After six years, we’re finally getting a refresh of one of the most popular pairs of earbuds of all time: the Powerbeats Pro 2. These earbuds are likely the best dual-native Android and iOS earbuds currently available for purchase. I know athletes, fitness enthusiasts, Beats fans, and anyone with uniquely shaped ears will be excited to see a new Powerbeats model finally hitting the market.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 comes with the latest features you’d expect, including top-notch Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, an improved microphone, a smaller design, and a few new additions, such as a heart rate sensor. Yes, we need to discuss that.
I’ve been using these for over two weeks, and this is my comprehensive review of the Powerbeats Pro 2. I’ll be covering both the pros and cons in this review, including one frustrating drawback that I’ll address later in the guide.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Price, Design, and Controls
The Powerbeats Pro 2 come in at the same price as the AirPods Pro 2—$249. They’re available in four different colors: purple, sandstone, orange, and black.
In terms of design, the ear hook has been made slightly smaller and lighter, but it remains stable and secure in your ears. The hook is also more malleable, ensuring a comfortable fit for various ear shapes. The controls are physical buttons on the iconic “B” logo, along with a volume rocker on each earbud. This makes it super easy to control your music or adjust volume by simply reaching back while wearing the earbuds—great for workouts.
The physical buttons are a huge advantage, especially when compared to touch-sensitive controls, which tend to be unreliable when your hands are wet, you’re wearing gloves, or you’re sweaty. Capacitive touch sensors often fail under these conditions, but with the Powerbeats Pro 2, you can count on the buttons to always work, regardless of the situation.
When it comes to fit and comfort, it’s no surprise that these earbuds offer a secure and comfortable experience. For reference, I have trouble keeping AirPods in my ears, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 are essentially AirPods Pro that never fall out. The design is very similar, except the Powerbeats Pro 2 seem to point slightly upward, whereas the AirPods tend to point downward. The result is a snug, ergonomic fit that causes almost no fatigue, even after extended wear.
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Ear Hook and Comfort
The Powerbeats Pro 2 features an ear hook design, which I can feel slightly on top of my ear. However, this doesn’t lead to any significant discomfort. I often forget I’m even wearing them after a short while. The hook design is a one-size-fits-all, meaning you won’t need to swap it out for different sizes. For me, the hook fits comfortably and forms well on my ears. I’ve shaken my head and done several workouts, and they’ve never budged an inch.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most secure earbuds I’ve ever tried. They fit incredibly well, providing both comfort and stability. However, there is one factor to consider when it comes to comfort—the ear tips. The earbuds come with five different sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large, and they feature a new venting mechanism designed to reduce ear pressure.
That being said, after using them for two weeks, I did notice one slight downside. The ear hook can sometimes interfere with sunglasses, especially when you’re putting them on. With two things stacked on top of your ear (earbuds and sunglasses), it can feel awkward. But this is a minor issue and doesn’t detract from the overall comfort.
Case Design
Before we delve into more details about the earbuds, let’s discuss the charging case, which remains a crucial aspect of the overall package. The new case is 33% smaller than the old Powerbeats Pro case, although it remains quite large compared to other earbuds, such as the standard AirPods. If you’re considering these earbuds, the larger case is something to consider, especially when comparing it to the AirPods (not the Pro version). The difference in size is significant.
That said, the new case now features wireless charging, which is a significant improvement. While it doesn’t support Apple Watch charging or attach magnetically to MagSafe, you can still charge it on any Qi or MagSafe wireless chargers (though it’s non-magnetic).
Battery Life
The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers impressive battery life that stands out in the earbud category. You get 10 hours of listening time directly from the earbuds, and with the charging case, that extends to a total of 45 hours. Even with Adaptive ANC active, the earbuds offer 8 hours of playtime. With full ANC engaged, you still get 36 hours of playback time, taking into account the case.
The benefit of the larger design is clear here—the extra space provided by the ear hook allows for a bigger battery. This is why the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers such strong performance. Additionally, if you’re in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 90 minutes of playback, allowing you to get back to your workout or commute without missing a beat.
