Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular wireless earbuds: the Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple AirPods Pro 2. While both come from Apple-owned companies and share some DNA, they're designed for different users and situations.
Wireless earbuds have become essential gear for many of us, handling everything from music and podcasts to phone calls and video meetings. The key things most people care about are sound quality, comfort, battery life, and special features. But depending on how you'll use them, some features matter more than others.
When they launched in May 2019, the Powerbeats Pro ($249) brought serious improvements to sport-focused earbuds, especially in battery life and stability. The AirPods Pro 2 ($249) arrived in September 2022, adding significant tech upgrades like better noise cancellation and spatial audio (which creates a 3D-like sound experience).
Both earbuds deliver excellent sound, but they take different approaches. The Powerbeats Pro focuses on delivering punchy, energetic sound that works well for upbeat music and workouts. The bass is strong but not overwhelming, and the overall sound is clear and engaging.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers more sophisticated audio processing. Its adaptive EQ feature automatically adjusts the sound based on how the earbuds fit in your ears, and the H2 chip (Apple's latest audio processor) enables more detailed sound. The noise cancellation is notably better than the Powerbeats, making them superior for noisy environments like planes or offices.
Here's where personal preference really matters. The Powerbeats Pro uses ear hooks that wrap around your ears, making them extremely stable during movement. I've found them impossible to shake loose during running or high-intensity workouts. However, the hooks can interfere with glasses or sunglasses for some people.
The AirPods Pro 2 takes a more minimal approach with a stemmed design and multiple ear tip sizes. They're lighter and less noticeable when worn, but they won't feel quite as secure during intense activity. That said, they're more comfortable for long listening sessions.
The Powerbeats Pro wins on pure battery life, delivering up to 9 hours of listening time per charge, with the case providing another 15 hours. The AirPods Pro 2 manages about 6 hours with noise cancellation on, though the case holds several full charges for a total of 30 hours.
Both support fast charging, giving you about an hour of playback from a few minutes of charging. The AirPods Pro 2 case supports wireless charging and has a built-in speaker to help you find it using the Find My app.
The AirPods Pro 2 clearly leads here with active noise cancellation (ANC) that electronically removes background noise, and "Transparency Mode" that lets you hear your surroundings clearly when needed. The Powerbeats Pro offers basic noise isolation through its ear tips but doesn't have active features.
Both earbuds support hands-free "Hey Siri" commands and automatic device switching between Apple products. The AirPods Pro 2 adds several advanced features:
Both models offer decent water resistance for workouts. The Powerbeats Pro has an IPX4 rating, while the AirPods Pro 2 features an IP54 rating, meaning they also resist dust. Neither is fully waterproof, but both handle sweat and light rain without issues.
For daily commuting, office work, or travel, the AirPods Pro 2 is hard to beat. The noise cancellation makes a huge difference on planes or in noisy offices, and the compact case fits easily in any pocket. The spatial audio feature is particularly impressive when watching movies, creating a surprisingly immersive experience.
For workouts, running, or active use, the Powerbeats Pro remains the more practical choice. The ear hooks provide unmatched stability, and the physical buttons are easier to use while moving than the AirPods' touch controls. The longer battery life is also valuable for extended training sessions.
For watching movies and TV shows, the AirPods Pro 2 has a clear advantage. Its spatial audio feature creates a virtual surround sound experience that works surprisingly well, especially with content from Apple TV+ or other services that support Dolby Atmos. The Powerbeats Pro offers standard stereo sound, which is good but not as immersive.
Both earbuds are premium products with identical $249 retail prices, though you can often find the Powerbeats Pro on sale since it's an older model. The value question comes down to your primary use case:
Consider your typical day and how you'll mainly use your earbuds:
If you're primarily:
If you're mainly:
Both options deliver excellent sound quality and solid Apple ecosystem integration. The choice ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and which features matter most to you.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without recharging | |
| 9 hours per charge (24 total with case) | 6 hours per charge (30 total with case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office work | |
| None | Advanced ANC with Adaptive Audio |
| Fit Style - Crucial for intended use case | |
| Secure ear hooks (best for workouts) | Stem design with tips (better for casual use) |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Essential for workout durability | |
| IPX4 (sweat and splash proof) | IP54 (adds dust protection) |
| Special Features - Affects everyday usability and value | |
| Basic Apple H1 chip features, physical controls | Spatial Audio, Find My precision, wireless charging case |
| Sound Signature - Impacts listening enjoyment | |
| Bass-forward, energetic (ideal for workouts) | Balanced, adaptive EQ (better for varied content) |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Large case (can be bulky in pockets) | Compact case (highly portable) |
| Price - Value depends on needed features | |
| $249 (often on sale) | $249 (rarely discounted) |
| Best Use Case - Most important decision factor | |
| Athletic activities, long battery needs | Daily commute, office work, media consumption |
The AirPods Pro 2 is significantly better for movie watching due to its spatial audio feature that creates a virtual surround sound experience. The Powerbeats Pro only offers standard stereo sound, making it less immersive for home theater use.
The Powerbeats Pro is superior for workouts thanks to its secure ear hooks and physical controls. While the AirPods Pro 2 is water-resistant, it's more likely to fall out during intense exercise.
The Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours per charge compared to 6 hours for the AirPods Pro 2. However, the AirPods Pro 2's case provides more total hours (30 vs 24).
The AirPods Pro 2 features advanced active noise cancellation, while the Powerbeats Pro has no ANC capability, only passive noise isolation from the ear tips.
The AirPods Pro 2 performs better for calls with advanced beam-forming microphones and better noise rejection. The Powerbeats Pro is adequate but can pick up more wind noise during outdoor use.
Both work with any Bluetooth device, but you'll lose some special features. The Powerbeats Pro and AirPods Pro 2 work best within the Apple ecosystem.
The AirPods Pro 2 is superior for TV watching, especially with Apple TV, due to its spatial audio and head tracking features. The Powerbeats Pro works fine but lacks these immersive features.
The AirPods Pro 2 case supports wireless charging and MagSafe, while the Powerbeats Pro case only charges via Lightning cable.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers more balanced, adaptive sound, while the Powerbeats Pro has stronger bass. For home theater use, AirPods Pro 2's spatial audio makes it the superior choice.
The AirPods Pro 2 has lower latency and spatial audio support, making it better for gaming. The Powerbeats Pro has slightly higher latency but longer battery life.
The AirPods Pro 2 is generally more comfortable for extended use, as it's lighter and doesn't have ear hooks. The Powerbeats Pro can cause fatigue during long sessions due to the hooks.
At the same retail price of $249, the AirPods Pro 2 offers more features for home entertainment, while the Powerbeats Pro provides better value for sports use.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.com - recordingnow.com - apple.com - apple.com - cnet.com - hearingreview.com - target.com - support.apple.com - costco.com - cnet.com - quill.com
