Six years since the launch of the Powerbeats Pro, Beats' most popular sports-focused earphones, the company has announced its long-awaited upgrade—the Powerbeats Pro 2.
The new earphones were designed from the ground up, combining over half a decade of data and research, with the latest technologies from its parent company, Apple. Beats called it “the most impressive product in Beats history.”
Beats wanted to raise the level of the new product from being simple sports earphones. Hence, it has added many new features when it comes to design and performance. One of the most notable updates to the Powerbeats Pro 2 is in-ear heart rate monitoring, which provides real-time data on athletes' performance. Beats used the same technology as the Apple Watch—LED optical sensors that measure blood flow by pulsing more than 100 times per second. According to Beats, these new heart rate monitors are 1/16 the size of the Apple Watch but can provide the same quality of performance. To get the most accurate results, both earbuds need to be worn for this feature to work.
Beats has partnered with leading fitness apps to ensure Powerbeats Pro 2 transmits information about user activity seamlessly. Apps available at launch include Peloton, Runna, Nike Run Club, Open, Slopes, Ladder, and YaoYao, and more may be added in the future (serious question: where is Strava?).
Some of the Powerbeats Pro 2's new features are active noise cancellation (ANC), which is finally included now after it disappeared from the original model in 2019. Beats even described the ANC in the Powerbeats Pro 2 as the "best" they've ever developed, incorporating technology from their flagship over-ear headphones. It also has a highly responsive transparency mode that allows users to feel the surroundings while using the product, as well as adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts the sound depending on the environment.
Wireless charging is also part of the Powerbeats Pro 2—the first Beats case with this feature—and can provide up to 45 hours of battery life even though its case is 33% smaller than its predecessor.
Inside, the new earphones are powered by Apple's H2 chip—the same chip that's in the AirPods Pro 2, so it's on par with Apple's flagship earbuds.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 has an IPX4 rating, which means it's sweat and water-resistant, so it's suitable for training in rain, snow, and heat, but it's not waterproof.
The earhook of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is 20% lighter than the previous version, using a nickel titanium alloy that provides "phenomenal flexibility, grip, and comfort." Beats reportedly tested it on nearly 1,000 athletes to come up with the best fit product in its history. It also includes five different eartip sizes in each box for more options for the user.
Beats has also introduced new colors for the Powerbeats Pro 2, most notably “Electric Orange.” Other colors also include “Jet Black,” “Quick Sand,” and “Hyper Purple.”
The new Powerbeats Pro 2 are available now on the Beats website and in Apple stores worldwide for £249.95 GBP / $249.99 USD.
