The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have arrived, promising a significant upgrade over their predecessor. This review delves into the key improvements, examining the redesigned earbuds and charging case, the enhanced audio experience, and the expanded feature set. We'll explore the comfort and fit of the new, smaller design, assessing its performance during workouts. Sound quality, including bass response, clarity, and noise cancellation, will be meticulously evaluated and compared to competitors, particularly the AirPods Pro 2.Beyond sound, we'll analyze the Powerbeats Pro 2's battery life, its integration with Apple's ecosystem (including the H2 chip's features), and its compatibility with Android devices. We'll also discuss the unique inclusion of a built-in heart rate sensor and assess its practical applications. Ultimately, this review aims to determine whether the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling alternative to the AirPods Pro 2, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which earbuds best suit your needs and priorities.
Pros And Cons
- Improved ergonomic shape and acoustic housing
- 50% smaller ear hook with nickel titanium alloy (flexible and durable)
- Comfortable fit for most users
- Physical buttons for playback and volume control
- IPX4 splashproof and sweat-resistant
- 25% smaller case with wireless charging
- Up to 10 hours battery life (noise cancelling off), 8 hours (noise cancelling on) + 3.5 charges in the case
- Apple H2 chip
- Built-in heart rate sensor in each earbud
- Good call quality, filters out background noise
- Bolder and clearer sound than original Powerbeats Pro, with better separation
- Well-balanced sound, bass doesn't overwhelm treble and mid-range
- Ear tips may not fit all ears perfectly (reviewer needed third-party tips)
- Missing some features of AirPods Pro 2 (hearing aid mode, conversation awareness mode, adaptive audio mode)
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Redesigned for Comfort and Durability
The Powerbeats Pro 2 boasts a significantly improved design compared to its predecessor. Beats claims a 50% reduction in ear hook size, incorporating a flexible and durable nickel titanium alloy. This results in a more comfortable fit for a wider range of ear shapes, even for those who wear glasses.
The new ergonomic shape of the earbud and acoustic housing, combined with the refined ear hooks, enhances stability during workouts. The case is also 25% smaller than the original, making it more portable. The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome addition.
While the new design is a vast improvement, my personal experience revealed a slight issue with achieving a perfect seal with the included ear tips. This affected both the sound quality and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. However, this is likely a problem specific to my ear shape, and most users will not encounter this.
Superior Sound and Noise Cancellation
The Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a noticeable improvement in sound quality thanks to new drivers, a venting system, and amplifier. The sound is bolder and clearer than the originals, with better separation between instruments. The bass is strong but well-balanced, not overpowering the mid-range and treble.
Noise cancellation is impressive and comparable to the AirPods Pro 2. However, my difficulty achieving a perfect seal slightly diminished the effectiveness of the noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2 in my experience.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers improved call quality, using new microphones and voice accelerometers to filter out background noise while clearly transmitting your voice. Callers reported a significant improvement in clarity, even in noisy environments.
Advanced Features and Apple Ecosystem Integration
The earbuds incorporate Apple's H2 chip, providing features like personalized spatial audio with head tracking, hands-free Siri, and audio sharing. They also include a built-in heart rate sensor in each bud, a unique feature for earbuds. This heart rate sensor works with many fitness apps.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a long battery life – up to 10 hours with noise cancelling off, and 8 hours with it on, plus an additional 3.5 charges in the case. This is significantly longer than the AirPods Pro 2.
While compatible with Android, some Apple-exclusive features are unavailable on Android devices, such as personalized spatial audio and the more advanced Find My features. The lack of hearing aid mode, conversation awareness, and adaptive audio modes found in the AirPods Pro 2 is notable.
Conclusion: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a compelling alternative to the AirPods Pro 2. While the AirPods Pro 2 have a slightly smaller design and some extra features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 provide superior sound and significantly longer battery life.
The inclusion of a heart rate sensor and the secure ear hook design are major selling points for fitness enthusiasts. However, the lack of some AirPods Pro 2 features might be a deal breaker for certain users.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities. If sound quality and battery life are paramount, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a strong contender. If you value the additional AirPods Pro 2 features and a more compact design, the AirPods Pro 2 might be a better fit. Both are excellent earbuds in their own right.