The PowerBeats Pro 2 are the newest wireless earbuds from Apple’s Beats lineup, arriving a full six years after the launch of the first generation. After such a long wait, expectations were high. The PowerBeats Pro 2 come packed with a host of new features: improved audio, wireless charging, active noise cancellation (ANC), and even a built-in heart rate sensor. They’re lighter, more comfortable, and refreshed from the ground up. Yet, despite all these upgrades, the PowerBeats Pro 2 feel surprisingly underwhelming.
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Design and Fit: Built for Movement
The standout feature of the PowerBeats Pro series has always been the ear hooks, which differentiate them from most modern earbuds that rely solely on shaped tips. These hooks offer a secure fit, ideal for intense physical activities like running, mountain biking, or inverted aerial maneuvers. They keep the earbuds firmly in place during rigorous motion. The physical controls include volume and mode buttons, available on both the left and right earbuds. The hooks are rigid and not designed to be bent but are still comfortable to wear.
The rubber ear tips that form the inner seal are noticeably firmer compared to those on Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. While both are comfortable, the harder rubber on the PowerBeats Pro 2 seems more suited for fitness environments where sweat and wear are more common. The earbuds come with five sizes of tips (including the pre-installed ones) to ensure a precise fit.
Audio Quality: Bass-Heavy, On-Brand for Beats
When it comes to sound, the AirPods Pro 2 are considered the gold standard of wireless earbuds in terms of audio quality. The PowerBeats Pro 2 don’t quite reach that level. However, they deliver the signature Beats sound playful, with emphasized bass and treble.
The sound profile is not flat like a studio monitor. Instead, it has a pronounced V-shape intentional tuning that appeals to many listeners. Bass is thicker, treble more pronounced, and overall, the audio is vibrant and energetic. While not perfect, it’s a sound many will enjoy, particularly those who favor Beats’ typical output. Microphone quality is decent, comparable to the AirPods Pro 2. Both are serviceable but not exceptional in mic clarity.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Mixed Experience
The PowerBeats Pro 2 include Apple’s H2 chip, which enables ANC, transparency mode, and spatial audio. This chip also powers the AirPods Pro 2 known for their impressive noise cancellation. However, the ANC performance on the PowerBeats Pro 2 is inconsistent.
For steady background noises such as a treadmill, air conditioning, or airplane hum, ANC is effective. On a 10-point scale, if the AirPods Pro 2 are a 10, the PowerBeats Pro 2 would score around an 8.
But with unpredictable noises like clanking gym equipment or weights hitting the floor the ANC falters. This is particularly disappointing given that it uses the same chip as the AirPods Pro 2. For a product designed with fitness in mind, strong ANC should have been a priority.
Heart Rate Sensor: A Gimmick or a Game-Changer?
One of the most notable new features is the optical heart rate sensor, included in both earbuds. Located at the base of each bud, these sensors shine a visible green light into your ear to measure heart rate. Accuracy seems good only 1–2 BPM off when compared with a Polar chest strap. However, usability is a major issue. Accessing your heart rate requires launching a specific app and navigating multiple menus. It’s not something you can easily check while on the go.
Additionally, the heart rate functionality is limited to only a few supported apps, and the process feels out of sync with Apple’s normally frictionless ecosystem. This makes the feature feel more like an afterthought than a seamless integration.
Moreover, tracking heart rate significantly impacts battery life. In tests, two hours of heart rate tracking consumed far more power than two hours of audio playback. You can connect the earbuds to Bluetooth-enabled gym equipment like treadmills and ellipticals, but this functionality doesn’t fully offset the sensor’s shortcomings.
Charging Case and Battery Life: Big Improvements
The new charging case is lighter and smaller than before, though still bulkier compared to the AirPods Pro case. It now supports USB-C and wireless charging a much-needed upgrade.
Battery life is impressive: 10 hours per charge and up to 45 hours with the case’s reserve. This solves one of the biggest complaints about the original model. Charging is now effortless strong magnets ensure reliable contact, even if the case is held upside down.
The Downsides: Weak ANC, Clunky Heart Rate Tracking, and High Price
Three major downsides stand out:
- ANC Performance – Inconsistent, especially for unexpected noises.
- Heart Rate Sensor – Limited utility and poor integration into the user experience.
- Price – At $250 USD, the PowerBeats Pro 2 are the same price as their predecessor, but the wireless earbud market has become far more competitive. There are excellent fitness-oriented earbuds available for $100 or more less.
Unless you really need a heart rate sensor in your earbuds, the premium doesn’t feel justified in 2025.
Article Summary
The PowerBeats Pro 2 are packed with potential, offering a host of new features and meaningful design improvements. But execution falls short in critical areas. For a fitness-focused product, weak noise cancellation and a clunky heart rate feature are hard to overlook especially at this price point. There are simply too many strong alternatives in the market today. The PowerBeats Pro 2 may appeal to a niche audience, but for most, they may not be the best choice.
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