When it comes to fitness audio, Beats has long been a favorite, and with the debut of the Powerbeats Pro 2, the company has upped its game in both design and functionality. Priced at $249.99, these earbuds are the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 original, promising to deliver a host of enhancements that could very well change your workout routine.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the striking design overhaul. While the ear hook design remains—a signature element that has earned the Powerbeats line a reputation for secure, on-the-go wear—the new model is sleeker, with earbuds that are significantly smaller and about 20 percent lighter than their predecessors. This reduction in size and weight is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it means less bulk and more comfort during long workout sessions.

Even the charging case has seen a dramatic transformation. Downsized by 33 percent, it now sports a more compact form factor that’s easier to toss into a gym bag. In a nod to modern connectivity standards, the case now supports both Qi wireless charging and USB-C, making it a breeze to power up no matter what charging gear you have at home or on the go.

Perhaps the most exciting new feature is the integrated heart-rate monitoring capability. Long a staple of fitness trackers and smartwatches, heart-rate monitoring is a feature that many hoped would eventually make its way to Beats’ lineup—and here it is. According to a press release from Beats, both earbuds now house LED optical sensors that pulse over 100 times per second, meticulously measuring your blood flow to deliver real-time heart-rate data.

An advanced algorithm processes the readings from each earbud, ensuring that the data relayed to your favorite fitness apps—such as Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Open—is as accurate as possible. And if you’re an Apple user, you can even sync this information with the Apple Health app, offering a comprehensive look at your fitness metrics. (For those who already wear an Apple Watch, its heart-rate data takes precedence, seamlessly integrating into your overall health profile.)

For iOS users, the heart-rate monitoring starts and stops automatically with compatible apps, making it a hassle-free experience. Android users aren’t left out, though they’ll need to manually activate the feature via the Beats app or a quick double-press-and-hold on either bud.

But Beats didn’t stop at heart-rate monitoring. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are also now equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a transparency mode, both powered by Apple’s H2 chip. This integration not only refines the audio experience by cutting out unwanted background noise but also brings a suite of smart features to the table. Think audio sharing, hands-free “Hey Siri” commands, personalized spatial audio, and even Find My support—a crucial tool if you tend to misplace your earbuds.

While Android users can still benefit from some of these features through the Beats app, the full spectrum of capabilities is clearly designed with the Apple ecosystem in mind. It’s a subtle reminder of how deeply intertwined Apple and Beats have become since the acquisition, and it hints at a future where even more cross-device integrations might be on the horizon.

For those who push their workouts to the limit, battery life is a major concern. Beats promises up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled—or 10 hours with it off. When you factor in the extra battery boost from the charging case, you’re looking at a total of 36 hours (or 45 hours without ANC), which is more than enough to keep up with even the most marathon training sessions.

Durability, too, has received a boost. Although the Powerbeats Pro 2 still carry an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance—a rating that some competitors like Jabra’s Elite 8 Active and Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport have surpassed—the earbuds have been engineered with a redesigned venting system. This new design aims to better guard against water ingress, while the robust ear hook promises improved resistance to the wear and tear of daily use.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in four vibrant colors—orange, purple, gray, and black—allowing you to choose a pair that best matches your style or workout gear. They’re hitting the market today and are available through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, as well as directly from Apple’s website.

For fitness enthusiasts who crave both style and substance, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 may just be the perfect companion for every run, gym session, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re an Apple devotee looking to extend your ecosystem or an Android user seeking high-performance audio with smart features, Beats has managed to hit the right note once again.