Compare JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds

ANC is useful for taking the edge off treadmills, office chatter, and travel noise, but every detailed reviewer said it falls clearly short of premium earbuds. ANC and ambient tuning are adjustable in the app, but reviewers generally felt those sliders and sport-mode tweaks made only modest real-world differences.

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.

Android support looks solid thanks to Google Fast Pair support and no reported compatibility red flags, though direct Android testing was limited.

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.

The JBL app adds meaningful tuning options, sports modes, and control customization, but several reviewers found some mode behavior inconvenient or not especially impactful.

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 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.

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

Bass is decent and workout-friendly, but multiple reviews suggest it benefits from EQ boosting rather than sounding especially punchy on the default tuning.

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.

Battery life is a standout strength, with reviewers consistently praising the long single-charge runtime and strong total endurance with the case.

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.

Connection stability was excellent in testing, with easy room-range use during workouts and no reported dropouts.

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

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.

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.

The case is functional but not a highlight: it is on the larger side, only lightly protected against moisture, and can pick up wear in a gym bag.

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.

Charging performance is strong, with quick-charge support and reasonable full-charge times repeatedly called out as practical positives.

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

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

Long-session comfort is unusually good for winged sports buds, with reviewers noting they stayed comfortable through runs, workouts, and daily use.

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.

The design is sporty and available in appealing colors, but the buds are still noticeably chunky and protrude more than slimmer everyday earbuds.

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.

The included three ear-tip sizes were a useful fit aid, though one reviewer still felt the overall shell size may be too large for smaller ears.

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).

EQ customization is a real plus, letting users add extra bass or adjust the sound for workouts without needing third-party tools.

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.

One reviewer explicitly noted that there is no Find My-style locating feature, which limits convenience compared with some rivals.

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).

Accessory support is good for the class, with extra ear tips, wing options or covers, and a charging cable included in the box.

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.

The earbuds include an onboard multi-mic setup that works well enough for routine calls and general hands-free use.

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

At higher volumes, clarity drops off and upper-range detail compresses, so these do not stay especially clean when pushed hard.

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

Call noise handling is respectable rather than exceptional, keeping traffic and background noise fairly controlled without fully erasing it.

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

Call quality is generally clear and usable, though voices can sound slightly hollow instead of especially rich or natural.

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.

Midrange performance is one of the stronger parts of the tuning, with vocals and core musical content coming through clearly for the price.

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.

Compatibility looks broad, with successful use across phones, laptops, watches, and support for both Google and Microsoft quick-pair systems.

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.

Multipoint was a meaningful win, with seamless switching between devices highlighted as one of the more premium-feeling features at this price.

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.

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.

Portability is only average because both the buds and especially the case are a bit bulky compared with more pocket-friendly alternatives.

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.

The preset sports profiles are more interesting on paper than in practice, with reviewers often describing them as gimmicky or only mildly different.

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.

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.

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 straightforward, with easy pairing and uncomplicated day-one use standing out as low-friction strengths.

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 quality is good for the money and enjoyable for workouts and casual listening, but it does not deliver premium detail, depth, or polish.

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.

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.

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.

Stability is one of the product's best traits, with the twist-lock wing design keeping the buds secure through running, gym work, and sweaty sessions.

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.

Touch controls are usable but not ideal for exercise, with some lag and reduced reliability versus physical buttons, especially with sweat or gloves.

Transparency mode is the most divisive feature: one reviewer found it fairly natural, but the more detailed running-focused reviews said traffic awareness was still lacking.

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.

Treble and upper-range clarity are only middling, with repeated comments about limited sparkle, detail, and openness up top.

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

USB-C charging is included and treated as an expected but welcome convenience for everyday use.

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

Value is a major selling point, with every review framing the Endurance Race 2 as a feature-rich, sports-focused bargain that undercuts pricier rivals.

Voice assistant support is absent according to one review, which is a notable feature gap even at a budget price.

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

Maximum loudness is below average for the category, and multiple reviewers had to raise volume more than expected during outdoor runs.

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

The IP68 buds are extremely well-suited to sweaty training and rainy runs, making durability against dust and water one of the clearest strengths.

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.

Even though the shells are fairly large, reviewers still described them as light enough to stay comfortable during movement and longer sessions.

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.