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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPowerbeats Pro 2 are a strong choice if workout earbuds tend to fall out and you want heart-rate readings without wearing a watch. Their ear hooks, physical controls, long battery life and iPhone/Android support make them genuinely exercise-focused. The heart-rate sensor is useful for tracking effort and broad trends, but it is not a dependable substitute for a chest strap when precision matters. At the U.S. list price of $249.99, they make the most sense when you specifically want both a secure fit and earbuds with a built-in sensor—not if you already rely on an Apple Watch for heart rate.
What Powerbeats Pro 2 offer for workouts
Powerbeats Pro 2 are true-wireless, in-ear earbuds built around flexible ear hooks. Each earbud has physical playback controls and a volume rocker, and the earbuds include optical heart-rate sensors. They also offer adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, an Apple H2 chip, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking on supported Apple devices. Their workout case is larger than a typical pocket-sized earbud case, but provides USB-C and Qi-compatible wireless charging.
Beats lists up to 10 hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 45 hours with the case. These are manufacturer estimates, not guaranteed runtimes; ANC, Transparency mode, listening volume, calls, temperature and connectivity affect actual battery life. Beats lists an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. That rating covers splashes, not swimming or submersion. Beats’ specifications and U.S. product page list the price at $249.99.
The defining trade-off is straightforward: the hooks and controls are tailored to movement, while the size and in-ear design are less discreet than conventional earbuds. The heart-rate feature is a useful bonus for some people, not a reason to treat these as a dedicated sports watch or medical monitor.
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#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 useful is the heart-rate monitor?
The sensors read heart rate from inside the ear. In compatible workout apps, the data can help you follow exercise intensity, see broad trends and estimate whether you are working in an intended training zone. Independent specialist testing by DC Rainmaker and reviews from Tom’s Guide describe readings that can be useful but are not consistently spot-on.
Do not expect a universal accuracy result. Sensor position, ear-tip fit, movement, sweat and workout type all matter. Abrupt intervals and strength training can be harder cases than steady exercise, and an earbud that shifts may return unreliable readings or no reading at all. The monitor is a consumer fitness feature, not clinical equipment. For racing, serious interval work or any situation where dependable beat-to-beat data is important, a chest strap is the safer choice.
If you wear an Apple Watch or a paired third-party heart-rate monitor, the earbuds do not necessarily become the source your Apple workout uses. Apple says the system may prioritize the watch or other paired monitor when it judges that source to be higher-confidence. Check which device supplied the data before interpreting an unexpectedly different reading. Apple’s heart-rate guide explains this behavior.
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.
Compatible devices, apps and gym equipment
On iPhone, heart-rate data can be shared with Apple Fitness and Apple Health, as well as compatible third-party workout apps. Beats lists Apple Fitness, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder, Slopes, 30 Day Fitness at Home and ASICS Runkeeper as supported examples. A listing is not a guarantee that every feature works identically in every app or region; app support and permissions determine whether readings appear live or are recorded. General access to Apple Health data alone does not prove that an app can display live Powerbeats readings.
Android users enable the sensor in the Beats app, then use a compatible third-party fitness app to display or record workout data. The Android experience includes pairing, battery information, customizable controls and Locate My Beats, but it does not duplicate all Apple integrations. Beats’ heart-rate monitoring page lists supported app examples, and its product page describes Apple and Android features.
Compatible gym equipment can discover the earbuds over Bluetooth as Powerbeats HR. To connect, put on the earbuds, double-press and then hold the b button on either earbud until the tone indicates the sensors are discoverable, then select Powerbeats HR on the equipment. There is a notable trade-off: while connected directly to the machine, the earbuds disconnect from the iPhone, so they cannot simultaneously play iPhone audio. Apple documents this limitation in its setup guide.
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.
Set up heart-rate tracking
On iPhone
- Wear at least one earbud and connect Powerbeats Pro 2 to your iPhone.
- Open Settings, then tap the connected Beats device near the top of the screen.
- Turn on Heart Rate Sensor.
- Open Apple Fitness or a compatible workout app, start a workout, and grant requested Health permissions.
Apple says at least one earbud can be worn for iPhone workout heart-rate sharing. If the reading is absent or dimmed, first check the connection and sensor setting, then reseat the earbud or try another ear tip. Confirm that the app supports the feature and has the required permissions; updating firmware and restarting the workout are also sensible checks.
On Android
- Wear both earbuds, connect them to your Android device and open the Beats app.
- Open the Powerbeats Pro 2 device screen, scroll to Heart Rate, and turn on Enabled.
- Open a compatible workout app and grant its requested permissions.
Apple’s Android instructions specify wearing both earbuds. If no data appears, check app compatibility, permissions, fit and the sensor setting before troubleshooting further.
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The ear hooks are the clearest reason to choose these over ordinary earbuds if yours routinely loosen or fall out. They are well suited to running, jumping, lifting and other high-movement workouts. Independent reviews, including RTINGS’ testing, cover fit and exercise use. A secure position can also help the heart-rate sensors maintain contact, so try the supplied ear tips until the earbuds sit firmly without painful pressure.
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.
The hooks add bulk around the ear and do not guarantee comfort for every ear shape. People who wear glasses, helmets, hats, masks or larger earrings should check for pressure or interference, especially during long sessions. The in-ear seal may also bother anyone who dislikes having an ear tip seated in the ear canal. Beats lists each earbud at 8.7 g and the case at 69 g; the total listed weight is 77.7 g. Case dimensions are 7.5 × 6.6 × 3.4 cm. These figures help explain why the package is less pocketable than compact everyday earbuds.
