Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: A hard to beat workout experience

After a long-drawn out wait of six years, the successor of Powerbeats Pro is here – Powerbeats Pro 2. However, the company has backed the new Powerbeats Pro 2 with all the arsenal, like ANC, easy functionality, and heart rate monitoring, to make it stand out in the market.

In this review, I dive into what the latest Powerbeats Pro 2 has to offer after all this time.

Design and Comfort

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping earbuds in place during workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is here to solve that problem. Just like its predecessor, the earbuds feature an over-ear hook design that wraps around the outer ear for a secure fit. Whether you’re lifting weights or going for a run, these earbuds won’t budge. However, after long use, the hooks can put slight pressure on the back of your ears, which might cause some discomfort over time. Also, if you are first-time users, then wearing the earbuds might require a lot of effort.

To ensure a proper fit, Beats includes five sizes of silicone ear tips (XS to XL). You can even take an ear tip fit test on iOS or the Beats app on Android to find the best fit. Once I switched to the right size, the earbuds created a tight seal in my ears, significantly reducing external noise.

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The charging case is noticeably smaller, making it slightly more portable. However, it’s still quite large compared to most wireless earbuds. While it fits in most pockets, it remains bulkier than what you’d expect from a premium pair of earbuds.

When it comes to durability, the Powerbeats Pro 2 carries an IPX4 rating, making it resistant to sweat and light splashes. This means they’re great for workouts but aren’t designed to handle heavy rain or submersion in water.

Compatibility and Connectivity

Connecting the earbuds is very easy. The moment you open the lid, the earbuds notification pops up on your phone and you can connect them. Also, like most Apple-made earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 works best within the Apple ecosystem. With the Apple H2 chip inside, iOS users get perks like one-touch pairing, automatic device switching, hands-free Siri, and Find My support. Some advanced features, like seamless device switching and Audio Sharing, remain exclusive to Apple users.

For connectivity, the Powerbeats Pro 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC and AAC codecs. Unfortunately, there’s no support for high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, which might disappoint Android users. Additionally, Bluetooth Multipoint is absent, meaning you can’t connect to multiple devices simultaneously outside the Apple ecosystem.

Advanced Audio Features

The Powerbeats Pro 2 introduces heart rate monitoring, a headline feature that sets it apart from other workout earbuds. Using optical sensors, the earbuds pulse a green LED light over 100 times per second to measure heart rate. This is the same technology found in the Apple Watch, offering a great way to track workouts without needing a separate fitness tracker. However, it’s important to note that heart rate monitoring only activates during workouts and doesn’t provide continuous tracking throughout the day.

On the noise-cancelling front, the Powerbeats Pro 2 performs admirably. During workouts and commutes, background noise was significantly minimised, making for a more immersive listening experience. While some loud conversations might still leak through, playing music effectively drowns out the rest of the world.

For those who prefer staying aware of their surroundings, the Transparency Mode is a welcome addition. Apple has long been a leader in creating a natural transparency mode, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 continues that tradition. When activated, ambient sounds come through naturally, making it feel like you’re not wearing earbuds at all.

Voice and Call Quality

Thanks to Apple’s H2 chip and beamforming microphones, call quality on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is solid. The earbuds effectively filter out background noise, ensuring your voice remains clear even in noisy environments. Whether you’re taking a quick call at the gym or on the street, the microphones do a great job of isolating your voice.

Smart Sensors and Controls

The Powerbeats Pro 2 includes capacitive touch controls for easy music playback, call handling, and voice assistant activation. There’s also an in-ear detection sensor that automatically pauses audio when you remove an earbud and resumes when you put it back. While these features work well, the lack of a customisable equalizer means you’re stuck with Apple’s Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts sound based on fit.

Sound Quality

The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers an energetic sound profile tailored for workouts. With emphasised bass and treble, these earbuds make high-energy tracks even more immersive. However, audiophiles might find the sound profile lacking in upper treble details. That said, many runners and athletes prefer this kind of tuning, as it helps them focus on the beat rather than minor sonic details.

Apple’s Adaptive EQ ensures a consistent sound experience based on fit, but there’s no manual equalizer for customisation. On iOS, you also get spatial audio features, including Dolby Atmos playback and head-tracked audio, which adds an immersive layer to compatible tracks.

Battery Life

The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers up to 45 hours of playtime with the case with ANC off. The buds give between 8 to 9 hours of usage with ANC which includes listening to music and calls or online briefings. The buds are quick to charge as well with up to 2 hours battery support in a 5-minutes charge.

The case supports wireless charging on Qi pads. Overall, it takes more than an hour to get fully charged using wired chargers which is indicated by a green light or red when it is low.

Verdict

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is an excellent pair of workout earbuds that builds on the success of the original model. With a secure fit, heart rate monitoring, great noise cancellation, and long battery life, they check nearly every box for fitness enthusiasts. However, in India the price tag of ₹29,900, might dimish the attractiveness of the Powerbeats Pro 2. In the end, if you’re looking for a premium workout earbud experience, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is hard to beat.