Wireless earbuds have become an essential part of our daily lives, whether for workouts, commuting, or casual listening. Among the many options available, Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out as top choices for fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. With Beats’ reputation for delivering high-quality audio and Apple’s seamless integration, both models offer exceptional features.
However, with the release of Powerbeats Pro 2, many users are left wondering: Is it worth upgrading? Does it offer enough improvements to justify the higher price, or is the original Powerbeats Pro still a great deal?
In this in-depth comparison, we break down the differences between Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2, covering aspects such as design, comfort, sound quality, battery life, features, real-world performance, and overall value. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of which model suits your needs best.
1. Design & Comfort
- Powerbeats Pro:
- Over-the-ear ear-hook design for a secure fit.
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4-rated).
- Bulky charging case that is less portable.
- Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Slightly slimmer and lighter earbuds.
- More flexible ear-hooks for better comfort.
- Compact charging case, making it easier to carry.
- Enhanced ergonomic fit for long listening sessions.
✅ Winner: Powerbeats Pro 2 (More comfortable and portable design)
2. Sound Quality
- Powerbeats Pro:
- Bass-heavy sound suited for workouts.
- Good volume and clarity but lacks refined mids/highs.
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
- Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Improved audio tuning with better balance.
- Punchy bass with clearer mids and highs.
- Better passive noise isolation for immersive sound.
- ANC and Transparency Mode for a premium listening experience.
✅ Winner: Powerbeats Pro 2 (Enhanced sound clarity and balance)
3. Battery Life & Charging
- Powerbeats Pro:
- 9 hours of listening time, 24 hours with the case.
- Fast Fuel charging (5 mins = 1.5 hours playback).
- Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Same 9-hour battery life but better efficiency.
- Faster Fast Fuel charging (5 mins = 2 hours playback).
- More power-efficient chipset for extended longevity.
✅ Winner: Tie (Same battery life, but Pro 2 has slight efficiency improvements)
4. Features & Connectivity
- Powerbeats Pro:
- Apple H1 chip for fast pairing and low latency.
- Hands-free “Hey Siri” support.
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
- Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Apple H2 chip for better connectivity and efficiency.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for blocking background noise.
- Transparency Mode for ambient sound awareness.
- Improved microphone quality for clearer calls.
- Enhanced Bluetooth range and stability.
✅ Winner: Powerbeats Pro 2 (Better connectivity, ANC, and mic quality)
5. Price & Value
- Powerbeats Pro:
- More affordable due to being an older model.
- Still delivers solid performance for workouts.
- Often available at a discounted price.
- Powerbeats Pro 2:
- Higher price but includes premium features.
- ANC, better sound, and a compact case justify the cost.
- Premium pricing due to latest technology.
✅ Winner: Depends on Budget
- For affordability → Powerbeats Pro
- For premium features → Powerbeats Pro 2
Real-World Usage Scenarios
For Workouts & Fitness Enthusiasts
- Powerbeats Pro: Secure fit, strong bass for motivation, and long battery life.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: Lighter feel, ANC to block out distractions, and better sound balance.
For Commuters & Travelers
- Powerbeats Pro: No ANC, making it hard to block external noise in crowded places.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: ANC and Transparency Mode for better adaptability in noisy environments.
For Everyday Use & Calls
- Powerbeats Pro: Decent call quality but struggles in noisy settings.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: Improved microphones and voice clarity, making it better for frequent calls.
Pros & Cons Summary
Powerbeats Pro
✅ Affordable price
✅ Secure and comfortable for workouts
✅ Strong bass and long battery life
❌ No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
❌ Bulky charging case
❌ Older chipset with slightly slower connectivity
Powerbeats Pro 2
✅ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
✅ Compact and improved design
✅ Balanced sound quality with enhanced clarity
✅ Transparency Mode for awareness
✅ Faster Bluetooth pairing and stability
❌ More expensive than the original
❌ Still lacks some advanced smart features found in competitors
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Feature | Powerbeats Pro | Powerbeats Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sound Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🔥 Best for Budget Buyers → Powerbeats Pro
🔥 Best Overall → Powerbeats Pro 2
Who Should Buy the Powerbeats Pro?
✔️ Budget-conscious buyers
✔️ Fitness enthusiasts who want solid battery life
✔️ People who don’t need ANC or advanced features
✔️ Those who prioritize affordability over latest tech
Who Should Buy the Powerbeats Pro 2?
✔️ Those who want Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
✔️ Users looking for better sound clarity
✔️ People who take a lot of calls and need improved mic quality
✔️ Those who prefer a smaller charging case
✔️ Individuals who want premium features and the latest Apple tech
Final Thoughts
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering better sound, ANC, improved comfort, and a smaller case. However, if you’re looking for a solid pair of wireless workout earbuds at a lower price, the original Powerbeats Pro remains a fantastic option.
For those who want premium features, noise cancellation, and top-tier sound, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is worth the investment. But if you need a reliable, budget-friendly option with great battery life, the Powerbeats Pro still holds its own.
So, which one will you choose? Let us know in the comments!