The Beats brand under Apple has just introduced a significant new product: the Powerbeats Pro 2. These eagerly anticipated headphones share several features with the AirPods Pro 2, along with some distinct advantages. Here are five aspects where Powerbeats Pro 2 outshine Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, along with a couple of areas where they fall short.
#1: Extended battery life
I have no issues with the battery life of my AirPods Pro 2, but it’s clear that Powerbeats Pro 2 have the upper hand in this arena.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: battery lasts 8 hrs with ANC activated, 36 hrs with charging case
- AirPods Pro 2: battery lasts 6 hrs with ANC activated, 30 hrs with charging case
Additionally, Powerbeats Pro 2 can deliver approximately 90 minutes of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging, while AirPods Pro 2 provide only an hour under similar conditions.
#2: Integrated heart rate sensor
This fall, we anticipate that the AirPods Pro 3 will include a built-in heart rate sensor, but for the moment, Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out as the only Apple headphones equipped with this health monitoring feature.
#3: Enhanced fit
This aspect might be somewhat subjective since ear shapes vary. However, preliminary reviews of the Powerbeats Pro 2, including our own, have praised the excellent fit of these new headphones.
Powerbeats Pro 2 feature custom ear tips similar to those found in AirPods Pro 2, providing five sizes compared to four with AirPods Pro 2. Additionally, the earhooks contribute to a significantly enhanced overall fit.
#4: Variety of colors
While the AirPods sport a classic all-white design that Apple has been hesitant to alter with additional colors, Powerbeats Pro 2 is not bound by that tradition. They come in four vibrant colors:
- Jet Black
- Quick Sand
- Hyper Purple
- Electric Orange
If you’re in search of headphones that offer more personality and flair, Powerbeats are your best bet.
#5: Enhanced support for Android
Beats has taken a significant step with the Powerbeats Pro 2, incorporating Apple’s H2 chip, which brings many of the desirable audio features typically associated with AirPods Pro 2.
Historically, Beats has utilized custom wireless chips, primarily to guarantee better compatibility with Android devices. With the new Powerbeats Pro featuring the H2 chip, Apple users gain enhanced functionality, while Android users can still access the Beats app, unlocking one-touch pairing, battery status indicators, Locate My Beats, and more.
In contrast, AirPods Pro 2 continue to lack additional features when utilized with Android devices.
Two advantages for AirPods Pro 2
While Powerbeats Pro 2 present several advantages over AirPods Pro 2, there are a couple of areas where AirPods Pro excel:
- Case size: Although Powerbeats Pro 2 have a 33% smaller case compared to the previous model, the AirPods Pro 2 still come with a more compact and portable charging case.
- Cost: Although both products have a retail price of $249, AirPods Pro 2, being nearly three years old, often see significant discounts (currently retailing for $169 on Amazon).
Conclusion
In the end, many users will choose between Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 based on personal preference. Are you looking for a true ‘Apple product,’ or does the Beats brand resonate more with you? The advantages and disadvantages highlighted above will play a role, but likely won’t be decisive factors.
Moreover, with both products featuring the H2 chip, buyers can expect similar audio experiences regardless of their final choice.
Do you prefer Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.
