Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Beats Studio Buds Plus: Workout warriors vs everyday listeners

Beats finally revived its iconic Powerbeats Pro line, bringing heart-rate monitoring, ANC, and the H2 chip to its premium workout earbuds. Meanwhile, the more affordable Studio Buds Plus offers a sleek, translucent design for everyday listeners. With an $80 price difference between them, the real question isn’t which Beats earbuds sound better—it’s whether the Powerbeats Pro 2’s extra features justify the price jump. After extensive testing of both models, we’ve discovered surprising strengths and weaknesses that go far beyond the spec sheet, especially when it comes to noise cancelation and cross-platform performance.

Editor’s note: this article was published on March 3, 2025, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Powerbeats Pro 2 compared to the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are geared towards athletes. They have ear hooks that wrap behind the outer ear, ensuring they stay firmly in place during intense workouts. While this provides exceptional stability, it can create slight pressure on the back of your ears after extended wear.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional true wireless earbud design. They’re significantly smaller and lighter, weighing just 5g per earbud compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2’s 8.7g. Overall, the Studio Buds Plus offers a more discreet look that doesn’t command much attention, while the Powerbeats Pro 2’s larger profile makes them more noticeable.

Both models come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a proper fit. The Powerbeats Pro 2 includes five different silicone ear tips (XS to XL), while the Studio Buds Plus comes with four sizes. Both models offer a fit test (through iOS settings or the Beats app) to help you find the right size.

You’ll also notice that the charging cases look very different. The Powerbeats Pro 2 case, while smaller than its predecessor, is still substantially larger than the Studio Buds Plus case and will not easily fit into your pants pockets. The lid on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is also prone to springing open. In contrast, the Studio Buds Plus has your typical pill-shaped case that is much more pocketable.

Durability-wise, both earbuds carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light splashes but shouldn’t be submerged in water.

The control systems differ in several key ways. The Powerbeats Pro 2 features dedicated volume controls and separates functions between the “b” logo button and volume rocker. The Studio Buds Plus uses a single physical button on each earbud for all controls, which can be problematic as pressing the button may disrupt the earbuds’ seal and fit. Both support hands-free “Hey Siri” prompting as well, though that functionality isn’t available to Android users for obvious reasons.

Do the Powerbeats Pro 2 or Beats Studio Buds Plus have more features?

 The standout unique feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart-rate monitoring, which uses optical sensors to track your heart rate during workouts. This data can be shared with third-party fitness apps and equipment, though it only activates during workouts rather than providing continuous monitoring.

Both earbuds offer active noise cancelation (ANC) and transparency mode, allowing you to either block out external noise or amplify it to increase your awareness of your surroundings. As we will see later, the implementation is notably better on the Powerbeats Pro 2.

For iOS users, both earbuds offer seamless integration with Apple devices, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 takes this further with its newer H2 chip. This enables additional features like one-touch pairing, automatic switching between Apple devices, Audio Sharing, hands-free Siri, and Find My functionality.

Both earbuds support spatial audio for immersive listening experiences with compatible content, though the Powerbeats Pro 2 adds head-tracking capabilities that the Studio Buds Plus lacks.

How do the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds Plus connect?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses Apple’s H2 chip for connectivity, enabling faster pairing and more stable connections with Apple devices. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and the SBC and AAC codecs. The H2 chip provides seamless switching between Apple devices, hands-free Siri, and other ecosystem benefits. One drawback is that it doesn’t support Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to multiple devices simultaneously.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus also connects via Bluetooth 5.3, supporting SBC and AAC codecs. However, they use a custom chip rather than Apple’s H-series chips. While it doesn’t have true Bluetooth Multipoint, it does offer Audio Switch, a Beats alternative that handles switching between devices without navigating menus.

Both earbuds have a Bluetooth range of approximately 10 meters (33 feet), though walls and other obstacles can reduce this. Neither model supports higher-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC, which is disappointing for Android users looking for better audio quality options.

For iOS users, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a more refined connection experience, while the Studio Buds Plus provides better cross-platform compatibility for those who use both iOS and Android devices.

Is battery life better on the Powerbeats Pro 2 or Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers impressive battery life: up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC disabled and approximately 45 hours total when including the charging case. This is nearly double the battery life of most AirPods models. With ANC enabled these numbers will be somewhat reduced.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus provides around 8 hours and 22 minutes with ANC enabled, according to testing. This is still above average for true wireless earbuds, though not quite as impressive as the Powerbeats Pro 2’s endurance. Both models support fast charging via USB-C, but only the Powerbeats Pro 2 supports wireless charging.

Do the Powerbeats Pro 2 or Beats Studio Buds Plus block noise better?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers superior noise cancelation compared to the Beats Studio Buds Plus. According to testing, the Powerbeats Pro 2 reduces external noise by an average of 83%, which is comparable to the AirPods Pro 2. This makes it effective at blocking most ambient sounds, with only loud, incidental noises like people talking occasionally breaking through.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offers decent noise cancelation, reducing sounds by around 20dB, making most noise less than 25% as loud as without the earbuds. While this is a respectable performance, it doesn’t match the level of isolation provided by the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Both models feature transparency modes that allow environmental sounds to pass through when needed. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s implementation is particularly impressive, with Apple’s technology making it sound nearly identical to not wearing earbuds at all. This natural transparency mode is useful for runners and athletes who need situational awareness during outdoor activities.

