The new Powerbeats Pro are finally here, and they represent a significant step forward for what was already a very popular set of wireless earbuds for active people. After years of waiting, Beats, under Apple’s guidance, has launched the second generation of its fitness-focused flagship. While this is more than just a color refresh, it’s a thoughtful evolutionary upgrade over the original, adding long-awaited features like ANC, Spatial Audio, and heart rate tracking. This review will take a close look at every aspect of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. We will examine the design, comfort, sound, new features like Active Noise Cancellation and heart rate tracking, and battery life to determine if they live up to the considerable hype. We will stick strictly to the product itself, providing a thorough analysis without comparing it to other brands on the market. This is all about whether the new Powerbeats Pro deliver on their promises.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the box for the Powerbeats Pro 2 feels familiar yet refined. The packaging is typical of an Apple-affiliated product: clean, minimalist, and made from recycled and sustainable materials. Inside, you are greeted by the charging case, which is immediately noticeably smaller than its predecessor. Nestled inside are the earbuds themselves. Beneath the main tray, you’ll find the supporting accessories. Beats has been generous with the ear tips this time around. You get five distinct sizes of silicone tips: Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large. This expanded selection is a welcome change, as finding a perfect seal is absolutely critical not just for comfort, but for sound quality and noise cancellation. A short USB-C to USB-C charging cable is included, but as is common now, a power adapter is not. Finally, you get the standard quick start guide and warranty card.

Holding the earbuds for the first time, the most apparent change is the weight. They feel lighter and less bulky than the originals, a claim that Beats quantifies as a 20% weight reduction. The materials feel premium, with a smooth, matte plastic finish that resists fingerprints well. The ear hooks, a defining feature of the Powerbeats line, have been re-engineered. They are now made of a nickel-titanium alloy, which gives them a bit more flexibility and shape memory. They feel less rigid but still substantial enough to inspire confidence. The overall first impression is that of a premium, well-constructed product designed with purpose.

Design and Build: A Refined Athletic Aesthetic

The design of the new Powerbeats Pro is an evolution, not a revolution, and that’s a good thing. The core identity of the Powerbeats Pro, the ear-hook design, is central to its appeal for athletes and active users. It’s a design that screams stability and security. The earbuds are meant to lock onto your ears and stay there, no matter how intense your workout gets.

The main body of the earbud that sits in your ear has been subtly re-sculpted. It’s slightly more contoured, aiming to fit a wider variety of ear shapes more comfortably. The iconic “b” logo is still present on the outside of each earbud. On the original model, this was a physical button. On the Powerbeats Pro 2, this area now functions as a multi-function touch control, although the physical volume rocker and a multi-function button remain on the top edge of each earbud. This hybrid approach gives users the best of both worlds: the tactile certainty of physical buttons for volume and the convenience of a touch surface for other controls.

A significant new design element is the small black sensor pod on the inner part of the earbud, just below the ear tip. This houses the new optical heart rate sensor. It’s a discrete addition that doesn’t affect comfort but adds a powerful new dimension to the product’s fitness capabilities. When active, it emits a soft green light, which might be visible to others in dark conditions but is otherwise unnoticeable.

The sweat and water resistance rating remains at IPX4. This means the earbuds are protected from splashing water from any direction. They can handle your sweatiest workouts, a run in the rain, or even a bit of snow. However, they are not waterproof. You cannot submerge them in water, so swimming with them is out of the question. It’s important to wipe them down after a sweaty session before placing them back in their case.

The charging case is perhaps the most significant physical design improvement. The original case was notoriously large, making it difficult to carry in a pocket. The new case is 33% smaller and more rounded, making it significantly more pocketable. It still feels robust and protective. The lid snaps shut with a satisfying magnetic click, and the earbuds drop into their charging cradles with magnetic precision. On the back, you’ll find a USB-C port, a modern and welcome update. The front has a small LED indicator to show charging status. Crucially, the new case also supports Qi-compatible wireless charging, a feature that was conspicuously absent from the first generation and is a major convenience upgrade.

Comfort and Fit: All-Day Wearability?

For any earbud, comfort is key. For a fitness earbud, it is the most critical factor. If it isn’t comfortable and secure, nothing else matters. The Powerbeats Pro 2 excel in security, but the comfort story is more detailed.

The signature feature is the ear hook. Its primary job is to provide stability, and it does this job flawlessly. Once you loop the hook over your ear and seat the earbud, it is locked in place. You can run, jump, do burpees, lift weights, and these earbuds will not budge. The sense of security is absolute, which is a massive confidence booster during vigorous activity. You never have to worry about an earbud falling out and getting lost or damaged. The new nickel-titanium hooks are slightly more flexible than the old ones, allowing you to bend and mold them for a more customized fit around the back of your ear.

