The Powerboats Pro 2 have officially been released by Beats, along with the other gadgets that were shown in London. The second generation of Powerboats Pro was originally created to assist athletes in their training at the gym. As per the trends set by other fitness earbud models, the new iteration retains the signature ear hook design but promises longer battery life, better connectivity, and a slimmer charging case. Along with the last model, these fitness earbuds still struggle with audio output, especially when stacked against competing brands in the premium earbuds market.
Design and Comfort: Built for Movement
Everything about the earbuds is crafted and designed towards comfort and usability with not just working out, but everyday movement. Ergonomics is clearly at the forefront of design as the ear hooks add another layer of comfy security, making these earbuds perfect for not just runners, but cyclists and weightlifters as well. The earbuds also come with an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they will last against minor splashes and sweat.
Beats has also made subtle design improvements on the earbuds themselves, as well as the smaller and slimmer charging case. While this is still bulkier than other competitors on the market, it is a much better improvement compared to the oversized charging case of the original Powerbeats Pro.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Excellent for Extended Workouts
The area where Powerbeats Pro 2 truly shines is battery life. Users can expect continuous playback for up to 9 hours and over 24 hours with the charging case. There is also a quick charge feature that allows up to 1.5 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge. Great for gym goers who often forget to charge their earbuds prior to exercising.
An improvement has been made in the realm of connectivity as Apple’s H1 chip ensures effortless pairing with iOS devices and faster switching between Apple products. Fans on the Android side can also look forward to a stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection, although the full benefits of the Apple ecosystem are absent.
Audio Performance: Adequate, But Not Ideal
Vocals and midrange tones sometimes get buried in the bass, while the highs are crisp but lacking the finesse of superior earbuds. Also, not having active noise cancellation (ANC) is a letdown, especially when so many modern workout earbuds have it.
Claim Quality and Controls: Useful, Not Great
While call quality is acceptable, with good voice pickup in quiet surroundings, it suffers a lot in noisy or windy conditions. The physical buttons on each earbud are great for adjusting volume, playing or pausing music, and using voice assistants. This is beneficial for users who prefer to avoid touch controls.
Verdict: Great For Working Out, Not for Audiophiles
With its secure fit, durable build, and excellent battery life, the Powerboats Pro 2 remains one of the best workout earbuds. However, users who care about audio quality or noise cancellation will find better alternatives. Its strengths will be recognized by fitness enthusiasts, but casual listeners will want to find other premium earbuds that offer a better overall sound experience.