Powerbeats Pro 2 Surpass AirPods Pro 2: Heart Rate Sensor Still Missing

The recent launch of the Powerbeats Pro 2 by Beats, a subsidiary of Apple, has shifted the competitive landscape in the wireless earbud market. The current offerings from Apple, specifically the AirPods Pro 2, now appear somewhat outdated in comparison, and this situation is expected to persist for an extended period. According to a report from Bloomberg, the anticipated release of the third generation of AirPods Pro is still 'months' away.

In terms of technological advancements, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have made significant improvements. They not only introduce active noise cancellation (ANC), aligning them with the AirPods Pro 2, but also feature an innovative integrated heart rate sensor, a first for any Apple device. This sensor employs a minute optical technology located in the earbud to measure heart rate. Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed to be sweat and water-resistant, meeting the IPX4 standard, a feature not available in the AirPods.

These new earbuds come with a broader selection of ear tip sizes compared to the AirPods Pro 2, and they incorporate a secure ear hook design that ensures a snug fit during physical activities. The charging case supports Qi wireless charging and is equipped with Apple's latest H2 audio chip. Unlike the AirPods, which are available in a single color variation, the Powerbeats Pro 2 can be purchased in four distinct colors. However, features such as the hearing aid functionality available in the AirPods Pro 2 have yet to be implemented, despite being technically feasible. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at EUR300, which is EUR20 more than the AirPods Pro 2, whose retail prices start at approximately EUR219.93.

The AirPods Pro 2 were initially launched in September 2022. A year later, Apple replaced the integrated Lightning connector in the charging case with a USB-C version, although the internal specifications remained largely unchanged. Consequently, the AirPods Pro 2 have been on the market for 16 months without any significant updates. Despite this, they continue to enjoy popularity among consumers, offering a sound profile that is more balanced compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2, which emphasize bass--a signature of the Beats brand.

The reasons behind Apple's extended timeline for the new AirPods Pro remain unclear. The company seems to believe that the AirPods and Powerbeats serve different target demographics. An additional advantage of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is their improved battery life, with the manufacturer claiming up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 45 hours when including the charging case. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 provide approximately six hours of continuous use and up to 30 hours when recharged in the case.