With these specs, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will keep you powered throughout the day, whether you’re working out, traveling, or just enjoying your music.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means they are resistant to sweat and light rain. While this is adequate for most activities, such as running or working out, I would have preferred a higher water resistance rating, considering their $250 price tag.
Functionally, IPX4 should be enough for day-to-day use. According to Beats, the earbuds are designed to withstand rain, sweat, and light splashes without issue. However, if you were to drop these in a puddle, they might not break right away. They likely wouldn’t become nonfunctional, but you could experience distorted sound or other issues if they get wetter than they’re meant to handle.
For most users, as long as you’re not dropping them in deep water or submerging them, IPX4 is sufficient. However, given the price, a more robust water resistance rating would have been nice.
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Dual-Native Compatibility
The Powerbeats Pro 2 comes equipped with a range of excellent features, particularly for those who use multiple devices. One of the standout features is the dual-native compatibility. Thanks to the H2 chip, the earbuds work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices. For Apple users, they function similarly to AirPods, with features such as audio sharing. This means that if you’re on a plane, you and a friend can both watch the same movie on one iPhone if you each have a pair of AirPods or Beats. It’s a great way to share the experience. Even better, if you and a friend are running together, you can both listen to the same music or podcast on the same phone.
The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, which offers an impressive range. Additionally, they have Mono Mode, allowing you to listen to just one earbud at a time. However, note that you won’t be able to use the heart rate sensor in Mono Mode—more on that later.
Other notable features include:
- Hey Siri integration for voice commands.
- An ear fit test is built into iOS, so you don’t need a separate app to adjust settings. You can easily control everything through the iOS settings, just like with other AirPods.
- Fast Pairing with iOS makes the initial setup a breeze.
- Apple Spatial Audio certification for an immersive listening experience.
On Android, the earbuds still perform excellently, offering most of the same functionality as on iOS. When you open the case, a pop-up appears to pair the earbuds. You can then use the Beats app to access features such as controls and customization.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro 2 does not feature a skin sensor. Instead, they have an optical detection sensor. While this means that if you set them down, they may mistakenly think there’s skin contact (and start playing), it’s not a significant issue since the earbuds won’t roll around like AirPods—they have the ear hook to keep them in place.
The physical buttons on the earbuds are a great addition, especially during workouts. However, I wish there were more customization options for the buttons. Currently, on the Android app, I’m unable to customize the controls, although this feature may become available in future updates.
Heart Rate Sensor
One of the most talked-about features of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the heart rate sensor. Some may consider it a gimmick, but it has real-world applications, particularly for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The heart rate sensor is placed in an interesting spot on the earbuds, with the diode positioned inside. When you wear the earbuds, a faint green light shines downward, visible even in dark conditions, such as when running. This is something to consider if you’re concerned about visibility. To track your heart rate, you must wear both the left and right earbuds simultaneously.
The benefit of this positioning is that the sensor is in direct contact with your ears, which is a much more stable spot than wrist-based heart rate sensors, which can move around or get distorted due to wrist curvature. The Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a much more consistent reading.
I asked Beats about the accuracy and compatibility of the sensor, and they confirmed that it works for most users. During their testing, they were able to track heart rate on almost every individual. Depending on whether you’re using iOS or Android, the experience will differ slightly:
- On iPhone, the sensor automatically connects to Apple Health, enabling you to track your heart rate in apps such as Nike Run Club, Peloton, and others. This makes the experience seamless—just put them in, and your heart rate is tracked automatically.
- On Android, you’ll need to manually enable the heart rate sensor; however, it should work with most heart rate tracking apps, such as Strava.
An additional benefit of having the heart rate sensor in the earbuds is that it can track independent heart rate readings from both earbuds. So, if one of the sensors moves, the other can still give an accurate reading, ensuring reliability during workouts.
Now, you might wonder why you’d need this feature if you already own an Apple Watch or other fitness trackers. I’ve also considered this, and one key use case is for workouts where you can’t wear a watch, such as boxing or punching exercises. I’ve often found it frustrating that I can’t use my watch during these activities, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a solid solution. If you’re boxing or doing a workout that involves hand movements, this heart rate sensor lets you track your heart rate without the discomfort of wearing a wristband or ring.
