Beats By Dre Powerbeats Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£200
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 9 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beats By Dre Powerbeats review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

8.1

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

4.6

Connectivity

6.0%

5.6

Battery

4.0%

8.9

Calls & Controls

Good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(1016)
amazon
4.0
(755)
amazon
4.1
(700)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(1016)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(755)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(700)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 8.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    10

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

  • 3.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    18.0%

    9.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 7.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 7.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    5.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    1.2

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are high-performance wireless earbuds featuring the Apple H2 chip, an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, and an adjustable nickel-titanium ear hook design for a secure, athletic fit. Key characteristics include active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and integrated heart rate monitoring sensors that sync with fitness apps. Users benefit from up to 10 hours of continuous playback per charge, extended to 45 hours total with the wireless-charging case, and a Fast Fuel feature providing 1.5 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge. While they offer exceptional stability and seamless iOS integration with features like 'Hey Siri' and one-touch pairing, the large, bulky charging case can be difficult to fit into pockets, and they lack custom EQ settings for more tailored audio profiles.

Technical Specifications of Beats By Dre Powerbeats

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

8.1

Features

10.0%

8.1

Design

8.0%

4.6

Connectivity

6.0%

5.6

Battery

4.0%

8.9

Calls & Controls

5.9
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a technical score of 5.86 points, which is higher than that of 71% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(1016)
amazon
4.0
(755)
amazon
4.1
(700)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(1016)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(755)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(700)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.9
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a user score of 8.87 points, which is higher than that of 80.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

7.4
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 72.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Beats By Dre Powerbeats does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

12 mm
Beats By Dre Powerbeats uses a driver size of 12 mm, smaller driver size than 86.5% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Beats By Dre Powerbeats uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Beats By Dre Powerbeats reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Beats By Dre Powerbeats does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

5.0
Beats By Dre Powerbeats uses Bluetooth version 5.0, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

100 m
Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers a Bluetooth range of 100 m, higher Bluetooth range than 97.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

?
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Beats By Dre Powerbeats does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

9 hours
Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers battery life of 9 hours, lower battery life than 92.9% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

1.5 hours
Beats By Dre Powerbeats needs 1.5 hours to charge, lower charging time than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 7% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

90 mAh
Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a battery capacity of 90 mAh, lower battery capacity than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Beats
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

26.3 g
Beats By Dre Powerbeats weighs 26.3 g, lighter than 83.5% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Beats By Dre Powerbeats vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
    When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Spatial audio support
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 87.9% lower weight
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is lighter than the average headphone (26.3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is lighter than the average headphone (26.3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.26.3 g vs 218 g
  • More flexible connectivity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 90 m longer Bluetooth range
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
    When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=10 m

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.100 m vs 10 m
  • 87.9% lower weight
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is lighter than the average headphone (26.3 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Spatial audio support
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.5 hours shorter charging time
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • 90 m longer Bluetooth range
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
  • Clear call microphone
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Quick mic mute
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • Fixed cable
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 21 hours shorter battery life
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 85% lower battery capacity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (90 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 7 older release date
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2010
  • 28 mm smaller driver size
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (12 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.12 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 21 hours shorter battery life
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery life than the average headphone (9 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.9 hours vs 30 hours
  • 85% lower battery capacity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (90 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
    What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
    When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=720 mAh

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (90 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.90 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.22x more expensive
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).£200 vs £90
  • 7 older release date
    Beats By Dre Powerbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2010
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Beats By Dre Powerbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2010 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Beats By Dre Powerbeats and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Beats By Dre Powerbeats?

  • Secure ear-hook design that prevents earbuds from falling out during intense workouts
  • Long battery life, with up to 9–11 hours of continuous playback per charge
  • Seamless integration with Apple devices thanks to the H1/H2 chips for fast pairing
  • Balanced sound profile with powerful bass and clear mids suitable for pop and hip-hop
  • Physical buttons for volume and playback control, which are reliable even with sweaty hands
  • Fast charging ('Fast Fuel') provides approximately 1–1.5 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge

What customers dislike about Beats By Dre Powerbeats?