However, the hooks also introduce a potential point of contention for some users: glasses. Wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 with glasses is possible, but it can be awkward. The arms of your glasses and the ear hooks will compete for the same small space behind your ear. Depending on the thickness of your glasses’ arms, this can range from a minor annoyance to a genuine comfort issue over time, creating a pressure point. This is an unavoidable consequence of this design, and something glasses-wearers should be aware of.

The in-ear comfort is largely determined by the ear tips. With five sizes included, most users should be able to find a size that creates a good seal. This seal is vital for two reasons. First, it provides passive noise isolation, blocking out some ambient sound even before the active noise cancellation is turned on. Second, it is essential for achieving the best possible audio quality, particularly in the low frequencies. Without a good seal, bass response will be thin and weak. Taking the time to experiment with all the different tip sizes is not just recommended; it’s mandatory to get the most out of these earbuds.

The 20% weight reduction is noticeable during long-term wear. The original model could sometimes create a feeling of pressure or fatigue after a few hours. The new model is significantly more comfortable for extended listening sessions. You can wear them for a long run or through a multi-hour workout without them becoming a major distraction. While they are still larger and more obtrusive than smaller, in-ear-only buds, the balance and security they provide are a worthwhile trade-off for their target audience.

Connectivity and Controls: The Power of the H2 Chip

Pairing the new Powerbeats Pro is incredibly simple, especially within the Apple ecosystem. Thanks to the new Apple H2 chip inside, you just open the case near your iPhone or iPad, and a pop-up card appears on your screen prompting you to connect. One tap and they are paired not just to that device, but to every device logged into your iCloud account. This means you can seamlessly switch audio from your iPhone to your Mac to your Apple Watch without ever having to go into Bluetooth menus. It’s a feature that feels like magic and is a huge benefit for anyone invested in Apple products.

For Android users, the experience is still straightforward. You use the standard Bluetooth pairing process, and the Beats app for Android unlocks customization features, allowing you to check battery status, manage noise-cancellation modes, and get firmware updates. The connection is handled by Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3, which provides excellent range and a very stable connection with minimal dropouts.

The control scheme is robust and intuitive. Each earbud has identical physical controls, so you don’t have to remember which side does what. There is a volume rocker on the top edge of each earbud, which is a fantastic feature. Being able to adjust volume directly on the earbud without fumbling for your phone is a huge advantage, especially during a workout. There is also a small multi-function button on that same top edge. A single press plays or pauses music and answers or ends calls. A double-press skips to the next track, and a triple-press goes to the previous track. A long press can be customized, but by default, it will activate Siri on iOS or your phone’s default voice assistant on Android.

The addition of the touch-sensitive ‘b’ logo surface adds another layer of control. By default, a long press on this surface cycles through the audio modes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and Off. This is a quick and easy way to change your level of sound immersion.

Automatic ear detection is also included. Optical sensors detect when you take an earbud out of your ear and automatically pause your music. When you put it back in, the music resumes. This is a great feature for brief interruptions. Similarly, the earbuds power on and connect the moment you take them out of the case and power down to conserve battery when you put them back in.

Sound Quality: Refined Power

Beats has a reputation for a very specific sound signature: big, booming, and bass-forward. While this is exciting for some genres, it has often been criticized for being overpowering and sacrificing clarity in the midrange and treble. With the new Powerbeats Pro, it’s clear that Beats and Apple have worked to refine this sound, aiming for a profile that is still powerful and energetic but also more balanced and detailed.

The foundation of the sound is the re-engineered acoustic architecture and upgraded drivers. The bass is still prominent and powerful. For genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop, this is fantastic. The low end has punch and depth that can be very motivating during a workout. Kick drums hit with authority, and basslines are full and satisfying. Importantly, the bass feels tighter and more controlled than in previous Beats products. It doesn’t sound as bloated or muddy, and it does a better job of staying in its own lane without bleeding into and overwhelming the other frequencies.

The midrange, where vocals and most instruments live, is much improved. On the original Powerbeats Pro, the mids could sometimes feel recessed or pushed to the background by the powerful bass. The new model brings the midrange forward, giving vocals much more presence and clarity. Guitars, pianos, and strings sound more natural and detailed. This makes the earbuds much more versatile across different musical genres. They perform just as well with rock and acoustic music as they do with electronic music.

The treble has also been tuned for more detail without becoming harsh. Cymbals and hi-hats have a nice shimmer and decay, and there’s a good sense of air and space in the high frequencies. The overall presentation is lively and dynamic.

A new feature enabled by the H2 chip is Adaptive EQ. This uses inward-facing microphones to listen to the sound you are actually hearing and adjusts the audio frequencies in real-time based on the unique shape of your ear and the fit of the earbuds. This is a subtle but effective technology that ensures you are getting a consistent and optimized listening experience every time you put them on.

