Wireless earbuds have become increasingly popular; however, many options on the market often appear quite similar. A majority follow the familiar AirPods aesthetic—compact buds typically accompanied by a stem, all neatly stored in a charging case. Each model comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but the essence of the category has become quite uniform.

Enter the newly revealed Powerbeats Pro 2, which promise a fresh perspective. These high-end earbuds, retailing at $250, boast features synonymous with premium headphones: active noise cancellation, a transparency mode that allows ambient sounds to filter through, and impressive IPX4 water and sweat resistance. One notable feature is their commendable battery life, offering up to 45 hours of usage when combined with the charging case.

What sets these earbuds apart is their unique design, particularly the inclusion of “earhooks.” The vibrant Electric Orange shade further enhances their visual appeal. For users who frequently experience issues with conventional wireless earbuds slipping out, the earhooks on the Powerbeats Pro 2 provide additional stability. Conversely, those accustomed to standard earbuds may find this added support a novel experience. Trying out both configurations will help in making the best choice based on personal preference. Regardless, the distinctive design undoubtedly makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 eye-catching.

Heart Rate Monitoring Feature in Powerbeats Pro 2

A standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the integrated heart rate monitor. These sensors, situated on each earbud, measure your heart rate through your ear, akin to having a compact Apple Watch nestled within each ear. This concept may seem unconventional, yet it offers an intriguing convenience. Although they aren’t the first on the market to introduce this technology—Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport Earbuds also included similar features—user reviews indicate that the accuracy of the heart rate measurement in the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds up well.

Beats claims compatibility across various platforms, including Apple devices, Android systems, and additional Bluetooth-enabled fitness gear. However, it’s important to note that when paired with an Apple Watch, your iPhone’s Health app will prioritize data from the watch rather than from the earbuds. To utilize the Powerbeats’ heart rate monitoring, users would need to either remove their Apple Watch or deactivate the heart tracking on it.

For those who prefer the traditional AirPods or aren’t fans of the earhook design, worry not: this heart rate tracking technology is anticipated to appear in Apple’s upcoming flagship earbuds, though that release is not imminent. As per insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these new AirPods will take some time to arrive, meaning the Powerbeats Pro 2 will maintain its leading edge in heart monitoring for the foreseeable future.

Additional Benefits of Powerbeats Pro 2

While the Powerbeats proficiently function across various systems, they are inherently optimized for Apple’s ecosystem. Users with multiple Apple devices will benefit from seamless audio switching as they connect to different sources of sound, similar to other Apple earbuds. Additional features include Personalized Spatial Audio, the ability to share audio wirelessly—making headphone splitters obsolete—and hands-free Siri access for those who prefer voice commands while enjoying their music.

The earbuds come equipped with tactile playback controls, including a “b” button on each bud and volume adjustment buttons on both sides. For those who currently own earlier AirPods, the physical controls embedded in the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a highly appealing upgrade.

In his evaluation for CNET, the reviewer noted that the audio performance and noise cancellation capabilities of the Powerbeats Pro 2 closely mirror those of the AirPods Pro 2. However, he observed that the AirPods generally delivered more predictable performance. Some features inherent to the AirPods Pro 2, like Adaptive Audio—which automatically negates sounds above a specific decibel level—and Conversation Awareness, which reduces volume when speech is detected, are not present in the Powerbeats Pro 2.