Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Best Fitness Earbuds for Secure Fit and Heart Rate Tracking

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 arrived in early 2025 as the long-awaited sequel to one of the most popular fitness-focused true wireless earbuds ever made. The original Powerbeats Pro launched back in 2019 and quickly became the gold standard for workout earbuds thanks to their secure earhook design, excellent battery life, and punchy Beats sound signature. Six years is an eternity in consumer tech, and the bar has been raised considerably by competitors like the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Apple's own AirPods Pro 3. After spending several weeks wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 through runs, gym sessions, commutes, and daily desk work, I can confidently say that Beats has delivered a meaningful upgrade that keeps the line relevant — even if it's not without its compromises.

Design, Fit, and Comfort

The Powerbeats Pro 2 retain the iconic earhook design that made the originals famous, but with significant refinements that address the biggest complaints about the first generation. The earhooks are now 20% lighter and more flexible, which makes a dramatic difference in comfort during extended wear. The original Powerbeats Pro could feel heavy and bulky after an hour or so of use; the second generation virtually disappears once you find the right fit.

The earbud housings are also smaller and more ergonomically shaped than the originals. Beats has slimmed down the portion that sits outside your ear, reducing the overall visual profile. They're still not subtle — the earhooks make it clear you're wearing fitness-focused earbuds — but they're significantly less conspicuous than the first generation. The bold color options including Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, and Volt Yellow lean into the sporty aesthetic, and the matte finishes resist fingerprints better than the glossy originals.

Fit security is outstanding, as you'd expect from a product with over-ear hooks. I tested these during high-intensity interval training, outdoor runs on uneven terrain, weightlifting sessions, and even the occasional yoga class. At no point did I feel like the earbuds were going to fall out. The combination of the flexible earhook and four included ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) means most people will find a secure, comfortable fit. The IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating is adequate for workouts and light rain, though it's worth noting that many competitors now offer IP55 or IP57 ratings for better protection against dust and water.

The charging case is 33% smaller than the original, which makes a real difference in pocketability. It's still larger than the AirPods Pro 3 case, but the trade-off is justified by the significantly better battery life. The case now supports wireless charging via any standard Qi pad, a feature that was conspicuously absent from the first generation. The front LED indicator shows charging status, and the USB-C port on the back handles wired charging.

Sound Quality

The Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver the energetic, bass-forward sound signature that Beats is known for, but with considerably more refinement than previous generations. The custom acoustic platform features a new dual-layer diaphragm driver that produces robust bass without the muddy distortion that plagued the original Powerbeats Pro at higher volumes. Low-end frequencies are punchy and well-defined, giving you that satisfying thump during workout tracks without overwhelming the rest of the frequency range.

The midrange is slightly recessed compared to the bass and treble, which is typical for consumer-tuned earbuds. Vocals are clear and present but lack some of the intimate detail you'd get from more neutral offerings like the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. For workout listening, this tuning works well — you want that bass impact to keep you motivated, and the slight midrange recession doesn't detract from the experience.

Treble extension is decent, with cymbals and high-hats having enough sparkle to keep the sound engaging. The soundstage is wider than the original Powerbeats Pro, thanks in part to the support for Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The spatial audio implementation is genuinely impressive for sports-focused earbuds. When listening to Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music, the music opens up with a sense of space and instrument separation that's rare in this category. Head tracking is responsive and adds immersion during both music and movie playback.

The in-app EQ offers a few preset options (including a flat setting for more neutral listening), but there's no custom parametric EQ. Most users will be happy with the default tuning, but audiophiles who prefer a more neutral signature may find the bass emphasis a bit much for non-workout listening. It's worth noting that the sound quality is a clear step up from the Beats Fit Pro, with better bass definition and a wider soundstage.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

The ANC on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the biggest disappointment in an otherwise excellent package. It's not that the noise cancellation is bad — it handles low-frequency droning sounds like gym equipment, airplane hum, and air conditioning with reasonable effectiveness. The problem is that it struggles significantly with higher-frequency sounds. Conversations happening nearby, the clanking of weights at the gym, traffic noise, and especially crying babies all cut through the ANC far more than they should.

Compared to the Beats Fit Pro, the ANC on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is actually a step backward. The Fit Pro's ANC is noticeably more effective across the frequency spectrum, which is frustrating given that the Powerbeats Pro 2 cost more and launched later. Against competitors like the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2's ANC falls short. If noise cancellation is your top priority, these are not the earbuds for you.

On the positive side, the Transparency Mode is the best it's ever been on Beats earbuds. Ambient sound comes through naturally and clearly, without the hollow or processed quality that some transparency modes exhibit. The Adaptive Transparency feature automatically reduces loud noises while still letting through general ambient sound, which is useful when you're running near traffic or working out in a busy gym.

Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness Features

The standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart rate monitor. Using optical sensors on each earbud, the Powerbeats Pro 2 can track your heart rate during workouts and sync that data to a growing list of fitness apps. The supported apps include Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, and several others on both iOS and Android.

