Latest news with #PowerbeatsPro
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Tech review: Powerbeats Pro 2 are ready for your sweaty workout
I've turned into one of those people who wear earbuds all day at work. We don't have traditional phones at my office. We use Microsoft Teams as our voice phones, so when the phone rings, I usually answer it on my computer. And because I work with three other people in one big room, we all use headphones. I have been wearing Apple's AirPods Pro 2, paired to my Dell laptop. I love the AirPods, but sometimes they don't stay in my ears very well. A few months ago, I started reading about Beats by Dre's Powerbeats Pro 2 True Wireless Sport Earbuds, which reminds me a lot of the AirPods Pro 2, but they have an over-the-ear loop to keep them in place. Most of you probably know Apple owns Beats. This means Beats headphones and earbuds have the latest Apple technology inside that facilitates automatic pairing with Apple devices as well as cool sound features like noise cancellation, adaptive EQ and spatial audio. What's new? The original Powerbeats Pro were released in 2019, so Beats has had plenty of time to plan and produce the new version to make it better - and I think they did. The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses Apple's H2 chip for improved audio quality, one-touch pairing, automatic device switching, audio sharing and sound management with active noise canceling and transparency mode, which brings in some sounds from outside so you can hear your surroundings. One of the biggest additions is heart rate monitoring. There are sensors on each bud that can accurately monitor your heart rate and send it to the Apple Health app and other compatible apps on your iPhone or Android phone. It works automatically with apps like Nike Run Club, Runna, Peloton and a few others. They are built with an ear loop to keep them firmly in your ear. Beats says they conducted more than 1,500 hours of testing with more than 1,000 athletes to come up with the design that produces what they call their "best fitting headphones - ever." You can customize the fit with four sets of silicone ear tips so you can tailor the tip to fit snuggly in your ear canal, because the sound quality and noise cancellation depends on how well the tips seal in your ears. The ear hook is made from a nickel-titanium alloy that is very light and flexible but still keeps its shape. The buds are 20 percent lighter than the previous version and they are very comfortable and stay in place wonderfully when you get the fit just right. The buds are sweat and water resistant, but not for water sports (no swimming). Each bud has a 10-hour battery life, and the battery in the case can charge them up four times for a total of up to 45 hours of playback. USB-C charging is fast. Five minutes of charging will net you 90 minutes of listening. Because of the ear hook design, the case is rather large at 3 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.3 inches. It fits in my front pocket, but because of the size, I tend to put the buds on in the morning and leave the case on my desk. Speaking of charging, the case charges with USB-C or it can sit on a Qi-compatible wireless charger. The case also shows up in the Find My app on your iPhone, so maybe you won't lose them. There are physical buttons on each bud. There's a rocker button for volume up and down and a button behind the B logo you can use to play/pause music as well as answer and hang up calls. I prefer the physical buttons, as they are easier to tell when you press them. How do they sound? Like most other earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 sound quality will depend on how well they seal in your ear and how well they stay in place. When you bring them home, take your time and try the different ear tips to see which ones seal the best in your ear canal. I still think the AirPods Pro 2 sound a bit better, but the Beats are designed for your workout, and they are much better at staying in place when you're on the move. I do think the noise canceling does a good job of keeping out the mundane noise like traffic or office background noise. I now own both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Beats get the most use. Pricing The Powerbeats Pro 2 cost $249.99 and they are available in Jet Black, Quicksand, Hyper Purple and Electric Orange. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
AirPods 2025 年無大更新？相機、心率計加持的 AirPods Pro 3 和「輕量版」Max 未來 2 年內登場
知名分析師郭明錤今日發 X 文預測，AirPods 在年內都不會有重大更新。他重申搭載紅外線相機（可能還有 Powerbeats Pro 2 同款心率計）的 AirPods Pro 3 將於 2026 年登場，另外 Apple 可能還會在 2027 年量產「輕量版」AirPods Max。 AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026 (aligning with my earlier prediction that IR camera-equipped AirPods would enter mass production in 2026). A lighter version of the AirPods Max is expected to enter mass production in — 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 18, 2025 根據郭之前的說法，紅外線模組給 AirPods 帶來的改進主要集中在兩方面。首先是強化空間音訊和空間運算生態，比如用戶在配戴 Vision Pro 時使用新款 AirPods，當你轉動頭部，相機便能判斷方向並加強相應的音源。除此之外，相機亦能偵測到影像上的變化，因此新 AirPods 也完全有可能支援隔空手勢（Apple 曾申請過這方面的專利）。 至於「輕量版」AirPods Max，暫時還沒什麼細節可供分享。但想來初代 Max 推出多年只換了個 USB-C，新品要做的應該不只是瘦身那麼簡單吧？ 更多內容： AirPods 會在 2026 年加上紅外線相機？作用是強化空間音訊和手勢互動 AirPods Pro 3 可能有心率計，但準確度還是 Apple Watch 比較高 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 正式登場：升級降噪搭配心率監測 緊貼最新科技資訊、網購優惠，追隨 Yahoo Tech 各大社交平台！ 🎉📱 Tech Facebook： 🎉📱 Tech Instagram： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 社群： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 頻道： 🎉📱 Tech Telegram 頻道：
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Wireless Beats earphones that 'sound better than AirPods and Bose' now 50% off
