Apple’s subsidiary, Beats, has officially launched the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, a successor to the Powerbeats Pro. The company’s latest offering packs features like heart rate monitoring, Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency Mode, among others, pitting itself as a strong contender against Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, known for its sleek design and advanced audio capabilities.
If you are looking to get yourself a new pair of earbuds between the two but are not sure which one to pick, this Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparison details everything you need to know about the two earbuds to make an informed decision.
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Key differences
Before we jump into the details, let’s see the specs at a glance:
| Feature/ Specs | Powerbeats Pro 2 | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Chip | Apple H2 chip | Apple H2 chip |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes, with LED optical sensors | No |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Total) | Up to 45 hours with charging case | Up to 30 hours with charging case |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Design | Secure-fit ear hooks | In-ear design |
| Compatibility | Apple and Android | Apple |
| Colors | Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, Electric Orange | White |
| Price | $249.99 | $249 |
Build and design
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is designed with athletes and sports enthusiasts in mind. As such, they feature over-ear hooks made from a nickel-titanium alloy with in-ear tips to ensure a secure fit.
On paper, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s specs suggest they are 20% smaller and lighter than the predecessor. Beats claims that the ear hooks have been tested on nearly 1,000 athletes to ensure they offer a good fit and are comfortable to wear. Besides, the Powerbeats Pro 2 includes five different-sized ear tips for a customizable fit.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 features a compact in-ear design with acoustic seal silicone tips, offering a snug fit. Their lightweight and minimalist aesthetic makes them comfortable for extended use. That said, the AirPods Pro may struggle to remain in your ears during workouts, making a strong case in favor of the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Sound quality
Similar to the design, Beats has reengineered acoustic architecture on the Powerbeats Pro 2, promising clearer highs, deeper bass, and richer mid-range tones. The earbuds also get a custom-built dual-layer transducer to minimize distortion.
The unique design precisely aligns drivers to each earbud’s nozzle so you can get the best sound delivery. Moreover, Beats says it has incorporated new venting to enhance bass while reducing pressure. This bass-forward, energetic sound profile is perfect for workouts. In addition, the Powerbeats Pro 2 also supports Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. As a result, you can truly enjoy your music in any training environment!
When it comes to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, you get a balanced sound profile suitable for various music genres. The earbuds have Personalized Volume and Adaptive Audio that uses machine learning to understand your listening preferences and automatically adapts sound based on that. Moreover, there are other similar audio features, such as Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking onboard.
Features and Functionality
The Powerbeats Pro 2 introduces heart rate monitoring for the first time. Beats claims that it uses LED optical sensors to assess your blood flow. The best part is that all this health data is integrated into your favorite fitness apps in real time. You can use on-ear buttons and tactile volume rockers to control your sound.
Additionally, the earbuds are equipped with an Apple H2 chip to provide advanced Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency mode, and Voice Isolation. It also ensures you get iOS-specific features like Find My, Audio Sharing, and hands-free Siri. Moreover, the Class 1 Bluetooth promises an extended range and fewer dropouts.
The AirPods Pro 2 also supports all these features along with Conversation Awareness and end-to-end wireless audio latency for games, as they have an Apple H2 chip as well. Moreover, Apple has incorporated new hearing health features. So, users with mild to moderate hearing loss can use your AirPods as a hearing aid.
Battery life and charging
Beats claims that the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 35 hours. Moreover, to match your quick routine, they pack the Fast Fuel technology. So, you can get up to 90 minutes of playback with just a five-minute charge.
You can easily carry your Powerbeats Pro 2 everywhere, as the charging case is 33% smaller than its predecessor. Also, these are the first pair of Powerbeats earbuds to support Qi-compatible wireless charging.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 provides up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case offering up to 30 hours of total listening time. They support MagSafe wireless charging and quick charge features, providing convenience for users on the go. For Lossless Audio on your Apple Vision Pro, you can listen for up to four hours.
Connectivity and compatibility
Both the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, ensuring seamless connectivity with Apple devices. The Powerbeats Pro 2 also offers compatibility with Android devices through the Beats app. You can set up one-touch pairing, customizable controls, battery status widgets, heart rate monitoring, and Locate My Beats from the app.
The AirPods Pro 2 are primarily designed for use within the Apple ecosystem, offering features like automatic switching between devices and audio sharing. While they can connect to non-Apple devices via Bluetooth, some features may be limited.
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Pricing
Both the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249 in the U.S. In India, you can purchase the AirPods Pro 2 for Rs. 24,900 and the Powerbeats Pro 2 for Rs. 29,900.
Verdict: Which wireless earbuds should you choose?
Both Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 are excellent products with cutting-edge advanced features. So, choosing between them depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Here’s a quick summary to help you out.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and athletes, these earbuds offer a secure fit with over-ear hooks, heart rate monitoring, robust bass for workout motivation, and extended battery life. They are designed to withstand rigorous activities, making them a top choice for active users.
- AirPods Pro 2: Suitable for daily use, these earbuds feature a compact design, 2x quieter pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and seamless integration with Apple devices. They cater to users seeking a versatile and immersive audio experience in various environments.
Ultimately, if your primary focus is on fitness and you require features like heart rate monitoring, a secure fit during workouts, and better sweat and water resistance, along with good battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is better suited for your needs. Conversely, if you value advanced audio features and seamless connectivity for everyday use, the AirPods Pro 2 would be the better choice.
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