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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are a solid option if you're active and need earbuds that stay in place during exercise, thanks to their ear hooks and sweatproof certification. They also have longer battery life for prolonged usage and are better suited for gaming although they do not excel in this area. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more immersive listening experience with slightly better overall sound quality, consider the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2; they also provide better noise isolation for travel and have active noise cancelling, which the Powerbeats Pro lack, but are not as well-suited for high-intensity workouts. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
5.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
5.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Music
6.5
6.7
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for TV and video.
Cost
$124
$129
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $129.
Build Quality
8.8
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Beats Powerbeats Pro both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $129 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 19 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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