Evaluating the Apple Powerbeats Pro 2: An Avid Runner's Joy
Apple's Powerbeats Pro 2 elevate the original with savvy improvements, a more ergonomic design, improved battery life, and a handsome new price tag of $250. Known as the sporty sibling of the AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro made a name for themselves with their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, excellent sound quality, and ear hook design that won over runners, hikers, and commuters alike. Let's dive into the review of the Powerbeats Pro 2, examining how they stack up against their predecessor.
Design and Comfort: Powerbeats Pro 2 Upgrade
© Adriano Contreras
The Powerbeats Pro 2 address almost every critique of the original, starting with size. These earbuds have been trimmed down by approximately 30%, ensuring a more comfortable fit for those with glasses or prefer a slimmer design. The ear hook stems, too, have been reduced in thickness, offering a better fit for glasses-wearers and making the buds less intrusive.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are remarkably comfortable, surprisingly so given their snug fit. These earbuds proved to be secure during my daily jogs, crowded subway rides, and even intense workout sessions without fear of falling out.
The charging case has also seen a significant reduction in size - a 30% downscale - and supports Qi-wireless charging, allowing for ultimate portability. Despite its smaller dimensions, the case still boasts the capacity to provide three full charges to the Powerbeats Pro 2, making them an ideal workout companion.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintain an IPX4 water-resistance rating, perfect for working out or handling a light drizzle. While it would have been great to see a higher water resistance rating to accommodate swimmers or those who regularly get caught in the rain, I understand why Beats opted for a more cost-effective solution.
Audio Performance: Sound Quality Polishes Up
© Adriano Contreras
I was concerned that the slight alterations in size might impact the audio quality. Rest assured, these changes have not dimmed the Powerbeats Pro 2's sound. The audio is well-balanced, the bass is rich, and the soundstage is impressive - properties that make the Powerbeats Pro 2 perfect for athletes who need to pump themselves up during their exercise routine.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 now offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing for a more immersive workout experience. The ANC functionality does a fine job blocking out the surrounding world, thereby enabling users to focus on their exercises or even those much-needed moments of peace during a hectic day.
Transparency mode is also available, making the Powerbeats Pro 2 well-suited for users who wish to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings. The Adaptive EQ further enhances the listening experience, tailoring the audio to the individual ear shape for an unmatched fit and sound quality.
Voices are crisp and clear during calls, thanks to the effective voice isolation, ensuring you can maintain conversations with ease - even amidst windy conditions or bustling city streets.
Features: Heart Rate Monitoring and Controls
The Powerbeats Pro 2 include a built-in heart rate monitor in each earbud, which provides accurate reads during workouts. Users can access this information in popular fitness apps like Nike Run, Runna, Slopes, and Peloton, making it an excellent tool for tracking health and performance metrics.
If you own an Apple Watch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 can integrate with the device for even more precise heart rate readings. However, if you forego the Apple Watch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 still deliver accurate data, albeit perhaps not as precise overall.
The Powerbeats Pro 2's controls are user-friendly and intuitive. The 'b' button on each earbud allows users to skip tracks and adjust volume, while Apple's Siri integration allows for hands-free control of their device. Furthermore, iCloud pairing enables seamless connectivity across multiple Apple devices, meaning users can switch between devices without needing to physically pair the earbuds.
Battery Life: Longer Runs and Casual Listening
The battery life of the Powerbeats Pro 2 has also received a significant boost. Apple promises up to 11 hours of playback time with ANC turned off, pushing the limit to an impressive 15 hours with ANC disabled. This means users can enjoy their workouts and music for extended periods without worrying about the battery life.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 charging case provides an additional three full charges to the earbuds, allowing for nearly double the lifetime battery usage. The case now supports wireless charging, making it easier to recharge the earbuds whenever – and wherever – you need to.
In conclusion, the Powerbeats Pro 2 build on the foundations of their predecessor with refreshing improvements in design, comfort, battery life, and audio performance. With features like Active Noise Cancellation, heart rate monitoring, and a more intuitive user interface, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a superior fitness listening experience for iPhone users.
The inclusion of reviews for the Powerbeats Pro 2 is essential to understanding their impact in the technology market, as user feedback can shape future iterations of the product.
Furthermore, as technology advances, it's expected that future versions of the Powerbeats Pro could incorporate advancements in sound quality, battery life, and even new features like integrated health tracking.
