Powerbeats Pro 2 are Beats’ workout-focused true-wireless earbuds, announced February 11, 2025 and sold in the United States from February 13, 2025. They cost $249.99 at Apple and Beats, and add optical heart-rate sensing to a package built around wraparound earhooks, active noise cancellation and long battery life. The sensor is for workout feedback—not diagnosis or medical monitoring.
What launched—and what is current in 2026
Powerbeats Pro 2 is a Beats product, not a renamed AirPods model. Beats is Apple’s audio subsidiary, so the earbuds use Apple technology while retaining the Powerbeats design and branding. The launch announcement came on February 11, 2025, with U.S. retail availability on February 13 at a $249.99 list price. Apple still lists the standard product at $249.99 in the United States as of August 18, 2026. MacRumors reported the launch timing, while Apple’s store page shows the U.S. product listing.
Launch colors were Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple and Electric Orange. Beats and Nike later released a Nike Special Edition in March 2025 at the same $249.99 U.S. price.
The important news is not simply that the earbuds contain a sensor. Heart-rate readings appear in compatible workout apps or equipment, subject to the phone, operating system, app and pairing setup you use.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
How the heart-rate feature works
Each earbud uses optical sensors that shine light into the ear and estimate blood flow. Beats says the sensors pulse light more than 100 times per second. The earbuds then relay a workout heart-rate stream to a supported app or compatible fitness equipment; they are not operating as an independent smartwatch.
- Put both earbuds in and choose ear tips that provide a stable seal.
- Pair them with your phone, tablet, watch or compatible exercise equipment.
- Open a supported fitness app and start a workout or heart-rate session.
- Confirm that the app is receiving Powerbeats Pro 2 as its heart-rate source.
- Stop the session when the workout ends. On Android, starting and stopping the heart-rate session is manual where Beats requires it.
Heart-rate monitoring can be turned off. Loose fit, sweat, movement, ear shape and debris can affect readings, so a displayed number should be treated as workout guidance rather than a guarantee of accuracy for every person or exercise.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Compatibility: platform and app requirements
Compatibility is broader than the Apple logo on the box, but the experience differs by platform. Beats’ current information lists the following arrangements:
| Platform or setup | What is supported | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Fitness app heart-rate workflows on iOS 26; one-touch pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, Siri and Find My | Fitness workflows require pairing with an iPhone or Apple Watch and a compatible app or software version. |
| iPad | Fitness app support on iPadOS 26 | Beats specifies pairing with an iPhone or Apple Watch for these Fitness workflows. |
| Apple TV | Fitness app support on tvOS 26 | Requires the paired Apple hardware and supported software; not every Apple device has every heart-rate workflow. |
| Apple Watch | Can be part of supported Apple Fitness workflows | The app may use the watch as the active heart-rate source, so check which sensor the workout is using. |
| Android phone | Heart-rate monitoring through the Beats app and compatible third-party apps; battery widgets, controls and Locate My Beats | The Beats app and current compatible Android software are required, and sessions must be started manually where specified. |
| Fitness equipment | Support on select compatible equipment through Bluetooth | That does not mean every treadmill, bike, rower or console will accept the feed. |
Beats currently names Apple Fitness, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder, Slopes, 30 Day Fitness at Home and ASICS Runkeeper among supported apps. Availability and behavior can change with app and operating-system updates; “compatible apps” is more accurate than “all fitness apps.” See the official heart-rate compatibility list before buying for a specific service.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Hardware built for training
- Retention: wraparound earhooks are designed to stay in place during running, lifting, cycling and other high-impact movement.
- Sound and controls: Apple’s H2 chip, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, physical on-ear buttons and tactile volume rockers.
- Calls: three microphones and a voice accelerometer in each earbud, plus Voice Isolation.
- Connectivity: Class 1 Bluetooth.
- Charging: a wireless charging case with USB-C charging; the case supports Qi-compatible charging and Beats states compatibility with MagSafe chargers.
- Durability: IPX4 sweat and water resistance.
The case is 33% smaller than the original Powerbeats Pro. Earhooks can improve security, but they are less discreet than stem-style earbuds and may interfere with glasses, helmets, masks or larger earrings.
