Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Review
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have one job: stay in your ears. They excel at it, but our analysis reveals a major trade-off in sound quality. Here's who should buy them, and who should run the other way.
The 30-Second Version
Buy these only if you can't keep other earbuds in during a workout. The fit is legendary, but the sound quality is a letdown. For everyone else, get something else.
Overview
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the workout buds you buy when you absolutely, positively cannot have them fall out. That's the one thing to know. They're built around those secure-fit earhooks, and they deliver on that promise better than almost anything else. But here's the catch: you're trading sound quality for that security. Our data shows they score a shockingly low 39.8 out of 100 for music, landing them in the 36th percentile for sound. So if you're an audiophile, look away now. If you're a runner, gym rat, or someone who just can't keep regular earbuds in, this is your jam.
Performance
The surprise here isn't the sound, it's everything else. The battery life is a monster, sitting in the 94th percentile with up to 10 hours in the buds and 35 more in the case. The microphones are excellent (91st percentile), so your calls will sound clear even if you're panting. The ANC is solid at the 84th percentile, and the build quality feels durable. It's a package built for endurance, not for delicate listening sessions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unbeatable secure fit for intense activity. 94th
- Incredible battery life that lasts for days. 91th
- Excellent microphone quality for calls. 88th
- Solid ANC and IPX4 sweat resistance. 86th
Cons
- Sound quality is a major weak point—it's just not great for music.
- The bulky case and earhook design isn't for everyone.
- Connectivity is just average (50th percentile).
- No app for fine-tuning, which limits customization.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless with Ear Clip/Hook |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 10 |
| Fast Charging | 5min=1.5hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 35 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 3 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | Android |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Value & Pricing
At $200-$250, the value proposition is narrow but clear. You're paying a premium for the fit and the battery. If you need a bud that won't budge, it's worth it. If you care more about sound, it's a terrible deal. There's no middle ground.
Price History
vs Competition
This is a niche product. Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro 2 get smoked on sound quality and features. But those buds will fall out of some ears during a sprint. The real competition is the Jabra Elite series or the Bose Sport Earbuds. The Powerbeats win on battery life and mic quality, but you'll need to decide if their specific fit works for you better than Jabra's or Bose's sport-focused designs.
| Spec | Beats Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-A UC Earbuds with USB-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 10 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 35 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Do I need an app to use these?
Nope. They work right out of the box with basic controls, but you miss out on fine-tuning the sound because there's no companion app.
Q: How good is the noise cancellation for the mic?
Really good. With three noise-suppressing mics, they're in the 91st percentile. People will hear you clearly, even in windy or noisy gym environments.
Q: Can I use these as hearing aids?
Not really. They're compatible with Apple's Live Listen feature, which can amplify sound from your phone's mic, but they are not medical devices or certified hearing aids.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for the best sound quality under $250, skip these. Go get the Sony WF-1000XM5 or the Technics EAH-AZ80 instead. Also skip them if you hate the earhook look or want a compact case.
Verdict
We can only recommend the Powerbeats Pro 2 to a specific person: the active user who prioritizes a secure, never-fall-out fit above all else. For them, it's a great buy. For everyone else—commuters, casual listeners, music lovers—there are far better all-rounders for the same price. Don't buy these for the 'Beats' sound; that's not what you're getting anymore.