Powerbeats Pro 2: heart rate monitoring, ANC, and more for serious fitness fans

After much anticipation, the Powerbeats Pro 2 has finally been released, offering plenty of new features perfect for workout lovers and everyday users. These new earbuds come with active noise canceling, transparency mode, and heart rate monitoring. This is a big upgrade from the original Powerbeats Pro, which came out nearly six years ago.

Even though these features are available in other fitness earbuds, having them in Powerbeats Pro 2 makes Apple’s sports earbuds even better. Amazingly, the price stays the same at $249.99. The earbuds have been redesigned to be 33% smaller and 20% lighter, with ear hooks that are 50% slimmer for a better fit. With a new H2 chip, better microphones, and longer battery life, Powerbeats Pro 2 is becoming a strong option for fitness fans and tech lovers.

Enhanced heart rate monitoring

One of the most exciting features of the Powerbeats is heart rate monitoring, removing the need for extra gadgets like smartwatches or chest straps. This lets you check your heart rate live during different workouts, giving you insights into how hard you’re working and how you’re recovering.

Both earbuds come with an optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer, similar to what’s in an Apple Watch. Unlike other earbuds that usually have sensors in just one earbud, Powerbeats Pro 2 uses both for better accuracy.

The earbuds automatically connect with Apple Health and other fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder, Slopes, Open, and YaoYao. However, Apple’s Fitness Plus doesn’t work with them yet, but they’re working on it.

Although this heart rate tracking makes workouts more precise, there are a few downsides. iOS users can’t play music and send heart rate data to gym machines at the same time, which can be a bit of a hassle. Android users have more options and can use any app that works with Bluetooth heart rate monitoring.

Gym Integration and hands-free fitness tracking

A big plus of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is how it connects with gym equipment. Just use Bluetooth to see your heart rate on treadmills, rowing machines, and stationary bikes. This means you won’t need to wear those uncomfortable chest straps, making your workout simpler and more comfortable.

However, the heart rate tracking in Powerbeats Pro 2 isn’t as accurate as chest straps or smartwatches. Ear-based sensors might not measure as precisely, especially during intense workouts or if the earbuds don’t fit snugly. Yet, if you’re interested in easy and hands-free fitness tracking, these earbuds are a great choice.

Apart from heart rate tracking, the earbuds have noise-canceling to shut out gym noise, and a transparency mode so you stay aware when running outside. Although many like the transparency mode, some people find it too strong for running on busy streets. For those who need to hear more of their surroundings, they might prefer other options like the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

Battery life and wireless charging improvements

Wearable health devices like the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts who want to track their workouts and maintain optimal health. One standout feature is the impressive battery life, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. With the charging case providing an additional 3.5 full charges, you can get up to 45 hours of use—ideal for long workout sessions or extended fitness tracking.

A major upgrade from earlier models is the inclusion of wireless charging, allowing users to simply place the case on a charging pad without the hassle of tangled cables. Additionally, the fast-charging capability offers 90 minutes of playback after just five minutes of charging, making it convenient for those with a packed schedule who still want to keep up with their health goals.

While the charging case remains somewhat bulky compared to other devices, it is still more compact than the previous Powerbeats Pro model. The redesign provides a lighter, more comfortable fit with a slimmer ear hook, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience while tracking workouts or health metrics on the go.

Strong bass for high-energy workouts

Powerbeats Pro 2 offer an immersive audio experience that enhances your workouts with its bass-heavy sound. While it may not surpass other high-end models like the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of overall sound quality, it delivers a deep, powerful bass that helps elevate your energy during intense exercise sessions.

These earbuds are designed with a balanced sound profile, making them versatile enough for everyday use—not just workouts. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the adaptive EQ adjusts the sound to optimize your experience, especially when Active Noise Cancellation or transparency mode is off.

The ANC feature plays a key role in blocking out distracting background noise, allowing you to stay focused during workouts in busy gyms or crowded areas. Users appreciate how the noise cancellation helps them maintain concentration, ensuring they stay on track with their fitness goals. The improved microphone also ensures clearer calls, even when you’re outdoors in windy conditions.

Apple’s commitment to data protection

As biometric tracking becomes increasingly integrated into consumer devices, concerns about data security and privacy have grown. Apple continues to prioritize privacy, ensuring that all health-related data processed through Apple Health is encrypted end-to-end and stored securely. This approach reflects Apple’s commitment to safeguarding personal information while still offering users advanced fitness tracking features.

One of the key privacy features is on-device processing, where heart rate data is handled directly on the earbuds. This minimizes the need for cloud storage, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. Additionally, Apple provides users with consent controls, allowing them to decide which apps have access to their heart rate data, ensuring that personal health information stays secure and private.

These privacy safeguards help users feel confident in Apple’s dedication to protecting their data, while still enjoying seamless fitness tracking without compromising their privacy.

The future of fitness-focused wearables

Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a major upgrade over its predecessor, with a range of new features designed to improve both fitness tracking and everyday use. The integration of heart rate monitoring, Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode, wireless charging, and extended battery life makes it a versatile option for users looking for workout-focused earbuds. These enhancements provide a well-rounded experience for those seeking to stay connected to their health and fitness goals while enjoying premium audio quality.

However, there are a few limitations to consider. Heart rate tracking may not be as useful for iOS users, as it lacks the ability to simultaneously play music and send data to gym equipment. Additionally, accuracy concerns remain regarding ear-based heart rate sensors when compared to more traditional options like chest straps or smartwatches.

The charging case, while smaller than its predecessor, is still bulkier than other wireless earbuds, making it less convenient to carry around. Lastly, the absence of Fitness Plus integration at launch could be a letdown for Apple users who depend on the service for workout tracking.

For those who prioritize hands-free, high-energy workouts combined with real-time biometric tracking, Powerbeats Pro 2 remains a strong contender in the fitness wearables space. Its seamless integration with gym equipment, improved comfort, and extended battery life make it an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, weightlifters, and gym-goers.

Apple has effectively combined fitness technology with high-quality audio, and while there are still areas for improvement, Powerbeats Pro 2 is set to be a go-to option for those looking to streamline their workout gear without sacrificing performance.