Honorable Mentions
{Photograph}: Adrienne So
We attempt virtually each pair of recent exercise buds that come out. Listed below are a number of that we additionally like that did not fairly earn an area above.
Jabra Elite 8 Energetic Gen 2 for $180: In 2024, Jabra introduced that this technology of the Elite Energetic sequence could be its final, which I hate, as a result of these are the most effective. They’re snug, safe, sound superb, have a pleasingly matte texture and a sensible case. These will probably be out of date in two years. I weep.
JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 for $100: That is the upgraded model of the Go Air Sport above, with hybrid twin drivers for higher sound, the next IP score, higher battery life, and energetic noise-canceling. You want a fully-sealed match for ANC to be efficient, which these haven’t got; I can nonetheless hear individuals on the gymnasium after I’m lifting weights. Nonetheless, in each different means these headphones meet their guarantees and so they do really feel extremely safe.
H2O Audio Tri 2 Professional Multi-Sport for $200: These are an enormous enchancment of the primary iteration of the model’s waterproof headphones, with a greater match, higher buttons, and a greater silicone end. I additionally just like the charging case! Nevertheless, they’re pricier than the Shokz and so they use a proprietary charger as an alternative of USB-C, which is annoying.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 for $100: I like the worth, the gorgeous colours, and the sound is nice. Nevertheless, they’re a bit of bulkier than a few of our different picks and the match rather less safe.
JLab JBuds Mini for $40: If I had been spending my very own cash, I’d purchase a pair of JLab exercise buds and be achieved with it. I raved about these cute, tiny buds final 12 months and they’re additionally in our Greatest Wi-fi Earbuds information.
Suunto Sonic for $129: If you wish to attempt a neckband-style headphone just like the Shokz above, however for cheaper, Sawh additionally likes these light-weight headphones with a balanced sound profile.
Shokz Openrun Professional for $160: These headphones nonetheless work completely nicely and are smaller than the brand new model. There’s additionally a mini model ($130) the place the neckband is sort of an inch shorter, which I like, as a result of I’m smol.
Speck Gemtones Sport for $70: These are low-cost and match nicely. The buttons are a bit of too delicate, and the sound is noticeably fuzzier than most of our different picks, however they don’t seem to be dangerous.
Dishonorable Mentions
There’s nothing extra annoying than carving out a while in your day for a exercise, getting out the door, and realizing which you can’t hearken to your enjoyable podcast as a result of your headphones are glitching out. These are those I hated.
{Photograph}: Amazon
Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones for $85: I do not know if these sound good, as a result of they pressed instantly on prime of my ear canal, the place they buzzed the flesh of my eardrums and never my bones. It was insufferable.
Anker Soundcore C40i for $100: These fulfilled all my worst imaginings about open-ear buds; they fell out earlier than I would run a block down my avenue. I put them in my pocket and did not put on them once more for the remainder of the run.
Oladance Sport for $180: These have a excessive IPX score and sound first rate. Nevertheless, the neckband is means too large for me, in order that they maintain falling misplaced, and the buttons are laborious to make use of and ugly to push.
1More Match Open for $130: Do not buy these. They sound OK, however the buttons are so delicate that I could not run for greater than 5 minutes with out a tune skipping or the music turning off.
Suunto Wing for $200: These look very good and include a bunch of considerate equipment, like a carrying case and a charging holder. However they sound means too tinny for this worth.
Suunto Aqua for $115: I want Suunto would enhance its software program expertise. The lifeguard on the pool really yelled at me for lane-hogging whereas making an attempt to get these to work. For that motive alone, I’ve to proceed to go along with the Shokz headphones above.
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