Honorable Mentions
{Photograph}: Adrienne So
We strive nearly each pair of recent exercise buds that come out. Listed here are just a few that we additionally like that did not fairly earn an area above.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 for $180: In 2024, Jabra introduced that this technology of the Elite Lively collection can be its final, which I hate, as a result of these are the perfect. They’re comfy, safe, sound wonderful, have a pleasingly matte texture and a wise case. These shall be out of date in two years.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, a better IP ranking, 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 folks on the fitness center once 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 Pro 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 value, the attractive colours, and the sound is nice. Nevertheless, they’re just a little 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 performed with it. I raved about these cute, tiny buds last year and they’re additionally in our Best Wireless Earbuds information.
Suunto Sonic for $129: If you wish to strive 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 Pro for $160: These headphones nonetheless work completely effectively and are smaller than the brand new model. There’s additionally a mini version ($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 effectively. The buttons are just a little too delicate, and the sound is noticeably fuzzier than most of our different picks, however they are not unhealthy.
Dishonorable Mentions
There’s nothing extra annoying than carving out a while in your day for a exercise, getting out the door, and realizing that you could’t take heed 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 straight 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 might run a block down my road. 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 ranking and sound first rate. Nevertheless, the neckband is means too massive for me, so that they hold falling misplaced, and the buttons are exhausting to make use of and ugly to push.
1More Fit 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 and not using a music 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 truly yelled at me for lane-hogging whereas making an attempt to get these to work. For that purpose alone, I’ve to proceed to go along with the Shokz headphones above.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that is too vital to disregard for simply $2.50 $1 per thirty days for 1 yr. Contains limitless digital entry and unique subscriber-only content material. Subscribe Today.