In my testing, the heart rate monitoring was reasonably accurate for steady-state cardio activities like running on a treadmill or cycling. During interval training with rapid heart rate changes, there was occasionally a lag of a few seconds compared to a chest strap monitor, but overall the readings were close enough for most fitness tracking purposes. For high-intensity interval training and weightlifting, the monitoring was less reliable — the optical sensors struggled with rapid changes in heart rate and occasional motion artifacts.

The key caveat is that this is not a replacement for a dedicated fitness tracker like an Apple Watch or a Garmin. The heart rate data is useful for tracking workout intensity and trends over time, but it's not medical-grade accuracy. For casual fitness enthusiasts who want to keep an eye on their heart rate during workouts without wearing a watch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling all-in-one solution.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong point for the Powerbeats Pro 2. Beats claims 10 hours of playback on a single charge (8 hours with ANC enabled), and in my testing, these figures are accurate. With ANC on at moderate volume levels, I consistently got around 8 hours of use before needing to recharge. The charging case holds an additional 45 hours of battery, bringing the total to around 45 hours with ANC enabled.

The Fast Fuel feature gives you 1.5 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge, which is genuinely useful when you forget to charge overnight and need a quick boost before heading to the gym. A full charge of the earbuds takes about an hour, and the case charges fully in roughly two hours via USB-C or a bit longer via wireless charging.

The battery life advantage over the AirPods Pro 3 (which offers around 6 hours with ANC) is significant for anyone who does long workouts or tends to forget to charge their earbuds regularly. The combination of long battery life, wireless charging, and fast charging makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 one of the most convenient earbuds for daily use.

Connectivity and Platform Support

The Powerbeats Pro 2 use Apple's H2 chip, the same processor found in the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. On iOS, this means seamless one-touch pairing, automatic switching between Apple devices via iCloud, Siri voice activation, and Find My support. The experience is virtually identical to using AirPods — you open the case, your iPhone detects the earbuds, and you're connected in seconds.

What's more impressive is the Android experience. Beats has put significant effort into making the Powerbeats Pro 2 work well on non-Apple devices. The Beats app for Android offers one-touch pairing, Google Assistant support, Find My Beats device tracking, and customizable controls. The Android experience is genuinely better than any other Apple-made audio product, and it's one of the strongest arguments for choosing Beats over AirPods if you're an Android user.

Multipoint Bluetooth allows simultaneous connection to two devices, which works reliably in practice. I regularly used the earbuds connected to both my iPhone and MacBook Pro, and switching between the two was seamless. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is stable with a good range of about 30 feet through walls.

Microphone and Call Quality

Call quality on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is above average for true wireless earbuds. The beamforming microphones do a good job of picking up your voice while filtering out background noise. In quiet environments, callers reported that I sounded clear and natural. In noisier settings — a windy outdoor run, a busy coffee shop — the noise suppression algorithm works well but can occasionally make your voice sound slightly compressed or robotic.

The physical volume rocker buttons on each earbud are a standout feature for calls. Being able to adjust volume with a tactile button press rather than fumbling with touch controls or pulling out your phone is genuinely useful, especially during workouts or while walking. The buttons are responsive with satisfying click feedback.

Comparison with Competitors

Against the AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer better battery life, a more secure fit for workouts, heart rate monitoring, and superior physical controls. The AirPods Pro 3 counter with significantly better ANC, superior integration with Apple devices, Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and a more compact charging case. If you're an iPhone user who doesn't prioritize fitness features, the AirPods Pro 3 are the better all-around choice. If you work out regularly and need earbuds that stay in your ears, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the better pick.

Against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Powerbeats Pro 2 win on fit security and battery life but lose on sound quality, ANC performance, and feature depth. Sony's earbuds offer a more sophisticated sound signature, vastly better noise cancellation, and more customization options. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are specifically designed for active use, while the Sony WF-1000XM6 are better for commuting, travel, and critical listening.

Against the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, the competition is closer. Both offer excellent fit security for workouts, good battery life, and rugged build quality. The Jabra has a better IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, superior ANC performance, and a more mature companion app. The Powerbeats Pro 2 win on heart rate monitoring, better spatial audio, and more seamless integration with both iOS and Android.

Real-World Testing Scenarios

To give you a complete sense of what the Powerbeats Pro 2 are like in daily use, I tested them across a range of real-world situations over several weeks.

Running and Outdoor Exercise

This is the Powerbeats Pro 2's home turf, and they deliver exactly as expected. During outdoor runs on pavement, trails, and a track, the earhooks kept the earbuds firmly in place even during sprints, sudden stops, and quick head movements. The IPX4 rating handled sweat without any issues, though I wouldn't want to get caught in a heavy downpour with them. The wind noise reduction during calls is decent — callers could hear me, though wind did create some background noise on breezy days.

