Powerbeats Pro 2: A Long-Awaited Upgrade That Delivers on Performance and Comfort

A long-awaited sequel to the Powerbeats Pro, which was released back in 2019, the new model has an exciting array of upgrades while maintaining an eye toward fitness.

The original Powerbeats Pro was released in 2019, which in the fast-moving world of tech feels like an age ago.

The wait, though, was well worth it. This new model comes loaded with features such as active noise canceling (ANC), transparency mode, and even heart rate monitoring.

While these aren’t game-changing features for true-wireless earbuds overall, they’re brand new for the Powerbeats lineup. Even more exciting is that, despite all the upgrades, the cost is unchanged at $249.99.

Why has this long-awaited pair of beats finally dropped, and will the new features be worth the wait? Let’s break it down.

Powerbeats Pro 2

Compact and Lightweight Design

The design is one of the most obvious upgrades. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a far more compact, lightweight pair than the originals. The earbuds themselves are 20% lighter, the on-ear hooks are half the size, and they feel way better for long-wear.

The charging case shrank by 33%, though it is still on the larger side of the spectrum when putting it next to other true wireless earbuds on the market.

For glasses-wearers, the new ear hooks make all the difference. They’re more ergonomic and less obtrusive, creating a snug fit without uncomfortable pressure.

Throughout runs and workouts, the Pro 2 felt secure without discomfort, even for higher-intensity exercises like burpees.

There are five ear tip options included in the box to find the best fit for everyone, and the digital fit test makes it accessible. The heart rate monitoring feature especially depends on a good fit so that there can be direct contact with the ear.

Enhanced Sound and Bass Performance

Sound quality is the real area where the Powerbeats Pro 2 do fall into their own, but underwater: exercise.

They won’t compete with high-end audiophile earphones, but they pump out powerful, rich bass and a respectable overall sound.

Even in the absence of ANC or transparency mode, the Adaptive EQ mode—on by default—makes sure the sound is clear and balanced for your daily listening, be it music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Battery Life and Wireless Charging

Battery life on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is another of its loudest selling points. The earbuds themselves will provide 10 hours of use, with an accompanying charging case offering 3.5 additional charges for a combined total battery life of 45 hours.

Just five minutes also provides 90 minutes of playback, ideal for those last-minute gym sessions.

The most attractive feature of these is support for wireless charging. That’s a long-requested feature, and it’s a welcome change for users with multi-device charging stations.

The case is still bulkier than the AirPods Pro 2 or Beats Fit Pro cases. But the trade-off feels worth it, considering the longer battery life and additional features.

Heart Rate Monitoring: A New Addition

Heart rate monitoring is a significant differentiator between the Powerbeats Pro 2 and many other exercise-oriented earbuds.

Each of the buds houses an optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer, similar to the ones used in the Apple Watch.

Beats’ dual-earbud approach is supposed to give you more accuracy than those devices that rely solely on one sensor.

iOS: The data automatically syncs on iOS with Apple Health for easy tracking. This may seem unnecessary for Apple Watch owners, however, since the watch will always be used for heart rate data. There’s no option to prioritize the earbuds over the watch, unlike other heart rate devices.

Android: The heart rate feature on Android is more universal, as Android can use any app with support for Bluetooth heart rate monitors.

So, while the feature and potential are promising for earbuds to integrate health features, a lack of apps that allow you to access your particulars and no support for Fitness Plus may turn certain people away.

A Perfect Fit for Athletes

The Powerbeats Pro 2 aren’t made for casual listeners—they’re made for athletes. Whether you have a treadmill to run on or just prefer to lift weights or hit the track, these earbuds also provide reliable performance.

They’re also great for strength training and cardio workouts, thanks to the secure fit and the heart rate monitoring.

But the ear hooks aren’t going to be for everyone. Some users may prefer to be worn as designed in an open-ear fashion for outdoor activities where they need to be more aware of their surroundings.

But for indoor exercising or controlled situations, the Pro 2 is one of the best in the business.

Improved Call Quality and Connectivity

For one, better microphone performance and call quality, thanks to the new H2 chip. Designed to minimize wind noise and ambient sound, these headphones do well in clear conversation.

During testing, the earbuds effortlessly handled work calls, and colleagues noted that the audio sounded clear and natural.

As you might expect, they connect seamlessly to Apple devices, but the earbuds also play nice with Android phones. It has a fast pairing capability and Bluetooth 5.3 support for a reliable connection, even in a busy area.

Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade

So, the Powerbeats Pro 2 sort of shows that waiting for meaningful upgrades is sometimes more worthwhile than annual incremental tweaks.

Featuring new features—active noise canceling, heart rate monitoring, wireless charging, and a smaller footprint—these earbuds are a major upgrade from their predecessors.

Powerbeats Pro 2 provide a secure fit, punchy and powerful bass, and durable performance that will last through sweating it out.

Although the clunkier case and unnecessary heart rate measurement (for Apple Watch owners) are negative aspects, the complete experience is what places these earbuds high on the list for workouts.

So, is the Powerbeats Pro 2 worth buying? If you want exercise-centric earbuds that have great sound, a comfortable fit, and up-to-date features, they are certainly worth your money.

After 6 years, Beats has delivered a worthy successor—and, in the process, has raised the bar for workout earbuds.