Beats Powerbeats Pro 2  Headphones Review

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Built for an Active Lifestyle

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 mark a major upgrade over the previous generation, introducing a range of premium features designed for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio, heart-rate monitoring, and reliable call quality, these earbuds are clearly aimed at people with active lifestyles.

Compared to the original Powerbeats Pro released in 2019, the second generation represents a complete redesign. Apple has addressed many of the missing features from the earlier model, making the Powerbeats Pro 2 a much more capable and competitive pair of wireless earbuds.

The earbuds are available in four attractive finishes: Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, Jet Black, and Quick Sand. Choosing between them comes down to personal taste. Apple has also redesigned the charging case, reducing its size by roughly one-third while adding wireless charging support. The earbuds deliver up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge, while the charging case extends total battery life to approximately 45 hours. A quick five-minute charge provides around 90 minutes of playback, making them convenient for users on the move.

One of the standout improvements is the redesigned ear hook, which wraps securely around the ear for a stable fit during workouts or other physical activities. The earbuds remain comfortable even during long listening sessions, and Apple includes five different ear tip sizes to help users achieve the best possible seal and fit.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning they can withstand sweat and light splashes. However, the charging case lacks water resistance, which is somewhat disappointing given that many competing products offer protection against moisture and dust for both the earbuds and the case.

Pairing the earbuds with Apple devices is quick and effortless. They connect seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, while Android users can use the Beats app to pair the earbuds, adjust settings, and customize the controls.

Users can personalize various features through the settings menu, including renaming the earbuds, enabling or disabling Active Noise Cancellation, configuring call controls, performing an ear tip fit test, and adjusting other preferences. The interface is simple and user-friendly.

A unique feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart-rate monitor. Each earbud contains an optical sensor that tracks heart rate during workouts and syncs the data with Apple’s Health app. Monitoring can be activated by pressing and holding the “b” button on either earbud before selecting Powerbeats HR when starting a workout. Users who already own an Apple Watch may find this feature familiar, as both devices rely on similar heart-rate sensing technology.

Powered by Apple’s H2 Chip

At the heart of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s H2 chip, which supports Bluetooth 5.3 and enables key features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio, and onboard heart-rate monitoring. Compared with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a broader feature set, especially for users focused on fitness.

The H2 chip also allows effortless switching between Apple devices, hands-free Siri access, and an enhanced overall user experience. Android users are not left behind, as the Beats app provides one-touch pairing and access to customization options.

The Active Noise Cancellation performs exceptionally well, effectively reducing surrounding distractions whether commuting, exercising, or working in busy environments. While it doesn’t eliminate every sound, it significantly minimizes background noise without completely isolating the user from important interactions.

Call quality is another strong point. Even while exercising on cardio equipment, voice transmission remains clear and natural.
Thanks to the H2 chip and improved microphones, conversations sound crisp to both the user and the person on the other end of the call.

Verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver a significant improvement over the original model, offering a well-rounded combination of performance, comfort, and smart features. Their impressive battery life, integrated heart-rate tracking, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem make them an excellent choice for users who are constantly on the move. Whether you’re working out, commuting, or simply listening to music at your desk, the earbuds provide a reliable and enjoyable experience.

Active Noise Cancellation effectively minimizes surrounding distractions, making it easier to focus on your music or podcasts in noisy environments. Audio performance is equally satisfying, with strong bass response and clear, balanced sound that complements a wide range of music genres.

Although the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) may offer slightly more refined overall performance, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a clear advantage when it comes to physical activity. Their secure ear-hook design keeps them firmly in place during workouts, making them a better option for users who prioritize fitness and an active lifestyle.