Controls, sound, ANC and outdoor awareness
Physical controls
Physical buttons and volume rockers are easier to locate with sweaty hands or gloves than small touch surfaces, and can reduce accidental taps. They do require pressure against the ear, which some users may find uncomfortable when adjusting playback repeatedly.
Noise control and sound
ANC can help reduce gym noise or transit rumble; Transparency mode is the more appropriate choice when you need to hear nearby people and traffic. Neither mode makes outdoor running or cycling inherently safe, and wind noise is a separate problem from ordinary background noise. ANC performance depends partly on getting a good ear-tip seal.
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).
Sound quality is a separate question from workout stability. The H2 chip and Apple features do not by themselves establish that the sound will suit every listener. RTINGS’ review examines sound and feature performance, while TechRadar’s review discusses listening, battery, fit and noise cancellation. Consider your own preference for bass, vocals and treble rather than buying on the assumption that a sport design dictates a particular sound.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Battery life, water resistance and care
Beats estimates up to 10 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds and up to 45 hours total with the case. It also says a five-minute charge provides up to 1.5 hours of playback under its test conditions. These manufacturer figures vary in actual use, particularly with ANC or Transparency enabled, and should not be read as a guaranteed workout schedule. USB-C and Qi-compatible wireless charging give you two ways to recharge.
Long earbud runtime is useful for extended outings, travel or frequent workouts when you do not want to charge every day. The earbuds’ IPX4 rating means sweat and splashes are within their stated resistance; it does not mean waterproof. Do not swim, shower, submerge them, expose them to prolonged heavy rain or high-pressure water, or rinse them under a tap. The case should not be treated as water resistant unless Beats explicitly states otherwise. After exercise, clean and dry the earbuds and tips according to Beats’ care instructions, and keep sweat and debris away from the sensor area. As with any sealed rechargeable earbuds, battery capacity can decline with age and use.
iPhone and Android: what changes?
| Experience | iPhone and Apple devices | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Heart-rate setup | Enable Heart Rate Sensor in Settings for the connected Beats device. Apple says one earbud can be worn for workout sharing. | Enable Heart Rate in the Beats app; Apple’s instructions specify wearing both earbuds. |
| Workout data | Apple Fitness and Apple Health, plus compatible third-party apps with the required permissions. | Compatible third-party workout apps; support depends on the app. |
| Other ecosystem features | Apple lists features such as automatic switching, hands-free Siri, Audio Sharing, Find My and Apple Watch interaction on compatible devices. | The Beats app supports pairing, battery information, customizable controls and Locate My Beats; Apple-specific features are not all available. |
Apple’s current guide covers supported software including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26, as well as later supported software. In Apple TV workout scenarios that route heart-rate data through an iPhone, Apple specifies iOS 26 and tvOS 26. Check the current guide for the device and feature you plan to use: Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 heart-rate instructions.
How they compare with other workout setups
| Option | Best reason to choose it | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Powerbeats Pro 2 | Secure ear hooks, physical controls, long battery life and heart-rate data in one pair of earbuds. | $249.99 U.S. list price; sensor precision and app support are not universal, and the case is bulky. |
| Apple Watch plus ordinary workout earbuds | A watch provides a broader health, workout, GPS, notification and activity system alongside audio. | It requires wearing and charging a watch; it is a system-level alternative rather than a direct earbud replacement. |
| Chest strap plus sport earbuds | A better fit for serious training that depends on precise readings, particularly rapid changes in effort. | Requires a separate sensor and setup, rather than combining audio and heart-rate hardware. |
| Cheaper ear-hook sport earbuds | Secure audio can be enough if heart-rate monitoring and Apple ecosystem features are not priorities. | Features such as ANC, Transparency, wireless charging and app integration vary by model; no alternative model or current price is established here. |
If you already own an Apple Watch or trusted chest strap, the earbuds’ sensor may add little. If you have no watch and want heart-rate data without one, the sensor can be more compelling—provided your workout app supports it and you accept approximate rather than race-grade readings. Ordinary AirPods or other compact earbuds may be preferable for everyday portability, while an Apple Watch or chest strap paired with sport earbuds lets you choose the heart-rate device separately.
Who should buy Powerbeats Pro 2?
- Runners and gym users whose earbuds tend to fall out, and who prefer an ear hook to a conventional in-ear fit.
- People who want physical controls, ANC and Transparency, and long battery life in a workout-oriented design.
- Users who want heart-rate trends without wearing a watch and whose preferred app is confirmed to support the feature.
- Apple users who will make use of Fitness, Health and compatible-device integration, or Android users comfortable enabling the sensor in the Beats app.
Who should skip them?
- Anyone who needs clinical monitoring or the most dependable readings for racing and interval training; use an appropriate dedicated monitor instead.
- Apple Watch owners who already have the heart-rate data they need and do not need a second source.
- Swimmers or anyone seeking waterproof earbuds.
- People who dislike ear hooks, in-ear seals or a large case, or who mainly want compact everyday earbuds.
- Buyers who expect every fitness app to show live readings, or who want the lowest-cost secure workout audio rather than a premium feature set.
At the full U.S. list price of $249.99, the case for buying is strongest when secure fit and built-in heart-rate tracking are both priorities. A substantial discount makes them easier to recommend as general workout earbuds. Serious athletes who mainly want the most reliable heart-rate data may be better served by putting their budget toward a chest strap and choosing earbuds separately.
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