Apple’s audio lineup recently expanded with the arrival of Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, creating an interesting competition with the established AirPods Pro 2. Both high-end wireless earbuds share Apple’s technology backbone but target different segments of the market. So in a Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparison, which should you choose?
Let’s compare these premium options across design, features, performance and value to help you determine which is right for your lifestyle.
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Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparison: Which premium Apple earbuds should you choose?
Many factors could influence your choice between Apple’s two top noise-canceling earbuds. With their ear hooks and other sporty features, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 seem ideal for workouts and athletic endeavors. Meanwhile, the flagship AirPods Pro 2 prove great for everything else. Plus, we often seem them available at a discount because they came out in September 2022. I’ve used AirPods Pro 2 for the past couple of years.
Table of contents: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2
- Design and comfort
- Controls and compatibility
- Sound quality and audio features
- Special features
- Microphone performance
- Who should choose each model?
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: The bottom line
- Pricing and availability
Design and comfort
These Bluetooth earbuds feature a heart rate monitor, Apple's H2 chip, active noise canceling with transparency mode, IPX4 water resistance, up to 45-hour battery life (with wireless charging case) and Apple and Android compatibility.
- Monitor heart rate without Apple Watch
- Noise canceling with transparency mode
- Secure fit
- Works great with Apple and Android devices
- Smaller than originals (but still not small)
The design philosophies behind these earbuds couldn’t be more different, reflecting their intended use cases.
Powerbeats Pro 2 feature the brand’s signature ear hook design, though Apple slimmed down the design significantly from previous generations. The hooks now come with more natural curves that better match ear anatomy and increased flexibility for extended comfort. This secure-fit approach makes them ideal for active users who prioritize stability during workouts. Powerbeats Pro offers several color options
AirPods Pro 2 maintain their sleek, stem-based design that sits more discretely in the ear. They feel nearly invisible when seated but can become less secure during vigorous movement. Befitting their minimalist aesthetic, AirPods Pro 2 come in white only.
In terms of fit customization, Powerbeats Pro 2 include five different ear tip sizes (including an extra large option that AirPods lack). So that potentially provides a better seal for a wider range of ear canal sizes.
Controls and compatibility
AirPods Pro 2 are a fantastic pair of earbuds for your iPhone, delivering terrific sound quality, excellent ANC, and advanced features like Personalized Spatial Audio.
- Fab sound quality
- Excellent ANC
- Hearing Health features let them double as clinical-grade hearing aids and active hearing protection
- USB-C wireless charging case
- Hard to come up with one
The touch control systems differ significantly between models. AirPods Pro 2 feature force sensors on their stems that provide tactile feedback when squeezed, plus touch-sensitive surfaces for volume adjustment through swipes. Voice control via “Hey Siri” offers another hands-free option.
Powerbeats Pro 2 take a more physical approach with two dedicated buttons on each bud: a volume rocker and a customizable control button that can be assigned various functions. Many users find physical buttons more reliable during workouts when sweaty fingers might compromise touch controls.
Both sets of earbuds utilize Apple’s H2 chip, enabling seamless device switching, Find My integration and Audio Sharing. However, a crucial difference emerges in ecosystem compatibility. While AirPods Pro 2 function primarily within Apple’s ecosystem, Powerbeats Pro 2 offer cross-platform compatibility through a dedicated Android app, making them a better choice for those who use multiple operating systems.
Sound quality and audio features
Photo: Apple
AirPods Pro 2 deliver a balanced, versatile sound profile with exceptional clarity across frequencies. They’re engineered for all-around performance rather than emphasizing any particular frequency range.
Powerbeats Pro 2 follow the Beats tradition with powerful bass extension that particularly benefits workout-focused genres like hip-hop and electronic music. Vocals remain clear, though some users report that high frequencies can occasionally sound overly sharp during extended listening.
Both models support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive 3D sound experiences.
