Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: sweat-proof and gym-ready, but not perfect – here's why
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I wouldn’t exactly call myself tech-savvy, but if you had asked me how much more room there was for innovation in headphones and earbuds, I would have guessed we’d already hit the peak – short of transmitting music straight into our brains via Bluetooth, telepathy, magic? But Beats has done it again, pushing the limits even further with their latest release: the long-awaited, fitness-focused Powerbeats Pro 2.
Powerbeats Pro 2
What are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2?
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are wireless sports earbuds designed with athletes at front of mind. They build on the original Powerbeats Pro with an improved fit, updated sound quality, and enhanced features aimed at supporting workouts and daily use.
What are the features?
So alongside things like an improved and redesigned ear hook for wearer comfort and stability, some of the other updates and features include:
Personalised Spatial Audio – uses head tracking to provide surround sound
Various audio modes – including full noise cancelling and transparency modes
Track your training with biometric sensing – heart rate monitoring with the below third-party apps:
Open
Peloton
Nike Run Club
Ladder
Slopes
Runna
Yao Yao
Up to 45 hours of battery life with 10 hours of continuous play per earbud
Apple compatibility
Sweat and water resistance with an IPX4 rating
How we tested them
I put these babies to the test with a pretty rounded workout at my everyday gym. I wanted to cover cardio, strength and stretching to see how it held up against my workouts.
Whether it was bouncing around on the treadmill or working up a sweat on the Stairmaster, to pushing myself on the weights and hitting a downward dog like no tomorrow – these earbuds went through the wringer.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review
When I first heard about this new launch from Beats, I was definitely intrigued. I typically go for over-ear headphones at the gym, and in everyday life – don’t judge – I still use corded Apple earbuds (they’re chic, I promise!). But while I love my oversized headphones, they aren’t perfect for workouts. Since these earbuds are designed specifically for athletes, I was keen to give them a try.
Unboxing them, the first thing I noticed was the adorable, lightweight case – though not as pocket-friendly as AirPods. I appreciated the variety of earbud sizes, which are a thoughtful touch for comfort. I opted for the smallest size since I have weirdly small ears (don’t bring it up), and they fit perfectly.
On first try at my desk, I popped one bud in and held the other in my hand, activating noise cancellation. Even with just one, my loud office instantly felt calmer. At the gym, the sound quality really impressed me, too: high resolution with legit audio modes that either block out distractions or keep you aware of your surroundings (great for outdoor running).
The heart rate monitoring is intriguing. I already use a ring and hybrid smartwatch for tracking, and I noticed some data discrepancies. iPhone users need a third-party app to sync data, whereas Android users can access it via the Beats app. I’m curious to see how accurate it is long-term.
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of in-canal silicone tips, as they never fit quite right for me, but that’s just preference. With my smaller ears, the hook wasn’t as snug as I’d like, but it still felt secure, especially during cardio and HIIT. I’m excited to test them in dance training, particularly during ballet barre workouts, to see if they stay put. The sweat and waterproof design is also a huge win for easy cleaning.
Lastly, the colour options are chef’s kiss. The lilac I’m testing has already gotten me compliments, the bold orange is super fun, and the classic black and neutral quicksand are both sleek choices.
WH verdict
If you’re someone who takes your workouts seriously or enjoys running or cycling with music, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great option. They are designed with athletes in mind, and the brand delivers on this with solid sound quality, noise cancellation, and audio modes that adjust to different environments, whether you’re at the gym or outdoors.
At £250, they are pricey, but the sound quality is seriously impressive, which really sets them apart from a lot of other options on the market. For fans of Beats products or those looking for the latest in fitness-focused earbuds, they might be worth the investment.
However, they might not suit everyone. The fit, particularly with silicone tips, may not be the right fit for those with smaller ears or sensitivities, and the heart rate monitoring is something I am keeping my eyes on. Still, if you're after insanely high-quality audio and features/design tailored to fitness, these earbuds are a solid option.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are available to shop now at beatsbydre.com for £250.
More tech reviews:
16 best wireless headphones for working out, tried and tested from just £24.99
WHOOP review: ‘I’ve been wearing a WHOOP band for over a year, here’s why it’s not just a tracker for elite athletes’
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