If sneakers and ice chests can have subtle cosmetic changes and call it a collaboration, then why can’t earbuds? Today, Beats announced a partnership with Nike for a new special-edition of its Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. A brand that knows a thing or two (or three or four) about collabs, Nike is a fitting choice for the audio staple’s first-ever co-branded product. And while it’s merely a color swap with a Swoosh on the side, these headphones have more than enough to make a statement when you wear them.
A Long Time Coming
Beats and Nike share more DNA than most people realize. Going back to the brand’s origins in 2006, Beats was practically born in the locker room, built around athletes and the culture surrounding them. Meanwhile, Nike has spent decades defining what it means to outfit the modern athlete, from the track to the street, and literally everywhere in between. That the two never officially shared product real estate until now is actually kind of surprising.
The original Powerbeats Pro dropped in 2019 as Beats’ first fully wireless ear-hook earbuds, engineered specifically for athletes who wanted AirPods-level convenience without the risk of losing an earbud mid-sprint. The sequel, announced a year ago, upgraded everything, adding Apple’s renowned H2 chip, active noise cancellation, and for the first time in a Beats product, built-in optical heart rate monitoring. It was a long six years between generations, but the Pro 2 arrived as the most fully realized version of the product yet, and one of the finest workout buds in the game.
What Makes This One Different
The Nike Special Edition doesn’t deviate from the core hardware, as to be expected. The Powerbeats Pro 2 themselves are already well-specced for what they are, with 10 hours of playback per bud (45 total with the case), Adaptive ANC, IPX4 sweat resistance, and nickel-titanium earhooks that are 50% slimmer than the previous generation. The H2 chip provides you with lossless audio and Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity, and the heart rate sensor integrates directly with the Nike Run Club app.
The real differentiator is the aesthetic treatment. Both buds arrive in a striking Volt yellow with matte black accents, the Beats “b” logo on the left, and Nike’s Swoosh on the right. The case, meanwhile does the opposite, with black that’s been bespeckled in a Volt yellow splatter pattern and Nike’s “Just Do It” tagline stamped inside the lid.
Spec Sheet
Model: Powerbeats Pro 2, Nike Special Edition
Chip: Apple H2
Battery: Up to 10 hrs/bud (ANC off); 45 hrs total with case
Fast Charge: 5 min for 1.5 hrs playback
Charging: USB-C + wireless Qi (case)
ANC: Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling + Transparency Mode
Heart Rate: Optical sensor; syncs with Nike Run Club & Apple Health
Drivers: Dual-layer transducer
Fit: Nickel-titanium earhooks; 5 ear tip sizes (XS-XL); IPX4
Connectivity: Bluetooth Class 1; Audio Sharing; Find My
Colors: Matte Black / Volt
Price: $250
Edition: Limited
Pricing & Availability
Nike x Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 goes on sale March 20 at Nike.com, Apple.com, and select Apple Store locations, priced at $250. An early-access lottery launched today, March 17, exclusively on Nike’s SNKRS app for those who want first crack at them.
Recap
Nike x Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds
Beats and Nike finally teamed up on a special edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2, swapping in a matte black and Volt colorway with a Swoosh on one bud and the classic “b” on the other. Same great hardware underneath, just a sharper look for athletes and gym rats.
