Review: Are Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds worth it?

Table of Contents

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 first hit store shelves six months ago. As expected, the wireless earbuds became a top seller that garnered high praise for their sporty performance across numerous verticals (e.g., durability, fit, sound). The buds were also criticized for a few glaring flaws. 

I shared many of the same positives and negatives as my industry peers upon the Powerbeats Pro 2’s debut. Half a year later and I’m still testing them to determine any significant changes, good or bad.

Read my updated take on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 to see why they’re still on balance the best earbuds for working out in 2025.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds specs and setup

The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a robust spec sheet. 

One of their biggest selling points is compatibility. The H2 processor makes pairing instantaneous with all Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Macs/MacBook, and Apple TV. It also grants access to iOS perks like automatic switching, audio sharing, announced messages with Siri, Ear Tip Fit Test, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and much more. This time around, Beats added Android optimization for seamless connectivity with Google-operated devices. Android users have platform-restricted features (e.g., Fast Pair and Find My Device) at their disposal. Another addition is multipoint technology to pair the buds with two devices simultaneously. 

Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a dedicated section in the iOS Settings menu to enable features, while Android users can download the Beats app to personalize the buds. (And like the new AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats offer heart-rate monitoring and fitness-forward features.)

Beats retained its physical control scheme. Each bud has a multifunctional button and volume rockers. All buttons produce solid tactility that ensures users their intended commands will be met. “Hey Siri” lets you fire up voice commands without manually enabling the feature on Apple devices. The buds also support Google Assistant. So, whether you're on team iOS or Android, voice assistance works flawlessly. 

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do right

The Powerbeats Pro 2 perfect wireless audio athleticism. It starts with the signature ear hooks. These are ideal for all workouts, especially running. I always use them when jogging fast-paced on the streets and treadmill. They wrap gently around the ear and lock on for a secure and stable fit that never slips out. The variety of ear tips accommodates listeners of all ear sizes. IPX4 certification protects the buds from excessive sweat and water splashing, and the plastic frame is built to survive hard falls on the concrete. 

New health features increase the Powerbeats Pro 2’s value. There is built-in heart rate monitoring (HRM) that records heart rate data and shares it across different fitness programs (e.g., Apple Health, Nike Run Club, Peloton). Are the results as accurate as the Apple Watch? No. Is the feature a viable way to gauge fitness goals when your smartwatch isn’t available? Yes. 

Sound is the driving force behind every pair of workout earbuds, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 nails it. Beats tweaked its soundstage to deliver a more well-rounded listening experience. Bass remains at the sonic forefront. It is impactful and vibrant with minimal distortion at high volume. Despite the midrange being overemphasized, it is clear enough to enjoy vocals. Highs are crisp and detailed as well. Most workout tracks produce energetic mixes that can fuel any marathon run. Personalized Spatial Audio increases the acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content. Precise headtracking makes Apple Music songs convincingly immersive. 

Battery life has been increased by an hour, now totaling 10 hours per charge. ANC use brings it down to 8 hours. That’s more playtime than any true wireless AirPods model. The same goes for other luxury alternatives. Beats’ charging case now supports Qi-enabled wireless charging and holds up to 45 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is also stronger: a 5-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of listening time.

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do wrong

Let’s discuss the redesign. It is more ergonomic and gentler on the ear (the previous model was a painful wear after several hours). However, the Powerbeats Pro 2 look less appealing than the OG, which had a sporty and sophisticated appearance. The charging case shrunk by about 33 percent, but it is still larger than most charging cases.

I don’t know what happened with the noise cancellation on these buds. The advertisements make it seem as if the technology is twice as powerful as before. It isn’t. Models like the AirPods Pro 2 and the sibling Fit Pro have superior ANC that neutralizes loud conversations and mid-frequencies at a high level. The absence of Apple’s newest listening modes – Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Hearing Health – doesn’t help either.

Yes, with some of the usual caveats. 

They are an improvement over their predecessor, and Mashable named them the best earbuds for working out for their secure fit, easy connectivity, and fitness-forward features. Audio quality, connectivity, and special features all receive necessary boosts. The uptick in battery life is appreciated. Nifty extras like HRM also demonstrate Beats’ commitment to making the Powerbeats Pro 2 a premium release that avid exercisers will appreciate.

At the same time, they lack the AirPods Pro 2’s prime listening modes and resilient ANC, and if you already have a pair of Beats sports earbuds, I don't know if they justify an instant upgrade. The updated design doesn’t look as good as the original Powerbeats Pro. Then there’s the MSRP ($249), which is the same as the first-gen model and is still pretty steep for today’s consumer market — a market that has plenty of cheap wireless earbuds. 

The decision comes down to affordability. If splurging isn’t an issue, then the Powerbeats Pro 2 are 100 percent worth the investment. Otherwise, you can spend nearly $100 less on the equally great Fit Pro and enjoy many of the same perks.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 can be purchased for $249.99 directly from the Apple website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds review: By the numbers

Finally, let's break down the specs:

• Type: Hook-style sports earbuds

• Processor: Apple H2 chip

• Battery life: 10 hours (45 hours with case)

• Fast charging: 5 minutes provides 1.5 hours

• Ear-tip sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

• Colors: Jet Black, Quicksand, Electric Orange, Hyper Purple

• Noise cancellation: ANC

• Spatial Audio: Yes

• Water resistance: IPX4-rated

• Weight: 8.7 grams (earbuds), 77.7 grams (earbuds + case)