Beats just announced the $249 Powerbeats Pro 2, the long-awaited sequel to a pair of fitness earbuds released way back in 2019. The new model retains the ear hook design that’s synonymous with the Powerbeats line, but the buds are significantly smaller and 20 percent lighter than their predecessors. The charging case has also been scaled down by 33 percent and now supports Qi wireless charging along with USB-C. But the biggest new feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart-rate monitoring for workouts. It’s been rumored that Apple eventually wants to bring similar functionality to the AirPods, so this could be a preview of that.
Both earbuds contain LED optical sensors that pulse “over 100 times per second to measure blood flow,” according to Beats’ press release. An algorithm takes in the data from both earbuds and parses it for the most accurate reading, which then gets relayed to compatible fitness apps including Nike Run Club, Peloton, Open, and more. Heart rate data can also be reviewed later in the Apple Health app. (For those who wear an Apple Watch, its heart-rate readings will always be prioritized over those from the Powerbeats Pro 2.)
If you’re using a supported app on iOS, heart-rate monitoring starts and stops automatically. But Android users will have to manually activate it through the Beats app or by double-pressing and holding the button on either bud. Since a good seal is important for the heart-rate functionality, Beats now includes five sets of ear tips in the box, including extra small and extra large sizes.
The original Powerbeats Pro lacked any kind of noise cancellation, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 now feature proper ANC (and a transparency mode) thanks to Apple’s H2 chip. Integrating the H2 means you get a host of other Apple ecosystem features like audio sharing, hands-free “Hey Siri” commands, personalized spatial audio, Find My support, and more. Android users can rely on the Beats app for some features, but unlike the Studio Buds Plus, these earbuds aren’t designed to take advantage of Google’s native OS capabilities like Fast Pair or Find My Device.
Battery life has improved substantially: Beats says the Powerbeats Pro 2 can achieve up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled (or 10 with it off) and a total of 36 hours (or 45 with ANC off) when you factor in additional juice from the case. One thing that hasn’t changed is the sweat / water resistance rating, which is still the same IPX4 as last time. Some competitors, like Jabra’s Elite 8 Active and Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport earbuds, go beyond that. But Beats is confident that the Powerbeats Pro 2 are very durable — the company redesigned the earbuds’ venting system to better guard against water ingress — and claims the ear hook is its most robust yet in regards to wear and tear.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available starting today for the same $249 price as before in four colors: orange, purple, gray, and black. My colleague (and Verge fitness guru) Victoria Song has been testing out the Powerbeats Pro 2 for several days now. So if you want the full rundown on how comfortable the new design is, heart-rate monitoring accuracy, and whether the sound quality is good enough to fuel the hardest moments of your workout, check out her full review.