However, AirPods Pro 2 offer additional audio features not found in Powerbeats Pro 2, including:
- Adaptive Audio that automatically adjusts sound based on environment
- Conversation Awareness that lowers volume when you speak
- Hearing health features, including OTC hearing aid functionality
The active noise cancellation (ANC) quality differs substantially between models. AirPods Pro 2 provide industry-leading noise suppression, while Powerbeats Pro 2’s ANC is functional but less effective at creating a nearly silent environment. Both offer excellent transparency modes that allow ambient sound in naturally.
Special features
Photo: Beats
Powerbeats Pro 2’s standout feature is its integrated heart rate monitor — a first for Apple earbuds (and possibly a failure, according to some early reviews). This sensor allows fitness tracking through compatible third-party apps like Peloton and Nike Run Club. However, it’s worth noting that its functionality is currently limited, as it doesn’t work with Apple Fitness+ workouts and can’t provide on-demand heart rate readings like an Apple Watch.
AirPods Pro 2, meanwhile, excel in smart features like automatic device switching, conversation detection and accessibility functions. Their case also has enhanced Find My capabilities, including a built-in speaker to help locate it when misplaced.
Battery life and charging
Battery performance is a clear win for Powerbeats Pro 2. They deliver up to 10 hours of playback per charge, compared to AirPods Pro 2’s 6 hours. When including their respective charging cases, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer up to 45 total hours versus the AirPods Pro 2’s 30 hours.
Fast charging capabilities favor Beats as well, with a 5-minute charge providing 90 minutes of playback compared to 60 minutes for the AirPods Pro 2. Both cases support wireless charging, though only the AirPods case includes the speaker-equipped Find My feature.
Microphone performance
Both earbuds feature similar microphone setups and perform comparably on calls. In quiet environments, Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver slightly crisper voice quality, while in noisy conditions, both rely on aggressive noise filtering algorithms to isolate speech.
The difference is subtle enough that call quality shouldn’t be a deciding factor between them.
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparison: Who should choose each model?
Choose the Powerbeats Pro 2 if you:
- Prioritize sweat resistance and secure fit for workout stability.
- Need cross-platform compatibility with Android devices.
- Want the longest possible battery life.
- Prefer bass-forward sound profiles.
- Would benefit from heart rate tracking during workouts.
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if you:
- Want superior noise cancellation.
- Prefer a balanced, versatile sound signature.
- Value a compact, low-profile design.
- Need advanced features like Adaptive Audio and hearing aid functionality.
- Can take advantage of sale pricing.
- Prioritize comfort for casual, everyday use.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparison: The bottom line
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 represent two different approaches to premium wireless earbuds, each excelling in their intended use cases.
Powerbeats Pro 2 are the clear winners for active users who need absolute stability during workouts, extended battery life and heart rate monitoring capabilities. Their cross-platform compatibility also makes them more versatile for those who use both iOS and Android devices.
However, AirPods Pro 2 remain the superior all-around option for daily use. They offer better noise cancellation, more advanced audio features and a more compact design. Their frequent discounts also make them a more compelling value proposition when available at sale prices.
Your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle priorities: if fitness is your primary focus, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the better investment. For versatile everyday use with excellent noise cancellation and smart features, the AirPods Pro 2 continue to set the standard, especially if you can find them at a discount.
Price and availability
These Bluetooth earbuds feature a heart rate monitor, Apple's H2 chip, active noise canceling with transparency mode, IPX4 water resistance, up to 45-hour battery life (with wireless charging case) and Apple and Android compatibility.
- Monitor heart rate without Apple Watch
- Noise canceling with transparency mode
- Secure fit
- Works great with Apple and Android devices
- Smaller than originals (but still not small)
Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 both launched with identical $249 price tags. However, the AirPods Pro 2, having been on the market longer, can frequently be found on sale for as low as $169. The newer Powerbeats Pro 2 will likely maintain their full retail price for some time.
AirPods Pro 2 are a fantastic pair of earbuds for your iPhone, delivering terrific sound quality, excellent ANC, and advanced features like Personalized Spatial Audio.
- Fab sound quality
- Excellent ANC
- Hearing Health features let them double as clinical-grade hearing aids and active hearing protection
- USB-C wireless charging case
- Hard to come up with one
Buy from Amazon: Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2
Buy from Best Buy: Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
