Brief Summary
Marques Brownlee reviews the new Powerbeats Pro 2, highlighting their improvements over the original model. He discusses the enhanced build, fit, noise cancellation, transparency mode, sound quality, and the addition of heart rate tracking. The review also covers the upgraded case with better battery life, USB-C, and wireless charging. Overall, Brownlee is impressed, suggesting these could be the best earbuds for many people, and a significant upgrade over the original Powerbeats Pro.
- Improved build and fit with extra ear tip size
- Enhanced noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Addition of heart rate tracking
- Upgraded case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Better battery life
Introduction
Marques Brownlee discusses the pre-briefings tech companies provide to journalists before a product launch. He mentions attending a pre-briefing for the new Apple Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones, where it was claimed that the original Powerbeats Pro are the best-selling headphones globally. While unable to verify this claim, Brownlee acknowledges the success of the original headphones, priced at $250, and expresses excitement about the new model. He notes that the Powerbeats Pro 2 have been significantly upgraded.
Key Improvements
Brownlee outlines the key improvements in the Powerbeats Pro 2. These include the addition of active noise cancellation and transparency mode, heart rate tracking, a smaller and lighter design, better battery life, and enhanced sound quality. The new model also features a smaller case with more battery capacity, USB Type-C, and wireless charging, all at the same price as the original. He believes these upgrades make the Powerbeats Pro 2 a better option than the AirPods Pro in many aspects.
Design and Fit
The design and fit of the Powerbeats Pro 2 are highlighted as standout features. The rubber tips now come in an extra size, ranging from extra small to extra large, and the ear hook is designed to be snug and comfortable, ensuring the headphones stay securely in place. The new generation is also 20% lighter than the previous one. Brownlee emphasizes that these headphones are ideal for workouts due to their secure fit, which is superior to earbuds without ear hooks or wingtips.
Features and Performance
The Powerbeats Pro 2 incorporate Apple's H2 chip, enabling instant pairing with iPhones and easy pairing with Android devices. The addition of noise cancellation is a significant upgrade, effectively cancelling out steady-state noises. Transparency mode is also very good, though slightly behind the AirPods Pro. The sound character is tailored for workouts, with enhanced bass, volume, and energy. Upgraded amplifiers, acoustically transparent mesh, and a new venting channel contribute to a lively and enjoyable sound.
Practical Use and Special Features
Brownlee discusses the suitability of the Powerbeats Pro 2 for various scenarios, including air travel. The noise cancellation is effective for reducing airplane noise, and the secure fit is advantageous during flights. The headphones also feature personalised spatial audio. A unique addition is the heart rate tracking capability, which measures heart rate every five seconds using technology from the Apple Watch. This data can be paired with gym equipment via Bluetooth.
Case and Battery Life
The case has been significantly improved, being 33% smaller than the previous generation while housing more battery capacity. It now features USB Type-C and wireless charging. The case provides three full charges for the earbuds. The battery life of the buds is impressive, offering up to 10 hours without ANC and allowing for extended use between charges. A five-minute charge provides over an hour of listening time.
Final Verdict
Brownlee expresses surprise at recommending Beats headphones, particularly an expensive model, but notes that the Powerbeats Pro 2 are not overpriced given their features and performance. He suggests that Beats has successfully turned things around. While the previous generation Powerbeats Pro has become cheaper, he no longer recommends them due to the outdated Lightning charging and lack of wireless charging. Brownlee concludes that the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a really good option and potentially the best earbuds available for most people.
