, bringing essential features like active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and a more comfortable fit to an already beloved workout earbud. The addition of a heart-rate monitor is an interesting move, though its impact is diminished for those already using an Apple Watch. While the price is steep, and the charging case remains bulky, the secure fit, long battery life, and solid audio performance make these one of the best workout earbuds for iPhone users. If you’re serious about fitness and want premium earbuds that keep up with your routine, the Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver—but at a cost.
$249
For those seeking an alternative to the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a completely different take on workout and lifestyle audio. Instead of sealing you off from the world with noise cancellation, these earbuds feature an open-ear design that lets you enjoy immersive sound while staying aware of your surroundings—perfect for runners, cyclists, and urban commuters. Comfort is unmatched, thanks to the ultra-lightweight build and flexible grip that securely hooks around your ear without pressure, making them feel almost weightless during movement. Durability is a priority, with an IPX4 water resistance rating, ensuring protection from sweat and rain. While they don’t include a built-in heart-rate monitor, their immersive audio experience and situational awareness make them ideal for those who prefer to remain connected to their environment. Battery life lasts up to 7.5 hours, with an additional 19.5 hours from the charging case, giving you all-day reliability. At $299, they’re pricier than the Powerbeats Pro 2, but for those who value top-tier comfort, premium audio, and real-world awareness, they’re a compelling option.
