Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones, now featuring the advanced Apple H2 chip, enhance audio quality and active noise cancellation while incorporating heart rate monitoring. Designed for athletes, they offer a lightweight, ergonomic fit with a compact charging case and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Notable features include Spatial Audio, stable Bluetooth connectivity, and reliable heart rate tracking. While comfort may be slightly compromised, their performance makes them an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts and music lovers.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: An Overview of Features
Beats by Dre, now a part of Apple, is making a notable resurgence in the audio market. Following the success of the Beats Pill (2024), the brand has revamped its over-ear sports headphones with the introduction of the Powerbeats Pro 2, a successor to the original Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019.
These headphones come equipped with the advanced Apple H2 chip, which enhances active noise cancellation and improves voice call quality. Notably, they also incorporate a heart rate monitoring system inspired by the technology found in the Apple Watch. Are these headphones the perfect companion for fitness enthusiasts? Let’s delve into their features and audio performance.
Technical Specifications and Ergonomic Design
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with athletes in mind, featuring an ergonomic and functional layout. Each earbud is crafted with flexible ear contours made from nickel-titanium alloy, which ensures both comfort and stability during workouts. Weighing 20% less than their predecessor, these earbuds are lightweight, allowing for unrestricted movement. However, users may experience some pressure in the ear canal due to the integrated stabilization system, a trade-off compared to completely open models from competitors.
Included in the box are five different ear tips to help users find the ideal fit, although positioning them correctly can be tricky and may affect bass performance. The charging case, now 33% smaller than the previous version, supports Qi-compatible wireless charging and comes with a USB-C port for wired charging—an upgrade from its predecessor that used a Lightning connector. Additionally, a pairing button makes it easier for Android users to connect, while iOS/macOS users benefit from automatic pairing. The intuitive control buttons enhance the user experience, allowing for seamless management of music and calls.
With a focus on performance and stability, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a solid choice for those prioritizing functionality over comfort and bulk.
Seamless Apple Integration and Heart Rate Monitoring
Control buttons on each earbud provide an effortless way to manage playback and calls. Users can easily play, pause, adjust volume, and skip tracks with simple button presses. Invoking Siri is also a breeze, thanks to the voice activation feature.
When used within the Apple ecosystem, these earbuds offer an incredibly smooth experience akin to that of AirPods. As soon as the earbuds are in proximity to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, users receive an automatic connection prompt, making it easy to switch between devices with a simple tap or click. Notifications for SMS and emails are also conveniently read through the earbuds.
One standout feature is Spatial Audio, which aims to deliver a three-dimensional sound experience. When paired with Apple Music and its Dolby Atmos files, users can enjoy an immersive audio journey. However, with other music services that provide only stereo sound, the experience may be less impactful. Spatial Audio can be deactivated, and head tracking technology allows sound to adapt based on the listener’s head movements, enhancing immersion.
Despite the limitations of audio codecs to SBC and AAC, most users will find the sound quality satisfactory for everyday listening. The Bluetooth connection remains stable, even in challenging environments, and audio latency is minimal during gaming sessions.
Heart Rate Accuracy and Additional Features
One of the standout features of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is their impressive heart rate measurement system. Utilizing optical sensors integrated into each earbud, they employ photoplethysmography to track heart rate accurately. Users can easily broadcast their heart rate to compatible devices, such as sports watches or fitness apps, by simply pressing and holding the main button on the earbud.
In our testing, the Powerbeats Pro 2 demonstrated reliable heart rate tracking, closely mirroring readings from a reference heart rate monitor. While occasional overestimations occurred during intense intervals, overall performance remained commendable. This makes them a viable option for fitness enthusiasts seeking to monitor their heart rate while exercising.
Conclusion: A Balanced Performer for Fitness Lovers
In summary, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a compelling combination of design, functionality, and audio quality. While they might require some compromises in comfort, their performance and features—especially for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem—make them a noteworthy choice for athletes and music lovers alike.