Debuting in 2008 as a game-changer in the wireless headphone industry, Beats has since turned into one of the kings of the everyman audio space. It makes sense that Apple took notice, acquiring the brand in 2014 and expanding the lineup to include true-wireless earbuds as well.
In 2019, Beats came out with their first true-wireless in-ear monitors, the Powerbeats Pro, which was an update on the regular Powerbeats but removed the connective wiring between the two buds. Today, the company has finally come out with a 2nd-gen version of the model with some key upgrades.
Beats Already Has Amazing Workout Earbuds
There are several workout headphones in the Beats lineup but in recent months, we’ve switched to the Beats Fit Pro, which ditches the hooks that go around the ears, seen in typical gym-friendly monitors, in favor of semi-helix hooks fitting inside your ears. They’re great for their customization, ability to wear with glasses, and, of course, audio quality. However, we would’ve loved for the resurgence of traditional workout buds instead. That’s where the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in.
What’s New?
Equipped with said ear hooks, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is 20% lighter than the 2019 model and fits into a more compact case that’s 33% smaller. The case also supports Qi wireless charging now but you can also power it up with a USB-C cable like usual. Oh yeah, you’ll also get both active noise cancellation and transparency modes, which the original didn’t have. While water resistance remains at IPX4, Beats has stated that the new re-engineered venting system is still designed to preclude moisture.
Battery life has also gone up to 10 hours of playback without ANC (8 hours with ANC). And with the case, you can extend your juice to a whopping 45 hours of playback without ANC (36 hours with ANC). Other features include personalized spatial audio, voice assistant commands thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, and Find My support. You can also choose between four colorways right now: Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange.
You’re New Workout Buddy
However, the most notable upgrade here is the inclusion of the heart rate monitoring, which can come in handy when jogging or working out. There are very few earbuds on the market with this feature (Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport True Wireless earbuds come to mind); Apple hasn’t even tried it yet with their AirPods line.
This is achieved here via LED optical sensors that pulse light over 100x per second in order to measure your blood flow, after which your data will get analyzed and delivered to whichever workout app you use, including Apple Health, Peloton, and Nike Run Club. If you’re worried about the readings interfering with those from your Apple Watch, Beats says that it will prioritize the latter. For iPhone users, the optical sensors automatically start and stop when you put the buds on and take them off. However, you’ll have to do this manually if you’re using an Android device.
Spec Sheet
Battery: 8 hours (ANC), 10 hours (normal)
Case Battery: 36 hours (ANC), 45 hours (normal)
Resistance: IPX4
ANC?: Yes
Other Features: Transparency, personalized spatial audio, voice assistant, and heart rate monitoring
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $250, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are available now. Head over to either Apple and Beats websites to learn more.
Recap
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats updates its Powerbeats Pro workout earbuds for the first time since 2019, adding ANC and heart rate monitoring.
