Beats is back with an upgrade to its popular fitness earbuds—the Powerbeats Pro 2. This time around, the earbuds come with heart rate tracking, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a more compact and lightweight design. They’re priced at $249.99 and available on Amazon in four colors: Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 keeps the earhook design that made the original model a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, but now it’s 20% lighter. Beats has reinforced the earhooks with nickel-titanium alloy, which should improve grip and comfort. There’s also an extra ear tip size in the box, giving users more options to find the perfect fit.
The charging case has slimmed down too—it’s 33% smaller than before and now supports Qi wireless charging in addition to USB-C.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of heart rate tracking. Each earbud has LED optical sensors that check blood flow over 100 times per second. This data is sent to fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, Open, and Runna, giving users real-time feedback during workouts.
For Apple users, the data syncs with Apple Health, and if an Apple Watch is being worn, its heart rate readings take priority. On iOS, tracking starts automatically in supported apps, but Android users need to activate it manually through the Beats app or by using a button on the earbuds.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 now features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a first for the Powerbeats lineup. This helps block out distractions during workouts. If users need to stay aware of their surroundings, Transparency mode lets in external noise.
To keep audio quality consistent, Adaptive EQ adjusts sound in real time based on how the earbuds fit. This means that even if the fit changes slightly, the sound remains balanced.
Battery life has improved significantly. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback, with a total of 45 hours when using the case (with ANC off). If ANC is on, the playback time is slightly shorter but still solid.
Need a quick charge? Fast Fuel charging provides 90 minutes of playback from just a five-minute charge—a handy feature for those on the go.
The Apple H2 chip powers the Powerbeats Pro 2, bringing seamless pairing with Apple devices, automatic switching, hands-free Siri, and Find My support.
Android users can access features like battery status widgets, Heart Rate Monitoring controls, and firmware updates through the Beats app, but these earbuds don’t support Google Fast Pair or Find My Device.
For calls, the Powerbeats Pro 2 features three microphones per earbud and an improved voice isolation algorithm, helping to reduce background noise.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 comes with an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re sweat and water-resistant—fine for workouts, but not for swimming. Beats has also improved the venting system for better comfort and moisture resistance.
As part of its eco-friendly approach, Beats has designed the packaging using 100% plant-based materials sourced from recycled fibers.
“Powerbeats Pro 2 is the most impressive product in Beats’ history — developed to withstand intense training sessions and equipped with our most innovative technology and powerful sound,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats. “Now with Heart Rate Monitoring for workouts, Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency mode, Powerbeats Pro 2 sets a new standard in audio for fitness.”
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is available now for $249.99 in the U.S., £249.95 in the UK, and AU$349 in Australia. Orders can be placed through Apple’s website and Amazon, with in-store availability beginning February 13, 2025.
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