Apple & Beats. The two brands have gone hand in hand ever since Apple acquired the trendsetting headphone maker back in 2014. Fast forward to the present, and these names have become mainstays in the true wireless space.
The AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 are two of the best wireless earbuds money can buy. One is viewed as an essential pickup for iOS/macOS users. The other stands out as a noteworthy upgrade to one of the greatest pairs of workout headphones ever made.
Neither option comes cheap, but if you’re an Apple fanboy, both can be rewarding purchases. However, one is the superior investment. Which is it? Read our in-depth comparison to find out.
Editor’s Note: Apple has since released the AirPods Pro 3, which offer heart-rate monitoring and other fitness-forward features. For this reason, it’s also really easy to find the AirPods Pro 2 on sale.
3D audio, ANC, and practicality favor the AirPods Pro 2
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The AirPods Pro 2 have a pleasant soundstage that delivers crisp highs, striking mids, and thumpy lows. But that’s not their biggest selling point. Personalized Spatial Audio is. The 3D audio format makes Dolby Atmos content feel all-encompassing, and movies on compatible streaming services sound more immersive.
Apple’s noise-cancelling technology eliminates a high amount of external sound to enjoy music peacefully in most environments. Transparency mode is even better and boosts awareness by making ambient noise sound more natural. The surplus of listening modes raises the AirPods Pro 2’s stock. Adaptive Audio terrifically blends both ANC modes to achieve the best sound performance possible. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers volume and increases voice capture for clearer communication. Then there are the multiple Hearing Health modes that transform the buds into hearing aids, which is crucial for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.
All these facets don’t work without a solid ecosystem at the helm, of course. How the AirPods Pro 2 seamlessly interconnect with all brand devices is nothing short of exceptional. Pairing is quick, range is strong within a 40-foot radius, and signature features like “Hey Siri” voice command are complementary.
Some users complain about the fit of the AirPods Pro 2.
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Spatial audio on the Powerbeats Pro 2 works fine, though the feature sounds clearer on the AirPods Pro 2. You should still be able to pick up on the increased acoustics and clarity when vibing out to Apple Music tracks. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s noise cancellation doesn’t measure up to competitors, or to other in-house releases like the Fit Pro. It struggles to drown out most mid- and high-frequency sounds. Wearing the buds around a crying baby or in a rowdy setting won’t grant much silence.
Transparency mode is clutch for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or running through high-traffic areas, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 run on the same H2 processor as the AirPods Pro 2. Therefore, they’re programmed to instantly connect with all iOS/macOS devices and share many of their counterparts’ features, though not all. That’s a shame considering their steep MSRP.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 2.
Battery life, standard sound, and versatility go to the Powerbeats Pro 2
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Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 gain serious traction is in their conformity. Beats products have always been known for their long battery life and engaging audio output. We can now add multiplatform support to that list. These buds nail all three targets.
Up to 10 hours per charge (8 hours with ANC) is the most listening time you’ll get from any Apple or Beats buds on the market. The AirPods Pro 2 max out at a measly 6 hours per charge. There is a significant difference in additional playtime between the two wireless charging cases. Beats’ case holds up to 45 hours and Apple’s case reaches a max of 30 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is stronger on the Powerbeats Pro 2: a 5-minute charge generates 30 minutes more playtime (total of 1.5 hours) than the AirPods Pro 2.
Beats improved its soundstage to give listeners the bass-fueled sonic presentation they desire. There is a notable dip in midrange, but overall, the Powerbeats Pro 2 produce emphatic and resonant sound. Sound quality on Android devices is just as impressive.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The Powerbeats Pro 2’s integrated earhooks form a comfy and incredibly secure fit. Full-on compatibility with iOS and Android makes these buds ideal for multiplatform enthusiasts. In addition, features like multipoint technology let you pair to two devices at the same time, no matter the operating system. Something else that makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 more distinctive is the built-in heart rate monitoring, which is only available with the new AirPods Pro 3. The feature isn’t the most accurate, but it’s a way to gauge activity when your Apple Watch isn’t available.
Now you see what we mean by versatility.
Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.
Apple’s absolute best wireless earbuds are…
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The AirPods Pro 2. Considering they’re almost always on sale, they offer the most bang for your buck. Access to newer listening modes, stronger ANC, and the guarantee of more updates via iOS are well worth the current asking price ($199 on Amazon). Not to mention their flawless functionality with brand devices and unrivaled spatial audio, at least when it comes to Apple earbuds.
Just because the Powerbeats Pro 2 lost this battle doesn’t mean you should overlook them. Sporty attributes like the earhook design and heart-rate monitoring make them the better workout buds. (However, the new AirPods Pro 3 do offer heart-rate monitoring now.) They also provide the longest playtime of any Apple or Beats true wireless model. Beats’ refined soundstage also stabilizes frequencies, while maintaining loud and energetic bass response. If only their ANC, feature set, and pricing matched the AirPods Pro 2.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2
