I’m a CNET Fitness Expert. I swear by these versatile earbuds for every run and gym session

I’m a CNET fitness expert and when I work out, I like to have one, reliable pair headphones for the range of activities. The idea of ​​having multiple pairs for different activities or workouts puts me off, and I prefer just one versatile enough to handle everything. A pair that works for all my favorite activities including running, strength training again walking. They need to withstand a lot of sweat and stay in place while maintaining solid sound quality.

My go-to wireless earbuds for over a year now are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and they’re great whether I’m running or lifting weights. They too CNET’s best wireless sports earbuds and at the top of our list of best workout earbuds and headphones.

Good and bad

Benefits

• The ear hooks stay in place
• The noise canceling feature works well; can be closed if needed
• Sensors in the earbuds can read your heart rate
• It is easily charged
• Seamless transition between listening to music and answering the phone

Evil

• It’s expensive
• The noise canceling feature may not be suitable for all tasks
• Sometimes the earbuds need to be charged at different times

Why I love Powerbeats Pro 2 performance

Powerbeats Pro 2 is perfect for running because ear hooks keep it behind the ears during the movement. I also used the noise canceling function while running, and I could only hear my thoughts, not anything going on around me.

I found that the earbuds that came in the original package gave me a good signal, but some people may need to try different earbuds to get the perfect fit. CNET’s headphone expert, David Carnoy, previously reviewed the Powerbeats Pro 2 and provides a complete description of the technologies and their unique functions. One of his expert tips is to find headphones that provide the best seal for your ears, as they improve noise cancellation and sound quality.

However, if you don’t like the feeling of digging an earbud into your ear, you can opt for a pair of CNET’s. the best open-back earbudsthat sits over your ear while informing you of your surroundings.

Carnoy says in his review of the Powerbeats Pro 2 that Apple’s noise cancellation function is considered the best, and the Powerbeats use the same H2 chip Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.

Noise cancellation isn’t a feature I prefer when I go for a run, though, because I like to stay aware of my surroundings. The way I usually run is shared with cyclists, so turning on transparent mode is important to prevent crashes. Many people use it ee bikesit is even more important to be aware of them, as some can reach speeds comparable to those of a moving car.

These earbuds also have sensors that can monitor your heart rate. Ideally, you can track this by starting a workout with a third-party app or by connecting to the exercise machine via Bluetooth. Powerbeats Pro 2 syncs with Apple Health, so you can view your data there. If you don’t want this information, you can disable the feature in Powerbeats Pro’s Bluetooth settings.

Why I love Powerbeats Pro 2 for the gym

In the gym, I like to focus on my workout without distraction. This is where the noise canceling feature on the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in handy. I use it when stretching, warming up, going through circuits and lifting weights. Occasionally, I come across other gym members who want to chat, but usually they have to show me around; otherwise, I don’t feel it. Powerbeats Pro 2 makes it easy to pause and resume your music, too, with a single click on the right earbud.

These earbuds stay put during my favorite workouts, whether I’m jumping or lying on the bench. I’ve had other earbuds that tend to shift or fall out with sudden movements during a workout, which is the last thing I want when I’m sweating.

Another feature that sold me on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the seamless Bluetooth connection to the iPhone (they also work with Android). You can set them to sync automatically, or you can give them permission to connect. When I receive calls while wearing the Pro 2 earbuds at the gym or on a walk, it’s easy to switch between them and my music. The sound is always clear, and the wireless connection is strong, with no Bluetooth interference.

Cons of Powerbeats Pro 2

One of my concerns with these earbuds is that the carrying case is on the large side. If you run with it, you’ll need baggy leggings, or a running belt, to hold it in place.

One of the disadvantages of individual earbuds is that battery life can vary between them. For example, sometimes my left earbud tends to run out of battery faster than the right one, which means I have to charge both faster than I’d like. I’ve had situations where both earbuds sync as soon as I put them in, then I’m suddenly notified that the battery is low on one, and it shuts off, leaving me with only one working earbud. This is distracting and makes it difficult to concentrate during exercise.

The price on these earbuds may not fit everyone’s budget, as they retail for $250. As with any type of technology, this is an investment that may require saving or looking for an alternative. If this price is too steep, there are affordable options as shown in our guide headphones and earbuds work best list.

Who would like Powerbeats Pro 2?

Powerbeats Pro 2 are versatile and suitable for everyone who enjoys working. They’re perfect when you need earbuds that stay in place no matter what kind of workout–walking, running, working out at the gym or jogging on the commute. At $250, they’re not cheap, but they’re well worth the investment if you value having a reliable pair of functional earbuds that will stay with you.