The Powerbeats Pro 2 is here, and it’s easily one of the most impressive wireless earbuds in the market. Beats by Dre has taken its signature fitness-oriented design and packed it with industry-leading noise cancellation, spatial audio, and heart rate monitoring, making it the perfect companion for both workouts and travel. After spending some time with them, I can confidently say that these are Beats’ most refined and advanced earbuds yet.
See also: The ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide: Because they deserve the best
Design & fit: Lighter, more comfortable, and built for stability
One of the biggest complaints about workout earbuds is that they don’t always stay put. Beats has addressed this with a redesigned earhook that’s now 20% lighter than the previous Powerbeats Pro, while still providing a secure, comfortable fit. The hooks are now reinforced with a nickel-titanium alloy, offering flexibility and grip without discomfort.
ADVERTISEMENT |
What makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out is the attention to ergonomics. With five ear tip sizes (including an extra-small and extra-large option), you’re guaranteed a snug fit, ensuring optimal noise isolation and audio performance. Plus, with an IPX4 rating, they can handle sweat and rain, making them ideal for intense workouts.
Sound quality: Deep bass, crisp highs, and personalized spatial audio
Beats has always been known for its powerful bass, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 doesn’t disappoint. The custom-designed acoustics deliver a well-balanced sound with deep lows, rich mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re blasting hip-hop at the gym or listening to a podcast on your commute, the sound remains clear and immersive.
But what really sets these earbuds apart is the inclusion of Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature makes a huge difference when watching movies or listening to Dolby Atmos-supported music—it genuinely feels like the sound is coming from all around you.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Noise cancellation & transparency mode: Perfect for travel
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is next-level good. Whether you’re in a noisy gym or on a plane, the ANC adapts to your environment, continuously adjusting up to 200 times per second to block out unwanted noise. During a recent flight, I was amazed at how well these earbuds eliminated background noise, making for a truly immersive listening experience. No more airplane engine noises…or crying babies.
If you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets in external sounds naturally, which is great for outdoor runs or conversations without taking out the earbuds.
Heart rate monitoring: A fitness first for beats
One of the most innovative additions to the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart rate monitor—a first for any Beats product. The LED optical sensors track heart rate in real-time and sync seamlessly with fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Apple Health.
ADVERTISEMENT |
For fitness enthusiasts, this is a game-changer. You no longer need to wear a separate heart rate strap or smartwatch—just pop in the Powerbeats Pro 2, start your workout, and get real-time heart rate tracking.
Call quality & connectivity: Crystal-clear voice isolation
Phone calls and voice commands are significantly improved with advanced digital microphones and a voice accelerometer. The Voice Isolation feature uses computational audio to filter out background noise, making your voice crystal clear even in noisy environments.
These earbuds also feature Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring a strong, stable connection with one-touch pairing for Apple devices. For Android users, the Beats app allows for customizable controls, battery widgets, and firmware updates.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Battery life & charging: Long-lasting and wireless convenience
Battery life is where the Powerbeats Pro 2 truly shines. With up to 10 hours per earbud and an additional 35 hours from the case, you get a total of 45 hours of playback time.
A standout feature is Fast Fuel charging—just 5 minutes of charge gives you 90 minutes of playback, making sure you never run out of power. Plus, for the first time in Beats history, the case now supports Qi wireless charging, offering a 33% smaller design compared to the previous model.
Final verdict: Worth the upgrade?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is a significant leap forward for Beats, combining elite fitness performance with cutting-edge audio technology. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who values premium sound and noise cancellation, these earbuds check all the boxes.
With industry-leading ANC, Spatial Audio, and a built-in heart rate monitor, Beats has truly delivered an all-in-one powerhouse. At $349.95 CAD ($249 USD), they’re a premium option, but if you want the best wireless earbuds for workouts and travel, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is worth every penny. Gents Approved.
ADVERTISEMENT |