For fitness enthusiasts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling package. The improved fit, heart-rate monitoring, and ANC make them a worthy upgrade over their predecessor. However, their sound signature may not appeal to those looking for a more neutral audio experience, and the lack of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity is a missed opportunity.
At a price which flaots around INR 30,000, the Powerbeats Pro 2 compete directly with the AirPods Pro 2. While they offer better in-ear stability and longer battery life, they fall short in terms of ANC performance and overall sound balance. If you prioritise secure fit and workout-focused features, these may be the earbuds for you. But if sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, there are better options out there.
Beats has long been known for its bass-heavy sound signature and stylish designs, appealing to both casual listeners and fitness enthusiasts. The original Powerbeats Pro gained popularity among athletes and gym-goers, thanks to their secure fit and punchy audio. Now, after six years, Beats has released the Powerbeats Pro 2, bringing several key upgrades to the table. With a more compact design, active noise cancellation, and heart-rate monitoring, are these the ultimate workout earbuds? To find out, we put the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 through their paces over the past week. Here’s what we discovered.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Build and Design
The Powerbeats Pro 2 retain the signature ear-hook design that made the original a favourite among fitness enthusiasts. However, this time around, Beats has refined the ergonomics. The ear hooks are now 50% smaller and use a nickel-titanium alloy, making them both flexible and lightweight. In our testing, this led to a more comfortable fit over extended periods, with less pressure on the ears.
The earbuds themselves are 20% lighter, and the five included ear tip sizes ensure a snug seal for most users. That said, some testers at the Digit Test Centre found that achieving a perfect seal was tricky, impacting both noise cancellation and bass response. The new wireless charging case is also 33% smaller, making it more pocket-friendly than its predecessor, though still larger than most competitors’ cases.
The build quality is solid, with an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. While this should be fine for workouts, it’s worth noting that other fitness-focused earbuds, such as the Jaybird Vista 2, offer higher durability ratings. The physical controls remain a highlight, with a tactile volume rocker and a multifunction “b” button on each bud for easy playback control.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Features
For the first time, Beats has introduced active noise cancellation (ANC) in the Powerbeats lineup. During our testing, the ANC was effective at reducing ambient gym noise and city traffic, though it didn’t quite match the levels seen on the AirPods Pro 2. Transparency mode, however, worked well, offering a natural listening experience when awareness was needed.
A standout feature is the built-in heart-rate sensor, which uses optical LEDs to track your pulse. In our workouts, the readings were comparable to those of an Apple Watch, making this a useful addition for fitness tracking. However, if you already own an Apple Watch, its sensor takes precedence, meaning this feature may be redundant for some users.
Like other Apple-owned products, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are optimised for iOS, offering seamless pairing, Personalized Spatial Audio, and iCloud device switching. Android users can access most features via the Beats app, though they miss out on Apple-exclusive perks such as Audio Sharing and enhanced Find My functionality.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Performance
Beats has tweaked the sound profile of the Powerbeats Pro 2, but the overall signature remains bass-heavy. The mids and highs are clear, but some testers noticed a slight emphasis in the 1.3kHz range, making certain vocals sound overly forward. The bass response is strong, though it lacks the depth and nuance found in premium audiophile earbuds.
With ANC turned on, the soundstage felt slightly more immersive, but with it off, the earbuds sounded a bit thinner. In tracks like “Uptown Funk,” the bass thump was pronounced and energetic, making these a solid choice for gym playlists. However, those looking for a more balanced sound may find the tuning a bit aggressive.
Call quality was another highlight. The six-microphone setup, combined with Apple’s H2 chip, delivered clear voice pickup even in noisy environments. Our Zoom call tests showed good noise suppression, though some background sounds still seeped through in particularly loud settings.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Battery Life
Battery life has always been a strong suit for the Powerbeats lineup, and the Pro 2 is no exception. Beats claims up to 10 hours of continuous playback, and our tests largely confirmed this, with ANC on dropping the total to around eight hours. The case provides an additional 35 hours, bringing the total to a whopping 45 hours.
Wireless charging is a welcome addition, and Fast Fuel charging ensures that a five-minute top-up delivers around 90 minutes of playback. The shift to USB-C for wired charging is also appreciated.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Verdict
For fitness enthusiasts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling package. The improved fit, heart-rate monitoring, and ANC make them a worthy upgrade over their predecessor. However, their sound signature may not appeal to those looking for a more neutral audio experience, and the lack of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity is a missed opportunity.
At a price which flaots around INR 30,000, the Powerbeats Pro 2 compete directly with the AirPods Pro 2. While they offer better in-ear stability and longer battery life, they fall short in terms of ANC performance and overall sound balance. If you prioritise secure fit and workout-focused features, these may be the earbuds for you. But if sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, there are better options out there.
Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 Key Specs, Price and Launch Date
| Release Date: | 11 Feb, 2025 |
| Market Status: | Launched |
Key Specifications
Dimensions
4.5 x 4.1 x 2.4 cm
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Playback time
10 hours
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Satvik Pandey
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie. View Full Profile
