Apple’s Beats brand just debuted a major new product: Powerbeats Pro 2. These long-awaited headphones have a lot in common with AirPods Pro 2—and even some unique advantages. Here are five ways Powerbeats Pro 2 beat out Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, plus a couple ways they come up short.
#1: Longer battery life
I don’t have any complaints about my AirPods Pro 2’s battery life, but there’s no denying Powerbeats Pro 2 get the win here.
- Powerbeats Pro 2: battery lasts 8 hrs with ANC enabled, 36 hrs with charging case
- AirPods Pro 2: battery lasts 6 hrs with ANC enabled, 30 hrs with charging case
Powerbeats Pro 2 can also provide about 90 minutes of listening time with 5 minutes of charge, while AirPods Pro 2 only get you an hour.
#2: Heart rate sensor
We’re expecting this fall’s AirPods Pro 3 to feature a built-in heart rate sensor, but for now, Powerbeats Pro 2 are the only Apple headphone option with this health feature.
#3: Better fit
This one could be a little subjective, as everyone’s ears are different. That said, early Powerbeats Pro 2 reviews (including our own) have highlighted the excellent fit of the new headphones.
Powerbeats Pro 2 offer similar custom ear tips like AirPods Pro 2, but they come with five sizes rather than four. They also, very importantly, benefit from the earhooks that ensure an improved overall fit.
#4: Color options
For better or worse, AirPods have an iconic all-white design that Apple has been reticent to ‘tarnish’ with additional color options.
Powerbeats Pro 2 don’t have that concern. They come in four colors:
- Jet Black
- Quick Sand
- Hyper Purple
- Electric Orange
If you want your headphones to have a little more personality and pop, Powerbeats are the best option.
#5: Better Android support
Beats has done something with Powerbeats Pro 2 that should make a lot of Apple users glad: the headphones come with Apple’s H2 chip, which enables many of the great audio features found with AirPods Pro 2.
For years, Beats has used custom wireless chips—in part to ensure great Android interoperability. But with the new Powerbeats Pro, the H2 chip gives Apple users what they want, and Android users still have the Beats app for Android which unlocks one-touch pairing, battery status widgets, Locate My Beats, and more.
AirPods Pro 2, meanwhile, continue to lack any special touches when used on Android.
Two wins for AirPods Pro 2
Despite the various advantages Powerbeats Pro 2 have over AirPods Pro 2, there are at least a couple ways that AirPods Pro have them beat:
- Case size: Powerbeats Pro 2 have a 33% smaller case than their predecessor, but AirPods Pro 2 still come with a smaller, more pocketable charging case.
- Price: Technically both products retail for $249, but since AirPods Pro 2 are nearly three years old, they’re often discounted for much less (currently $169 on Amazon).
Wrap-up
Ultimately, for many users, the decision to go with Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 will largely be about preference. Do you want an official ‘Apple product,’ or does the Beats brand have more appeal? The advantages and disadvantages outlined above will make a difference, but are unlikely to be huge selling points.
Plus, the shared H2 chip functions as a sort of equalizer for many buyers considering Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2. It ensures that key audio features are available no matter which product you choose.
Do you favor Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 more, and why? Let us know in the comments.
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