Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: A Fitness-First Revolution With Apple’s H2 Chip and Heart Rate Tracking

A Long-Awaited Upgrade

Six years after the original Powerbeats Pro debuted, Beats delivers a generational leap with the Powerbeats Pro 2. Priced at $249, these earbuds target fitness enthusiasts with a blend of cutting-edge tech, refined design, and Apple’s ecosystem integration. But do they justify an upgrade from the 2019 model—or outshine rivals like AirPods Pro 2? Let’s dive in.

1. Design & Comfort: Slimmer Hooks, Smaller Case, Same Grip

The Powerbeats Pro 2 retain the iconic ear-hook design but shrink it by 50% using nickel-titanium alloy for flexibility and durability. The buds are 20% lighter (8.7g each), and the charging case is 33% smaller—though still bulkier than AirPods’.

Key Improvements Over Gen 1:

• Ergonomic Refinement: Redesigned ear tips (now five sizes) and slimmer hooks reduce pressure, especially for glasses wearers.
• IPX4 Rating: Maintains sweat resistance but avoids waterproofing to keep costs down.
• Physical Controls: Retains tactile buttons for volume, playback, and ANC toggling—ideal for sweaty workouts.

Verdict: A more polished fit, but the case remains a pocket-stuffer.

2. Performance & Features: ANC, Heart Rate, and H2 Chip Magic

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
A first for Powerbeats, the ANC rivals AirPods Pro 2 in blocking gym chatter and traffic noise, though it lags behind Bose and Sony’s flagship models. Transparency mode is natural but slightly overamplifies ambient sounds for runners.

Heart Rate Monitoring:
Dual optical sensors in each bud track BPM during workouts via apps like Nike Run Club and Peloton. Accuracy matches wrist-based wearables in steady runs but struggles with high-intensity intervals.

Catch: Apple Watch takes priority if worn, limiting utility for iOS users.

Apple H2 Chip Upgrades:

• Lossless Audio: Ultra-low latency with Vision Pro (but requires proximity).
• Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos support adds immersion, though Adaptive EQ can feel inconsistent.
• iOS Integration: Hands-free Siri, iCloud pairing, and Find My (without Precision Finding).

Missing Features:
No Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, or hearing health tools—features reserved for AirPods Pro 2.

3. Battery Life: Endurance King

The Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver 10 hours of playtime (ANC off) and 45 hours total with the case, outperforming the original’s 9-hour buds and 24-hour case. With ANC on, expect 8 hours—still best-in-class for fitness buds. Fast charging adds 1.5 hours in 5 minutes, and wireless charging eliminates cable hassle.

4. Sound Quality: Bass That Motivates

Beats’ signature bass remains punchy but refined, avoiding the muddiness of older models. New 9.5mm drivers and a vented acoustic system enhance clarity, though audiophiles may prefer Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 for detail. For workouts, the dynamic soundstage elevates high-energy tracks like Bad Bunny or Kendrick Lamar.

5. Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Gen 1: What’s New?

Verdict: The Pro 2’s ANC, heart rate tracking, and H2 chip justify the price.

Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Fitness vs. Versatility

• Fit: Powerbeats’ hooks dominate for security during burpees or runs.
• Sound: AirPods Pro 2 offer purer audio; Powerbeats prioritize bass for motivation.
• Health: AirPods lack heart rate tracking but include hearing health features.
• Case: AirPods’ compact case wins for portability.

Who Should Buy the Powerbeats Pro 2?

• Fitness Fanatics: Secure fit, HR tracking, and ANC make these gym essentials.
• Apple Users: Seamless iOS integration trumps Android’s limited app support.
• Bass Lovers: Beats’ signature sound elevates workout playlists.

Skip If:

• You prefer all-day comfort over sporty design.
• You own an Apple Watch (HR tracking redundancy).
• Budget is tight (consider Beats Fit Pro at $199).

The New Fitness Earbud Benchmark

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most compelling workout buds Beats has ever made, blending ANC, heart rate tech, and Apple’s ecosystem into a rugged package. While the case remains chunky and some AirPods features are missing, their secure fit, battery life, and bass-forward sound make them ideal for athletes. For everyone else? The AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra offer broader appeal.