If you're looking for a new pair of completely wireless earphones that match the likes of Apple Airpods, but which won't break the bank - look no further than these on-sale Beats Savvy shoppers keen to catch a bargain won't want to miss out on Amazon's latest deals event, which is axeing the price of various tech gadgets this week. So if you've been keen to take Beats' earphones for a spin or test out their quality against the likes of Apple or Bose, this sale is not one you're going to want to miss. The Powerhouse Beats wireless earphones that would nomally set shoppers back by a whopping £269.95 are currently up for grabs for the majorly reduced price of £140 whille this Amazon deal lasts. Acting as Beats by Dre's answer to Apple's AirPods 2, these pair of totally wireless, high-performance earphones called Powerbeats Pro are compatible with both iOS and Android devices for extensive connectivity no mattery your mobile device. Featuring a handy wrap-around design and four sizes of ear tips, these Beats ensure they stay firmly in place when you're walking or running, making them a top choice if you're looking for your next go-to earphones for the gym. The stylish and practical earbuds also have their own physical volume and track control buttons, so it's easy to control your music and phone calls regardless of which configuration you're using. Like alternative Beats products, these earphones automatically detect when they are placed in or removed from your ears, meaning they play and pause the music accordingly, thanks to optical sensors in the buds. For voice calls, Powerbeats Pro feature noise isolation technology to target your voice and filter out external sounds such as wind and ambient noise, so you can continue your call no mattter where you are or what you're doing. As for battery life, each earbud has up to 9 hours of listening time. However, the earphones come with their own magnetic charging case, which boosts this up to 24 hours of combined playback. There's no physical power button, so the Powerbeats Pro earphones automatically power on when taken out of the case and power off (and charge) when placed inside. Motion accelerometers detect when the earphones are idle and not in use, automatically entering them into sleep mode. These earbuds currently boast a massive 11k reviews, with 70% giving them 5 out of 5 stars. One shopper who scooped up these earphones gushed: "I am not a sound genius that goes proper in-depth about the highs and lows, the frequency, etc. however I can keep it simple and say they are one of the best out there. I have tried many earphones from Apple's Airpods to JLab to Bose, and I can confidently say the Beats were my favourite. Sound is down to preference and opinions however the Beats had the crispest sound. They could handle all of my banging playlists without any issue. I like to listen to music very loud and my older self will hate me for it however I can say that the sound doesn't distort or muffle." And this reviewer shares: " My Powerbeats Pro is the best hearing aid I have ever bought. Yes, I use it for listening to music, podcasts and telephone conversations when I'm out and about - usually walking and window shopping. The battery lasts almost all day on a single charge. I don't take the charging case out with me because it is too bulky. With the hooks, my Powerbeats Pro sits comfortably in my ears with my glasses. I just wonder how people are able to use the Apple AirPods without losing them since they don't have hooks like the Powerbeats Pro. I stopped using Apple AirPods after losing two because they kept dropping out of my ears. Since I bought my Powerbeats Pro last year I have had hassle free walks for hours." They go on to add: "When I turn on the listening mode on my iPhone 14, I can hear very clearly what the Pastor is saying on Sundays in my church. I also put them on when my teenage grandchildren come to spend some time with me. My Powerbeats Pro can do everything the latest Apple AirPod Pro can do, perhaps even better without dropping out of the ears."
CNET
06-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
With $50 Off, These Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds Have Never Been Cheaper
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the newest wireless earbuds to hit the market, and they're a great option if you want top-tier features and a design that's ready-made for the gym. But at $250, they are far from an impulse purchase. Thankfully, while they might have only been on sale for a couple of months or so, they're already available with their first discount -- and it slashes the price by a full $50. That means that these new earbuds are now yours for just $200 and you get to choose from four gorgeous colors, too. We're big fans of the electric orange that you see above, but there are purple, black and gray options, too. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Regardless of the color that you opt for, you'll get a pair of wireless earbuds that support all of the features that you'd expect of a pair at this price point. Those features include IPX4 water resistance for working out in the gym and elsewhere, while the earhooks are there to keep them in place. On the inside, these earbuds can run for up to 45 hours between charges when you use the charging case and support for active noise cancellation means you won't be disturbed by your surroundings. Other features worth calling out include Apple's H2 chip, which brings support for instant device pairing and switching as well as audio sharing, Find My and hands-free Siri. Beats has also given these earbuds their own heart rate monitoring technology, too. All of this and more make this an earbuds deal that you won't want to miss out on. We suggest that you get your order in soon, too, because this is a limited-time deal that could end at any moment and without any warning. Why this deal matters It isn't every day that you see a discount like this on such a new product, and that makes this one all the more notable. If you're in need of a new pair of workout earbuds, this is one deal that should put the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 right at the top of your shopping list.
