Powerbeats Pro 2: Best Workout Earbuds, But Audio Quality Lags

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have been hailed as the best workout earbuds on the market, but do they live up to the hype? Let's dive into the details and see if these earbuds are worth the investment.



The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the latest iteration of Beats' popular workout earbuds, and they come packed with features designed to enhance your workout experience. The earbuds feature a secure ear hook design, active noise cancellation (ANC), heart-rate monitoring, and a total of 45 hours of battery life with the case. These features make the Powerbeats Pro 2 a top choice for athletes looking for high-performance workout earbuds.

However, despite these impressive features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 still lag behind in audio quality. The earbuds deliver an energetic, bass-heavy sound ideal for workouts, but audiophiles might find the lack of upper treble underwhelming. The Powerbeats Pro 2 rely on Apple’s Adaptive EQ, which adjusts based on fit, rather than offering a custom EQ. This means users cannot fine-tune the sound to their personal preferences, which is a feature available in some other premium earbuds.

The Powerbeats Pro 2's frequency response changes based on whether noise canceling is turned on or off. With ANC turned on, the earbuds' frequency response matches the preference curve well, indicating a more optimized sound profile. However, this adaptability might not be sufficient for users who prioritize consistent audio quality regardless of the ANC setting.

The Powerbeats Pro 2's audio quality is a significant limitation compared to other premium workout earbuds that might offer a more balanced sound signature. For instance, the Bose QC Earbuds Ultra are mentioned as having better clarity, which suggests a more detailed and nuanced audio experience compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Despite these limitations, the Powerbeats Pro 2 still offer a superior workout experience compared to their predecessors. The inclusion of ANC and heart-rate monitoring are significant advancements that make the Powerbeats Pro 2 a top choice for athletes. The earbuds also benefit from the apple H2 chip, which provides seamless connectivity with iOS devices and enhances the overall performance of the earbuds.

The Powerbeats Pro 2's design has also been improved, with a more ergonomic shape and a redesigned ear hook that is 50% smaller and made of nickel-titanium alloy. The earbuds are 20% lighter than their predecessors, contributing to a more comfortable fit during intense workouts. The inclusion of five different ear tip sizes, including an extra-large set, helps create a tight seal for better noise isolation and comfort.

The Powerbeats Pro 2's battery life is impressive, offering up to 10 hours per charge and a total of 45 hours with the case. This extended battery life ensures that athletes can enjoy their workouts without worrying about running out of power. The case is also 33% smaller than the original Powerbeats Pro, making it more portable and convenient to carry around.

In conclusion, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a top choice for athletes looking for high-performance workout earbuds. However, despite their impressive features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 still lag behind in audio quality. If you're an audiophile looking for a more balanced sound signature, you might want to consider other premium workout earbuds. But if you're an athlete looking for a secure fit, ANC, and heart-rate monitoring, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are worth the investment.

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