The Beats brand from Apple has just launched an exciting new offering: the Powerbeats Pro 2. These eagerly anticipated headphones share many features with the AirPods Pro 2, alongside some distinctive benefits. Here are five compelling reasons why the Powerbeats Pro 2 outshine Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, along with a few areas where they might fall short.
#1: Extended battery life
While I have no issues with the battery duration of my AirPods Pro 2, it’s clear that the Powerbeats Pro 2 take the lead in this area.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: battery lasts 8 hrs with ANC active, 36 hrs with the charging case
- AirPods Pro 2: battery lasts 6 hrs with ANC active, 30 hrs with the charging case
The Powerbeats Pro 2 can also deliver approximately 90 minutes of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 provide only an hour.
#2: Integrated heart rate monitor
While we anticipate that the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 will include a built-in heart rate sensor, for now, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the only headphones from Apple to feature this health-related capability.
#3: Superior fit
Fit can vary by personal preference, as every individual’s ears are distinct. Nonetheless, early reviews of the Powerbeats Pro 2—including our own—have commended the superior fit of these new headphones.
Similar to the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 come with customizable ear tips, but they provide five sizes instead of four. Importantly, they also feature earhooks that enhance the overall fit.
#4: Variety of colors
Unlike AirPods, which have a distinct all-white appearance that Apple has hesitated to alter by introducing more color choices, the Powerbeats Pro 2 boldly break that mold.
They are available in four stylish colors:
- Jet Black
- Quick Sand
- Hyper Purple
- Electric Orange
If you prefer your headphones to have a touch more character and flair, the Powerbeats are an excellent choice.
#5: Enhanced Android compatibility
With the Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats has incorporated the Apple H2 chip, which grants users a wealth of premium audio features akin to those seen in the AirPods Pro 2.
For years, Beats has relied on custom wireless chips to enhance Android compatibility, but with the new Powerbeats Pro, the H2 chip provides Apple fans with what they desire while Android users can still utilize the Beats app for Android, which offers one-touch pairing, battery status notifications, Locate My Beats features, and more.
In contrast, AirPods Pro 2 have yet to provide any special features for Android users.
Two advantages for AirPods Pro 2
Even with the numerous advantages of the Powerbeats Pro 2 over the AirPods Pro 2, there are still a couple of areas where the AirPods Pro excel:
- Case size: Although the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a 33% smaller case compared to their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2 come with a more compact and convenient charging case.
- Price: While both products are priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 2, being nearly three years old, are frequently available at discounted rates (currently $169 on Amazon).
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether to choose the Powerbeats Pro 2 or the AirPods Pro 2 will depend on personal preference. Are you inclined towards an official Apple product, or does the Beats brand resonate more with you? The pros and cons discussed above will certainly influence your decision but are unlikely to serve as deal-breakers.
Moreover, sharing the H2 chip acts as a leveler for potential buyers assessing both Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2, as it guarantees that essential audio features are available with either option.
Which do you prefer, Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2, and why? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
