Both the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 offer in-ear heart rate tracking and slight discounts for the holidays — but which one fits your lifestyle better?
Beats and Apple each released flagship earbuds in 2025 with one standout feature: in-ear heart rate monitoring. Since Apple owns both companies, both earbuds offer native compatibility with iOS devices and provide iOS users with Apple-exclusive features.
However, Beats’ Powerbeats Pro 2 also offer more compatibility with Android devices. Each pair of earbuds features a distinct form factor, which significantly impacts their use cases and the user’s experience with them.
Still, Apple lent its capable H2 audio chip to the Powerbeats Pro 2, making the two companies’ offerings more similar than ever. However, Apple still reserves several features for AirPods to ensure adequate differentiation between the two earbuds. As Apple positions the AirPods Pro 3 as both a daily companion and a fitness-forward earbud, it’s essential to make an informed buying decision.
I’ve tested and worked out with the Powerbeats Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 3 — and highlighted below the most glaring differences to help you make your decision. Specifications You should buy the Powerbeats Pro 2 if.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature sturdy yet flexible ear hooks, making their form factor a solid option for those who require a secure fit. The ear hooks prove especially useful during intense workouts, particularly ones filled with explosive movements like box jumping, deadlifts, or kettlebell swings. These movements can cause traditional bud-and-stem earbuds to come loose, and ear hooks mitigate that issue.
Additionally, runners, joggers, hikers, or bikers can benefit from the ear hooks, as a more stable fit won’t require you to fiddle with a loose earbud while you’re in a vulnerable position.