Battery, charging and water limits
| Claim | What it means |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 hours | Maximum continuous listening from the earbuds under Beats’ test conditions. |
| Up to 45 hours | Combined listening time using the charging case, also a manufacturer estimate. |
| Fast Fuel | Five minutes of charging provides up to 1.5 hours of playback under Apple’s specified testing conditions. |
| IPX4 | Resistance to sweat and water splashes—not waterproofing and not a swimming rating. |
Actual runtime varies with ANC or Transparency mode, volume, codec, temperature and workout use. Earwax or debris can also affect ANC and Transparency performance; follow Beats’ cleaning guidance rather than inserting objects into the sensor or acoustic openings. Specifications are listed on Beats’ product page.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR ATHLETES WHO DON'T STOP: After 1,500 hours of testing across athletes of every ear shape and intensity level, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a secure-fit earhook that stays locked on — whether you're in a sprint, a heavy lift, or a full class.
- TUNE OUT THE GYM. TUNE INTO YOUR WORKOUT: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) designed specifically for training environments — filters the noise floor so you can lock on, with Transparency mode to let in what matters when it matters.
- YOUR HEART RATE, RIGHT FROM YOUR EARS: Built-in sensors pulse 100+ times per second for real-time heart rate tracking without a chest strap or watch. Train smarter and keep your hands free. IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.
- 45 HOURS. ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WEEK: Powered by the Apple H2 chip, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of total listening time with the charging case — the first wireless Qi-charging case from Beats. Running low? Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback.
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH APPLE AND ANDROID: One-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and hands-free Siri on Apple. Full feature access including Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets on Android via the Beats app for Android.
Is the sensor medical-grade?
No. Beats’ safety documentation says Powerbeats Pro 2 and its heart-rate sensor are not medical devices. They are intended to provide exercise feedback, not diagnose illness, replace prescribed monitoring or guide treatment. Anyone with a medical condition should continue using the appropriate clinical device and follow a clinician’s advice. Read the safety and handling document.
Who should buy Powerbeats Pro 2?
They make sense for
- Runners, gym users and cyclists whose conventional earbuds fall out.
- People who want occasional workout heart-rate feedback without wearing a watch for that session.
- iPhone, Apple Watch or Android users whose preferred fitness app is supported.
- Listeners who want ANC, Transparency mode, physical controls and a long case-assisted battery claim.
Look elsewhere if
- You need clinical or medical-grade heart-rate monitoring.
- You swim or need more than splash and sweat resistance.
- You dislike earhooks or need a very small, discreet earbud for use with glasses or a helmet.
- Your training platform or gym equipment does not accept the heart-rate feed.
- You already have a dependable Apple Watch or chest strap and do not value integrated earbud convenience.
Powerbeats Pro 2 versus other workout options
| Alternative | Better choice when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro | You want compact, general-purpose Apple earbuds. | No Powerbeats-style earhook retention. |
| Apple Watch | You want a broader workout, activity, notification and health ecosystem. | You must wear a watch; it is a separate device from your headphones. |
| Chest-strap monitor | You prioritize a specialized training sensor and broad workout-platform compatibility. | Requires another wearable and is less convenient for casual listening. |
| Sport earbuds without heart-rate sensing | You want a potentially lower-cost workout earbud and do not need biometric data. | No integrated heart-rate stream. |
Verdict
Powerbeats Pro 2 are a strong fit for athletes who want secure earhooks and occasional workout heart-rate data in the same device as their headphones. Their $249.99 price buys a complete training-oriented package—ANC, Transparency mode, physical controls, wireless charging and long claimed battery life—not a medical monitor. They are less compelling if you already rely on a watch or chest strap, need clinical readings, swim, or prefer compact earbuds. Android buyers should budget for the Beats app and a more manual session workflow, while Apple buyers should verify that their iOS, iPadOS or tvOS version and paired hardware support the Fitness feature they intend to use.
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Best Value
- Powerbeats Pro 2 is the most advanced headphone we’ve ever made, with secure-fit earhooks that stay locked in as you train. With over 1,500 hours of athlete testing to help ensure a secure, comfortable fit for any ear shape and intensity level.
- For absolute workout focus, we added the best-performing Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) we’ve ever developed, plus Transparency mode to let you hear the world around you, ensuring the best listening experience wherever you train.
- Heart Rate Monitoring sensors pulse over 100 times per second to measure your pulse in real time. And Powerbeats Pro 2 is sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they’re tough enough to handle training in rain, snow and heat.
- Powered by the Apple H2 chip for extraordinary efficiency, Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case. The case is 33% smaller than its predecessor and is our first ever to feature wireless Qi charging.
- Compatible with Apple (one-touch pairing, automatic switching, Audio Sharing, hands-free Siri, Find My) and Android (the Beats App unlocks one-touch pairing, Heart Rate Monitoring, customizable controls, battery status widgets, and Locate My Beats).
For setup and troubleshooting, use Beats’ Powerbeats Pro 2 support page.
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