Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: A Premium Workout Headphone That’s Worth the Price

Selecting the correct pair of workout headphones is fundamental to achieving good performance, comfort, and durability in the training sessions. The Powerbeats Pro series has reliably served as the premium choice for fitness enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Beats takes everything that made the Powerbeats Pro so popular, and with the release of Powerbeats Pro 2 decided to improve on it in almost every aspect. Active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, sound immersion, heart rate tracking, and higher battery lives are just a few perks that come with these exciting headphones. But do they justify their premium price tag? Or are they just another ignored product? Let’s jump in and examine everything in detail.

1. Design & Comfort: Built for Active Lifestyles

One of the standout features of the original Powerbeats Pro was their design—specifically, the ear hook structure that kept the earbuds in place even during intense movement. Beats has doubled down on this feature with the Powerbeats Pro 2, making them the definitive premium workout headphones.

• Lightweight & Comfortable: The Powerbeats Pro 2 is 20% lighter than its predecessor, offering a more comfortable experience for long workouts. The rubber ear tips are now available in an extra-small to extra-large range, ensuring that you’ll find a snug and secure fit, no matter the size of your ear canal.
• Ear Hooks for Stability: The addition of the ear hooks means these headphones will stay securely in your ears, even during high-intensity workouts or while running. Unlike other wireless earbuds that can easily slip out during a jog or sprint, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s design locks them in place, ensuring that they won’t fall out no matter how much you move. This stability is a game-changer for people who have struggled with earbuds that constantly pop out during exercise.
• Comfort for Extended Use: The snug ear hooks are tight enough to keep the headphones securely in place but not too tight to cause discomfort. Whether you’re lifting weights, cycling, or doing HIIT, you’ll appreciate how comfortable they are for extended use.

2. Apple Integration & Features: A Seamless Experience

The Powerbeats Pro 2 benefits greatly from the integration of Apple’s H2 chip, which brings a level of convenience and functionality that most other wireless earbuds can’t match.

• Instant Pairing & Multi-Device Support: If you’re an iPhone user, the moment you open the case, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will automatically pair with your device. This instant pairing is one of the hallmarks of Apple’s ecosystem, and it works flawlessly with all your Apple devices. Not only can they seamlessly switch between devices on your iCloud account, but pairing them with Android phones is just as easy.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): One of the most requested features for wireless earbuds in recent years, ANC has made its way into the Powerbeats Pro 2. This feature samples the outside world 200 times per second and does an impressive job of blocking out external noise, especially the steady, constant sounds like traffic or white noise. While the ANC performance is very good, it’s still slightly below that of AirPods Pro, which are often considered the gold standard for noise cancellation.
• Transparency Mode: The Powerbeats Pro 2 also comes with a transparency mode, allowing outside sounds to be heard while you’re still listening to your music. This is particularly useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as when you’re running outside or walking through a busy area. While the transparency mode is good, it’s not quite as effective as the AirPods Pro, which are considered to have the best transparency mode on the market.

3. Sound Quality: Energetic & Lively Sound Signature

If you’re looking for a flat or neutral sound signature, you might want to look elsewhere. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is designed with energetic, bass-heavy sound in mind, making it perfect for workout playlists that feature high-energy genres like hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.

• Improved Sound Quality: The sound profile is fun, lively, and engaging, offering enhanced bass and higher volume, which makes these earbuds perfect for workouts where you need that extra boost of energy. While not technically “audiophile” grade, they strike the right balance for workout headphones by delivering clear sound with a punchy bass and plenty of energy.
• Technical Upgrades: Beats has incorporated new technologies to improve the sound quality. The earbuds now feature new acoustically transparent mesh, which allows the drivers to work more effectively. There’s also a change in the alignment of the drivers to better direct sound straight into your ears, along with a new venting channel that improves bass response and relieves pressure. These upgrades add to the overall clarity and depth of the sound, making these one of the best-sounding workout headphones on the market.
• Bass-Heavy Sound: The Powerbeats Pro 2 has more bass and energy than the AirPods Pro, which is ideal for people who listen to music with heavy beats during their workouts. If you’re into high-energy music like hip-hop, electronic, or pop, these earbuds will definitely enhance your listening experience.

