Is heart rate monitoring really viable on earbuds? I tested two pairs, and here’s my advice

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Both Beats and Apple 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 Apple-exclusive features to iOS users.

However, beats powerbeats pro 2 Also offers greater compatibility with Android devices. Every pair of earbuds has a different form factor, which significantly impacts their use cases and the user’s experience with them.

Also: Bose did what Apple couldn’t with QuietComfort Ultra headphones — and I’m sold

Still, Apple gave the Powerbeats Pro 2 its own capable H2 audio chip, making the two companies’ offerings more similar than ever. However, Apple still reserves many features for AirPods to ensure adequate differentiation between the two earbuds. As Apple is positioned airpods pro 3 As both an everyday companion and fitness-forward earbud, it’s essential to make an informed purchasing decision.

I’ve tested and handled the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 – and highlighted the most obvious differences below to help you make your decision.

Specifications

You should buy the Powerbeats Pro 2 if…

1. Ear hooks are your thing

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have sturdy but flexible ear hooks, making their form factor a solid choice for those who need a secure fit. Ear hooks prove particularly useful during intense workouts, especially ones filled with explosive movements like box jumping, deadlifts or kettlebell swings. These activities can cause traditional bud-and-stem earbuds to loosen, and ear hooks alleviate that problem.

Also: Your Powerbeats Pro 2 are getting a serious upgrade — but there’s a catch

Additionally, runners, joggers, hikers or bikers can benefit from the ear hooks, as the more stable fit will keep you from having to play with loose earbuds when in a vulnerable position. The Powerbeats Pro 2 still feature active noise cancellation and transparency mode, and a software update has brought Siri interaction to the Powerbeats Pro 2, letting iOS users answer incoming calls and manage notifications hands-free.

2. You have a mixed-device ecosystem

Unlike Apple’s AirPods, Beats’ earbuds have native – albeit limited – compatibility with Android devices. Android users can use the Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitoring feature, which is limited to iOS users, on the AirPods Pro 3. Additionally, Android users can download the Beats app for access to one-touch pairing, device controls, battery notifications, and Locate My Beats.

3. You already have earbuds for everyday use

Although the Powerbeats Pro 2 support everyday features for iOS users, such as Siri interaction, Transparency Mode, and Find My compatibility, their potentially obtrusive ear hooks may be impractical for daily use. Let’s say you already have a pair of AirPods and you don’t feel obligated to upgrade them, especially if their form factor isn’t conducive to your exercise routine. Still, you’ll want an in-ear heart rate monitor. In that case, consider the Powerbeats Pro 2 for workouts; Their compatibility with your iPhone and more stable fit in the ear should suit your needs.

Also: Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which earbuds are best for workouts?

Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitor – for iOS – functions similarly to the AirPods Pro 2, providing iPhone Fitness app users with on-screen real-time metrics and fitness tracking with your Apple Watch. The Powerbeats Pro 2 also tracks steps taken and calories burned.

You should buy AirPods Pro 3 if…

1. Now’s the time to upgrade your AirPods

If your AirPods are on their last legs, it may be time to upgrade, and there’s no better pair to upgrade to than the AirPods Pro 3. Apple has fitted the Pro 3 earbuds with a redesigned fit for improved comfort, an updated acoustic arrangement for enhanced sound quality, improved battery life, increased dust and water resistance (IP57), a new ultra-wideband chip for better location accuracy, and an in-ear heart rate monitor.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared both models, and here’s who should upgrade

If you’re still rocking the AirPods Pro (1st generation) or the AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning), the AirPods Pro 3 offers quite the upgrade in all categories. Upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3 will give you everything Beats’ premium earbuds have to offer — without the ear hooks and fun colors.

2. You want an all-in-one earbud

The Powerbeats Pro 2 lack features like conversation awareness and adaptive noise cancellation, making them less suitable for diverse environments and use cases. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 have all these features, plus live translation, hearing aid mode, and in-ear heart rate monitoring.

Design-wise, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s noticeable ear hooks and more sporty design may make them less suitable for discreet wear. The AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case are more pocketable than the Powerbeats Pro 2, which may be more attractive to those who want to quickly pop the earbuds in on the go.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 fitness feature surprises triathlete tester — here’s what he found

Finally, the AirPods Pro 3 are better protected from dust and water ingress than the Powerbeats Pro 2. They sport an IP57 rating compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2’s IPX4, making the AirPods more capable of surviving dust at the bottom of your work bag or accidental drops into the pool.

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