Fitness Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: 58% of 380 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 48 for the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

38%of 48 owners recommend
38% recommend · 10% neutral · 52% don't
Owners praise
  • Secure earhook fit that stays put during workouts and running
  • Good sound once you get a proper ear-tip seal
  • Comfortable for both exercise and all-day wear
Owners complain about
  • Sound quality disappointing, tinny or harsh to many
  • Weak ANC that barely cancels outside noise
  • Ear pain or fatigue and tips that won't stay seated
Full owner report →

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

58%of 380 owners recommend
58% recommend · 13% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Big sound and bass upgrade over predecessor
  • Comfortable, forget you're wearing them
  • Keep full awareness of surroundings
Owners complain about
  • Too quiet, low maximum volume
  • Default mode barely uses bone conduction
  • Wind noise drowns them out at speed
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 if
  • ✓Intense-workout users lifting, running and training hard
  • ✓People who fear losing earbuds during exercise
  • ✓Apple users wanting secure over-ear hooks
  • ✓Those needing an all-day-battery fitness earbud
Skip it if
  • Buyers who want strong noise cancellation
  • Glasses wearers, where arms disrupt the seal
Get the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 if
  • ✓Cyclists and runners who need to hear traffic
  • ✓People on calls wanting all-day comfort and clear mic
  • ✓Podcast and audiobook listeners staying situationally aware
  • ✓Anyone who dislikes in-ear buds
Skip it if
  • Audiophiles wanting rich bass and loud volume
  • Fast riders in strong wind above ~30 km/h

What Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 owners say

“By far the best headphones on the market for when you are being active and don’t want them to fall out.”
— @ddg9584 on YouTube
“they still work, left one has less than an hour for battery life, but honestly, I can't complain”
— @JoseLopez-gf2js on YouTube
“The Beats went back to the store after a week”
— @JavisBoomTech on YouTube

What Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 owners say

“These are perfect for work. I have mine on all day at work and get to enjoy my music or podcasts while still hearing what's going on around me in my office.”
— @winstonriley4072 on YouTube
“It's awesome to be able to hear your environment while wearing them.”
— @spacecube40 on YouTube
“Shocks used misleading advertisement.”
— @carlossp1759 on YouTube

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: frequently asked questions

Is the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 or the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 better?

Real owners lean toward the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: 58% of 380 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 48 for the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Who should get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2?

Owners point the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 at intense-workout users lifting, running and training hard, and people who fear losing earbuds during exercise.

Who should get the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2?

Owners point the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 at cyclists and runners who need to hear traffic, and people on calls wanting all-day comfort and clear mic.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is sound quality disappointing, tinny or harsh to many. For the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, it's too quiet, low maximum volume.