Beats has officially launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, the much-anticipated successor to its fitness-focused wireless earbuds. These new earbuds come with a host of improvements, including heart rate monitoring, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a sleeker and lighter design, and extended battery life.
Design and durability
The Powerbeats Pro 2 retains the signature ear-hook design but has been refined with a new nickel-titanium alloy frame, making them 20% lighter than their predecessors. The updated ear hooks offer enhanced flexibility and shape memory for a more secure fit, ensuring they stay in place even during intense workouts. The earbuds also maintain an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating, making them a reliable option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Heart rate monitoring for fitness tracking
For the first time, Beats has introduced heart rate monitoring in its earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses LED optical sensors that scan over 100 times per second to measure blood flow, providing accurate heart rate tracking. This data integrates seamlessly with Apple Health and third-party fitness apps like Nike Run Club and Peloton. iOS users benefit from automatic heart rate detection, while Android users can activate it manually through the Beats app.
Enhanced audio with ANC and Spatial Audio
Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the same chipset found in the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers significant audio improvements. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks external noise, while Transparency Mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings. The earbuds also feature Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience.
Battery life and charging
The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers an impressive battery life, offering up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and up to 45 hours with the charging case. The case itself has been redesigned, now 33% smaller than its predecessor, and supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging. Additionally, a five-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to 1.5 hours of playback.
Seamless Apple integration
As an Apple-owned brand, Beats ensures that the Powerbeats Pro 2 seamlessly integrates with iOS devices. Features include hands-free “Hey Siri” support, audio sharing, Find My integration, and Adaptive EQ for personalized sound tuning. While Android users can access some features via the Beats app, they miss out on native integrations like Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support.
Pricing and availability
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at $249 in the U.S. and are available in four colors: Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. Pre-orders are live, with official availability starting February 13 through Apple’s website and select retailers.