4. Heart Rate Tracking: Unique for Workout Headphones

One of the most innovative features of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the heart rate sensor built into the earbuds. Beats has integrated a heart rate tracking system that uses technology borrowed from the Apple Watch. Here’s how it works:

• Heart Rate Monitoring: The earbuds have an optical sensor in each earbud that measures your heart rate in real time. This is ideal for people who want to monitor their heart rate while working out without needing an additional device like a fitness tracker or smartwatch.
• Syncing with Gym Equipment: For those who use gym equipment like treadmills, the Powerbeats Pro 2 can sync with machines that have Bluetooth capabilities. This means that your heart rate can be displayed on the gym equipment, making it easy to track your progress during your workout.
• Convenience for Apple Watch Users: If you also have an Apple Watch, the heart rate data from the earbuds is automatically integrated into your fitness apps, ensuring that your workout data is always synchronized.
• Accuracy Considerations: While the heart rate sensor is a cool addition, it’s important to note that it’s still an optical sensor, so it may not be as accurate as a chest strap or dedicated heart rate monitor. Still, for casual users and gym-goers, it provides a convenient way to track heart rate without the need for extra gear.

5. Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Use with Fast Charging

Battery life is crucial for any wireless earbuds, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 doesn’t disappoint in this department.

• Long Battery Life: The earbuds themselves offer up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge without ANC on. With ANC enabled, you can expect around 6-8 hours of battery life. While this isn’t the longest battery life out there, it’s more than enough for a full day of workouts or even longer activities.
• Charging Case: The case has been redesigned to be 33% smaller than the previous generation while offering more battery capacity. The case can fully recharge the earbuds up to three times, giving you roughly 30 hours of total listening time. The inclusion of USB Type-C charging and wireless charging is also a welcome upgrade, especially for those who prefer to charge their devices wirelessly.
• Fast Charging: One of the standout features of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the fast-charging capability. If you forget to charge your earbuds and they run out of battery, you can drop them into the case for just 5 minutes and get over an hour of listening time. This feature is perfect for people who need to quickly top up their battery before heading out for a workout.

6. Pricing & Value: Are They Worth It?

When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, price is always a concern. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced around $250, which puts them in direct competition with other high-end options like the AirPods Pro.

• Value for Money: While $250 is a premium price, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers solid value for the features it provides. The combination of active noise cancellation, heart rate tracking, excellent sound quality, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem makes these headphones a worthwhile investment for fitness enthusiasts.
• Comparing to Older Models: The previous generation Powerbeats Pro can now be found for around $150, but they lack many of the features that make the Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out, such as ANC, heart rate tracking, and USB Type-C charging. While older models can be a good deal, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a much better overall experience.
• Cheaper Alternatives: While there are cheaper alternatives available, none offer the same level of performance, stability, and features as the Powerbeats Pro 2. If you’re looking for a set of headphones that can withstand intense workouts and provide a premium listening experience, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is one of the best options out there.

7. Conclusion: The Ultimate Workout Earbuds

In conclusion, the Powerbeats Pro 2 has significantly improved compared to its predecessor, with a number of new features and enhancements which make it one of the best options available when looking for high-end workout headphones. These headphones stand out as an excellent choice for fitness professionals or casual listeners with their remarkable sound quality, proper fit, heart rate monitoring, ANC, and effortless pairing with Apple products.

They may be a bit pricey, but when it comes to active headphones, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is unmatched in the value it offers. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is without a doubt one of the best options out there, especially for those who are looking to purchase a pair of headphones that cater perfectly to an athlete’s lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Beats has managed to deliver a product that not only competes with other high-end wireless earbuds but surpasses them in several key areas. For workout-focused individuals who need stability, sound quality, and the latest tech, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is one of the best earbuds available today.