Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 At a Glance
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 brings ANC, a heart rate monitor, and better sound, making it great for workouts with its secure fit and long battery life (10 hrs + 45 hrs with case). The bass is punchy, but mids are slightly recessed, and upper mid-range gets a boost. Apple users get seamless integration, while Android users use the Beats app. ANC is good, Transparency mode is great, and call quality is solid.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is positioned as a premium true wireless earbud for fitness enthusiasts, building on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing ANC and an “updated” sound signature. With Beats now fully under Apple’s wing, expectations are high for seamless integration with iOS and improved audio quality.
Plus, this new Powerbeats Pro 2 comes with a heart rate monitor, aimed at sports and fitness enthusiasts. But does it deliver the premium audio experience expected at this price? Let’s find out.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Price & Availability
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at ₹29,990. It is available in four colorways—Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. You can buy them via Amazon, Apple e-store, or nearby retail stores.
Pros
- Secure fit with ear hooks, ideal for workouts
- Punchy bass and energetic sound signature
- Solid battery life
- Seamless integration with iOS and Apple ecosystem
- Good ANC and Transparency Mode
- Quick charging
Cons
- Bulky case
- Lower midrange is slightly recessed
- Lacks some features for Android users
- AAC/SBC only, no hi-res
- Tricky fit
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Sound
The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a dynamic sound signature, focusing on energy and excitement rather than neutrality. The bass is tight and controlled but still carries enough weight to make it satisfying for bass lovers. Unlike the overblown low-end of older Beats models, the sub-bass is present without drowning out the mids.
The mid-bass is punchy but doesn’t bleed excessively into the lower mids. However, with ANC turned on, the bass gets a slight boost, making it more engaging at the cost of even recessed mids and some channel imbalance. This means that depending on the mode you’re using, the bass will vary, which is something to keep in mind.
The midrange, while mostly balanced, isn’t perfect. There’s a slight recession but not many people would notice it, unless you’re listening to genres that rely on midrange clarity. Male vocals aren’t the best, while female vocals and high-pitched instruments sound great.
However, the treble here is where things get tricky. There’s some sharpness, which can get fatiguing at high volumes. While this tuning helps bring out detail and adds a sense of airiness, it also risks making sibilant sounds (like “s” and “t” sounds) harsh.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 only supports AAC and SBC, so there’s no high-resolution codec support like LDAC, LHDC, or aptX. While not a major issue if you’re using an iPhone, this can cause issues on Android devices where AAC isn’t always optimized.
Nonetheless, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is great for those who prefer an energetic, bassy sound for workouts or even casual listening. It’s definitely not aiming for audiophiles (there’s no EQ in the Beats app or even any presets).
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Design and Build
The Powerbeats Pro 2 stick to their signature ear hook design but with a major upgrade. The new hooks use a nickel-titanium alloy, making them more flexible and durable while staying over 50% smaller. Plus, they’re 20% lighter than the previous model.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds weigh 8.7g each, and the case weighs 69g. While they are 20% lighter than the previous model, they are still heavier than many truly wireless earbuds.
This weight comes from the secure-fit ear hook design, which prioritizes stability over a barely-there feel. If you’re used to lightweight earbuds, these might still feel bulky, especially for casual listening rather than workouts.
Fit is a big deal, and Beats improved the earbud shape for “better comfort” and stability. They’ve packed in five ear tip sizes (including extra-small and extra-large) to ensure a proper seal—crucial for both comfort and sound quality. The earbuds are also IPX4-rated, so sweat and splashes aren’t a problem.
The case, though smaller than before, is still on the bulky side. It’s solidly built and supports both USB-C and wireless charging. There’s also an LED indicator for battery status and a pairing button inside for quick setup.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have another issue – they’re not the easiest to get into my ears comfortably. It’s a minor discomfort, but still worth mentioning. On the plus side, the earbuds have an IPX4 splash-proof rating, so they can handle a bit of sweat or rain. The case, though? No IP rating.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: App
The Powerbeats Pro 2 work with both iOS and Android, though the experience is naturally more refined within Apple’s ecosystem.
On iOS, pairing is as simple as opening the case near your device, thanks to one-touch pairing and iCloud syncing. You get access to Find My, hands-free “Hey Siri”, and audio sharing with another pair of Beats or AirPods. The Beats app isn’t required, as all the settings are available within iOS itself.
For Android users, the Beats app unlocks key features like one-touch pairing, firmware updates, and customization options. You can also use Locate My Beats to find lost earbuds, though it’s not as deeply integrated as Apple’s Find My network.
Regardless of the platform, the app lets you adjust listening modes (ANC, Transparency, or Adaptive EQ) and customize controls, meaning you get the most out of your earbuds.
