Our verdict
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are true wireless earbuds with ear hooks, which loop over the top of your ear so they stay put when you run or lift weights. They have active noise cancelling (ANC), which uses microphones to cancel steady noise such as engines and office hum, and Apple's H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3. Beats quotes up to 10 hours of listening from the buds and up to 45 hours with the case. They have an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist sweat and splashes. Tom's Guide found the ANC fine but behind Sony and Bose, and the charging case large. Beats sells them at £249; we checked that price on 1 August 2026.
Buy it if
- You want earbuds that will not fall out during runs or gym sessions
- You use an iPhone and want Siri and simple pairing
- You want noise cancelling and a transparency mode in a sports-focused design
Skip it if
- You want the strongest noise cancelling, where Sony and Bose lead in Tom's Guide's view
- You want a small case to slip into a pocket
- You need dependable heart-rate tracking or Strava support
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How it would fit your home
Running and gym sessions
The ear hooks and IPX4 rating are built for sweat and movement. Tom's Guide's fitness writer used them for over 150 miles of running as well as cycling, HIIT and yoga.
Commuting and travel
ANC softens steady train and aircraft noise, and up to 45 hours with the case means long gaps between charges. Tom's Guide found call quality acceptable for casual use, but 'more distant' for the person you call.
iPhone versus Android
On an iPhone, settings, EQ and Siri are built in. On Android, the Beats app is needed for updates, and Tom's Guide reports no EQ settings there.
The details, in plain English
Fit and design
Ear hooks wrap over the top of the ear, which keeps the buds steady when you move. Tom's Guide lists them at 0.3oz per bud, with physical buttons for volume and multifunction. The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes, though not full immersion. The charging case is where compromise shows: the same review calls it massive and awkward to carry in a pocket. Fit is personal, so use the returns window to check comfort.
Noise cancelling and sound
ANC uses microphones to cancel steady noise. Tom's Guide called the Powerbeats Pro 2's ANC fine but not as strong as Sony or Bose, and said it struggled with loud conversation areas. Transparency mode, which lets outside sound in, was good. Sound has quick, dynamic bass and solid lower mids, with some sharpness in high tones. Bluetooth 5.3 and the H2 chip handle the connection; there is no LDAC or aptX support.
Battery
Beats quotes up to 10 hours from the buds and 45 hours with the case, which matches Tom's Guide's figures of 10 hours plus 35 hours from the case. Both depend on volume and whether ANC is on, so expect less with noise cancelling switched on. A quick charge gives a useful top-up before a run. Check current battery figures against your listening habits before buying.
Heart-rate sensor and phone features
The buds include a heart-rate sensor. Tom's Guide found it worked with only a handful of iOS apps at launch, that Strava was missing, and that readings sometimes dropped out or were too high. It also could not connect to some sports watches. On iPhone, settings, EQ and Siri are built in. On Android you need the Beats app, and Tom's Guide reports no EQ settings there.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Ear hooks hold the buds securely for running, cycling and gym sessions
- Active noise cancelling (ANC) reduces steady train, aircraft and office noise, with a good transparency mode to hear around you
- Up to 10 hours from the buds and 45 hours with the case, per Beats and Tom's Guide
- IPX4 rating: protected against sweat and splashes
- H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3, with multipoint so two devices can stay connected
What to watch out for
- Tom's Guide found the ANC good but behind Sony and Bose rivals, and weaker in loud conversation
- The heart-rate sensor works with a limited list of apps, and Tom's Guide saw dropouts and readings that were too high
- The charging case is large and awkward to carry in a pocket
- No LDAC or aptX support, and Android users lose the EQ settings iPhone owners get
- Fit and comfort are personal, so check the returns window
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are sports earbuds first. Tom's Guide rates Sony and Bose earbuds higher for noise cancelling, so they are the comparison to make if that matters most. Compare comfort, case size and battery claims with your own routine, and confirm the price before buying.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (this one) | Worth considering as secure-fitting workout earbuds with noise cancelling, if you accept a large case and a limited heart-rate feature. | £249.99RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple AirPods Pro 3 | The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in. | £219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | A light, comfortable choice for iPhone owners who dislike rubber ear tips and want some help with steady travel noise, as long as you accept weaker noise cancelling and shorter battery life than the AirPods Pro 2. | £179RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 suit iPhone owners who like an open fit and simple setup, but skip them if you need noise cancellation or a choice of ear tip sizes. | £129RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
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Where our findings come from
Research-based review. We have not tested this product ourselves. Specifications come from Beats and Tom's Guide's review, and measurements and findings quoted here are theirs. Other listed sources cover general guidance on safe listening and Bluetooth LE Audio.