Do the Powerbeats Pro 2 sound better than the Beats Studio Buds Plus?

Both the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds Plus deliver the energetic sound profile that Beats is known for, with an emphasis on bass and treble. Neither model offers a user-adjustable equalizer, which is an unfortunate omission at their price points. The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses Apple’s Adaptive EQ technology to automatically adjust sound based on fit, while the Studio Buds Plus lacks any form of user sound customization.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The Powerbeats Pro 2 (with ANC enabled) achieved an Overall Score of 4.6 out of 5, with a Timbre score of 4.8, Distortion score of 3.7, and Immersiveness score of 3.6. With ANC disabled, the overall score drops significantly to just 3.8.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus earned an Overall Score of 4.8 out of 5, with a Timbre score of 4.9, Distortion score of 3.2, and Immersiveness score of 3.7.

According to our simulated panel of listeners, the Studio Buds Plus offers slightly better overall sound quality for casual listeners. The difference is small, however, and both provide good sound quality that will satisfy most listeners.

Objective Measurements

Both earbuds deviate from our house curve with a more consumer-friendly frequency response, with emphasized bass and treble.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 shows an under-emphasis in the 500-900Hz midrange, notable emphasis in the 5-7kHz treble range, and a steep drop-off above 8kHz. With ANC disabled, the frequency response becomes more U-shaped, with fewer lower-mid frequencies. The Beats Studio Buds Plus shows a similar pattern of emphasis on sub-bass and treble, though with slightly better balance in the midrange frequencies.

Both earbuds support spatial audio with Dolby Atmos content, though only the Powerbeats Pro 2 includes head tracking for a more immersive experience.

Do the Powerbeats Pro 2 or Beats Studio Buds Plus have a better microphone?

The Powerbeats Pro 2’s microphone processing is handled on the iOS device it’s paired with, meaning its performance is significantly better when connected to an iPhone or other Apple device. When paired with an iOS device, the microphones do an excellent job of canceling out background noise, making them suitable for calls in various environments. However, when paired with non-iOS devices, the microphones struggle more with background noise, particularly wind.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus features an upgraded microphone array compared to its predecessor but still tends to pick up ambient noise around the user. The Beats app allows you to manually select which microphone you want to use for phone calls, which can help optimize performance in different situations.

For users who primarily use iOS devices and frequently take calls in noisy environments, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offers superior call quality. Those who switch between platforms or primarily use Android may find less of a difference between the two models.

Powerbeats Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beats Studio Buds Plus microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Powerbeats Pro 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Beats Studio Buds Plus microphone demo (Street conditions):

Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Beats Studio Buds Plus: Price and availability

The Powerbeats Pro 2 retails for $249 at Amazon, positioning it as a premium workout earbud option. It was released in February 2025 and is currently the latest in Beats’ workout-focused line.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus is priced at $169 at Amazon, $80 less expensive than the Powerbeats Pro 2. It was released in 2023, so it’s the older model of the two, but it’s still relatively recent in the true wireless earbud market.

Both models are widely available through Apple’s website, Apple retail stores, and various electronics retailers. The price difference is significant and should be a major consideration when choosing between these two models, especially if certain features like heart rate monitoring aren’t essential to your needs.

Should you get the Powerbeats Pro 2 or Beats Studio Buds Plus?

The decision between the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Beats Studio Buds Plus ultimately comes down to your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is clearly designed for active users who prioritize secure fit, long battery life, and advanced features like heart rate monitoring. Its ear hook design ensures the buds stay in place during intense workouts, while the H2 chip provides seamless integration with other Apple devices. The superior ANC and transparency mode make it versatile for both focused workouts and outdoor runs where awareness is important. However, these benefits come at a premium price point.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offers a more compact design at a significantly lower price point. It provides better cross-platform compatibility between iOS and Android, making it ideal for users who frequently switch between ecosystems. While it lacks some premium features like heart rate monitoring and wireless charging, it delivers slightly better sound quality according to MDAQS results and still offers respectable ANC performance.

Alternative options

If neither the Powerbeats Pro 2 nor the Studio Buds Plus hit the sweet spot for your needs, consider these alternative Beats models:

• Beats Fit Pro ($159 at Amazon) is the middle ground in the Beats lineup. It offers a secure wingtip design, solid noise cancelation, and the H1 chip’s Apple ecosystem integration without the premium price of the Powerbeats Pro 2. What you lose is heart-rate monitoring and extended battery life. For most people, this represents the best value in the current Beats lineup.
•  Beats Solo Buds ($79.99 at Amazon) – The ultra-budget option for casual listeners. These are the cheapest true wireless earbuds from Beats, but they lack ANC and even a battery in the charging case. Only consider these if absolute minimum price is your priority.

Frequently asked questions