Apple has just introduced a new pair of wireless earbuds—but they aren’t AirPods. It’s the Powerbeats Pro 2, the latest offering from Beats (which Apple owns), which brings some interesting upgrades that even surpass the AirPods Pro 2 in certain aspects. But, of course, these improvements come at a cost.
The first generation of Powerbeats Pro debuted in 2019, and Beats has taken its time delivering a follow-up. Now, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are here, and they’re packed with features that put them toe-to-toe with Apple’s flagship AirPods Pro 2. However, these are very different products with distinct use cases. Let’s break down the key differences.
1. Design
The AirPods Pro 2 has a design that needs no introduction. Apple’s signature stem-based earbuds are lightweight, easy to slip into your ears, and come with four sizes of silicone ear tips for a better fit.
The Powerbeats Pro 2, on the other hand, follows a completely different philosophy. These sport-focused earbuds have an over-the-ear hook design that provides a much more secure fit—ideal for workouts and high-intensity activities.
The ear hooks are made from a nickel-titanium alloy, which is known for its flexibility and ability to retain its shape. This means they should feel comfortable even during long wear sessions. The downside? They’re larger and bulkier than AirPods Pro 2, both in the earbuds themselves and the charging case.
- AirPods Pro 2: 30.9 mm (height) x 21.8 mm (width) x 24 mm (thickness), 5.3g per earbud
- AirPods Pro 2 Case: 45.2 mm x 60.6 mm x 21.7 mm, 50.8g
- Powerbeats Pro 2: 45 mm x 41 mm x 24 mm, 8.7g per earbud
- Powerbeats Pro 2 Case: 75 mm x 66 mm x 34 mm, 77.7g
While the AirPods Pro 2 are smaller and more discreet, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a fit that’s practically immune to accidental dislodging. If you prioritize stability, especially during workouts, Beats’ offering might be the better choice.
2. Tech and Features: Shared DNA with a Twist
Both earbuds share some core Apple technology. The Powerbeats Pro 2 inherits many of the AirPods Pro 2’s best features, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Both models also rely on Apple’s H2 chip to power these features.
However, there are some key differences:
- Bluetooth: Apple lists Bluetooth 5.3 for the AirPods Pro 2, but for the Powerbeats Pro 2, it only mentions Bluetooth Class 1. Both should offer strong connectivity, but the specifics of any differences remain unclear.
- Controls: AirPods Pro 2 uses touch controls, allowing you to swipe up or down on the stem for volume adjustments. The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses a more traditional approach, with physical buttons for volume and a multi-function button on each earbud.
- Heart Rate Sensor: The standout feature exclusive to the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart rate monitor. This makes them Apple’s first earbuds to track your heart rate in real-time, automatically logging the data on an iPhone. On Android, users need to manually start and stop tracking via the Beats app.
3. Battery Life
If longevity is your priority, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is clearly a better choice in this regard. Apple claims they offer up to 10 hours of continuous playback per charge, with a total of 45 hours with the charging case. And thanks to what Apple calls Fast Fuel technology, you can get 1.5 hours of playback time within just five minutes of charging.
In comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 lasts for six hours per charge (five and a half with head tracking enabled), and the charging case extends this to 30 hours total. A quick five-minute charge gives them about one hour of playback.
That’s a significant difference—especially for users who don’t want to worry about frequent recharging.
Speaking of which, both devices support wireless charging, but Apple takes a slightly different approach for each. The AirPods Pro 2 case works with MagSafe chargers, Apple Watch chargers, USB-C, and Qi-certified chargers. The Powerbeats Pro 2 case is Qi-certified but doesn’t support MagSafe or Apple Watch charging. Instead, it charges via USB-C.
4. Price
Price is, of course, the biggest deciding factor when buying just about anything. But if you’re hoping that might make choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 any easier, think again.
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at $250 in the US. That makes this decision a lot harder.
For the same price, you’re choosing between Apple’s sleek, pocketable, all-purpose AirPods Pro 2 or the bulkier but more workout-friendly Powerbeats Pro 2, which adds longer battery life and a heart rate monitor (if you need that).
5. Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re trying to choose between the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2, it really comes down to how you plan to use them.
- Choose AirPods Pro 2 if you want…
- A sleek, compact design for everyday use
- Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem
- MagSafe and Apple Watch charging support
- Touch-based controls
- Choose Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want…
- A super-secure fit, especially for workouts
- Longer battery life (10 hours per charge vs. 6 hours)
- A built-in heart rate sensor
- Physical buttons for control
For athletes and those who need a secure, long-lasting pair of earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the clear winner. However, if you prefer something more compact and versatile for everyday use, the AirPods Pro 2 remains an excellent option. Either way, Apple has given users two premium choices, each of which caters to different audiences.
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