The heart rate monitoring during steady-state runs was accurate enough to track my zone training. I compared readings against my Apple Watch Series 9, and the earbuds were typically within 3-5 beats per minute during easy and moderate runs. During interval sessions with rapid pace changes, the lag became more noticeable, with the earbuds taking an extra 5-10 seconds to register heart rate changes compared to the watch.

Gym and Strength Training

At the gym, the Powerbeats Pro 2 shine. The secure fit means you never have to adjust them between sets, and the physical volume buttons are infinitely better than touch controls when your hands are sweaty or gloved. The transparency mode is excellent for hearing gym staff announcements or having quick conversations between sets. The ANC is adequate for blocking out the ambient hum of gym equipment and background music, but it doesn't fully silence the clanking of heavy weights or nearby conversations.

The battery life is a genuine advantage for gym use. I typically spend about 90 minutes at the gym, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 barely register a battery drain over that time. With the 45-hour case battery, I only need to charge the case once every week or two with daily gym use plus commuting.

Commuting and Daily Use

For train and bus commutes, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are functional but not ideal. The ANC does a decent job with engine noise but lets through too much chatter and station announcements. The transparency mode is useful for staying aware of your surroundings, but the overall noise isolation isn't as good as competing earbuds at this price point. The bulky charging case is also more noticeable in a pocket compared to the AirPods Pro 3 case.

For desk work and casual listening, the earbuds are comfortable enough for extended wear, though the earhooks can become slightly noticeable after two to three hours of continuous use. The spatial audio is genuinely enjoyable for watching videos and listening to compatible music, adding a sense of immersion that makes the experience more engaging than standard stereo playback.

Detailed Specs and Technical Details

Let's get into the technical specifications that matter for informed purchasing decisions. The Powerbeats Pro 2 use custom acoustic drivers with a dual-layer diaphragm design that Beats claims reduces distortion at high volumes. The frequency response is tuned for the classic Beats sound — elevated bass with a slight midrange recession and smoothed-over treble — but the improved driver design means less distortion and better clarity than previous generations.

The Bluetooth 5.3 implementation supports AAC and SBC codecs. Notably absent is support for any high-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC, which means Android users won't get the best possible wireless audio quality. This is a limitation shared with all Beats and AirPods products, which is fine for the Apple ecosystem but a genuine shortcoming for Android users who care about audio quality.

The optical heart rate sensors use green LED light to measure blood flow through the skin, similar to the technology used in smartwatches and fitness trackers. Each earbud has its own sensor, and the system uses data from both to improve accuracy and reliability. The sensors are activated automatically when you start a workout in a supported app, and they run in the background without significantly impacting battery life.

The H2 chip enables a range of features beyond basic connectivity. On iOS, this includes hands-free "Hey Siri" support, automatic device switching across all Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account, and audio sharing with other Beats or AirPods users. On Android, the Beats app enables Google Assistant, find my device functionality, and firmware updates.

How They Compare to the Original Powerbeats Pro

If you're wondering whether to upgrade from the original Powerbeats Pro, here's what's changed. The second generation is lighter and more comfortable, with a 20% reduction in weight and more flexible earhooks. The sound quality is noticeably better — clearer, with less distortion at high volumes and a wider soundstage. ANC is a brand-new addition that the originals didn't have at all. The heart rate monitoring is an entirely new feature that the originals couldn't match. The charging case is 33% smaller and now supports wireless charging.

The only area where the originals might be preferred is the ANC comparison doesn't apply (since the originals didn't have it), and some users may prefer the slightly larger, more substantial feel of the original earhooks. But in virtually every meaningful way, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a significant upgrade.

Pricing and Value

At $249.99 MSRP, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced in line with other premium true wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 also cost $249, the Sony WF-1000XM6 costs $329, and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 costs $229. Frequent sales have brought the Powerbeats Pro 2 down to as low as $179.95, which represents excellent value for what you're getting.

The value proposition depends heavily on how you'll use them. If you're a dedicated fitness enthusiast who needs earbuds that stay in your ears during intense workouts and wants heart rate tracking without wearing a watch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer unique value that no other earbud can match. If you're looking for a general-purpose pair of wireless earbuds for commuting, travel, and casual listening, the AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM6 offer better ANC and sound quality for the same or similar price.

The Verdict on Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are a targeted product that excels at its intended purpose. If you need fitness-focused earbuds with a secure fit, long battery life, and useful health tracking features, these are the best option available. The compromises in ANC performance and the bass-heavy sound signature are real, but they're also expected trade-offs for a product designed primarily for active use.

What makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 special is that they don't compromise on the basics. The sound quality is genuinely good for sports earbuds. The battery life is class-leading. The fit is outstanding. The platform support is excellent regardless of whether you use iOS or Android. And the heart rate monitoring, while not perfect, is a genuinely useful addition for fitness tracking that no other premium earbud currently offers.

If you're an athlete, a regular gym-goer, or someone who simply values earbuds that stay put during movement, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are an easy recommendation. Just know what you're giving up in ANC performance and overall sound refinement compared to the best general-purpose earbuds in this price range.