Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

The most common owner complaint is one earbud failing to charge in its case, sometimes even after a replacement pair, and call quality is the other recurring weak spot. Running costs are low: no subscription, no scheduled consumables, and roughly $33.32-$49.98 a year only if you buy optional Comply foam tips. It is a strong buy at $149 or less new, reasonable at $150-$180, and hard to justify at $200-$250.

Common problems and fixes

One earbud fails to charge in its case — the most-reported problem: an August 2026 owner thread describes repeated non-charging even after Apple replaced the earphones, and a September 2026 owner had the right bud die after several months and then stop charging entirely. Clean the contacts and case pins only as Apple instructs (cotton swab or cloth slightly dampened with water, optionally 70% isopropyl on the contacts; no compressed air or tools), then reset with both buds in the open case by holding the system button about 15 seconds until the status lamp flashes red and white. If it repeats, use the one-year warranty or return while covered. [14][15][2][3][6]
Random disconnects and unintentional pauses — an August 2026 owner thread describes the left bud randomly disconnecting and reconnecting and music pausing on its own, though other owners in the same thread called their sets reliable. Try refitting, updating software, re-pairing and resetting, and escalate if it persists. [16][3]
Call quality is inconsistent across tests — RTINGS lists microphone performance as disappointing and TechGearLab measured very poor speech intelligibility, while SoundGuys found much better results on an iPhone. Test with your own phone and return if calls fail. [8][10][9]
Heart-rate readings are unreliable — Tom’s Guide’s runner saw dropouts and cadence lock against a chest strap, and TechGearLab found readings sensitive to seal and motion. Check the tip seal and compare with a dedicated monitor when accuracy matters; the sensor is not a substitute for a watch or chest strap. [11][10]
Bulky hooks and case — the earhooks can press on ears and clash with glasses and hats, and TechGearLab’s test group sometimes wanted the buds out after about an hour. Fit is personal; buy from a retailer with a return window. [10][1]
Mesh damage and a warranty dispute — a January 2026 owner reported a microphone mesh component loosening after about six months and Apple declining warranty coverage as damage. A single account, but it shows warranty outcomes vary. [17]
Heart rate to gym equipment cuts iPhone audio — when the buds connect directly to third-party gym equipment to transmit heart rate, the iPhone disconnects as an audio source, per Apple’s documentation. [4][13]

Parts and consumables

Comply TW-400-C foam tips — $24.99 for three pairs at Comply US (October 2026); the maker recommends replacing foam tips about every 2-3 months, and one pack is said to last most users around nine months. [22]
USB-C cable — none included; Apple’s 60W USB-C Charge Cable (1m, MW493AM/A) was $19 at the Apple US store (October 2026). Any properly matched standard USB-C cable works. [7][1]

Yearly running cost

No subscription is required. With the included silicone tips, scheduled consumables cost nothing — tips are replaced only if damaged or lost. The one recurring cost owners add is Comply foam tips: $24.99 per three-pair pack replaced about every 2-3 months works out to roughly $33.32-$49.98 a year in proportional cost, though actual purchases are by pack and the maker says one pack lasts most users around nine months. Electricity cost is small but exact yearly dollars were not verified. Unplanned charging or battery repair is not included.

When it is a good buy

October 2026 US listings put the Powerbeats Pro 2 at $179.99 at Target (down from $249.99) and $179.99 in a Best Buy feed for one color, while another Best Buy listing and Nordstrom showed around $249.99; Beats’ own page lists the $249.99 list price with a 14-day return window. At $149 or less new, with hooks that fit and a sound return, it is a strong buy; $150-$180 is reasonable if earhooks, ANC and long battery life all matter; $200-$250 is hard to justify given the charging-seat complaints and weaker call performance. Named alternatives:

JBL Endurance Peak 4 — $89.99 at Best Buy (October 2026): the better choice when you want ANC, earhooks and IP68 earbuds on a budget and can skip built-in heart rate. [21]
Beats Powerbeats Fit — $159.99 at Target, down from $199.99 (October 2026): the better choice when full earhooks press on your ears and you want a more compact design. [23]
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 — $179.99 at Best Buy (October 2026): the better choice for runners who want open-ear awareness instead of sealed ear canals. [24]