Is the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) worth the upgrade from the Powerbeats Pro 2?
Verdict
Meaningful upgrade
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) scores 6.0 points above the Powerbeats Pro 2. That's a real improvement, though not the kind you'd notice on every track. The gains are concentrated in noise cancelling (7.5 to 9.0), calls (7.0 to 8.0) and sound (8.0 to 8.5). You do give up ground on battery (8.0 to 7.5). On paper: driver size 9.5 mm to 11 mm and case weight 69 g to 50.8 g. Worth checking: battery incl. case goes 45 h to 30 h. It's also $125 cheaper, which makes this an easy call. Worth doing if you're replacing anyway; harder to justify as a pure upgrade if what you have still works.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.08.5
- Noise cancelling7.59.0
- Battery8.07.5
- Calls7.08.0
- Value7.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Powerbeats Pro 2 | AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 | |
| Battery incl. case | 45 h | 30 h | |
| Driver size | 9.5 mm | 11 mm | |
| Case weight | 69 g | 50.8 g |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Powerbeats Pro 2 to AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.