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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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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The post AirPods Pro 2 vs Powerbeats Pro 2: Apple’s Two Best Wireless Earbuds Face Off appeared first on Gizmochina.

Beats has introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2, designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The latest iteration offers improved fit, enhanced sound quality, and heart rate monitoring to track performance during workouts. It also features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode for an immersive yet adaptable listening experience.

Powerbeats Pro 2 key features

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is engineered for stability and comfort, featuring a redesigned earhook reinforced with a nickel-titanium alloy. The earbuds are 20% lighter than the previous version and come with five ear tip sizes, including an extra-small option. With an IPX4 rating, they are resistant to sweat and water, making them suitable for intense training sessions.

For audio performance, Beats has implemented Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive EQ, and an upgraded acoustic architecture. These enhancements deliver a well-balanced sound profile with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. ANC minimizes external noise, while Transparency mode allows ambient sounds when needed.

Heart rate monitoring is a key addition, as LED optical sensors are used to track real-time data. This feature is compatible with several fitness apps, including Runna, Nike Run Club, and Slopes. Connectivity is seamless, thanks to Class 1 Bluetooth technology. Apple users benefit from one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, and Find My support, while Android users can customize settings via the Beats app.

Battery life is another highlight, offering up to 10 hours of playback per charge, extending to 45 hours with the charging case. Fast Fuel charging provides 90 minutes of playback from just a five-minute charge. The case is 33% smaller than its predecessor and supports wireless charging.

Powerbeats Pro 2 price in India and availability

Available in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is priced at Rs 29,900. It can be ordered from Apple’s official website, with retail availability starting on Feb. 13.

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The post Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 launched with heart rate monitoring and ANC appeared first on Gizmochina.