Compare Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds

ANC performance ranges from solid to near-flagship when the seal is good, often compared favorably with AirPods Pro 2, but it is less convincing against voices and wind and generally trails the very best from Bose and Sony.

ANC performance ranges from average to solid-for-the-price: it reduces low-frequency rumble well but is not class-leading versus premium models. Noise control is adjustable in the app with ANC on/off and hear-through options, making it easy to tailor for different environments.

Android works well for core playback and features through the Beats app, but it lacks some Apple-only conveniences and is held back by limited codec and multipoint support.

Android support is strong thanks to features like Google Fast Pair and aptX/aptX Adaptive compatibility.

On iOS, many controls live in system settings; on Android, the Beats app covers essentials like modes, customization, and updates, but experiences vary depending on how much you care about deeper audio tweaking.

The Connect app is feature-rich (EQ, noise modes, codec selection, updates, extras like soundscapes and ear-profile tools) and is generally reported as stable.

The Apple H2 chip delivers the most polished experience on iOS (fast pairing, device switching, Siri features), and it helps overall responsiveness and stability within the Apple ecosystem.

No aptX support is a downside for Android users who want Qualcomm codec options.

aptX/aptX Adaptive support makes these particularly attractive for Android users seeking higher-quality Bluetooth audio.

Video/audio latency is generally low; at least one reviewer specifically reports no noticeable lip-sync delay.

Low-latency mode delivers good audio-video sync, with most reviewers reporting minimal lip-sync delay for video and casual gaming.

Bass is consistently highlighted as powerful and well-controlled for a Beats product, adding drive without usually overwhelming the mix, though it can boom at high volumes for some listeners.

Bass is the headline: deep extension and punch are repeatedly praised, though it can sound forward on bass-heavy mixes.

Battery life is a major strength: most reports align with roughly 8 hours (ANC on) and up to 10 hours (ANC off), with a few tests exceeding the rated numbers.

Battery life is repeatedly described as best-in-class, commonly around 20 hours in the buds (about 15 with ANC) plus roughly 30 more from the case.

Connection stability is generally reported as strong in everyday use, especially on Apple devices, with few dropouts for audio playback.

Bluetooth stability is typically strong (including longer-range anecdotes), but a few users report occasional dropouts, especially in multipoint or obstructed scenarios.

Build impressions are mixed: many call the redesign durable and sweat-ready for workouts, but a few reviews point to flimsy case parts or comfort/fit hardware that feels unforgiving.

Build quality is widely seen as robust for the price, though a few note the silicone tips feel thin and may wear over time.

Physical buttons and volume rockers are widely appreciated for workouts (especially with gloves), with easy playback/volume control; a few users report accidental presses while inserting the buds.

Physical buttons help avoid accidental touches, but their placement and size can be fiddly; some find multi-tap actions or locating the buttons frustrating.

The case is smaller than the original and generally functional with strong magnets, but it is still bulky compared with most earbuds; at least one review criticizes build/hinge feel.

The case is generally sturdy with clear battery indicators and secure retention, but its large footprint is a common complaint.

Charging is well modernized with wireless charging and fast-charge support; most reviewers like the convenience, even if the case itself remains sizable.

Charging is USB-C with strong fast-charge results (about 10 minutes for roughly 90 minutes playback); most reviews note no wireless charging on the CKS50TW.

Codec support is basic (AAC/SBC), which is fine for iOS but leaves Android users without higher-resolution options.

Codec support is a strength, with SBC/AAC plus aptX and aptX Adaptive mentioned often, and some app control over codec selection.

Long-wear comfort is generally good for a sport earhook design, with many able to wear them for hours, but comfort varies widely: some reviewers felt hook or in-ear pressure after extended use and a few found them outright uncomfortable.

Comfort is generally good once the right tips are found, but the larger housings can feel bulky or less secure for smaller ears.

The redesign (smaller hook, slimmer housings, new colors) is widely seen as a meaningful refinement over gen 1, improving ergonomics and how they work with glasses, even if the look is still more conspicuous than standard earbuds.

Design is functional but plain, and the size is frequently called bulky compared to sleeker rivals.

Five tip sizes (XS to XL) and built-in fit tests help most users dial in a seal, but a minority still struggle to get a consistent seal with the stock tips (and seal quality strongly affects sound, ANC, and heart-rate tracking).

Multiple ear tip sizes are included (often four), helping with fit and seal, even if durability concerns pop up in a few reviews.

A recurring complaint is the lack of a true user EQ; you largely live with Beats/Apple tuning plus Adaptive EQ, which frustrates listeners who want to fine-tune bass/treble.

EQ customization is a highlight, offering a five-band EQ and useful adjustments to tailor bass/vocals and overall balance.

Find My/Locate features are useful for tracking, but multiple reviews note it is more basic than AirPods Pro 2 (e.g., missing Precision Finding).

The app includes a locate/find function for the earbuds, which is useful if you misplace them.

Tuning trends warm rather than strictly neutral, but multiple reviews call it well-balanced across the range with good overall coherence.

Instrument separation is often praised as improved over older Beats buds, but it is not universally class-leading; some reviewers hear a slightly compressed presentation compared with the best premium earbuds.

Separation and imaging are strong for the class, keeping transient details in context, but it does not match higher-end audiophile flagships.

No LDAC support further limits high-bitrate Bluetooth audio on Android.

At high volumes, clarity generally holds up well without obvious distortion, though the overall tuning can get more bass-forward as you push volume.