I also decided to test the accuracy of the heart rate sensor. I compared it to a Polar H10 ECG heart rate strap, and the results were impressive. The first time I tested it, the readings seemed a bit off, likely due to interference from nearby Apple devices. Once I turned off Bluetooth on my MacBook, the heart rate readings were nearly in sync with the Polar H10, even during fast movement. Though it doesn’t sample as frequently as an ECG strap, the accuracy was exceptional, and for most workouts, the readings should be more than sufficient.
To sum up, while some might see the heart rate sensor as a gimmick, it can be a valuable feature for those who can’t use a watch or want a more consistent heart rate tracking experience during activities like boxing. If you dislike wearing a watch while working out, this could be a great alternative.
Mic Test
Moving on from the heart rate sensor, let’s talk about the microphone performance of the Powerbeats Pro 2. These earbuds are more than just fitness trackers—they also perform well for calls and voice recording. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are equipped with six microphones, which should provide excellent sound quality for calls.
I began testing in a quiet indoor environment, where I recorded my voice to check the clarity. With the H2 chip inside, we’d expect better audio quality when connected to an iPhone. However, for this test, I’m using my Galaxy S25 Ultra. The call quality should be slightly better on an iPhone, but let me know in the comments how the microphone sounds with this setup.
Next, I took the Powerbeats Pro 2 outside to see how they perform in a much louder, noisier environment. It was a bit dark, and you can probably barely see me, but there’s some traffic in the background. Again, I’m using my Android device, so let me know if you can hear my voice clearly amidst the background noise.
ANC Test
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a crucial feature for many people, especially when using earbuds in noisy environments. The Powerbeats Pro 2 performs excellently in this regard. Given that they use the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, it should come as no surprise that their ANC is top-tier.
The fit of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is very similar to that of the AirPods Pro, resulting in an excellent seal in your ears. This means they’re able to block out a lot of external sounds passively, in addition to the active cancellation. In my tests, the ANC performance was virtually identical to that of the AirPods Pro 2, providing excellent power and a remarkable ability to block low-level, low-frequency sounds.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 also handles wind noise very well. I didn’t experience any issues with wind interference, and it effectively blocked out crowd sounds, which is essential for activities like running or commuting in busy areas.
However, while the ANC is excellent, some earbuds perform slightly better. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultras and Sony’s premium models are a bit ahead in terms of noise cancellation. That said, the Powerbeats Pro 2 remain among the top five best ANC earbuds on the market right now.
Transparency Test
Transparency mode is a crucial feature for many users, especially when using earbuds in outdoor or busy environments. The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a solid transparency mode, but it doesn’t quite match the sound quality of the AirPods Pro.
The sound in transparency mode is clean and natural, but it is slightly quieter and a bit muffled compared to what you’d get with the AirPods Pro. It feels like you’re kind of covering your ears a little, which makes it more noticeable that you’re wearing them.
Despite this, they still serve their purpose very well. For instance, if you’re running on a trail and need to hear a cyclist approaching from behind, the Powerbeats Pro 2 should do the job just fine. The transparency is significantly cleaner than that of older Beats models, and you’ll notice minimal white noise, making it a notable improvement over previous iterations.
However, one thing to note is that these earbuds do not include Apple’s hearing aid features, which are available in the AirPods Pro. The hearing aid functionality could have provided a better fit and potentially more color options (the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in shades that are closer to skin tone, which some people might prefer). Unfortunately, this feature is not available at launch in the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers solid performance, but there are some expectations to manage. These are Beats earbuds, so they aren’t designed with audiophile-level audio in mind. They don’t support Hi-Fi codecs, but they can provide lossless audio when used with the Apple Vision Pro. I tried them with the Vision Pro, and I didn’t notice any interference from the strap, making them a viable option for this use case.
In terms of overall sound, the Powerbeats Pro 2 performs well with simpler songs that lack complex instrumentation or multiple layers. The bass is more capable than what you’d get with AirPods, but it’s not as overwhelming as you might expect from Beats earbuds. The sound balance is decent, with a slightly more pronounced bass response than AirPods, but still within reason.
