Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: which Apple earbuds are superior?

      For anyone with an Apple device—whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook—it’s only natural to think about using Apple-branded headphones or earbuds. The AirPods, after all, are specifically designed for seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, products labeled with the Apple name aren’t the only choices available. Following Apple’s acquisition of Beats in 2014, Beats earbuds, like the Powerbeats Pro 2, now offer the same native compatibility as the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Additionally, Beats earbuds can also work with Android devices. This might make the Powerbeats seem like the clear choice over the AirPods, but a deeper examination reveals a more complex discussion.

      So, should you opt for the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as your next earbuds? Or do the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which are still regarded as some of the best wireless earbuds you can find, remain a preferred option? Let’s compare them and find out.

      Apple AirPods Pro 2

      Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

      **AirPods Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro 2: Price**

      Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at an MSRP of $250 (specifically, $249 for Apple and $249.99 for Beats). However, since the AirPods have been available for over two years, they frequently go on sale, especially during events like Black Friday or specific Amazon sales throughout the year, such as Big Spring Deal Days or Prime Day. Regularly, the AirPods Pro 2 can be found for approximately $199, with occasional drops to $169 or less.

      When there's a $50 price difference, making a decision based on cost is relatively straightforward.

      **Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

      **AirPods Pro 2 vs. Powerbeats Pro 2: Specs Comparison**

      **Apple AirPods Pro 2**

      **Beats Powerbeats Pro 2**

      **Colors**

      White

      Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, Electric Orange

      **Weight**

      5.3 grams per bud (charging case: 50.8 grams)

      8.7 grams per bud (charging case: 69 grams)

      **Noise Cancellation**

      Yes, with Adaptive Audio

      Yes

      **Battery Life**

      Up to 6 hours per charge; 30 with the case (ANC off)

      10 hours per charge; 45 hours with the case (ANC off)

      **Charging**

      USB-C, Qi wireless, MagSafe, and Apple Watch chargers

      USB-C, Qi wireless

      **Fast Charge**

      1 hour of playback from a 5 min. charge

      1.5 hours of playback from a 5 min. charge

      **Water/Dust Resistance**

      IP54

      IPX4 (buds only)

      **Bluetooth Version**

      5.3

      5.3

      **Additional Features**

      iCloud sharing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, Adaptive EQ, Hearing Test/Protection/Assistance, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, Hey Siri support, Find My

      iCloud sharing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, heart rate monitor, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking (with Apple devices), Hey Siri support, Find My and Find My Beats, Android app

      Both earbuds utilize Apple’s H2 chip (a benefit of Beats being part of Apple), offering excellent performance regarding noise cancellation, battery life, quick pairing, sharing capabilities, and sound quality. They share numerous features—like iCloud sharing, Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, Find My, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, and Hey Siri support—that function the same way on both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2.

      The AirPods stand out with their Adaptive Audio (often referred to as Adaptive Transparency Mode), which is a combination of ANC and Transparency mode that dynamically modifies the sound you perceive based on your changing environment. It reduces sudden loud noises and continuous background noise, such as the sound of running water. While the Powerbeats do possess a Transparency mode, it does not adjust automatically like the Adaptive mode. Additionally, AirPods have dust protection rated at IP54, which applies to both the earbuds and the charging case, compared to the Powerbeats’ IPX4 rating, which applies only to the earbuds.

      The Powerbeats are the first earbuds in the Apple family that come equipped with heart rate monitoring and can be used with both Apple and Android devices. The Beats app available on the Google Play Store enables users to switch between ANC and Transparency modes, activate heart rate monitoring, utilize Find My Beats (the Android equivalent of Apple’s Find My), and customize button assignments. While AirPods can function as Bluetooth earbuds for Android devices, they offer very limited adjustability. Battery life also favors the Beats, with up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC off, making them