Beats has just unveiled their most advanced fitness earphones yet, the Powerbeats Pro 2, bringing a host of premium features including heart rate monitoring capabilities for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Having used and reviewed the original Powerbeats Pro before, I’m quite excited about these significant upgrades.
The new Powerbeats Pro 2 arrives with substantial improvements across the board, featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, and Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking – features we typically see in premium earbuds like the AirPods Pro. What’s particularly interesting is the integration of heart rate monitoring, which works with popular fitness apps like Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Runna.
Speaking of performance, the earphones now come with the Apple H2 chip, delivering improved efficiency and better battery life – we’re looking at up to 45 hours total with the charging case, while each earbud can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. When you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 90 minutes of playback through Fast Fuel charging.
The redesign brings some welcome changes too. The iconic earhooks now use nickel titanium alloy, making them more flexible and comfortable while reducing the overall weight by 20%. For better fit customisation, Beats has included an extra ear tip size, now offering extra small through to extra large options. The IPX4 water resistance rating means you won’t have to worry about sweat or rain during intense training sessions.
Audio quality hasn’t been overlooked either. The earphones feature a new acoustic architecture with Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes sound based on fit, while the Active Noise Cancellation helps keep you focused during workouts. The Transparency mode is particularly useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings during outdoor runs.
For connectivity, you get seamless integration with Apple devices including one-touch pairing and automatic switching. Android users aren’t left out though – the Beats App provides similar functionality including customisable controls and battery status widgets.
The charging case is now 33% smaller than its predecessor and supports Qi wireless charging – a first for Beats. It’s also worth noting that Beats has made environmental considerations, using 100% plant-based packaging materials from recycled fibre and sustainable forests.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 launches in Australia at A$399.95, available in four colours: Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. You can order them starting today from Apple’s website and JB Hi-Fi, with in-store availability beginning tomorrow (February 13th).
