Beats has officially launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, the first of its earbuds to feature built-in heart rate monitoring sensors.
Packed with enhanced audio, longer battery life, and improved design, these earbuds could be a big help for audiophiles and also fitness enthusiasts.
When is Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming?
According to the official Beats by Dr. Dre website, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will hit shelves on Feb. 13, just one day shy of Valentine's Day. It could be a perfect gift to your loved ones at a retail price of $249.99.
As an extension of Apple's wearable tech ecosystem, these new earbuds could help boost revenue for Apple's wearables division, which saw a slight decline in sales during the most recent quarter.
Heart Rate Monitoring for Health-Conscious Individuals
If there's the most impressive feature that the Powerbeats Pro 2 has right now, it would be its built-in heart rate sensor. Long before it became available to the newly released earbuds, previous rumors were pointing out that it would first launch for AirPods Pro 2.
Using LED optical sensors, the earbuds pulse light 100 times per second to track the user's heart rate in real time. The data syncs seamlessly with popular fitness apps, including Apple Health, Runna, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and Peloton.
While the heart rate monitor isn't yet compatible with Apple Fitness+, users can still track their stats through the Apple Health app.
Improved Fit and Lightweight Design
Comfort is a key selling point of the Powerbeats Pro 2. The earbuds feature the following, according to Gizmochina:
- Redesigned ear hooks for a more secure fit
- 20% lighter body compared to previous models
- Sweat and water resistance, making them perfect for workouts
Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode
Apart from the heart monitoring feature, Powerbeats Pro 2 includes Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block unwanted sounds, making them ideal for noisy environments like crowded gyms, offices, or commutes.
For added versatility, Transparency Mode allows ambient noise to pass through, making it safer for outdoor runs or staying aware in busy surroundings.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Apple vs. Android Features
While designed for Apple users, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is fully compatible with Android devices. However, Apple users get access to exclusive features like:
- Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive 360-degree listening experience
- Siri voice assistant integration
- High-quality lossless audio
Android users will still enjoy heart rate monitoring, noise control features, and high-quality audio, but will miss out on Apple's proprietary perks.
Extended Battery Life for All-Day Listening
Battery life has received a major upgrade with the Powerbeats Pro 2:
- 10 hours of continuous playback (with ANC off)
- Up to 45 hours total with the charging case
This extended battery performance makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 a top choice for workouts, travel, and daily use.
Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 Worth It?
With heart rate monitoring, superior sound quality, improved battery life, and enhanced comfort, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is indeed a money-saver if you're on the hunt for a premium fitness-focused audio experience.
At $249, they offer strong competition to other high-end earbuds, particularly for Apple users looking for next-level performance in both fitness tracking and music quality.
