Beats · Powerbeats

Powerbeats2 Wireless

Released June 2014

Bluetooth workout earphones with flexible ear hooks, a joining cable and IPX4 splash resistance.

Model history · 2 models, 2010–2014

2010Powerbeats (2010)Compare
2014Powerbeats2 Wireless

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: 6 h
With case: –
Best codec: –
Weight: –

Earbuds

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise straightforward controls and stable wireless playback, but find the launch price hard to justify. Fit and sound opinions differ; SoundGuys finds the hooks comfortable and the midrange reasonably clear, while TechRadar struggles with the seal and hears weak mids and muffled highs. Six-hour battery life is modest beside rivals.

From soundguys.com and techradar.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: In-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Drivers: Maker describes two dynamic drivers in each earpiece without publishing their dimensions
Audio features: Designed to admit ambient sound (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation (RTINGS)

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): Up to 6 hours
Battery life detail: Up to six hours of listening; maker describes worldwide sale from late June 2014, followed by Japan in September
Fast charging: Micro-USB charging; a 15-minute charge gives about one hour of playback

Design

Water and sweat resistance: IPX4
Bluetooth: 4.0
Controls: RemoteTalk playback, track, call, voice-command and volume controls; power and pairing button on the left earpiece; functionality varies by device
Fit and ear tips: Flexible ear hooks, interchangeable ear tips and a flat joining cable with a removable adjustment clip
Water resistance detail: IPX4 sweat and splash resistance for the earpieces and cable; not waterproof
Works with: Bluetooth 4.0 (RTINGS); maker states a range of about 10 metres
Colours: Black, Blue, Red, White and Pink/Grey listed in the maker's December 2014 announcement
In the box: Earphones, interchangeable ear tips, Micro-USB charging cable, carrying case and manual (SoundGuys and TechRadar)

Pros and cons

Pros

IPX4 sweat and splash resistance
Adjustable ear hooks and cable fit
A 15-minute charge gives about one hour of playback

Cons

Up to six hours of listening per charge
No active noise cancellation
Micro-USB charging

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
BeatsBeatsX	In-ear	No	8 h	–	AAC	–	Feb 2017
BeatsPowerbeats3 Wireless	In-ear	No	12 h	–	AAC	–	Nov 2016
AppleAirPods (1st generation)	Open-ear	No	5 h	–	AAC	4 g	Dec 2016

Previous model: Powerbeats (2010). Newer model: Powerbeats3 Wireless.

Sources

Photo: cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp

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