At very loud listening levels, some note dynamics can feel slightly compressed or squashed, even if clarity remains decent.

Noise reduction on calls is typically praised for suppressing background noise, though wind handling and consistency vary by reviewer and device.

Noise reduction on calls is inconsistent, with wind and busy-street noise sometimes bleeding through and degrading intelligibility.

Call mic quality is often rated very good, especially on iPhone with Apple processing, but at least one review reports highly inconsistent or poor call clarity.

Call quality is mostly clear in quiet settings, with mixed results outdoors or in noisy rooms; some experiences are excellent while others report average performance.

Midrange is generally clear enough for vocals and guitars, but a few reviews note occasional honkiness or distance that can make some vocals feel less present, especially when fit is off.

Midrange is generally clear, but the stock tuning can let bass mask lower mids and push vocals back; the Clear Vocal/EQ options help restore presence.

They play nicely across Apple devices and are usable on Android/other Bluetooth sources, but true cross-platform flexibility can be hampered by pairing quirks and feature gaps.

True multipoint is a notable omission; Apple device switching works smoothly via iCloud, but simultaneous multi-device connections (and some HR use cases) are limited.

Multipoint is widely appreciated for switching between phone and computer, though there can be slight delays and occasional reliability quirks.

Passive isolation depends heavily on achieving a good seal; with the right tips it blocks a lot of gym/street noise, but inconsistent fit can let voices and sharp sounds leak through.

The seal provides solid passive isolation, sometimes good enough to reduce noise even before ANC is enabled.

Pocketability is improved but still a weak spot: many can fit it in pockets, yet it is often described as chunky and better suited to a gym bag.

Portability is the main physical downside: the case is chunky and the buds are large, so jeans-pocket carry can be awkward even if bags and jacket pockets are fine.

Adaptive EQ and mode-dependent tuning help keep sound consistent, but the experience can change with ANC/transparency on vs off; some reviewers prefer the sound with ANC/transparency enabled.

Preset EQ modes (such as Bass Boost and Clear Vocal) are frequently cited as helpful and can meaningfully change the listening profile.

Sensors are a headline feature (in-ear detection and heart-rate monitoring). Heart-rate can match Apple Watch closely when it behaves, but multiple reviewers report dropouts, limited iOS app support, and inconsistent performance during runs.

Wear-detection sensors are a notable omission in multiple reviews, so playback does not auto-pause when you remove a bud.

Sidetone/side-talk features help you hear your own voice more naturally during calls, which several reviewers appreciate.

Smudge and fingerprint resistance is noted as better than expected on at least one colorway/case finish, helping them look cleaner over time.

Setup is easy for many users (especially iPhone pairing), but heart-rate permissions, limited supported apps, and occasional pairing conflicts can make initial configuration frustrating for some.

Overall sound is tuned for energy: punchy and engaging for workouts, with good detail for the category; audiophile-focused listeners may find it less refined than top-tier premium buds.

Across reviews, sound is described as warm and engaging with strong detail for the price, especially after EQ tweaks; a minority find it merely average without tuning.

Soundstage is reported as reasonably open for in-ears, with some reviewers noting a bigger stage than prior Beats, while others still find it more compact than reference-grade earbuds.

Soundstage is often called convincing and well-staged for true wireless, though a few impressions place it closer to average rather than expansive.

Spatial audio (often with head tracking on Apple devices) is available and generally works well, though not everyone prefers it for music and some note it changes the sound signature.

Spatial audio/360 Reality Audio is a mixed bag: some find it immersive, others dismiss it, and it is limited by supported services.

Earhook stability is a standout: most reviewers report the buds stay locked in through runs and gym sessions with minimal slippage, though a few note tips can loosen when readjusting and the hook can create pressure points for some ears.

Stability is generally strong once fitted, with multiple workout and head-movement anecdotes indicating the buds stay put.

Transparency mode is a strong point, frequently described as natural and easy to trust outdoors; a few reviewers still rate AirPods Pro 2 slightly more realistic, especially in high frequencies.

Hear-through/transparency is generally usable and fairly natural, but it can be mild and is not on the level of the best implementations.

Treble is usually crisp and lively, but multiple reviewers mention either muted sparkle or occasional sharp/metallic moments depending on track, device, and fit.

Treble is usually smooth and non-fatiguing; some reviewers want more sparkle or sharpness, while others note it stays crisp at higher volumes.

USB-C is a welcomed update and, paired with wireless charging, makes top-ups simpler than the previous Lightning-era Beats cases.

USB-C charging is consistently included and straightforward.

Hands-free Siri and voice-assistant support are strong in the Apple ecosystem, and basic voice assistant access is available across platforms.

Voice assistant support is limited in some coverage, with at least one review noting a lack of built-in voice-assistant control compared with certain rivals.

They can play loud with plenty of headroom, and several reviewers note extra energy/volume compared with some competitors.

IPX4 is adequate for sweat and light rain, but several reviewers call it underwhelming for a fitness-first product and note tougher-rated rivals exist.

Water resistance is consistently positioned as workout-friendly (commonly IPX4, with some coverage citing higher ratings on newer variants).

Despite being chunkier than non-hooked buds, weight is usually not noticeable once seated, helped by the lighter redesign; comfort issues tend to come more from hook pressure than sheer weight.

Weight is noticeable for some (and a few describe the fit as unbalanced), but others find the buds comfortable for long sessions.