I test tens of wireless earbuds each year, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 are my undisputed champions for fitness and workout performance. There are some earbuds, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, that I wouldn’t trust to stay in my ears during a brisk walk — let alone an intense workout. Models with a slightly better fit can handle everyday wear, but conquering the gym or a track workout is a completely different story.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 stand alone as the only earbuds that feel tailor-made for fitness buffs. They have large and flexible ear hooks for stability, tactile on-earbud controls, and a built-in heart rate monitor for standalone workout tracking. Just over a year after Powerbeats Pro 2 first debuted, Beats is here with a limited-edition variant that immediately caught my attention. If somehow you haven’t been sold on the Powerbeats Pro 2 yet, this special colorway might just be the thing that seals the deal.
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Nike delivers the flashiest and sportiest Powerbeats Pro 2 colorway yet
Nike and Apple have worked together for decades across various partnerships, including iconic collabs like Nike+iPod and Apple Watch Nike Edition. Those hardware partnerships are no more, as the two companies have recently opted for smaller collabs, like Nike Apple Watch bands and watch faces. The Beats x Nike version of the Powerbeats Pro 2 flips the script, as it’s arguably Beats’ most thorough limited-edition collaboration to date.
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Beats x Nike earbuds, you’ll see what I mean. The left earbud predictably sports the Beats logo, but the right one swaps it for the classic Nike swoosh. It’s the first time ever that another brand logo has appeared in place of the Beats “b.” It’s fitting that Nike is the one to make history in this fashion, considering the company’s storied history with Apple.
You might not care about the intricacies of the partnership as a potential buyer, but you will care about the Powerbeats Pro 2’s striking appearance. The Beats x Nike version of the earbuds features a two-tone finish with matte black and Volt colors. For those unfamiliar, Volt is a staple Nike color, a high-visibility neon yellow. It’s often paired with black for contrast, and that look is certainly found on the Powerbeats Pro 2 special edition here.
Fans will probably find the idea of owning a Nike-branded pair of workout earbuds pretty exciting. Even those less interested in the brand name might appreciate the look of the Beats x Nike special edition Powerbeats Pro 2.
I’ve been waiting for a neon yellow colorway for the Powerbeats Pro 2, as we saw similar options appear on the original Powerbeats Pro and the Beats Fit Pro. Newer models like the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Powerbeats Fit are available in colors like orange, purple, and pink — but not yellow.
The included charging case is matte black with a speckled Volt design sprinkled in, plus a white Beats logo. It supports wireless charging and USB-C for power, just like the standard version. When you flip the case open, you’re met with the “Just Do It” slogan. Nothing like seeing a motivational catchphrase as you pop in the Powerbeats Pro 2 before your next set at the gym.
I say that partially in jest, because of course, the Beats x Nike collab is purely a cosmetic one. You get the same audio drivers, active noise-canceling quality, and heart-rate monitoring support as the standard Powerbeats Pro 2. Still, I think there’s a market for the Nike special edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2 on multiple fronts.
The Beats x Nike is about more than just looks
The truth is, looks are only a small part of what makes this Beats x Nike collab special. If you use Nike gear to train, it’s neat to have a pair of earbuds that perfectly match. However, Nike makes more than just clothes and shoes. They also make training software in the Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club apps, available on both iOS and Android.
I use the Nike Run Club app to track my runs, and with nearly 2,000 miles in the books, it’s an important part of my training. The cool thing about the Nike special edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is that it connects with the NRC app using the built-in heart rate monitor. So, you can pair the Beats x Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 to the NRC app and use them together to enhance your workouts.
Sure, you can do the same with the regular Powerbeats Pro 2. However, it’s pretty awesome to use Nike-branded earbuds with Nike fitness apps. Throw in Nike shoes or watch bands, and you’ll look like a workout pro with a matching kit in no time.
A pair of Powerbeats Pro 2 that stand out from the crowd
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The Beats x Nike version of the Powerbeats Pro 2 costs $250 — the same as the other four colorways. Considering you can find them on sale for as low as $200 with frequent deals, you might not want to pay full price for the Nike version. That’s fair, but as a counterpoint, it’s nice to have a pair of workout earbuds that stand out in a gym or at a race.
These Beats collabs typically sell out, so it’s worth jumping on this Powerbeats Pro 2 variant early if you’re interested. They’re already my favorite workout earbuds, and a handful of folks at Android Central use them. Getting a Nike-infused facelift simply sweetens the deal.
Beats x Nike
Powerbeats Pro 2
The best workout earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best option for gym nuts and hardcore runners alike, complete with an ear hook, five ear tip sizes, and a built-in heart rate monitor. This cosmetic upgrade is perfect for any Nike fan in your life.
