A Premium Workout Experience with ANC, Heart Rate Tracking & Long Battery Life
Beats has finally launched the Powerbeats Pro 2 after six long years. The new earbuds come packed with features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), heart rate monitoring, and seamless Apple integration.
But do they justify their ₹29,900 price tag? Let’s find out.
Secure Fit and Comfortable Design
If you struggle to keep earbuds in place during workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is a great solution. The over-ear hook design keeps them secure, whether you’re running or lifting weights. However, wearing them for long hours might cause slight discomfort due to pressure from the hooks.
To ensure a perfect fit, Beats provides five sizes of silicone ear tips. You can also take an ear tip fit test on iOS or the Beats app for Android. Once fitted properly, the earbuds block out external noise effectively.
The charging case is smaller than its predecessor but still larger than most wireless earbud cases. While it fits in pockets, it’s not the most compact option.
With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds resist sweat and light splashes. However, they are not waterproof, so avoid using them in heavy rain or while swimming.
Seamless Connectivity and Apple Integration
Pairing the Powerbeats Pro 2 is easy. Just open the lid, and they appear on your phone instantly. Thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, iPhone users get features like one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, automatic switching, and Find My support.
Android users can still use these earbuds, but features like Audio Sharing and seamless switching remain exclusive to Apple devices. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC and AAC codecs. However, high-resolution Bluetooth codecs are missing, which may disappoint Android users. Also, there is no Bluetooth Multipoint, meaning you can’t connect them to multiple devices simultaneously outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Heart Rate Monitoring: A Unique Addition
One standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart rate monitoring. The earbuds use optical sensors that pulse a green LED light over 100 times per second to measure heart rate. This is the same technology found in the Apple Watch, making it a useful addition for fitness tracking. However, heart rate monitoring only works during workouts and does not provide continuous tracking throughout the day.
Impressive Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers strong noise cancellation, reducing background noise significantly. Whether you’re working out or commuting, the ANC helps create an immersive audio experience. While some loud noises may still seep through, playing music helps drown them out.
For those who prefer awareness of their surroundings, Transparency Mode is a useful feature. It allows ambient sounds to pass through naturally, making conversations and outdoor activities easier.
Call Quality and Smart Controls
Thanks to beamforming microphones and Apple’s H2 chip, call quality is excellent. The earbuds block out background noise effectively, ensuring clear voice calls in noisy environments.
Touch controls make it easy to manage playback, calls, and voice assistants. The in-ear detection sensor automatically pauses audio when you remove an earbud and resumes playback when you put it back. However, the lack of a customizable equalizer means you’re limited to Apple’s Adaptive EQ, which adjusts sound based on fit.
Sound Quality: Tuned for Workouts
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a bass-heavy and energetic sound profile, perfect for workouts. While the bass and treble are emphasized, audiophiles might find the sound lacking in upper treble details. However, most athletes and runners will appreciate the punchy audio that keeps them motivated.
On iOS, the earbuds support spatial audio features, including Dolby Atmos playback and head-tracked audio. Unfortunately, there is no manual equalizer for fine-tuning the sound.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance
With ANC off, the Powerbeats Pro 2 provides up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case. The earbuds themselves last around 8–9 hours with ANC enabled, making them suitable for long workouts and calls.
Charging is quick. A 5-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback. The case supports wireless charging on Qi pads, and wired charging takes a little over an hour to fully charge.
Should You Buy the Powerbeats Pro 2?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts. It offers a secure fit, great noise cancellation, and heart rate monitoring. The long battery life and Apple ecosystem perks make it even more appealing for iPhone users.
However, the high price of ₹29,900 may be a dealbreaker for some. Android users might also miss out on certain Apple-exclusive features. If you’re looking for premium workout earbuds with top-notch features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is hard to beat.
