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When it comes to truly wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods have dominated the conversation for years. However, the PowerBeats Pro have built a strong reputation of their own, particularly among fitness enthusiasts. Now, with the release of the PowerBeats Pro 2, Beats has taken things to the next level by adding several major upgrades while keeping the price unchanged. The result? A pair of earbuds that could easily be considered among the best available today.

A Major Upgrade Without a Price Hike

Beats has taken the already successful PowerBeats Pro and refined almost every aspect. The new model now features active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and even heart rate tracking—all while being lighter, smaller, and more comfortable. The case has also been redesigned to be more compact, offering both USB-C and wireless charging. Despite all these upgrades, Beats has kept the price at $250, making the PowerBeats Pro 2 an exceptional value in the premium wireless earbuds market.

Comfort and Fit: Built for Movement

One of the standout features of the original PowerBeats Pro was their secure fit, and that hasn’t changed with the new model. The ear hooks ensure they stay locked in place, making them ideal for workouts. Additionally, Beats has introduced an extra size option for the ear tips, now ranging from extra small to extra large, to accommodate a wider variety of users. At 20% lighter than the previous generation, these earbuds are also more comfortable for extended wear.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

For a pair of premium earbuds in 2025, ANC is a must, and Beats delivers. While the PowerBeats Pro 2’s noise cancellation isn’t quite on par with the industry-leading AirPods Pro, it does an excellent job of filtering out steady background noise, making them great for gym use or commuting. Transparency mode, which allows external sounds to filter in for awareness, is also solid—again, slightly behind AirPods Pro, but better than most other competitors.

Sound Quality: A Powerful and Lively Experience

Beats has long been known for its bass-heavy sound signature, and the PowerBeats Pro 2 continue that tradition—though in a more refined way. These earbuds provide deep bass, clear mids, and an energetic overall sound profile, making them ideal for workout playlists featuring hip-hop, pop, or electronic music. Apple has also improved the audio hardware with upgraded amplifiers, acoustically transparent mesh, and better driver alignment, resulting in an immersive listening experience.

Heart Rate Tracking: A Unique Addition

A first for any pair of wireless earbuds, the PowerBeats Pro 2 introduces heart rate tracking. The earbuds use built-in sensors to measure your heart rate every five seconds, syncing with fitness apps and even gym equipment that supports Bluetooth connections. While accuracy remains a question compared to dedicated fitness wearables like the Apple Watch, it’s a convenient feature for those who want to monitor their workout intensity without additional devices.

Battery Life: Power That Lasts

Battery performance is another highlight of the PowerBeats Pro 2. Without ANC, the earbuds provide up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, while with ANC enabled, they last between six to eight hours. The redesigned charging case holds three additional full charges, meaning users can go weeks without needing to plug them in. Fast charging is also a major perk—just five minutes in the case provides over an hour of playback time.

The Case: Smaller, More Convenient, and Feature-Packed

Beats has significantly improved the charging case, making it 33% smaller than the previous model while still holding more battery power. The case now charges via USB-C (a much-needed upgrade from the old Lightning connector) and also supports wireless charging. While it’s still larger than the AirPods Pro case, it’s much more manageable than its predecessor and includes Apple’s Find My feature for easy tracking if misplaced.

Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

The PowerBeats Pro 2 are an impressive evolution of an already great product. With improved comfort, ANC, heart rate tracking, and better battery life, they stand out as some of the best workout earbuds available. While AirPods Pro still hold the edge in noise cancellation and transparency mode, the PowerBeats Pro 2 offer a more secure fit and a livelier sound signature—perfect for active users. If you’re looking for premium wireless earbuds that stay put during intense workouts while delivering top-notch sound and features, the PowerBeats Pro 2 are a fantastic choice.