Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Apple’s First Earbuds with Heart-Rate Tracking

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($250) introduces a major redesign with enhanced features, including heart-rate tracking, active noise cancellation (ANC), and Apple’s H2 chip. Built for fitness enthusiasts, these wireless earbuds offer improved comfort, durability, and sound quality—all while maintaining the price of their predecessors.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Key Features

• Heart-rate tracking integrated into both earbuds
• Apple H2 chip for better performance and connectivity
• Active noise cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
• Compact design with a 20% weight reduction
• IPX4 water resistance for workouts
• 10-hour battery life (8 hours with ANC)
• Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ support

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Design

Beats refined the over-ear hook design by using nickel-titanium alloy wiring, making it 50% smaller for improved comfort, especially for those wearing glasses or hats. The earbuds are 20% lighter, with a new shape for better fit and seal.

Charging Case

• 33% smaller than the original model
• Supports wireless charging and USB-C wired charging
• Built-in pairing button inside the case

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Heart-Rate Tracking

Powerbeats Pro 2 is Apple’s first earbuds with heart-rate sensors, similar to those found in the Apple Watch. Positioned behind the ear tip, the sensor takes readings every five seconds using:

• Green LED light to detect blood flow
• Photodiode and optical lens for accuracy
• Accelerometer to adjust for movement

Compatibility

• iOS: Limited support at launch, works with apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Runna but not Apple Fitness.
• Android: Fully compatible with most fitness apps, though manual activation is required.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Software and Features

Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 includes features found in AirPods Pro 2, such as:

For iOS Users:

• Quick pairing and iCloud sync across Apple devices
• Audio Sharing with Beats or AirPods
• Personalized Spatial Audio for immersive sound
• Find My integration
• Hands-free Siri support

For Android Users:

• Requires the Beats app
• One-touch pairing and device tracking
• Manual ANC and heart-rate monitoring controls

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Sound Quality

Beats redesigned the acoustic architecture with:

• New dual-layer transducer for enhanced clarity
• Updated amplifier and venting system
• Balanced bass without overpowering mids and highs

Genres like hip-hop, rock, and electronic benefit from deep bass and crisp details, making the earbuds ideal for workouts.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance

While Beats claims the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers the best ANC in a Beats product, real-world performance is average. It reduces background noise but struggles with voices and sudden sounds. Transparency mode is useful for calls, though slightly less clear than AirPods Pro 2.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Call Quality

Powerbeats Pro 2 leverages Apple’s Voice Isolation for clearer calls. The microphone and accelerometer system filters out background noise effectively, making these earbuds suitable for both casual and professional calls.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Battery Life

• Up to 10 hours per charge (8 hours with ANC on)
• Fast charging: 5-minute charge = 1 hour of playback
• No impact on battery life from heart-rate tracking

Competitor Comparison

For those seeking heart-rate tracking earbuds, alternatives include:

Sennheiser Momentum Sport ($330)

• Pros: Accurate heart-rate tracking, body temperature monitoring, strong bass
• Cons: Pricier than Powerbeats Pro 2, weaker ANC

Conclusion

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is a significant upgrade, combining Apple’s H2 chip, heart-rate tracking, and ANC into a fitness-friendly design. While iOS users face app limitations at launch, and ANC is not the strongest, the secure fit, audio performance, and battery life make it a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts.