Apple’s Beats line has launched the latest in its popular fitness earbuds with the Powerbeats Pro 2. The new $249 model adds built-in heart rate monitoring sensors while maintaining the signature ear hook design that athletes and fitness enthusiasts prefer.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 brings meaningful upgrades over its 2019 predecessor (Powerbeats Pro). The sleeker design includes improved sensors that track heart rate metrics when both earbuds are worn. Apple’s H2 chip powers these new capabilities while enabling enhanced connectivity and audio performance.
These premium sport earbuds aim to serve active users who want reliable workout companions. The addition of heart rate tracking eliminates the need for separate fitness monitoring devices, streamlining the exercise experience for runners, cyclists, and gym-goers.
Powerbeats Pro 2: What’s New?
Key Features and Improvements
The Powerbeats Pro 2 arrive with several notable upgrades. A key focus is enhanced sound quality, thanks to redesigned acoustic drivers. Apple claims these new drivers deliver clearer audio with less distortion. They’ve also improved active noise cancellation (ANC), blocking out more external noise for immersive listening. Transparency mode is still available, letting you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Battery life sees a boost, too. You can now get up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the charging case provides over 20 hours of total playtime. A quick 5-minute charge gives you about an hour of playback.
Design-wise, the Powerbeats Pro 2 retain their secure fit, crucial for workouts. They come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a comfortable and stable fit for various ear shapes. They’re also sweat and water resistant, with an IPX4 rating, making them suitable for intense exercise.
Heart Rate Tracking and Other Sensors
Rumors of integrated heart rate tracking have proven true. The Powerbeats Pro 2 include a built-in sensor to monitor your heart rate during workouts. This data integrates with Apple Health, providing valuable insights into your fitness progress. Other sensors include an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion detection.
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro (1st Gen)
Here’s a quick comparison of the new and previous models:
| Feature | Powerbeats Pro 2 | Powerbeats Pro (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Improved | Original |
| Noise Cancellation | Enhanced ANC | ANC |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours (earbuds), 20+ hours (total) | Up to 9 hours (earbuds), 24+ hours (total) |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Pricing and Availability
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available now at $249.99. Check Apple’s website or authorized retailers for current pricing. You can find them on Amazon.com here:
https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Powerbeats-Wireless-Bluetooth-Earbuds/dp/B0DT2344N3?tag=sm058b-20
Or you can buy them directly from Beats here:
https://www.beatsbydre.com/earbuds/powerbeats-pro-2
Who Are They For?
These earbuds are ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want a secure fit, powerful sound, and heart rate monitoring. The improved noise cancellation also makes them a good choice for anyone who wants to block out distractions and focus on their music.
Alternatives to Consider
If heart rate tracking isn’t a must-have, there are other excellent workout earbuds. The Jabra Elite Active 7 offer great sound and noise cancellation, along with a comfortable fit. For a more budget-friendly option, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 are worth considering. They provide good sound and a secure fit at a lower price point.
Connecting to Devices
The Powerbeats Pro 2 use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. They pair easily with Apple devices thanks to the Apple H1 chip. They also work with Android devices, though some features might be limited.
Other Workout Earbud Considerations
When choosing workout earbuds, several factors come into play. Fit is paramount. Earbuds that fall out during exercise are useless. Look for models with ear hooks or wings for a secure fit. Sweat and water resistance are also essential. An IPX4 rating or higher is recommended for most workouts.
Sound quality is subjective, but most people want clear audio with decent bass. Noise cancellation can be helpful for blocking out distractions at the gym, but transparency mode is important for staying aware of your surroundings when running outdoors. Battery life is another key consideration. Longer playtime means fewer interruptions during your workouts.
Finally, consider the controls. Are they easy to use while you’re moving? Some earbuds use touch controls, while others have physical buttons. Choose the control method that you find most convenient.
Key Takeaways
- The Powerbeats Pro 2 adds heart rate monitoring through built-in sensors
- The $249 earbuds feature Apple’s latest H2 chip for improved performance
- The signature ear hook design remains while adding new fitness tracking capabilities
Overview of PowerBeats Pro 2 Features
The PowerBeats Pro 2 introduces significant upgrades with a sleeker design, Apple’s H2 chip for enhanced audio processing, and built-in heart rate monitoring capabilities. The earbuds sell for $249 and represent the first major update since the original 2019 model.
Design and Build Enhancements
The new model features a streamlined ear hook design made from nickel titanium alloy, reducing bulk while maintaining stability during workouts. The earbuds come in four colors: Jet Black, Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, and Quick Sand.
These fitness-focused earbuds maintain an IPX4 water resistance rating, protecting against sweat and light water exposure during intense workouts.
Multiple ear tip sizes ensure a secure, customizable fit for different ear shapes.
Advanced Audio Technology
The H2 chip powers several premium audio features including Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode for environmental awareness.
A dual-layer transducer delivers improved sound quality with deeper bass response and clearer highs.
The earbuds support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ, automatically adjusting audio output based on fit and seal.
One-touch pairing and automatic device switching via iCloud enhance the connection experience for Apple users.
Health and Fitness Integration
The built-in heart rate sensor uses green LED technology with over 100 pulses per second for accurate heart rate tracking.
Data syncs directly with the Apple Health app and integrates with popular fitness platforms including Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Slopes.
Real-time heart rate monitoring helps users optimize workout intensity and track fitness progress.
The sensors maintain accuracy during various exercise types, from running to high-intensity interval training.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Powerbeats Pro 2 introduces substantial upgrades in design, heart rate monitoring, and audio features, making it a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
What enhancements have been made in the design of the Powerbeats Pro 2 compared to its predecessor?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 features a slimmer profile than the original model. The earbuds maintain the secure ear-hook design while reducing bulk.
The new design incorporates heart rate sensors seamlessly into each earbud. These sensors are remarkably compact, measuring just 1/16th the size of those used in the Apple Watch.
How does the heart-rate monitoring feature in the new Powerbeats Pro 2 operate?
Each earbud contains built-in heart rate monitoring sensors. The system uses four essential components to track heart rate during workouts.
The sensors derive their technology from the Apple Watch but have been miniaturized for earbud integration. They provide continuous heart rate tracking during exercise sessions.
What is the pricing for the newly released Powerbeats Pro 2?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 retails for $250. This price point reflects the addition of heart rate monitoring and other new features.
Are there any improvements in sound quality with the Powerbeats Pro 2?
The integration of the new H2 chip enhances audio processing capabilities. This upgrade provides improved sound quality and better wireless connectivity.
What is the battery life of the Powerbeats Pro 2 with the heart-rate monitoring function active?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintains strong battery performance even with heart rate monitoring enabled. Users can expect extended listening sessions between charges.
How does the Powerbeats Pro 2 integrate with fitness tracking ecosystems?
The earbuds sync with popular fitness apps and tracking systems. The heart rate data integrates into users’ existing workout metrics and activity tracking platforms.
The system provides real-time heart rate data during exercises. This allows users to monitor their workout intensity without additional wearable devices.
