Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are best for working out?

Jada Jones/ZDNET

To ear hook, or not to ear hook? It's an age-old question when deciding which earbud form factor to buy for working out. 

If your ears are ambidextrous for earbuds with hooks and buds without hooks, you may be interested in a new pair of workout earbuds and are trying to decide between the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Both earbuds retail at the same price, offer sweat and water resistance, and use silicone eartips to create a seal between your ears and the world. (They're also both sold by Apple.)

Also: The best headphones for working out: Expert tested and reviewed

Although both earbuds share some similarities, there are critical differences to consider. To help you choose, I've outlined and compared each pair, from the fit and form factor to device compatibility to unique features.

Specifications

You should buy the Powerbeats Pro 2 if...

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1. You want in-ear heart rate monitoring

The Powerbeats Pro 2 debuted with in-ear heart monitoring, a proposed alternative to wearing a chest strap to monitor your heart rate while exercising. Although chest straps can be more accurate than in-ear sensors, in-ear sensors are more accurate than wrist-based sensors, like a smartwatch.

Review: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

In-ear heart monitors use low-intensity ultrasound signals to detect changes in your blood flow associated with heart rate activity. The inner ear is optimal for this monitoring because the ear canal is connected to your heart's carotid artery system. Beats' earbuds differ from other earbuds with heart rate monitoring because both Powerbeats have a sensor -- one bud for each carotid artery on either side of your neck.

On the other hand, the Sennhesier Momentum Sport earbuds offer heart rate monitoring, but only one earbud carries a sensor.

2. You'd prefer a more secure seal

Many people buy AirPods to work out in, only for the earbuds to slip or fall out of their ears during rigorous movement. If AirPods or other bud-and-stem earbuds don't cooperate with your ears, you might be a candidate for earbuds with ear hooks. The Powerbeats Pro 2 sport thin and comfortable silicone ear hooks that wrap around your ear to keep the earbuds stable while you exercise.

3. You're an Android user

Unlike Apple's earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers Android users nearly the same suite of features as it does on iOS. Android users can download the Beats app in the Play Store, which allows them to alter and adjust features like wear detection, charging case chime tones, call controls, and more.

Also: These Google Pixel buds have replaced over-ear headphones for me when traveling - here's why

However, the Beats app for Android does not offer live heart rate monitoring. To access heart rate, Android users must connect their Powerbeats Pro 2 to a compatible fitness app or piece of fitness equipment. Still, Android users can enjoy active noise canceling, transparency mode, and spatial audio with head tracking.

You should buy the AirPods Pro 2 if...

Jada Jones/ZDNET

1. You want versatile earbuds for all occasions

The AirPods Pro 2 are my favorite pair of everyday earbuds. You can wear them on your daily commute, in the office, and to the gym. These premium Apple earbuds sport a discreet and small bud design, and their charging case is much easier to pocket than Beats'.

The AirPods Pro 2 also deliver intelligent features like Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers your music volume when the earbuds pick up your voice. This feature allows you to easily converse with others without needing to rush to take out your earbuds or lower the volume.

Also: I've used my AirPods Pro 2 since they first launched. Here's my buying advice for 2025

Additionally, these earbuds are equipped with Siri Interactions, a feature that allows you to answer or decline incoming calls by nodding your head "yes" or shaking your head "no." If you prefer earbuds that perform well in any environment (including the gym) and act as an auditory companion to your iPhone, consider the AirPods Pro 2.

2. You like to exercise, but you don't like workout apps

The Powerbeats Pro 2 has heart rate monitoring, but this feature comes with caveats. On iOS, you can access live heart rate monitoring in the Health app, but only if you're not wearing an Apple Watch. If you complete a workout without your Apple Watch, you'll forgo logging your burned calories and time spent exercising, which affects your daily rings and goals.

The heart rate monitoring feature works best with compatible exercise equipment and partnered apps, including Open, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder, and Slopes. If you prefer using your Watch and the free version of Apple's Fitness app to log your workouts, the Powerbeats Pro 2's heart rate monitoring feature isn't useful.

3. You live in the iOS ecosystem

The AirPods Pro 2 perform best when paired with other Apple devices, such as an iPhone, MacBook, or iPad. These earbuds don't support Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to connect them to two Bluethooth-enabled devices simultaneously. However, you can seamlessly switch audio output between your multiple Apple devices.

Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids: Testing and tracking hearing health in iOS 18.1

If you use AirPods on a non-Apple device, you'll miss out on spatial audio, wear detection, hearing aid mode, Conversation Awareness, Siri Interactions, and Find My. Essentially, pairing the AirPods Pro 2 to a non-Apple device will result in missing out on all the features that make these earbuds great.

Alternatives to consider