Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Which One Should You Buy?
Apple now has two premium wireless earbuds competing for your attention—the AirPods Pro 2 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The former has been a fan favourite since its launch in September 2022, offering top-tier noise cancellation and seamless iOS integration.
The latter launched this month, February 2025, marking a long-awaited six-year comeback for the Powerbeats Pro, now with improved battery life, heart rate monitoring, and noise cancellation. Both are owned by Apple, but cater to different users—so which one should you buy?
/1. Performance & Sound Quality
For audiophiles, sound quality is everything. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver a well-balanced, rich audio experience with clear mids, deep bass, and an adaptive EQ that adjusts to your ear. They also support Personalized Spatial Audio, enhancing immersion in music and movies.
The Powerbeats Pro 2, on the other hand, lacks a customizable EQ and takes a step back in sound quality compared to its predecessor, the Powerbeats Pro. The bass is still punchy, but the highs and mids lack crispness, and they struggle with complex tracks. This makes them less ideal for critical listening but sufficient for workouts where bass-heavy music is preferred.
Which wins? AirPods Pro 2. Better sound balance, clearer highs, and advanced audio features.
/2. Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
The AirPods Pro 2 offers industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively muting background noise in various environments. They also feature Adaptive Transparency Mode, which smartly adjusts to surrounding sounds while minimizing harsh noises.
The Powerbeats Pro 2, while adding ANC for the first time, falls short. The cancellation is average at best, struggling with higher-pitched sounds and failing to match the effectiveness of the AirPods Pro 2. The Transparency mode also introduces background hiss, making conversations less natural.
Which wins? AirPods Pro 2. Superior noise cancellation and a more natural Transparency mode.
/3. Fit & Comfort
The AirPods Pro 2 features a lightweight in-ear design with four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L). While comfortable for most users, they may not stay secure during intense workouts.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are built for fitness, featuring over-ear hooks that ensure they stay in place even during the most vigorous exercise. They also include five pairs of ear-tips for a more customizable fit. However, the larger design makes them less comfortable for long listening sessions.
Which wins? Powerbeats Pro 2. A more secure fit for workouts, but not as comfortable for extended wear.
/4. Battery Life & Charging
The AirPods Pro 2 offers 6 hours of listening time (with ANC on) and up to 30 hours with the case. They support MagSafe, Qi, and USB-C charging.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 outperforms here with 8 hours of listening time with ANC on and 35 hours with the case. While they support Qi wireless charging, they lack MagSafe compatibility.
Which wins? Powerbeats Pro 2. Longer battery life and better for all-day use.
/5. Features & Ecosystem Integration
The AirPods Pro 2 shines with features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Hearing Aid Mode, which turns them into FDA-approved hearing aids. They also integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, offering Find My tracking, personalized volume control, and Siri support.
Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2 include heart rate monitoring, making them great for fitness tracking. They also integrate well with Apple Health and third-party fitness apps. However, they lack advanced spatial audio features and the hearing aid capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2.
Which wins? AirPods Pro 2. Better smart features, hearing aid support, and seamless Apple integration.
Pricing & Value
Both earbuds retail at $249, but the AirPods Pro 2 frequently drop to $169–$199 during sales on Amazon. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are still new, so discounts are unlikely for now. It is currently $249.99 on Amazon.
Which wins? AirPods Pro 2. Better value, considering frequent discounts and more premium features.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you prioritize sound quality, noise cancellation, and smart features, the AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner. They offer richer audio, better ANC, and a range of features tailored for Apple users, including hearing aid support. Plus, with frequent discounts, they offer better value for money.
However, if you’re a fitness enthusiast who needs a secure fit and heart rate tracking, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the better pick. They stay in place no matter how intense your workout gets and have longer battery life—but compromise on sound quality and ANC.
Ultimately, both are great choices, but your decision depends on whether you value premium audio or fitness-focused features more.