Are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Still Worth It? A Critical Look at Workout Earbuds in 2025

Finding reliable workout earbuds feels tougher these days. Several companies have either dialed back their focus or exited the market altogether; Jabra’s departure at the close of 2024 highlights this. Yet, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, refreshed at the start of the year, remain a contender for best workout earbuds. And right now, for Cyber Monday, you can snag them for $199.95 (a $50 markdown) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. This price point nearly matches their lowest ever, so it merits consideration.

The original Powerbeats Pro became my go-to during half-marathon training way back before the world changed. The ear hook design was a game-changer; those hooks simply stayed put. Running sprints, pounding pavement, or tackling trails, I never worried about losing an earbud. Now, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have upgraded those hooks. They’re more flexible, more robust, seemingly able to handle more wear and tear. Those with glasses might initially find the fit tricky. I experienced that too. Finding the sweet spot for positioning solved the problem.

It’s worth noting that the Powerbeats Pro 2 brought heart rate monitoring to the table before Apple’s recent AirPods Pro 3 did. For those of us who don’t always want to strap on an Apple Watch or chest strap, it’s a decent alternative. From my own testing, the heart rate tracking is reasonably accurate. These sensors connect with Apple Fitness (a later addition) and several third-party apps, working across both Apple and Android. That’s a definite edge for Beats over Apple’s walled garden.

When it comes to sound, the Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver. You get sufficient driving bass to fuel workouts. Active noise cancellation (ANC) performs admirably in boisterous environments. They also function well for phone calls. The noise suppression feature tunes out distracting wind noise.

The included carrying case shrunk a bit from the original. However, it remains larger than what many modern earbuds offer, a consequence of accommodating those ear hooks. Still, the new case does include wireless charging. This was a major omission on the first Powerbeats Pro.

This challenge—the design trade-off between secure fit and case size—highlights the real balancing act for workout earbuds. Do you prioritize a compact design that’s easy to pocket, or a design focused on staying in place during intense activity?

Given these facts, who are the Powerbeats Pro 2 really for? If you value a secure, locked-in fit above all else, and don’t mind a slightly bulkier charging case, they’re a strong contender. And if you want integrated heart rate monitoring without extra gadgets, that’s another check in their favor.

Yet, several factors give me pause. The workout earbud market may be shrinking. However, that can also mean the remaining players are improving their game. I’d advise cross-shopping and reading reviews for the latest models from brands like Bose and even smaller, niche fitness audio companies.

Also, consider your primary activity. Are you mainly running? Cross-training? Weightlifting? Different activities demand different features. Sweat resistance, control accessibility, and even the type of noise cancellation required will all vary. Don’t assume that what worked for my half-marathon training will automatically work for your HIIT sessions.

It’s worth recalling that tech evolves quickly. While the Powerbeats Pro 2 got a refresh at the start of the year, that doesn’t necessarily make them cutting-edge now. Battery life, Bluetooth codec support, and ANC technology are all areas where newer models could offer significant improvements.

Still, the Cyber Monday price makes these Beats tempting. If you’re upgrading from older earbuds, or just starting your fitness journey, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a good balance of features and performance.

To that end, If you need new workout earbuds, these Powerbeats Pro 2 remain a worthwhile choice, offering solid value at the Cyber Monday sale price.

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