February 13, 2025, 9:06 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the latest generation of the popular sports headphones from Beats and Apple. They offer an improved fit, a more compact design, and, for the first time, integrated heart rate measurement. TECHBOOK summarizes the most important details.
With the Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats is once again focusing on wireless sports headphones with earbuds – a proven design that ensures a secure fit. The second generation comes with a number of improvements: They are 20 percent lighter and more compact, have an upgraded sound, and offer integrated heart rate monitoring for the first time. Another highlight is the battery life of up to 45 hours with the charging case. They are also protected against sweat and water (IPX4) and can be easily operated even with wet fingers, thanks to physical buttons. This makes them an exciting alternative to classic in-ear headphones, especially for athletes.
What Can Powerbeats Pro 2 Do?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are particularly suitable for sports enthusiasts due to their functionality and fit. They also offer high sound quality and intuitive sensor technology. The biggest innovation, however, is the optical heart rate measurement, which collects data in real time during training.
The headphones are also lighter and more compact than the previous generation without giving up the tried-and-tested ear hook. Beats and Apple, which took over the company in 2014, rely on improved microphones for more precise speech recognition and noise suppression, complemented by personalized 3D audio with dynamic head tracking.
Technical Data:
- Heart rate measurement: Optical sensors with real-time tracking
- Weight: 8.7 g per earbud, 69 g charging case
- Dimensions: Earphones: 4.5 x 4.1 x 2.4 cm | Charging case: 7.5 x 6.6 x 3.4 cm
- Battery: 10 hours playback time, 45 hours with charging case
- Quick charge: 5 minutes charging for 1.5 hours of music
- Sound: Adaptive noise cancellation, transparency mode, Dolby Atmos
- Water resistance: IPX4 (sweat and splash protection)
- Controls: Physical buttons for volume and multifunction
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Apple H2 chip
Who the Powerbeats Pro 2 Are Suitable for
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are specially designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The integrated heart rate measurement makes them a useful addition to workouts, especially for users without a smartwatch such as the Apple Watch. The tight fit and robust design ensure that the headphones are also suitable for intensive sports such as running, cycling, or strength training.
Apple users also benefit from the deep integration into the iOS ecosystem. Anyone who also values a long battery life, high-quality sound, and reliable noise suppression should consider the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Models and Variants
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in different colors, including black, white, blue, and red. However, there are no other variants or special models apart from the five ear tips supplied (XS, S, M, L, XL).
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Powerbeats Pro 2
Advantages:
- Heart rate measurement for workouts
- Secure fit thanks to ear hook
- Long battery life (up to 45 hours with case)
- Very good noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Improved sound quality with Dolby Atmos
- Water protection according to IPX4
Disadvantages:
- High price
- No USB-C cable included in the scope of delivery
- Heart rate measurement does not work in parallel with the Apple Watch
- No aptX or high-resolution audio codecs for Android
- Charging case could be smaller
Customer Reviews
The first customer reviews of the Powerbeats Pro 2 are predominantly positive. The improved fit, long battery life, and stable connection are particularly praised. It is emphasized several times that the heart rate measurement works precisely and is a useful addition to workouts.
However, the high price and the lack of parallel use of heart rate measurement with an Apple Watch are criticized. Android users also report that the functions are limited without the Beats app.
Comparison with Other Products
Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a more secure fit and longer battery life but no MagSafe charging. Compared to the Bose Sport Earbuds, they have better noise cancellation and longer battery life but less powerful bass. Sony WF-1000XM5 offer superior active noise cancellation but are less suitable for intensive sports.
Ease of Repair
Apple relies on a closed design, which makes repairs more difficult. The battery is not replaceable, and the heart rate sensors are not modular. Defective devices usually have to be completely replaced.
Accessories
- Beats charging case – included in the scope of delivery
- Replacement ear tips (XS-XL) – for individual fit
- USB-C cable (sold separately) – for wired charging
- AppleCare+ – optional warranty extension
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FAQs About the Powerbeats Pro 2
- Does the heart rate measurement work with Android?
Yes, but only via the Beats app, which must be installed separately. - Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 suitable for swimming?
No, they are only protected against splashing water and sweat (IPX4). - Can I use the heart rate measurement with an Apple Watch?
No, the iPhone prioritizes the measurement of the Apple Watch. - Do the headphones support aptX for better audio quality?
No, they use Apple’s AAC codec. - How long does a full charge take?
Approx. 2 hours for the case and headphones.