That being said, the sound isn’t as high-fidelity as you might hope. The spatial reproduction of sound isn’t the best, especially when listening to complex music with many instruments. In these cases, I found myself turning the volume up slightly to hear the details. The bass could be tighter, and overall, the sound feels more congested than I would prefer. More clarity and sharpness would benefit these earbuds.
It’s essential to remember, however, that these are not audiophile earbuds. they are Beats earbuds, specifically designed for users who require reliable sound while working out. And in that context, they perform admirably. The sound is balanced and powerful, and they get louder than I would ever personally use them. I rarely go above 50% volume with most earbuds, and with these, 50% volume is more than enough for me.
While some people prefer more bass, especially when lifting weights or engaging in intense exercises, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are excellent for most users. However, it would be nice to have an EQ option to fine-tune the sound, which isn’t currently available on Android or iOS. Hopefully, an update will add this feature, allowing users to adjust sound profiles for different situations, such as working out versus sitting at their desk.
The earbuds are also Apple Spatial Audio-compatible, which adds an extra layer of immersion, especially for Apple users.
Additional Features and Limitations
In addition to their sound quality, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer seamless switching between Apple devices, a feature that is particularly beneficial for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. However, these earbuds don’t support proper multi-point connectivity, meaning that if you want to connect them to both a MacBook and an Android phone (or an iPhone and a Windows laptop), you won’t be able to switch seamlessly between them.
Despite having the H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 also lacks the hearing aid features found in AirPods Pro, which is somewhat disappointing, considering the potential benefits of having this feature for more personalized sound adjustments.
Other Features
While the Powerbeats Pro 2 are packed with great features, there are still a few notable things missing that might be important to some users.
One key feature that’s absent is conversation awareness. With this feature, the earbuds automatically detect when you’re speaking and fade the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) away, so you can have a conversation without removing the earbuds. Unfortunately, the Powerbeats Pro 2 don’t have this capability, which is a miss for those who frequently need to talk while wearing earbuds.
Another drawback is the case’s size. While the case is 33% smaller than the original, it’s still quite large compared to alternatives like AirPods. If portability is important to you, this could be a dealbreaker, especially since the case is notably bulkier than the AirPods Pro case.
Additionally, there’s no Ultra Wideband (UWB) feature for precision finding. While it’s not a huge deal for everyone, it does mean you won’t have the ability to use the case’s speaker or rely on Precision Finding, as you would with the AirPods Pro. If you choose the orange version of the Powerbeats Pro 2, however, the large case makes it reasonably difficult to lose them, so that’s something to consider.
For comparison, the AirPods Pro (at the same price) come with a speaker on the case for Precision Finding, a skin sensor, and other features that the Powerbeats Pro 2 currently lack. Instead, these earbuds use an optical proximity sensor, which works fine, but it doesn’t offer the same level of precision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are poised to be top-selling earbuds, particularly for the right audience. I’ve always been a fan of the Beats Fit Pro, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 take things to the next level. The hook design is incredibly effective—it makes the earbuds extremely secure, allowing me to do any workout without worrying about them coming loose. The ear hook design, in my opinion, works even better than the Fit Pro’s smaller case and fit.
Yes, the case is a little on the larger side, and it lacks some of the modern features that you might find in other earbuds. But for fitness earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 excel in almost every category. They offer everything I would want from a workout earbud, and they do it at a very high level.
You’re likely buying these earbuds for workouts first, but they also work great for travel thanks to their impressive ANC, and they work because the microphone quality is solid. The sound quality isn’t the absolute best, but it’s certainly good enough for most situations and does the job. Depending on the type of music you’re into, you can have a great experience with these.
Ultimately, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are ideal for sports enthusiasts, athletes, or gym-goers who require secure, reliable earbuds that perform consistently in every environment. The physical buttons make them versatile for any situation, whether you’re working out or on the go.
I’m giving these two thumbs up, and I’ll be using them a lot. I’m confident many others will find them as valuable.
Please share your thoughts on the Powerbeats Pro 2 in the comments below. See you in the following review!