Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 First Impressions: A Secure, High-Energy Upgrade

Heck yeah, what an amazing way to end the week with the arrival of the new Powerbeats Pro 2! I have a ton of yard work this weekend, and while I love my AirPods Pro 2, there’s always this nagging feeling that one or both might just fall into the swimming pool while I’m cleaning it or accidentally get chewed up by the lawn mower. So the ear hooks are a welcome change.

Designer: Apple x Beats

First Impressions: Design and Fit

The moment I pulled them out of the case, I could tell Beats wasn’t messing around. These are noticeably slimmer, and the ear hooks feel more refined—less bulky, more natural. Slipping them on, they practically disappear behind my ears, and that 20% reduction in weight is immediately noticeable. They feel locked in, but not in a way that screams discomfort. After a quick shake test, a few exaggerated head bobs, and even a full sprint across the yard to chase down a rogue leaf blower attachment, they didn’t budge. Compared to the original Powerbeats Pro, there’s no question—these are the better fit.

And let’s talk about color. I love orange, and the Electric Orange option for the Powerbeats Pro 2 is exactly my kind of energy. It’s fun, vibrant, and feels right at home for workouts and outdoor use. It’s bold enough to stand out but still practical. Plus, it adds a level of visibility that’s great for running or biking outside. Some people might prefer a more subtle black or navy, but for me, this color just makes the whole experience more exciting.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, like their predecessors, are designed to provide a customizable fit with different ear tip sizes. Beats include a variety of ear tip options to accommodate different ear shapes, with four sizes available in the box: XS, S, L, and XL. This range ensures a secure fit for different ear shapes, providing better isolation and stability during movement. For me, the ear tips that came pre-installed fit just fine—they’re comfortable and provide the right level of noise cancellation without needing to swap them out.

To ensure the best fit, users can utilize the Ear Tip Fit Test available on both iOS and Android devices for Beats models, including the Powerbeats Pro 2. This feature helps determine the optimal ear tip size for achieving a secure seal and superior sound quality.

Sound Quality, Battery Life, and Heart Rate Monitor

Press play and it’s clear Beats has put in the work. There’s a warmth to the bass without that overwhelming boominess that plagued earlier models. The mids feel richer, and the highs have a crispness that cuts through the noise of the lawnmower. ANC is present but doesn’t come close to what you’d get on over-ear headphones, which wasn’t surprising. It does just enough to dull background noise, and Transparency Mode is surprisingly natural when I need to be aware of my surroundings. It’s not AirPods Pro 2-level, but it’s solid for an open-ear design.

While I haven’t had them long enough to push the battery to its limits, knowing I’ve got up to 45 hours of total listening time is reassuring. That’s the kind of longevity that makes them ideal for long workdays, weekend projects, or back-to-back gym sessions without scrambling for a charger.

I haven’t fully tested the heart rate monitor yet, but the fact that it’s even built into these is a game-changer. If it’s accurate, that’s a level of integration you don’t typically get from wireless earbuds. More on that in the full review.

Here’s What My Ears Are Telling Me (For now)

The Powerbeats Pro 2 feels like exactly what I needed—a no-nonsense, workout-ready alternative to my AirPods Pro 2 with a fit that inspires confidence. Whether I’m sweating it out in the yard or hitting the rowing machine, these things stay put and deliver quality audio without compromise. The full review will go deeper into how well that battery holds up, how accurate the heart rate monitor really is, and whether ANC is worth relying on. But for now? I’m pretty hyped.

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