Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds Review Best for Fitness and Noise Cancelling

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Powerbeats Pro 2 instantly feels premium the moment you hold it. Its nickel titanium alloy earhooks offer a sturdy yet lightweight fit—something I appreciated during intense workouts. The 20% reduction in weight compared to the previous model wasn’t just a statistic; it made a noticeable difference in comfort. I wore these earbuds for hours without feeling any pressure on my ears, thanks to the five included ear tip sizes that allowed me to find the perfect fit. Whether I was running or doing burpees, the secure-fit earhooks refused to budge, staying locked in place effortlessly.

What stands out is the IPX4 water resistance, which adds a layer of durability. I didn’t have to worry about sweat or light rain ruining the earbuds, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor training sessions. The 33% smaller charging case is another win—it’s compact enough to slip into my pocket without feeling bulky.

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound on these earbuds is nothing short of immersive. The Adaptive EQ technology tailored the audio to my preferences, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. Whether I was blasting upbeat tracks to keep myself motivated or listening to podcasts, the clarity was exceptional. The Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking was another feature I didn’t know I needed. It transformed the way I experienced music and even FaceTime calls, creating a surround sound effect that felt incredibly natural.

The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is, hands down, one of the best I’ve tested. It effectively drowned out gym noises and the drone of treadmills, allowing me to stay focused. The Transparency Mode, on the other hand, came in clutch when I needed to stay aware of my surroundings. Switching between the two modes was seamless and intuitive.

Battery Life and Charging

If you’re someone who hates charging devices constantly, the 45-hour battery life is going to be a game-changer. The earbuds alone lasted through multiple sessions, and the wireless charging case provided even more juice when needed. I also loved that it supports Qi wireless charging, making it compatible with my existing chargers. However, I found it odd that the USB-C to USB-C charging cable wasn’t included. It’s a minor inconvenience, but something to keep in mind, especially if you don’t already own one.

Control Options and Connectivity

These earbuds are a dream for multitaskers like me. The on-ear buttons and tactile volume rockers made adjustments during workouts effortless. I didn’t need to fumble with my phone to change tracks or tweak the volume. The addition of voice-activated controls like Siri was a bonus, especially when I wanted to make hands-free calls.

Connectivity was rock-solid, thanks to the Class 1 Bluetooth and the Apple H2 chip. Pairing with my iPhone was a breeze, and the automatic switching between devices saved me a lot of hassle. For Android users, the Beats app unlocks additional customization features, ensuring that the experience isn’t limited to Apple users.

Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness Features

A standout feature for me was the real-time heart rate monitoring. The sensors were incredibly accurate, pulsing over 100 times per second to measure my heart rate during workouts. I tested this feature while cycling and running, and the data synced seamlessly with my fitness apps. It’s like having a fitness tracker built into your earbuds—a feature that makes these a must-have for fitness enthusiasts.

I also appreciated the sweat resistance, which gave me the confidence to push myself harder without worrying about damaging the earbuds. Whether I was training in the heat or running in light rain, these earbuds performed like a champ.

Positives

• Exceptional sound quality with Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio.
• Industry-leading ANC and Transparency Mode for versatile listening.
• Secure and comfortable fit with lightweight, flexible earhooks.
• Heart rate monitoring for real-time fitness tracking.
• 45-hour battery life, with a compact wireless charging case.

Caveats

• The USB-C charging cable isn’t included, which feels like a missed opportunity.
• No multi-point Bluetooth pairing, which would have made device switching even smoother.

Competing Products

Compared to other high-end earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds its own. For instance, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds offer incredible ANC and sound quality but lack the secure earhook design, making them less ideal for vigorous activities. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 matches the Powerbeats in many areas, like spatial audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, but its shorter battery life is a clear disadvantage.

On the other hand, the Jabra Elite Active 75t excels in water resistance with an IP57 rating but doesn’t offer features like heart rate monitoring or adaptive EQ. The Powerbeats Pro 2 strikes a balance between fitness-focused features and premium audio quality, making it a standout choice for those who want the best of both worlds.

Price Performance

For what it offers, this product delivers incredible value for its price point. The combination of fitness tracking, premium sound, and durable design makes it worth every penny. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option out there, the features more than justify the investment. If you’re someone who values long battery life, seamless connectivity, and fitness-focused features, this is a product you won’t regret picking up.

Additional information