Telegraph
08-04-2025
- Telegraph
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Are Apple's new running headphones worth the six-year wait?
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. What are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2? It has been six years since Beats released the original Powerbeats Pro earphones. Designed for exercise, the earhook on the buds mean they stay secure whether you're running outdoors or lifting weights in the gym. While parent company Apple has produced new generations of Airpods and other Beats buds, Powerbeats fans have waited patiently for an update ‒ and now it's here, with six years of progress across design, stamina and functionality in one go. At £249.99, they're at the more expensive end of the running headphone market. Beats' previous bestselling sports earbuds, the Beats Fit Pros, have an RRP of £219.99 (although they're often discounted to much less), while the previous iteration of the Powerbeats tended to sit around £220. Powerbeats Pro 2 may look similar to the older model but they're smaller, lighter and have more charge (up to 10 hours on the buds alone). But the new features are the headline news; spatial audio provides more immersive sound while active noise cancellation (ANC) blocks out ambient noise. A new heart-rate sensor provides limited fitness tracking for the first time and a chip upgrade makes it easier to pair with iPhones. JUMP TO: Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How we test running headphones Sound quality is usually the most important metric for testing headphones, but when it comes to earbuds designed for exercise, this factor takes a backseat against the importance of comfort, durability, water resistance and battery life. It may sound sacrilegious to audiophiles, but when you're pounding the streets or playing sports, hearing every note of a song with perfect clarity becomes less important than knowing your earphones will stay put and go the distance with you, whatever the weather. Naturally, the best way to test these earbuds is to wear them repeatedly while exercising, ensuring they perform well over a number of long-distance runs and draining gym visits, as well as additional walks to wear the battery down. While I am, I have to concede, a slightly below-average runner, I do have persistence on my side with the 250 parkrun T-shirt to prove it. I've also been writing about technology for over a decade and have tested numerous audio products and running accessories in that time. Comfort and fit Score: 8/10 The buds use six built-in microphones to scan the fit and seal of your ears, adjusting acoustic frequencies on the fly, so it's important you choose the right ear tips to get the best sound quality. Five sizes are provided in the box and you can use the app to scan your ears to make sure you've got a good enough seal. They weigh an incredibly light 8.9g each (the originals are 11g) and the design means you just pop them into your ear canal and twist until the hook sits behind your ear, making it stay firmly in place. They stayed put no matter how much my head moved during a run, but the hook created a dull throb after extended use, making them less comfortable than plain earbuds overall. The fixed positioning means it's easier to use the on-bud controls, which include a small volume rocker and a tactile Beats logo that controls noise cancellation and playback. They can even be pressed by leaning into your shoulder in a pinch. Battery life Score: 10/10 Testing battery life on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 proved difficult for the best possible reason: it's incredibly good. Apple claims that you can expect up to ten hours from the earbuds with noise cancellation off and up to 45 hours when you include the charging case. That made draining the battery from exercise alone tricky for someone with commitments beyond the gym, and I wore them non-stop one day to test their longevity. The left bud only gave up after playing music with a mixture of ANC and Transparency mode for nine hours and 21 minutes. The right bud lasted three minutes longer, safely proving that these heroic estimates are not mere marketing. Five minutes charging in the case got me up to 15 per cent, which hit 52 per cent after half an hour. The case has a USB-C charging port and can charge wirelessly. Sound quality Score: 9/10 Powerbeats Pro 2 provide excellent sound quality that is clear across the board, making for a good listen regardless of the music that motivates you most. Punchy bass sounds are prioritised to help you go that extra mile without overpowering the song or muddying the sound. As good as the sound quality is, however, the biggest upgrade is the addition of both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. ANC is highly effective at almost silencing the world around you and reducing road noise to a whisper, but it's the Transparency mode that's a potential literal lifesaver for runners. It lets ambient noise through the ANC so you can hear traffic and people around you without overpowering the music you're listening to. There is a trade-off, of course, and while it sounds rather natural, you will have to put up with the beat of your feet and the sounds of your breathing getting through. Water and sweat resistance Score: 7/10 Disappointingly the water resistance on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the same level of protection as its predecessor. Both share the same IPX4 certification, which means they have been tested to withstand light rain and some sweat, but offer no guarantees if you're hit by a