We understand the importance of finding the perfect audio companion for your fitness adventures!

Apple, as you’ll know, has two headphone brands: Apple AirPods and Beats. It’s the second of those companies that just announced a new product, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2—and it’s just been released. While there are overlaps in the naming, the new Pro 2 from Beats is a very different product, with some features that outdo AirPods. While premium wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 often dominate the conversation, Beats’ latest Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a fitness-focused edge that could make them the best choice for workouts.

The over-ear hook design has always made Powerbeats a standout for active duties, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 refines this approach with a lighter, more compact design that maintains stability even through intense movement. Now made from a flexible nickel-titanium alloy, the hooks improve comfort and durability, accommodating users who wear glasses or headgear.

Unlike standard AirPods, Beats claims these earbuds won’t budge mid-workout—something gym-goers, runners and mountain bikers will appreciate. Plus, with an IPX4 water resistance rating, they can withstand sweat and splashes. Although Beats highlights their IPX4 rating to reinforce their active credentials, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 has the same rating. If you were wondering exactly what IPX4 means, these earbuds are resistant to water splashes from any direction, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. However, they are not fully waterproof or submersible, so swimming with them is not advised.

The most intriguing feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the built-in heart rate sensor—a first for Apple’s wireless earbuds. Using the same optical technology as the Apple Watch, these earbuds can monitor heart rate in real-time, making them a natural fit for fitness enthusiasts.

However, there’s a catch for iOS users: Apple’s Fitness app doesn’t support heart rate tracking from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (at least at launch). Instead, users must rely on third-party fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, or Runna to fully use the feature. On the other hand, Android users can integrate heart rate data into any compatible fitness or health app—though they’ll have to start and stop tracking manually.

Battery life is crucial for long workout sessions. Beats claims the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers up to 10 hours of playtime per charge (8 hours with ANC on) for 45 hours, including the charging case. That’s significantly better than the AirPods Pro 2, making them a more reliable choice for endurance training.

Beats have also included Apple’s H2 chip, which offers premium features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, and Adaptive EQ. The dual-layer transducer helps balance powerful bass with clarity across frequencies. Beats headphones have long been known for their bass-heavy sound signature, and while Beats mentions Powerbeats Pro 2 aims for a more balanced approach, they still deliver the deep, punchy bass that fans of the brand have come to expect.

One of Beats products' most significant selling points is their cross-platform functionality. While Apple users get seamless pairing, Android users aren’t left behind—the Beats app enables one-touch pairing, heart rate monitoring, customisable controls, and more. This makes Powerbeats Pro 2 a strong competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro and other fitness-focused earbuds.

While the AirPods Pro 2 are versatile general-purpose earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 appear to have the advantage for fitness and athletic activities. Their secure fit, heart rate monitoring, extended battery life, and robust workout features make them an appealing choice for those who prioritise gym performance above all else.

Available in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange, the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in a lot more colours than Apple’s in-ears (though since AirPods and AirPods Pro have only ever been released in white, that’s not difficult). That last one, Electric Orange, is a particularly attractive shade in this writer's humble opinion. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at US$249.99/£249.99/€299.95/A$399.95—the same as the AirPods Pro 2 but again with a stronger focus on health and fitness.

So, are the Powerbeats Pro 2 the best for the gym or athletics? Without first-hand real-world testing, we can't answer definitively. However, with their secure fit, sweat resistance, long battery life, and built-in heart rate monitoring, the Powerbeats Pro 2 check plenty of boxes for fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-performance earbud solution.

Visit Beats for more information