  • Bulky charging case for the 'Pro' models that is not easily pocketable
  • Lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in standard models, leading to poor isolation from background noise
  • Potential for ear irritation or discomfort during long listening sessions due to the ear-hook pressure
  • High price point compared to similar workout-focused competitors
  • Limited water resistance (IPX4), making them sweat-resistant but not fully waterproof
  • Inconsistent charging issues reported where one earbud may not seat correctly in the case

Expert reviews

R
reviewed.com
10/06/2022

This review outlines the Beats by Dre Powerbeats (released in 2020) as a budget-friendly neckband alternative to the true wireless Powerbeats Pro. Priced at a more affordable $149, these workout-ready earbuds integrate Apple's H1 chip, providing exceptional Class 1 Bluetooth range spanning up to 100 meters, effortless iOS pairing, and hands-free Siri integration. Testers praised the...Read more

T
techadvisor.com
23/04/2020

The 2020 Beats Powerbeats wireless neckbuds offer a budget-friendly, fitness-focused audio solution featuring a streamlined round cable instead of a thick neckband. Driven by Apple's H1 chip, they deliver fast iOS pairing, hands-free "Hey Siri" support, and Audio Sharing capabilities. The earbuds stand out for their exceptional 15-hour battery life and an impressive sound profile...Read more

M
macworld.com
31/03/2020

The 2020 Beats Powerbeats wireless sports headphones offer an excellent balance of audio quality, battery endurance, and value, sitting comfortably between the older Powerbeats3 and the premium Powerbeats Pro. Equipped with Apple's H1 chip, they deliver effortless iPhone pairing, hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality, Bluetooth 5.0 reliability, and lower latency. Their stand-out...Read more

T
techradar.com
23/03/2020

The revamped Beats Powerbeats wireless workout earbuds serve as a thoughtfully designed, budget-friendly alternative to the premium Powerbeats Pro, lifting their robust sound quality directly from the higher-end model. Equipped with Apple’s H1 Wireless Chip, they offer seamless hands-free Siri commands, multi-device pairing, and an impressive 15-hour battery life—surpassing the...Read more

P
pcmag.com
09/01/2013

The PCMag review of the Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats highlights a secure, sweat-resistant design tailored for workouts, offering a deep, powerful bass response and an inline mic optimized for iOS. Despite the energetic sound, the earphones are considered overpriced at $149.95, with a fit that can be inconsistent, requiring frequent adjustments to balance volume between ear canals....Read more

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bestearphonesguide.co.uk
01/03/2020

The Best Earphones Guide gives the Beats Powerbeats sports earphones an overall review score of 4.0 out of 5 stars. This model has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £119.95. The reviewer praises the product as a top-notch option for running and gym workouts. Key pros highlighted in the text include a dual-speaker design in each earbud—featuring a separate tweeter and woofer—which...Read more

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rtings.com
11/05/2020

The Beats Powerbeats 4 WirelessGo are sports-oriented in-ear headphones with an ear-hook design that offers an exceptionally secure, comfortable fit and a long battery life with seamless iOS integration. Their sound profile is well-balanced in the bass and mid-range, making them suitable for neutral listening during workouts. However, the headphones face limitations, including poor...Read more

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pcmag.com
16/03/2020

The $149 Beats Powerbeats (2020) are gym-friendly, neckband-style earphones featuring Apple's H1 chip for seamless iOS pairing, "Hey Siri" support, and a secure-fit ear hook design. They deliver a bass-forward, heavily sculpted sound profile suited for workouts. Pros include this secure, stable fit and solid, punchy audio performance at moderate volumes. Conversely, the earphones...Read more

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cnet.com
31/03/2020

The 2020 Beats Powerbeats (commonly called Powerbeats 4) are wireless sports headphones featuring a neck cord, essentially functioning as a more affordable, $150 wired alternative to the truly wireless Powerbeats Pro. Designed for fitness, they feature robust IPX4 sweat and splash resistance, the Apple H1 chip for seamless iOS pairing, dual beamforming microphones for high-quality...Read more

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wired.com
13/04/2020

The 2020 Beats Powerbeats are excellent Bluetooth workout headphones designed with a cable connecting the two earbuds, making them very secure and easy to hang around your neck. They share the same sleek, comfortable around-ear hook design as the Powerbeats Pro but cost $50 less. Apple has vastly improved the sound quality from older models, delivering an energetic, clear, and...Read more

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theguardian.com
14/05/2020

The Apple-revamped Powerbeats Bluetooth earphones (£129.95) are neckband-style workout earbuds that deliver a secure, comfortable fit and an energetic, punchy low-end sound well-suited for exercise. Equipped with Apple’s H1 chip, they offer rock-solid Bluetooth 5 connectivity, seamless multi-device switching for iOS users, and reliable compatibility via a dedicated Android app. They...Read more

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pushing-limits.de
23/05/2020

