Earlier this year , Apple officially introduced thePowerbeats Pro 2after a near - six - year hold . Compared to their predecessor , these earbuds have shrink in size , become short , and adopt saucy feature . More importantly , though , they ’ve incorporate a heart pace sensing element for the first sentence on an Apple audio product .
Given that the AirPods Pro 2 portion the same $ 249 terms tag , are overdue for an update , and lack heart - rate monitoring , many users shopping for a duo of earbuds might gravitate toward the Powerbeats Pro 2 . Or they may still be tempted by the recent AirPods Pro 2 addition ofHearing Protectionand its overall small design . Well , anyone struggle to decidewhich pair of young earbuds to buy , we have some advice : carry through your money for now .
Underpowered Powerbeats
In distinctive Apple way , the latest Beats earbuds drop out on some key feature offer by the AirPods Pro 2 . Despite pack the same H2 chipset , the Powerbeats Pro 2 lack Adaptive Audio support , which combine the ANC and Transparency modes to curb loud noises without wholly sequestrate exploiter from their surround .
They similarly do n’t support the handy Conversation Awareness perk , which lowers media volume whenever you verbalise to someone . And the Hearing Protection feature that release your AirPods Pro into an over - the - counter listening economic aid are also predictably absent , as are MagSafe charge , forefront gestures , and the U1 microchip for exact Find My trailing .
That ’s a lot for an Apple user to give up . And Apple has shown an impressive willingness to keep adding feature to the AirPods Pro 2 , which credibly wo n’t be the cause with the PowerBeats Pro . So when you ’re talking about feature , the AirPods Pro 2 distinctly have the vantage .
AirPods Pro 2 have a minimal aesthetic compared to the Powerbeats Pro’s ear loops.
AirPods Pro 2 have a minimal esthetic equate to the Powerbeats Pro ’s capitulum loop topology .
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Design decisions
Beyond the functioning , the AirPods Pro 2 look sleeker than the Powerbeats Pro 2 . Not only are they smaller and weak , but they also shake off the Powerbeats ’ iconic auricle crotchet designed to aid keep the earbuds safe during vivid physical exercise . If you have trouble maintain AirPods in your ear , the Powerbeats are a good option .
Otherwise , while the AirPods Pro 2 characteristic press - sensitive surface for mass medium restraint , the Powerbeats Pro 2 still resort to traditional buttons . Whilethey function well , they almost objectively give the gadget a cheaper feel . to boot , despite both set being insubordinate to exertion and water splashes , only the AirPods can hold out dusty environments .
The PowerBeats do have excess color options that the definitive blank AirPods Pro 2 do n’t have , but unless they really want a pair of electric orange earbuds , most people will be happier with the clean , minimal AirPods esthetical .
AirPods Pro 2 have a minimal aesthetic compared to the Powerbeats Pro’s ear loops.
The beat goes on
Some may call up that the Powerbeats Pro 2 ’s heart pace detector is more worthful than any of the above - mentioned fringe benefit . And while it is a peachy feature for a duo of earbuds , a wearable middle - rate detector is just a novel feature for anyone who ’s worn an Apple Watch at some point over the preceding decennary .
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a built - in rate - rate sensor .
It ’s also deserving noting that the heart rate sensor ’s carrying out on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is far from perfect . For starters , the monitoring equipment only works with a smattering of supported apps , which oddly does n’t admit Apple ’s own Fitness+ service . And if you ’re wearing an Apple Watch , your iPhone will simply prioritize its readings and dismiss the Powerbeats Pro 2 , with no direction to pick a default heart charge per unit monitor twist on your iPhone .
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a built-in rate-rate sensor.
what is more , the AirPods Pro 3 reportedly establish in September , are rumored to adopt eye - rate monitoring tech as well . So , assuming Apple does n’t hike up the AirPods Pro 3 cost , you ’ll get the serious of both worlds for the same $ 249 . And it ’s a near - foregone conclusion that they will support Apple Fitness+ and play courteous with the Apple Watch , along with any other goodies Apple has design .
Wait it out—unless you use Android
All of this is n’t to say that the Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 are bad — we’ve review both and they ’re excellent . However , if you wait for just a few more months , you may be able to grab an even dear bent of buds once the AirPods Pro 3 debut . Not only will they potentially espouse the Powerbeats ’ gist rate detector , but they ’re also rumored to have an even more compact design .
Apple is likely to plunge the third - generation of AirPods Pro this fall .
Nevertheless , there are still a couple of reasons why Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good pick now . For one , the AirPods Pro 3 definitely wo n’t have ear hooks . If you have problem getting AirPods Pro to stick around in your ears , the Powerbeats Pro are a great option . Another Powerbeats do good is the longer battery animation . The latest Powerbeats Pro can offer up to 45 hours of hear on a exclusive charge , while AirPods Pro 2 only last for about 30 hours . It ’s improbable that AirPods Pro 3 will tot more than an hour or two to the listening duration , so if you need the best possible stamp battery life , Powerbeats are the way to go .
And there ’s one more thing — Powerbeats fully supports Android devices , thanks to Beats ’ associate app . On a Galaxy or Pixel phone , there ’s no official style to customize , update , or meaningfully control AirPods ( though they will pair and play medicine ) . Those amply indue in the Apple ecosystem , however , will want to expect a few months to see if something better comes along .
