The Beats go on: 5 things we love about the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
Six years on from the release of the originals, the second generation of Beats’ workout wonders, the Powerbeats Pro 2, has landed, and these earbuds don’t disappoint.
For many – including us – music is the most essential part of any workout or sports training. A well-chosen playlist can provide a psychological boost to get you through the hard yards.
In the never-ending quest to nail the right ear gear for the active, the arrival of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is a boon. We got our hands on a pair, and these are the five things we love about them the most.
1. We can’t open the review without mentioning the heart rate monitor. "How does it work and why is that important?" we hear you shout at the page…
Well, the earbuds use LED optical sensors to track your heartbeat. This will seamlessly integrate into your fitness app of choice. Hit heart tracking in the app’s settings, and away you go. Tracking stops once you finish the exercise.
If you don’t have a smartwatch or chest tracker, don’t sweat – you’ve got one in your ears!
2. The fit is a huge selling point. These earbuds come with five different-sized ear tips to ensure that you'll get a snug and significantly comfortable fit no matter the anatomical leanings of your lugs.
A tight seal is the key to accurate heart rate monitoring and optimum audio representation. Once fitted, the ear hooks ensure they stay in place. After soccer training and a hectic gym cardio, the earbuds didn’t budge.
3. Generic gym EDM music is the bane of all attendees’ existence. However, active noise cancellation (ANC) is the answer, and top-drawer ANC is served up here.
Pushing either ‘b’ button on the earbuds accesses ANC and transparency mode – particularly handy for running when you need to keep your wits about you.
Volume controls are mapped to a rocker cited on the rear of the right earbud. Tangible controls are far more convenient in earbuds designed for workouts, especially in the gym with sweating hands. The controls can be customised within the app.
4. Battery life, the eternal struggle of anyone using an electronic device, is at the forefront of every purchasing decision. Here, size does matter, and there’s plenty of charge on hand.
Expect up to ten hours from a single charge with an additional 45 hours in the case. That’s over two days’ worth of battery life. A ‘fast fuel’ charge option will pump an hour of play into the earbuds with only a five-minute charging cycle.
5. Finally, if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem like us, you’ll love how effortlessly the Powerbeats Pro 2 pair up.
The powerful H2 chip gives you hands-free Siri, instant switching between your Apple devices after pairing for the first time, and zero lag between audio and video.
The inclusion of personalised spatial audio is the icing on the cake. It delivers custom 3D sound immersion with head tracking for your ears, taking your workout playlist – and even watching movies – to new audio heights. The sound on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is truly exceptional.
Final verdict? File under certified banger
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are an excellent upgrade. With heart rate tracking, noise cancellation, incredible battery life and sound, plus a rock-solid fit, they’re the perfect workout (and life) companion.
Whether you’re a gym bunny, runner, a baller, or just someone who appreciates quality ear gear for the morning commute, these are the real deal.
Please note: This review was conducted exclusively in an Apple ecosystem, however the Powerbeats Pro 2 are fully compatible with Android devices.
Colours: Electric Orange, Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple | True wireless earbuds: Yes | Battery life: up to 10hrs earbuds , 45hrs case | ANC: Yes | IP rating: IPX4 | Multipoint pairing: Yes | Charge port: USB-C | Ear tips: Five sizes from XS to XL
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
