There’s an abundance of features available, ranging from standard in-ear sensors for automatic pausing to advanced functionalities like computational voice isolation for exceptionally clear calls and Spatial Audio with head tracking (for those interested) through gyroscopes and accelerometers. The Pro 2’s IPX4 water resistance could use improvement, but it compensates with outstanding battery life, offering up to eight hours with noise cancellation activated and 10 hours without it, a claim verified during testing, along with 3.5 case recharges.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 act as true dual-purpose devices, catering to both sides of the mobile ecosystem. Android users benefit from features like one-touch pairing and a dedicated Beats app for locating their earbuds, over-the-air updates, and some basic control options. While it’s not an exhaustive list, the absence of multipoint pairing is a downside, yet still a step up from AirPods.
The earbuds are predictably optimized for Apple users, featuring one-touch pairing on iOS, hands-free Siri voice activation, audio sharing, iCloud device switching, Find My, and over-the-air updates that may potentially introduce more capabilities later in line with Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.
However, several AirPods features are absent, including Adaptive Audio and the new hearing aid option offered by the Pro 2. Additionally, unlike some of the latest high-end earbuds on the market, there’s currently no Auracast support, which might restrict functionalities like mass pairing with public devices. Whether Apple will incorporate Aurocast into its devices or pursue something more proprietary remains uncertain.
Heart Beats
Similar to the AirPods, iPhone users can adjust the Powerbeats Pro 2’s functionalities within Apple’s Settings, where they can enable or disable the heart rate monitor feature—useful if you’d prefer not to have your ears glowing like sci-fi fireflies. Beats claims that these green LEDs combined with an optical lens, a photodiode, and an accelerometer allow for heart rate readings every five seconds when both earbuds are in use.
While I’m not a medical professional or a heart rate specialist, my investigation into the Health app’s Show All Data section revealed consistent measurements that aligned closely with the data from my Apple Watch Series 8. Beats indicates that the advanced monitoring from the Watch takes precedence, which is why I removed mine for the test. Like the Watch, the earbuds provide regular BPM updates via the Health app’s main interface, but they primarily target real-time heart monitoring with apps such as Nike Run Club, which functioned seamlessly during a quick run. Other compatible iOS apps include Runna, Ladder, Peloton, Slopes, Open, and YaoYao. Apple asserts that “all Android fitness and wellness apps that have heart rate monitoring capabilities … should be fully compatible.”
This feature may not hold as much appeal if you already possess a Watch or an Oura ring for constant monitoring, but it’s a welcome addition that appears advanced, especially compared to earlier offerings from wireless pioneers like the Bragi Dash.
Ryan Waniata
Brash Beauties
It often takes me a bit of time to appreciate the Beats sound, which tends to lean towards a more pronounced midrange and treble, coupled with a heavier bassline than I typically prefer. Nevertheless, similar to the new Beats Pill (8/10, WIRED Recommends), this iteration offers a more sophisticated sound than prior models. You receive the bold beats that fans adore, while also sensing the influence of Apple’s engineers and their high-fidelity expertise.
The bass is musical and clean—even though it may be slightly exaggerated. While it can create some bass-heavy moments, it never overshadows the details in vocals or higher-pitched instruments. In lighter musical pieces, bass is surprisingly tempered, which might frustrate dedicated bass enthusiasts, but offer these buds some substantial … well … beats, and they will deliver an impressive impact.
On occasion, I found that higher-pitched instruments and effects could sound a bit too metallic and pronounced in lighter recordings, but this was a rare occurrence, and genuine finesse is evident in the textures and tones of the instruments. Horns, woodwinds, piano, and upper synths often shine with their expressiveness, while percussion is well-defined and rich.
This clarity stems from exceptional instrumental separation, alongside an accurate and expansive soundstage. Several times, while listening with transparency mode activated, I was momentarily deceived into believing the sound originated from my studio speakers, as it seemed to merge with the room’s natural ambiance. That’s a rarity with earbuds.
I do wish Apple would provide at least a basic equalizer to fine-tune the sound profile, but there appeared to be more depth and intimate nuances when ambient sound modes were turned off, allowing the microphones to adapt to your ear shape with Adaptive EQ.
The culmination of this technology results in a captivating and versatile product that is sure to appeal to novice athletes and beyond. With a plethora of features, impactful sound, and serious comfort designed for sports, the Powerbeats Pro 2 present a remarkable offering and stand as the finest Beats Buds you can purchase at the moment.
