The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Beats Powerbeats Fit can both be counted among the best workout headphones available, mostly thanks to their focus on a secure fit, achieved by the wings on the Powerbeats Fit and the earhook on the Powerbeats Pro 2.
I’ve used both sets of headphones extensively during and outside of my workouts. I’ve run, cycled and done many strength sessions using them and both get the job done, but there are some key differences between them worth considering, starting with the price.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are more expensive than the Powerbeats Fit but offer a more secure fit for workouts that I also found more comfortable, along with better sound quality and longer battery life.
Pros
- Very secure fit from earhook
- Longer battery life
- Better sound quality
Cons
- More expensive than Powerbeats Fit
- Larger earbuds and case
The smaller design of the Powerbeats Fit makes them easier to wear with glasses and other accessories during workouts, and they still have a very secure fit. I prefer the sound on the Powerbeats Pro 2 though, and they’re also more comfortable.
Pros
- Cheaper than Powerbeats Pro 2
- Smaller buds and case
- Secure fit
Cons
- Weaker sound quality
- Not as comfortable
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Price and availability
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in four colors — black, grey, orange and light purple — and cost $249 / £249, making them more expensive than the Beats Powerbeats Fit, which are $199 / £199 and also available in four colors — black, grey, orange and pink.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Design and fit
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have an earhook to secure them in place, which is very effective during vigorous workouts like running or HIIT sessions. It’s nigh-on impossible to shake them loose, though the fact that they hook over the ear means you have to arrange them around glasses and sunglasses if you wear them.
Since they only use a wing, the Powerbeats Fit don’t have this problem and sit neatly inside the ear. Once you twist them into place, the fit is very secure with the Powerbeats Fit as well, though not quite as reliable as the Powerbeats Pro 2.
However, I did find that the wing on the Powerbeats Fit was uncomfortable, and it made my ear sore when I wore them for extended periods. I had no problems with the Powerbeats Pro 2.
One other point in favor of the design of the Powerbeats Fit is that its case is much smaller than that of the Powerbeats Pro 2. It makes sense — the larger earhook headphones need a larger case — but the Powerbeats Pro 2’s case really is huge and hard to slip into a pocket.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Controls
One feature that I like about both buds is that they have proper button controls, which are easier to use during workouts than touch panels, especially if you’re wearing gloves or have sweaty fingers.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 have the edge in controls, though, because, along with the multifunction ‘b’ button, which is also found on the Powerbeats Fit, the Pro 2 features separate volume controls.
This makes it easier to change volume quickly and frees up the customizable long-press action on the ‘b’ button for switching between ANC and transparency modes. With the Powerbeats Fit, you have to choose between the volume controls and the Powerbeats Fit.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Sound quality
Both sets of headphones have a bass-forward sound profile and deliver plenty of power on this front, while being a little weaker in the upper ranges. In my testing, I found that the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 had more depth and clarity in the vocals in particular, and a little less sibilance in the high ranges.
I’d recommend checking out the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review and Beats Powerbeats Fit review from our audio editor, Tammy Rogers, if you want a more detailed take on the sound quality of the headphones.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: ANC & awareness
I found that the ANC and transparency modes on both buds were around the same standard and pretty good, if not as impressive as similar features on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds.
The ANC blocks out most of the sounds of traveling and also quietens the hum of a treadmill or exercise bike effectively. The transparency mode is good during outdoor workouts for hearing traffic, in particular. Both modes do bring in some wind noise when running or cycling outdoors, though.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Battery life
The larger buds and case of the Powerbeats Pro 2 mean they can offer longer battery life than the Powerbeats Fit. They will last 10 hours on a charge and 45 hours in total with the ANC off, and eight hours on the buds and 36 with the case with the ANC ON.
I’d say the Powerbeats Fit do hold their own here, though, lasting seven hours on a charge and 30 hours in total with the ANC off, and six hours on the buds and 24 with the case with the ANC on.
Given the added size of the Powerbeats Pro 2’s case in particular, battery life is quite even for me. The Powerbeats Pro 2 lasts longer, but it’s easier to bring the Powerbeats Fit’s case with you for a top-up.
Both have a quick charge feature, too — five minutes of charging gets you an hour of playback on the Powerbeats Fit, and 90 minutes of playback on the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Heart rate tracking
An extra feature that’s only available on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart rate tracking, which is enabled by a sensor in the earbuds. This can connect to certain apps to broadcast your heart rate during workouts.
It’s something the Powerbeats Fit doesn’t offer, but I was unimpressed by the accuracy and usability of the heart rate tracking on the Powerbeats Pro 2 in my testing, so I wouldn’t say it’s a major loss for the Powerbeats Fit.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Powerbeats Fit: Verdict
There are enough benefits to the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 that I think they are worth the $50 upgrade on the Powerbeats Fit, with the more secure and comfortable fit being the main reason, backed up by the more impressive sound quality on the buds.
It’s a close call, though, because the Powerbeats Fit do have the benefit of being smaller, with the large case of the Powerbeats Pro 2 being an inconvenience at times in particular.
Both are strong options for your workouts, but I’d lean towards the Powerbeats Pro 2 myself.
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