Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Apple’s Ultimate Workout Buds Return Stronger

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 improve on their predecessors with better fit, noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and longer battery life, making them top-tier workout earbuds. They deliver great sound, excellent controls, and seamless integration with both Apple and Android devices, though limited app support for heart rate tracking on iPhone is a drawback. At £250, they are a premium but well-rounded choice, though the non-replaceable battery affects long-term value.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Apple’s Ultimate Workout Buds Return Stronger

Enhanced Fit, Superior Sound, Noise Cancellation, Extended Battery Life, and Heart Rate Monitoring Make These a Worthy Successor

After a five-year wait, Apple has given its popular Powerbeats Pro earbuds a complete overhaul, refining the design and adding significant upgrades. The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintain their signature ear-hook design but now offer a sleeker fit, improved noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and longer battery life—all for £250 ($250).

Refined Design and Secure Fit

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2  overall shape remains familiar: a flexible silicone hook secures each earbud over the ear, ensuring stability without the need for wires. The design is now lighter, making them comfortable for extended use while remaining firmly in place during intense workouts.

Each earbud features a multifunction ‘b’ button for playback and noise cancellation control, alongside a volume rocker for easy adjustments during exercise.

The earbuds provide 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation (10 hours without), while the charging case holds enough power for 3.5 full charges. Though now 30% smaller, the case is still somewhat bulky—perfect for a bag but less ideal for pockets.

Seamless Connectivity for Apple and Android Users

Equipped with Apple’s H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer the same seamless pairing and advanced audio features as the AirPods Pro 2. This includes spatial audio for immersive sound, audio sharing, Siri support, and lossless audio compatibility when used with the Apple Vision Pro.

Unlike many Apple accessories, these earbuds work well across platforms. Android users can access features like one-touch pairing, customization, and updates through the Beats app, making them a versatile choice for any ecosystem.

Improved Sound and Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation (ANC) in Beats Powerbeats Pro 2  is nearly as effective as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, effectively minimizing external distractions, though higher-frequency sounds like voices and sharp clicks may still come through.

For outdoor workouts, the transparency mode is excellent, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. While it enhances environmental sounds well, bone-conduction headphones still offer better situational awareness for runners in high-traffic areas.

Sound quality is the best Beats has ever delivered—a well-balanced profile with detailed highs, a controlled but punchy low end, and excellent separation of tones. The Powerbeats Pro 2 handle pop, hip-hop, and rock tracks exceptionally well, though some might find them a bit too clean for energetic dance music. Unlike AirPods Pro, they lack EQ customization options.

For iPhone users, personalized spatial audio with head-tracking enhances the listening experience for movies and music. Call quality is also top-notch for both the wearer and the person on the other end.

Built-in Heart Rate Monitoring

A standout feature is the optical heart rate sensor, which monitors your pulse through the inside of your ear. Similar to the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, this sensor aims to match or even surpass wrist-based heart rate monitors in accuracy.

However, Apple does not provide a native app for tracking heart rate data, relying instead on third-party apps. On iPhone, Runna, Peloton, and Nike Run Club support the feature, while Android users have broader compatibility, including apps like Strava and other Bluetooth-compatible fitness platforms. Heart rate data syncs with the Health app on iOS or directly with the chosen fitness app on Android.

Sustainability and Longevity

Apple states that some internal components contain recycled plastic, but the battery is non-replaceable, meaning the earbuds have a limited lifespan. The company offers trade-in and recycling programs, including for non-Apple products, but the lack of battery replacement options is a major drawback.

Pricing and Competition

• Powerbeats Pro 2 – £249.95 ($249.99)
• Beats Fit Pro – £219.99
• Beats Studio Buds + – £179.99
• Beats Solo Buds – £79.99
• AirPods Pro 2 – £229
• Sennheiser Momentum Sport – £199

Verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2  improve upon nearly every aspect of the original, making them one of the best premium workout earbuds available today.

Their secure yet lightweight fit, long battery life, excellent controls, and cross-platform functionality make them a solid choice for both iPhone and Android users. The heart rate monitoring is a useful feature but is held back by limited app support on iPhone.

At £250, they are on the expensive side, but they deliver a great balance of fitness-focused features and everyday usability. However, the lack of battery replacement remains a significant downside.

Pros: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 

✔ Great sound quality
✔ Effective noise cancellation and transparency modes
✔ Secure and comfortable fit
✔ Long battery life
✔ Excellent call quality
✔ Cross-platform compatibility
✔ Built-in heart rate sensor

Cons: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 

✘ Expensive
✘ Case is still quite large
✘ Limited app support for heart rate tracking on iPhone
✘ No multipoint connectivity
✘ Battery is non-replaceable