Apple's PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds boast a groundbreaking feature: integrated heart rate monitoring. However, initial reviews reveal significant flaws with this functionality, some potentially unfixable via software updates.

DC Rainmaker's in-depth review highlights a critical limitation: the earbuds' inability to maintain multiple Bluetooth connections simultaneously. Connecting to gym equipment, Garmin devices, or Strava for real-time heart rate data—a key advertised feature—immediately halts music playback. This unexpected restriction is a major drawback for a product of this type.

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These are my go-to running earbuds.

PostsiOS and Android compatibility also presents inconsistencies. While iOS users benefit from automatic heart rate monitoring activation, reviewers experienced difficulties connecting the PowerBeats Pro 2 with third-party health apps on iPhones (despite this being a core advertised function). Android users must manually enable heart rate tracking (via specific gestures) each time, yet curiously avoid the third-party app pairing issues seen on iOS. Neither platform offers a flawless user experience at launch.

Furthermore, the heart rate sensor accuracy is questionable, frequently deviating significantly from readings provided by an Apple Watch or chest strap. While minor discrepancies might be acceptable for casual users, the PowerBeats Pro 2's inaccuracies are substantial and lead to data dropouts when the earbuds detect unreliable readings. Apple's solution—suppressing inaccurate data—doesn't address the underlying problem.

Simultaneous use with an Apple Watch doesn't allow iOS to aggregate heart rate data; it defaults to the smartwatch's readings.

"Simultaneous music playback and heart rate monitoring with gym equipment is not supported on iPhone." - Effectively Apple.

This doesn't render the PowerBeats Pro 2 a bad purchase outright. Fans of the original model will likely appreciate the upgrades, especially iPhone users who benefit from automatic heart rate tracking (remember, Android users face manual activation).

However, if accurate heart rate monitoring is a priority, especially for gym use, a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or chest strap is a more reliable solution. Heart rate monitoring is a supplementary feature, not a compelling selling point for the PowerBeats Pro 2, at least not in its current state.

Hopefully, Apple will address these issues. Software updates could theoretically improve pairing and accuracy. However, the Bluetooth connection limitation may persist for years, mirroring the lengthy gap between PowerBeats Pro generations.

Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE offers a balanced blend of affordability and functionality. While not the cheapest Apple smartwatch, it's a superior alternative to outdated, soon-to-be-obsolete models.

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