The review from Pushing Limits evaluates the Beats Powerbeats 4Go as a direct, budget-friendly successor to the Powerbeats Wireless 3Go, heavily drawing on design elements from the premium Powerbeats ProGo. On the positive side (pros), the reviewer praises their excellent wearing comfort and secure fit during running, aided by flexible ear hooks and a variety of interchangeable ear...Read more

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stadt-bremerhaven.de
29/03/2020

The Powerbeats 4 (officially "Powerbeats") are identified as reliable, secure-fit sports headphones featuring a 15-hour battery life and an improved neck cable that does not stick to sweaty skin. Powered by Apple's H1 chip, they offer seamless integration, robust IPX4-rated sweat resistance, and a dynamic, bass-heavy sound profile suitable for workouts. YouTube· Key drawbacks...Read more

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welt.de
06/04/2020

The Beats Powerbeats 4 (marketed simply as Powerbeats) are Bluetooth sports in-ear headphones priced at €150, making them €50 cheaper at launch than their predecessor, the Powerbeats 3, despite sharing the advanced Apple H1 chip found in the premium AirPods Pro. A major highlight of these headphones is their exceptional battery life; while the manufacturer promises 15 hours,...Read more

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kopfhoerer.de
31/03/2020

The Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats are neckband-style Bluetooth sports in-ears that leverage Apple's H1 chip to deliver a fast 3-second pairing process and seamless Siri voice integration. They offer an impressive battery life of nearly 15 hours, alongside a reliable "Fast Fuel" quick-charge feature providing an hour of playback from just a five-minute charge. Built specifically for...Read more

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testr.at
08/08/2020

Based on the review, the Beats Powerbeats 4 are neckband-style sports headphones that share many features with the Powerbeats Pro but at a significantly lower price point ($100 cheaper). They feature the Apple H1 chip for seamless iPhone connectivity and are rated for IPX4 sweat and water resistance. The design utilizes flexible ear hooks that provide a secure fit during intense...Read more

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journaldugeek.com
04/05/2020

The Beats PowerBeats 4 are wireless sports earbuds that feature an ear-hook design and are connected by a short neckband cable, differing from True Wireless alternatives. Designed primarily for athletes but suitable for daily wear, they offer an IPX4 certification for sweat and water resistance, an improved thicker round cable that avoids sticking to the skin, and a lightweight...Read more

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runmag.fr
03/06/2026

The Powerbeats 4 review by Vincent outlines a highly reliable option for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking stable, sports-oriented neckband earbuds. A major highlight is the exceptional battery life, which has been upgraded to 15 hours of playback along with a "Fast Fuel" feature providing 1 hour of listening time from just a 5-minute charge. The earbuds are powered by Apple’s...Read more

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meilleure-innovation.com
13/08/2020

The Powerbeats 4 (2020) are sports-oriented, neckband-style wireless earbuds priced at €150 that borrow their aesthetic directly from the Powerbeats Pro. Equipped with Apple's H1 chip, they deliver seamless iOS pairing, reliable Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity, and support for hands-free "Hey Siri" commands. They are highly versatile, fully compatible with Android devices, and...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
04/06/2020

The Beats Powerbeats 4 are Bluetooth sports earphones featuring a comfortable ear-hook design connected by a 40 cm cable that now runs discreetly behind the ear. While they lack an official IPX4 rating, they are sweat and splash-resistant, making them an excellent, secure fit for intensive workouts. In terms of audio performance, the earphones offer a bass-heavy sound profile...Read more

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culturasonora.es
15/04/2019

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are top-tier, sports-oriented True Wireless earbuds from Apple designed specifically for athletes and gym-goers. They offer exceptional comfort, a secure fit with four eartip sizes and adjustable ear hooks, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating that easily handles sweat and rain. A standout feature is the integration of Apple's H1 chip, which ensures flawless...Read more

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macitynet.it
27/02/2025

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are highly stable, comfortable fitness earphones that feature a redesigned, 20% lighter in-ear hook structure and physical control buttons that are ideal for sweaty or gloved hands. Powered by the Apple H2 chip, they seamlessly integrate with iOS (supporting features like automatic pairing and spatial audio) while offering an excellent dedicated app for Android...Read more

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afdigitale.it
15/06/2019

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are highly capable, sports-focused true wireless earphones that offer exceptional build quality, comfort, and stability. Designed with athletes in mind, they completely eliminate the neck cable found on previous models and feature adjustable, flexible ear hooks that keep them locked securely in place during intensive workouts like running or cycling. The...Read more

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