A Slimmer, More Advanced Design
The iconic ear hooks that made Powerbeats famous are still here, but with a more modern and slimmer look. This design ensures a secure fit, especially for workouts. But what’s even more exciting is what’s inside. The buds now have Apple’s H2 chip, which improves performance, connectivity, and sound quality. This tech is combined with a custom dual-layer driver to deliver better bass and clarity. For the first time in any Beats or Apple-made product, there is a built-in heart rate sensor, making it a great choice for athletes. These upgrades truly make a difference in how users experience their music on the go.
Years in the Making
Beats has been working on these features for quite some time. According to Matthew Costello, Apple’s VP of Hardware Engineering, the team had a list of features in mind during the acquisition process, including wireless and biometric capabilities. They had to develop new solutions and pair them with Apple’s technologies to reach this milestone. Bringing a sensor of this kind to earbuds required innovative engineering and algorithm design. Now, after six years of waiting, Powerbeats Pro 2 is officially here, aiming to leapfrog its original and become a top choice for fitness enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Let’s unpack the new Powerbeats Pro 2 and why it’s turning heads. For those faithful fans who’ve been waiting patiently, the next entry in ear-hook earbuds is finally here. The best part? The price remains the same as the original—$249.99 in the United States and UK, and $399.95 in Australia. With all the new features added, keeping the price steady is a win for Beats lovers
What’s New with Powerbeats Pro 2?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 has a slimmed design with thinner ear hooks that fit snugly without risk of falling. Both the main body and the bridge connecting them have been reshaped with a sharply angled bar, making them more comfortable on your ears. Unlike earbuds with capacitive buttons, these keep the physical Beats logo for easy control, along with a volume rocker conveniently located on the side.
Inside, the Apple H2 chip takes care of powering connectivity and on-device processing, putting these on par with the AirPods Pro series. It’s the first time these headphones feature active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and adaptive EQ that dynamically adjusts playback in real-time. This high-level upgrade combines Apple and Beats tech, making them some of the best fitness-focused headphones on the market, perfect for a fully immersive experience
Powering the audio experience is a newly designed Beats-made 9.5mm driver that stands out with its dual-layer design. This driver is larger than what you’d find in other earbuds within Beats’ current lineup, allowing it to deliver more powerful sound. The system has been carefully tuned to exceed the original’s frequency range while staying true to the signature Beats sound, giving you a rich and ample lower end that bass lovers will appreciate.
This upgrade doesn’t just stop at sound quality. The earbuds also feature redesigned venting, which improves airflow and reduces pressure for a more comfortable fit. Additionally, Beats has included a new acoustic mesh to minimize visibility while maintaining performance. Together, these improvements enhance both the listening experience and overall design, making the Powerbeats Pro 2 an audio powerhouse for music and workouts.
One feature that has really improved my daily commute while testing the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the support for spatial audio with head tracking. This feature truly elevates the listening experience, especially with Apple Music. I love letting friends try it with “Down on the Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival to demonstrate how immersive and engaging the sound becomes. It works just as well for movies and TV shows that are mixed in Dolby Atmos, creating a theater-like audio experience.
Additionally, for those with an Apple Vision Pro, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is now the second audio product to provide ultra-low latency, perfect for syncing sound with visuals. The first device to offer this was Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, which shows how tightly integrated Apple’s ecosystem has become. This level of performance, particularly for high-end devices like Apple’s $3,500 spatial computer, enhances both productivity and entertainment.
A First for Beats and Apple: Heart-Rate Sensors on Powerbeats Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is the first pair of earbuds from both Beats and Apple to feature built-in heart-rate sensors. Each earbud has its own sensor, a breakthrough achieved through close collaboration between the two companies. This biometric feature is aimed at athletes, which is why it was tested with over 1,000 users during development. The sensor is inspired by the Apple Watch, though it’s just 1/16th the size of the one in the Series 10. Despite its tiny build, it includes advanced components like an LED, photodiode, optical lens, and accelerometer. The sensor works by taking a reading from both ears and using algorithms to provide accurate data every five seconds.
As Matthew Costello, Apple’s VP of Hardware Engineering, explained, the development process faced significant challenges in ensuring accuracy and proper placement. However, the team succeeded, and the sensor is now compatible with various iOS apps like Peloton, Slopes, Ladder, Runna, and Nike Run Club. The data syncs with the Health app on your iPhone, although if you have an Apple Watch, its readings take priority.
Apple Fitness Plus isn’t supported at launch, but Beats plans to expand support. For Android users, the sensor integrates with most major fitness and workout apps. This addition cements Powerbeats Pro 2 as a cutting-edge, health-centric device, with similar rumors hinting at its arrival in the future AirPods Pro 3.
Powerbeats Pro (left) vs Powerbeats Pro 2 (right)
The second-generation Powerbeats Pro 2 brings several improvements while keeping the iconic ear-hook style. The case is now 33% smaller and shaped like a rounded rectangle instead of a square, making it easier to fit in your pocket.
It also supports wireless charging, and the earbuds attach magnetically to recharge. The new model supports Find My for both iPhone and Android through a companion app, though it lacks the U1 chip and speaker found in the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Still, it shines with impressive battery life—up to 45 hours with playback or 36 hours with ANC or Transparency modes on. A full charge of the buds gives 10 hours of use, with three and a half additional charges from the case. It’s also IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance, making it a solid choice for sports and workouts.
I tested them for two weeks, and as a fan of the original Powerbeats Pro, I noticed an upgrade in sound quality. The lower-end bass remains powerful, perfect for commuting and workouts. While I had to get used to the ear-hook fit again, it didn’t take long. The Beats Fit Pro and AirPods Pro offer competition, but for those who want fitness headphones with superior battery life, these are among the best options. They also maintain a comfortable fit for users who prefer hooks over tight wingtips. Beats has stayed true to its roots with this labor of love, delivering both performance and style for everyday users.
Final Lap: Powerbeats Pro 2 Marries Muscle and Melody
The Powerbeats Pro 2 isn’t just an upgrade; It is a revolution strapped to your ears. Imagine a gym buddy who doubles as a sound engineer, tracking your heartbeat while syncing bass drops to your sprint tempo. With Apple’s H2 chip and Beats’ sonic bravado, these earbuds don’t just play music.
They perform it, wrapping every chord around your sweat and stride. The built-in heart-rate sensor? Think of it as your personal biometric DJ, remixing your workout data into actionable beats. Yes, the ear hooks still hug your ears like a trusty old sneaker. But now they are lighter, smarter, and stealthier, like a fitness tracker that moonlights as a concert hall. And while rivals chase trends, Powerbeats Pro 2 carves its lane: where 45-hour battery life outlasts marathoners, spatial audio turns commutes into IMAX sessions, and that iconic “b” logo is not just a button; it is a badge for the unapologetically active.