For a more immersive experience, the Powerbeats Pro 2 now support Personalized Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking. This feature, when used with compatible content, creates a three-dimensional, theater-like soundscape. The sound feels like it’s coming from all around you, not just from two points in your ears. The dynamic head tracking means that as you turn your head, the sound field remains anchored to your device’s screen. It’s an impressive feature for watching movies or TV shows and adds another layer of immersion to your entertainment.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is arguably the single biggest upgrade for the new Powerbeats Pro. The original model relied solely on passive noise isolation from the ear tips, which was only moderately effective. The new fully active system is a game-changer.

The ANC is very effective at reducing low-frequency, constant noises. It’s great for tuning out the drone of a treadmill, the hum of an air conditioner in the gym, or the rumble of a bus engine. It creates a bubble of focus, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or podcast without having to crank the volume to dangerous levels. While it may not be the absolute strongest ANC on the market, it is more than sufficient for most environments and makes a huge difference in the overall listening experience.

Equally important is the new Transparency Mode. When you need to be aware of your surroundings, for example, when running or cycling on busy streets, this mode uses the external microphones to pipe in ambient sound. The implementation here is excellent. The world around you sounds natural and clear, not artificial or digitized. You can hold a conversation with someone or listen for traffic without having to take your earbuds out. The ability to instantly switch between full immersion with ANC and full awareness with Transparency Mode makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 incredibly versatile for all kinds of situations, both during and outside of workouts.

New Fitness Feature: Heart Rate Monitoring

The built-in heart rate sensor is an exciting addition, though accuracy can vary especially during intense movement and iOS lacks full support. Also, you can’t stream music while connected to compatible gym equipment for HR monitoring. The ear is a very good location for measuring heart rate, and the secure fit of the earbuds ensures the sensor maintains good contact with the skin.

This data doesn’t just live in a vacuum. Beats advertises integration with fitness platforms like Nike Run Club and Peloton. The drawback here is that real-time heart rate display is app-dependent and not yet supported by Apple’s own Fitness+ platform. For athletes who want to train in specific heart rate zones or just keep an eye on their effort level, this is a fantastic all-in-one solution. You can, of course, disable this feature if you don’t want to use it or if you prefer to use another device for heart rate tracking.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

Call quality was a strength of the original Powerbeats Pro, and it’s even better on the new model. Each earbud is equipped with a voice accelerometer and three advanced microphones. This microphone array, combined with the H2 chip’s computational audio processing, does an excellent job of focusing on your voice and filtering out background noise.

In real-world use, this means your voice comes through clearly to the person on the other end of the line, even if you are in a noisy environment like a busy street or a windy park. Wind noise, which can be a major problem for many earbuds, is handled particularly well. While it won’t eliminate a strong gust completely, it does an admirable job of reducing it so your voice remains intelligible. You can confidently take calls on these earbuds without having to shout or find a quiet corner.

Battery Life: Marathon-Ready

Battery life is a massive strength for the new Powerbeats Pro. The original model already had impressive battery performance, and the new model takes it to another level, thanks in large part to the efficiency of the H2 chip.

On a single charge, the earbuds themselves provide up to 10 hours of listening time with ANC and Transparency Mode turned off. This is a huge amount of time and will be more than enough for even the longest workouts or days of travel. If you turn on ANC or Transparency Mode, that number drops to a still-excellent 8 hours.

The charging case, now smaller and more convenient, holds several additional charges. With the case, you get a total of up to 45 hours of listening time (with ANC off) or 36 hours (with ANC on). This is top-tier battery performance that means you can go for many days, or even a week or more of regular gym use, without needing to plug in the case.

For times when you’re in a hurry, the Fast Fuel feature is a lifesaver. A quick 5-minute charge in the case will give the earbuds up to 90 minutes of playback time. This is perfect for those moments when you realize your earbuds are dead right before you’re about to head out for a run.

Final Verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is an outstanding product that successfully improves upon its predecessor in every meaningful way. The core promise of a secure, stable fit for active use is still the foundation, but now it’s built upon with a host of modern, high-demand features. The design is more refined and comfortable, the case is more convenient, and the battery life is phenomenal.

The addition of high-quality Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode transforms the usability of these earbuds, making them just as good for commuting or focusing in an office as they are for the gym. The refined sound signature is still energetic and powerful but with newfound balance and detail that makes it suitable for a much wider range of music. The inclusion of an integrated heart rate monitor is an innovative and genuinely useful feature for the target fitness audience.

There are very few downsides. The ear-hook design will never be as discrete as smaller buds, and it can still interfere with some glasses. But for their intended purpose, these trade-offs are easy to accept. The new Powerbeats Pro are a premium product with a premium price tag, but they deliver a comprehensive and polished experience that justifies the cost. For athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone who simply wants a pair of high-performance wireless earbuds that will never, ever fall out, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are an exceptional choice.