torrential downpour or they fall in a puddle. The 'X' in the Ingress Protection rating is important because it represents a device's ability to cope with dust and other small particles. The scoring is out of six and 'X' means it offers no protection or possibly hasn't been tested at all, as protection against solid objects larger than 50mm only gets a score of one. An IPX4 rating will be sufficient for most people but for those who relish running in the kind of awful conditions that would make regular mortals turn back, it could be an issue. If this applies to you, you may want to opt for a truly waterproof alternative like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS instead. Durability and performance Score: 9/10 As you'd hope for earphones that cost £250, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feel extremely well made and have shown zero signs of damage after multiple runs and walks. The ear hook design keeps the buds firmly in place, but in the unlikely event they did fall out or slip through your fingers while putting them back in their case, I am confident they would survive. I did a couple of test drops from my 6ft4 height and there was no damage at all, with the music continuing as if nothing had happened once back in my ears. And if you misplace them before putting them back in the base, you can make them play a loud sound via the iPhone's Find My tool or Android's Find My Beats app. The introduction of a heart-rate sensor is a nice addition but fitness enthusiasts who want to keep tabs on this will likely already have one of the best fitness trackers or a dedicated chest strap. If you're wearing an Apple Watch with the Powerbeats Pro 2, the former will be prioritised and the headphones only support a handful of apps, which awkwardly don't include Apple Fitness Plus or Strava. The feature worked with the Nike Run Club app however, clocking the same overall average heart rate as a dedicated MyZone chest strap. Crucially the Apple Watch got similarly close in another test, so you're unlikely to gain much by switching to Powerbeats Pro 2, unless your wrist-based wearable struggles to get an accurate read (darker skin, tattoos and hair have all been shown to potentially impact tracking in consumer wearables). Technical specifications If you're keen on the ear hook design but don't want to pay Apple prices, then the Shokz OpenFit is a good alternative and nearly half the price at £129.99. You lose noise cancellation for everything bar calls but gain dust protection on top of water resistance. Should you buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones? The Powerbeats Pro 2 have been a long time coming, but they've most definitely been worth the wait. While Apple's other releases often offer incremental improvement thanks to an annual schedule, six years of change makes a huge difference here. The added noise cancellation and transparency mode alongside a new and improved design makes them an easy recommendation for fans of the originals. Yes, if: You want noise cancellation and transparency modes You want superior sound quality You need long battery life for longer runs You prefer over-ear headphones No, if: FAQs How do the Powerbeats Pro 2 compare to the original Powerbeats Pro? Given the six years between Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2, the new version has plenty of improvements. The headline upgrades include the introduction of active noise cancellation, spatial audio and a heart-rate sensor. But they're also lighter (8.7g vs 11g), packed with more microphones (six vs two), with much better battery life (up to 45 hours vs 24) and USB-C charging instead of Lightning. The 33 per cent smaller case can also be charged wirelessly for added convenience. Finally, they now have the same Apple H2 chip as AirPods Pro 2 for easy pairing with iPhones. What are the key new features of the Powerbeats Pro 2? The key new features are the introduction of active noise cancellation (ANC) and a heart-rate sensor for tracking exertion during exercise. How accurate is the heart rate monitoring feature? Compared to a dedicated chest strap, I found the Powerbeats Pro 2 heart rate sensor gave very similar readings overall, with the same average and maximum beats per minute (BPM) recorded. Over the course of the run, the two were usually within a few BPM of each other, albeit with the chest strap quicker to react to the sudden change of switching from walking to running, and vice versa. It's important to note that the Powerbeats Pro 2's heart rate sensor is only compatible with a limited number of exercise apps at launch, including Open, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder and Slopers. Awkwardly, the list currently doesn't include Apple Fitness Plus, and there's another interesting quirk for those all-in on the Apple ecosystem. The company says that if you're wearing an Apple Watch and Powerbeats Pro 2, readings from the Apple Watch will be prioritised. How does the battery life compare to other wireless earbuds? The Powerbeats Pro 2's battery life is extremely impressive, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours in the buds themselves, and up to 45 hours when the case is included. Note that this drops to eight and 36 with noise cancellation and transparency disabled. Even then, Powerbeats Pro 2 compare pretty favourably to other gym-friendly buds. On our list of the best running headphones, only the Xiaomi Openwear Stereo runs that close with 7.5 hours per bud and 38.5 hours in the charging case with ANC turned off. Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 waterproof?
