Beats Powerbeats (2020) vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Powerbeats (2020) compared with Powerbeats Pro 2
BeatsPowerbeats (2020)BeatsPowerbeats Pro 2
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2020February 2025
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoYes
Transparency mode–Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking–Yes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
ChipApple H1H2
Drivers–Custom dual-layer drivers aligned to each earbud's nozzle; new venting to improve bass and reduce pressure
Chip–Apple H2
Noise cancelling detail–Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling; Transparency mode; Adaptive EQ uses inward-facing microphones to check fit and seal
Audio featuresSBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation or automatic ear detection (Tech Advisor)Personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking (Dolby Atmos content on supported Apple devices); Adaptive EQ
Health sensors–Heart-rate sensors for workouts, working with the Fitness app on iPhone and compatible third-party apps on iPhone and Android; can be turned off
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 15 hoursUp to 8 hours
With the case–Up to 36 hours
Wireless charging–Yes
Battery life detailApple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH colour-edition release confirms the shared 15-hour listening claimUp to 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with the case with noise cancelling and Transparency off; tested by Apple with 256 Kbps AAC tracks at 50% volume
Charging case–USB-C and Qi-compatible wireless charging; Beats says the case is 33% smaller than the first Powerbeats Pro's
Fast chargingLightning Fast Fuel charging; Apple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH release says up to 1 hour from a 5-minute charge, while SoundGuys reports 1.5 hours5 minutes of charging gives up to 1.5 hours of playback in Adaptive EQ mode
Design
Weight (each earbud)–8.7 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4IPX4
Bluetooth5.05.3
Two devices at once–No
ControlsPlayback, track, call and volume buttons on the right earbud; power button on the left; hands-free Hey Siri with compatible Apple devicesMultifunction button and volume rocker on each earbud; automatic play and pause via optical sensors and motion accelerometers
MicrophonesDual beam-forming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometerThree microphones and a voice accelerometer per earbud (the same microphones as AirPods Pro 2); voice isolation for calls
Fit and ear tipsAdjustable ear hooks joined by a round cable; four ear-tip sizesNickel-titanium alloy-reinforced ear hooks; silicone ear tips in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL)
Case weight–69.0 g
Water resistance detail–IPX4 sweat and water resistance for the earbuds
Works withClass 1 Bluetooth and Apple H1 pairing; Audio Sharing with compatible Apple devices; Bluetooth 5.0 identified by SoundGuys and Tech AdvisorOne-touch pairing, automatic switching, audio sharing, hands-free Siri and Find My with Apple devices; Beats app for Android adds one-touch pairing, heart-rate monitoring, customisable controls and Locate My Beats; Class 1 Bluetooth
ColoursBlack, White and Red at launch (MacRumors); later AMBUSH Glow edition with a glow-in-the-dark finish and ripstop pouchJet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, Electric Orange, Black & Volt (Beats UK)
In the boxEarphones, four ear-tip sizes, Lightning to USB-A charging cable and carrying pouch; AMBUSH edition uses a ripstop pouchEarbuds, wireless charging case, silicone ear tips in five sizes (M fitted), Quick Start Guide, warranty card (no USB-C cable or power adapter)

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