The original Powerbeats Pro made waves as Beats’ first truly wireless earbuds back in 2019, impressing users with their secure fit and Apple ecosystem integration. Now, the second generation has arrived, promising improvements while maintaining the sports-focused design that made the originals so popular. Let’s dive into what makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 tick and whether they’re worth your investment.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life (up to 12 hours per charge)
- Rock-solid fit with ear hooks for intense workouts
- Improved water and dust resistance (IP67 rating)
- Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
- Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
- High-quality call performance
- Responsive touch controls
Cons:
- Bulky charging case
- Still on the expensive side
- Limited sound customization options
- No active noise cancellation
- Ear hooks may not suit everyone’s style preferences
Technical Specifications
- Driver size: 12mm dynamic drivers
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery life: 12 hours per charge (earbuds), 36 hours total with case
- Charging: USB-C, Fast Fuel (5-minute charge for 1.5 hours of playback)
- Water/dust resistance: IP67 (fully dustproof, waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Chipset: Apple H2 chip
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3
- Weight: 8.9g per earbud, 80g charging case
- Colors: Black, White, Navy Blue, Lava Red
- Additional features: Find My support, Spatial Audio, auto-switching between Apple devices
Sound Quality Assessment
The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintains Beats’ signature sound profile but with noticeable refinements. While still bass-forward, the low end is more controlled and less muddy than previous Beats models. Bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM sound particularly energetic, with the kind of thump that can keep you motivated during intense workouts.
The mids are clear, pushing vocals forward in the mix without getting lost behind the bass response. Guitar-driven rock and acoustic tracks maintain good separation, though some subtle midrange details can occasionally get overshadowed.
The high frequencies have seen the most improvement from the original Powerbeats Pro. Cymbals, hi-hats, and vocal sibilance come through with better clarity and less harshness. The soundstage is relatively wide for in-ear headphones, creating decent spatial awareness—helpful when you’re running outdoors.
While audiophiles might prefer a more neutral sound signature, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s energetic tuning is perfectly suited for fitness enthusiasts. Notably absent is active noise cancellation, a feature now common in premium wireless earbuds. Instead, Beats relies on passive noise isolation through the silicone ear tips, which works reasonably well but won’t block out gym noise like ANC models.
Comfort and Fit
Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 truly excels is its secure fit. The adjustable ear hooks, now with a more flexible material, wrap comfortably around your ears to keep the buds in place during even the most vigorous workouts. For runners and HIIT enthusiasts, this stability is invaluable.
The earbuds come with four sizes of silicone ear tips, making it easy to find your perfect fit. Once properly adjusted, they stay comfortable for hours, with no significant pressure points. At 8.9g per earbud, they’re not the lightest option available, but the weight distribution is excellent, preventing fatigue during extended wear.
The improved IP67 rating (up from IPX4 (read IP Rating Types) on the original) means these earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and even brief submersion without issue—a significant upgrade for serious athletes who train in all conditions.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance is outstanding and among the best in the true wireless category. The earbuds deliver approximately 12 hours of playback time per charge, a notable improvement over the original’s 9 hours. The charging case provides an additional two full charges, bringing the total listening time to around 36 hours.
The Fast Fuel quick charging feature gives you 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging—perfect for when you’ve forgotten to charge before a workout. The case now uses USB-C instead of Lightning, a welcome change for non-Apple users, though wireless charging is still absent.
One minor annoyance is the size of the charging case. While it’s slightly smaller than the original, it’s still bulky compared to competitors and won’t fit comfortably in smaller pockets.
Additional Features
Apple’s H2 chip brings several smart features to the Powerbeats Pro 2. “Hey Siri” voice activation works flawlessly for Apple users, and the auto-switching between Apple devices is seamless—your music follows you from iPhone to MacBook without manual reconnection.
The touch controls on each earbud are responsive and intuitive, with volume adjustment and track control on both sides. The physical buttons are well-placed and require just the right amount of pressure to activate without pushing the earbuds out of position.
Find My integration helps locate misplaced earbuds, while the redesigned LED indicators on the case make it easier to check battery status at a glance. Android users can access most features through the Beats app, though the experience is more streamlined within the Apple ecosystem.
The absence of active noise cancellation is partially offset by the addition of a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds—useful for outdoor runners who need environmental awareness.
Price/Value Analysis
At $249, the Powerbeats Pro 2 positions itself at the premium end of the sport earbuds market. While this represents the same launch price as the original model, it’s still a significant investment compared to many competitors.
The value proposition hinges on your priorities. For pure sound quality at this price point, there are better options with features like ANC. However, if you prioritize fit security, battery life, and seamless Apple integration, the Powerbeats Pro 2 justifies its cost.
The build quality and durability improvements, particularly the enhanced water resistance, add long-term value for active users who would quickly wear out less robust alternatives.
Comparison to Alternatives
- vs. Beats Fit Pro ($199): Smaller, includes ANC, but with significantly less battery life and slightly less secure fit.
- vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249): Better sound quality and ANC, but less secure for intense workouts and inferior battery life.
- vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active ($179): Comparable workout performance with ANC at a lower price, but less battery life and no Apple ecosystem benefits.
- vs. Bose Sport Earbuds ($179): Similar fitness focus with excellent sound quality, but much shorter battery life and less water resistance.
- vs. Original Powerbeats Pro (now $169): The improvements in water resistance, battery life, and sound quality make the upgrade worthwhile for heavy users, but casual listeners might find the original sufficient at its reduced price.
Who Should Buy This
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is ideal for:
- Serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need earbuds that won’t budge during intense workouts
- Apple users who value ecosystem integration
- People who prioritize battery life over noise cancellation
- Outdoor runners who need environmental awareness and weather resistance
- Bass lovers who enjoy an energetic sound signature
They’re less suitable for:
- Budget-conscious consumers
- Those seeking audiophile-grade sound accuracy
- Commuters or frequent flyers who prioritize noise cancellation
- People who dislike the ear hook design for aesthetic reasons
Takeaways
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 builds intelligently on its predecessor’s foundation, retaining what worked while addressing key weaknesses. The improved water resistance and extended battery life directly target the needs of their core fitness-focused audience, while sound quality refinements make them more versatile for everyday use.
While they lack trendy features like active noise cancellation, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 excels in its specialized niche: delivering reliable, high-energy audio that stays put during the most demanding physical activities. The premium price point reflects this specialized focus.
For Apple users seeking workout earbuds that won’t compromise on stability or battery life, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sets a new standard. They’re not trying to be all things to all listeners, and that focused approach results in a product that serves its target audience exceptionally well.