And if you’re wondering what you lose by pairing these with Android, the answer is mostly ecosystem features. Core functionalities like heart rate tracking and sound quality remain, but perks like Personalized Spatial Audio are Apple-exclusive.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Heart Rate Tracking
The Powerbeats Pro 2 take fitness tracking up a notch with built-in heart rate monitoring—something no other Beats earbuds have done before. Using optical sensors and a custom algorithm (borrowed from Apple Watch tech), they deliver accurate heart rate readings straight from your ears. No need for a chest strap.
On iOS, it’s seamless. Start a workout in a compatible app like Nike Run Club or Peloton, and the earbuds automatically track your heart rate. Data syncs with Apple Health, so you can check your stats later. Android users get the same feature, but setup requires pairing through a fitness app. Once connected, it works just as well.
In practice, it’s a solid addition but not quite a game-changer. The accuracy is impressive for in-ear tracking, and the integration with Apple Health (on iOS) and third-party fitness apps (on Android) works smoothly.
But there’s a catch: it only tracks during workouts. No passive monitoring means you can’t just glance at your heart rate throughout the day like you would with a smartwatch. Battery life isn’t impacted much by HR monitoring, since it only gets into action when starting a workout or doing some physical activity.
Heart rate monitoring on a pair of TWS is also a very, very niche feature. Most people serious about fitness probably already have an Apple Watch or something similar, making this feel more like an extra than a must-have. For those who don’t want a chest strap, it’s a nice bonus.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: ANC and Passive Isolation
The Powerbeats Pro 2 brings ANC or Active Noise Cancellation, a feature missing from its predecessor. While ANC works great, it’s not on par with top-tier noise-canceling earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM TW 4. It does a decent job of reducing background noise, particularly low-frequency sounds like engine hums or air conditioning, but it struggles with higher-frequency noises like voices.
These also come with a transparency mode, and it’s great—thanks to the wide array of microphones. It sounds slightly different at first, but you’ll quickly forget about it and get completely immersed in your surroundings.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is powered by the H2 chip, the same chip used in the AirPods Pro 2. However, when asked if the AirPod Pro’s hearing aid feature is coming to the Powerbeats Pro 2 or not, Apple swiftly denied.
Passive isolation is really good (varies with the ear tip size), thanks to the secure fit provided by the ear hooks and ear tips. This makes them better suited for workouts where some environmental awareness is needed rather than for complete noise isolation.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Playback Controls
The playback controls on the Powerbeats Pro 2 are exactly how they should be—physical, reliable, and easy to use. No finicky touch gestures, no accidental activations, just straightforward button presses.
Each earbud has a “b” button that handles all the basics: single press for play/pause, double press to skip forward, triple press to go back, and a long press to switch between ANC and Transparency mode (or customize it). Then there’s the volume rocker on top of each earbud, making it super convenient to adjust levels without reaching for your phone.
This setup is great for workouts. Unlike touch controls that can misfire with sweat or accidental brushes, these buttons give instant feedback. Plus, having full controls on both earbuds means you can use either side solo—handy for calls or if you just want one bud in.
The downside is that the buttons require a bit more pressure, which some might find less comfortable compared to the effortless taps on other earbuds. Also, while “Hey Siri” hands-free support is great for iPhone users, Android users miss out on the same seamless experience—you’ll need to trigger Google Assistant manually.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Microphones and Calling
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 features three microphones on each earbud, totaling to six microphones. Microphone performance on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is great. Voices sound clear in quiet environments, and even in noisy settings, background noise cancellation is strong. These mics are more than just good enough for casual use.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: Battery and Charging
Battery life remains a strong point for the Powerbeats Pro 2, delivering around 10 hours of continuous playback with ANC off and roughly 8 hours with ANC on. The case provides an additional 35 hours (or 28 with ANC on) of battery life, bringing the total listening time to around 45 hours (or 36 with ANC on) , which is impressive for true wireless earbuds.
However, the charging case itself is still bulky, similar to its predecessor. While it provides excellent battery backup, it’s not the most pocket-friendly option, especially when compared to the AirPods Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro cases.
For charging, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is dependable, with a quick 5-minute charge giving you about 1.5 hours of playback in the Adaptive EQ mode, making them convenient for on-the-go use. If you are wondering about a full charge, then the Powerbeats Pro 2 will take about 2 hours to go from 0% to 100%. And yes, there is also support for Qi wireless charging, which is a welcome addition.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for fitness-focused earbuds with solid battery life and a secure fit. The sound signature is engaging, with strong bass and bright treble (in ANC mode), but it may not be for those seeking a balanced or neutral sound.
If you’re an iOS user, the integration with Apple’s ecosystem makes them an even more compelling option. If you’re looking for alternatives, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport comes close with heart rate tracking and then the AirPods Pro 2 and the Nothing Ear 2024.
Smartprix ⭐ Rating: 8.2/10
- Sound: 8.5/10
- Design and Comfort: 7.5/10
- Connectivity: 9/10
- App: 7.5/10
- Playback Controls: 8.5/10
- Calling: 8/10
- Battery and Charging: 8.5/10
First reviewed in February 2025.
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