It’s common to see Apple’s AirPods everywhere you look but will its Beats brand manage to surpass it this time? The only way to find out is to dive into a Powerbeats Pro 2 review. Almost 6 years after the Powerbeats Pro was released in May 2019, the company has finally released a successor. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 specs are pretty impressive for the $250 price tag, and it follows the design of the original with the ear hook format that keeps it in place and eliminates any worries about it falling off when you’re out and about.
If that was all there was to look forward to, the launch of the device would not have been as noteworthy, but there are also some brand-new features to see. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitoring function has come as quite a surprise, and so is the arrival of the active noise cancellation feature, something that was missing in its predecessor.
Fancy features aside, are the Powerbeats Pro 2 actually good? Let’s take a look.
Image: Powerbeats Pro 2
Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: We Love Walking to the Beat of Our Own Drum
The Powerbeats Pro 2 was announced on February 11, 2025, showcasing the brand’s “most advanced product ever.” Typically built for athletes but suitable for all users who want a secure pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the earphones are said to be 20% lighter than the previous iteration of the device, using a nickel-titanium alloy for the build. It also features physical buttons along the side to provide greater control while using the device, which is something we love to see.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 specs mention an IPX4 rating, making it highly sweat and water-resistant for those who spend a lot of their time outdoors, even in the rain and snow. For those who care about the aesthetic appeal, it is available in four colors—Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. The colors are primarily all muted shades, except for the Orange shade which seems to be in this year. Users can expect 5 different-sized ear tips to find the perfect fit for them.
The Powerbeats Pro 2’s sound quality remains unchanged whether you use it with an iOS or Android device, which keeps it open to a wide range of users. However, there are some differences between the additional features available for users on the two platforms.
“Powerbeats Pro 2 is fully compatible with Apple devices for one-touch pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, hands-free Siri, and Find My. For Android users, the Beats App unlocks one-touch pairing, the ability to activate or disable Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, battery status widgets, Locate My Beats, and over-the-air updates.”
Image: The Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Hyper Purple, Quick Sand, and Electric Orange.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Specs—What Features Can You Expect with the New Earbuds
We couldn’t offer up a Powerbeats Pro 2 review without delving into the specs of the new gadget. The Powerbeats Pro 2 relies on the Apple H2 chip, which is the same one we’ve seen in the AirPods Pro 2. It offers active noise cancellation capabilities using Apple’s own technology to ensure that users can block out outside disturbances when needed. There’s a Transparency mode as well to ensure that athletes who spend their time outdoors can stay aware of their surroundings.
Beats states it has re-engineered its internal components and acoustic architecture along with its Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head-tracking functions to allow for a more immersive listening experience and stabilize the sound. The Adaptive EQ system allows the earbuds to adjust the sound according to the fit of the earbuds. All of these features guarantee a high-quality listening experience whether you’re indoors or out.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 doesn’t offer Apple’s hearing aid feature but it stands to reason that they would leave some features exclusive to Apple’s main product lines.
Powerbeats Pro 2 Offers Heart Rate Monitoring Capabilities
Each bud in the Powerbeats 2 features a heart-rate sensor that is extremely efficient at monitoring any changes in the pace, particularly when you’re engaged in any activity. It isn’t the first earbuds to offer such a functionality but other existing earbuds typically have the sensor in one of the earbuds. If you don’t have a fitness tracker already or just want a secondary device to work with while you work out, the earbuds can prove to be pretty useful.
At launch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 Heart Rate Monitoring feature will be compatible with a few specific apps like Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao. According to Beats, all Android fitness and wellness apps that provide heart-monitoring features should be fully compatible with the Powerbeats Pro 2. Another difference between the two platforms is that for iOS users, the monitoring will begin automatically but Android users might have to actively enable the function if it is desired.
“Powerbeats Pro 2, designed for high performance, mirrors this intensity, offering the perfect blend of power, clarity, and comfort to fuel their training,” the release announcement explains.
Image: Shohei Ohtani, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi come together to advertise the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Battery Performance of the New Beats Earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro 2 promises up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case included, with each bud offering 10 hours of playback to keep you company on the most arduous of tasks. The size of the original Powerbeats Pro case was criticized for being too bulky but the new device has a case that is 33% smaller. It still isn’t as small as it could be, but it is certainly an improvement.
If you’ve gotten comfortable with wirelessly charging devices, then the new earbuds offer that convenience as well. Additionally, its Fast Fuel feature ensures up to 90 minutes of playback on just a 5-minute charge which should be a great support system for a last-minute workout or run. The battery performance is quite promising for all the measuring and functioning it offers.
So, Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 Any Good?
All the features we’ve covered in our Powerbeats Pro 2 review are largely positive and show that the device is a really good contender for your next purchase. Whether you use an iOS or an Android phone, you can still expect the Powerbeats Pro 2’s sound quality and capability overall to remain the same, making it a versatile gadget for those who switch between devices.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at $250 USD, which is the same price as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. It may be an expensive investment for some, but if you’re seeking a good pair of earphones, this is definitely a good purchase overall.
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