Apple has launched the revamped Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, bringing innovative features and significant improvements to its already popular sport headphones. Announced late last year and now available for purchase at €299.95, these headphones are aimed at fitness enthusiasts seeking reliable performance, comfort, and now, heart rate monitoring.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 build on their predecessor’s strengths, sporting adjustable ear hooks for greater stability and comfort during workouts. The design is slimmer and more ergonomic compared to the original model, enabling them to sit securely even during high-intensity exercises.
A standout feature of the new headphones is their integrated heart rate monitor, marking them as the first Beats headphones to offer this capability. Equipped with optical LED sensors, the Powerbeats Pro 2 measure heart rates over 100 times per second and can sync this data with popular fitness apps such as Nike Run Club and Peloton.
Alongside heart rate monitoring, these headphones boast active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes, enhancing the listening experience regardless of the environment. According to Apple, the hybrid ANC system continuously adapts to external noise levels, which improves sound isolation significantly, even when exercising outdoors.
Sound quality has also seen major enhancements, with the integration of Apple’s H2 chip allowing for personalized 3D audio with dynamic head-tracking capabilities. This offers users immersive audio experiences regardless of whether they're enjoying music or taking calls. Tests have shown the sound to be powerful yet balanced, making the headphones suitable for various audio genres.
Battery performance is another highlight, with the Powerbeats Pro 2 boasting up to 10 hours of playback on their own, and up to 45 hours when using the charging case. This places them among the top-tier true wireless options available for sports and daily use. Fast Fuel technology enables users to get 1.5 hours of playback with just five minutes of charging.
Successful test runs have demonstrated the headphones’ resilience during intense workouts. Users reported minimal readjustments were required compared to standard earbuds, confirming their dedication to sport-based functionality. This stability proved particularly advantageous for those with prescription glasses, making the Powerbeats Pro 2 accessible to even more users.
The charging case has been redesigned as well, now lighter and 33% smaller than its predecessor, and it includes wireless charging support via the Qi standard. It utilizes USB-C for wired charging, bringing the product up to date with modern charging standards.
Despite these advancements, some users noted areas for improvement, especially surrounding the ANC functionality, which, reportedly, does not match the performance seen from competitors like Sony or Bose. The transparency mode has also drawn critique for its volume level being too quiet compared to environmental standards.
Users have highlighted the importance of comprehensive app support for the heart rate monitoring feature. While iPhone users can easily connect and utilize this data through compatible apps, Android users currently face limitations—such as having to manually start the heart rate monitoring.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in various vibrant colors: Diamond Black, Sand Dunes, Hyper Violet, and Neon Orange, inviting users to express their style as they exercise.
Overall, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have positioned themselves as formidable sports headphones, combining comfort, innovative features, and premium sound quality. Particularly for athletes engaging regularly with fitness routines, these headphones provide highly functional tools suited to their needs. While the price point is high, the unique features and reliable performance make them noteworthy contenders within the sports headphone market.