ElectronicsAudioFitness

What are the best earbuds for exercising?

12
Options 
Considered
0
User 
Recs.
Last 
Updated

Plantronics BackBeat Fit vs Jabra Elite Sport vs Bose SoundSport In Ear

 vs Koss KSC32P FitClips vs JLab JBuds EPIC vs Klipsch Image S4i Rugged vs Apple Airpods vs JLab Epic2 Bluetooth vs Mpow Cheetah vs H20 X-1 vs Bowers & Wilkins C5  vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKP500 vs JayBirds BlueBuds X

Specs

Playtime Per Charge

8h

True Wireless

No

Total Playtime

8h

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

3h+

True Wireless

Yes

Total Playtime

13h+

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

In-Ears & Earbuds

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

Yes

Impedance

18 Ohm

Sensitivity

110 dB

Waterproof

No

Inline controls

Yes

Frequency range

10 - 19000 Hz

Playtime Per Charge

5h+

True Wireless

Yes

Total Playtime

24h

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

-

Impedance

-

Sensitivity

-

Waterproof

-

Inline controls

-

Frequency range

-

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

Yes

Impedance

56 Ohms

Sensitivity

Not Given

Waterproof

Yes

Inline controls

Yes

Frequency range

18 Hz - 20 kHz

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

Yes

Impedance

32 Ohms

Sensitivity

115 dB

Waterproof

No

Inline controls

Yes

Frequency range

10 Hz - 20 kHz

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

No

Impedance

16 Ohms

Sensitivity

100 dB

Waterproof

Yes

Inline controls

No

Frequency range

20 Hz - 23 kHz

Playtime Per Charge

-

True Wireless

-

Total Playtime

-

Type

-

Microphone

Yes

Impedance

16 Ohms

Sensitivity

103 dB

Waterproof

No

Inline controls

Yes

Frequency range

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires

Connectivity with source devices is via Bluetooth, so in place of a full headphone cable is a flexible, soft and short cord made of rubber material that keeps the earpieces connected. You won't have to deal with a long and dangling cable.
Comment

Pro
 Full mids, punchy bass, and smooth highs

The highs are not the most detailed, but they are clear and do give an airy feel to the music. The mids are full and forward so vocals will definitely sound great. Bass is hit or miss though, depending on how well these headphones seal in your ear. If there is a good seal then bass is punchy and tight though not very powerful. Otherwise, it is likely that the bass will sound a bit on the thin side.
Comment

Pro
 The included case doubles as an armband

The case can be converted into an armband by reversing it inside out. This is very useful as you can use the arm band to store your smartphone while on a run, along with some essentials like your keys or some cash.
Comment

Pro
 Fits nice and snug in the ears

The ear tips are made out of a soft and flexible material that is comfortable and supports the weight of the earpieces quite well. This is enhanced by the wing tips that further help to keep the headphones in place.
Comment

Pro
 Earbud design allows ambient sound in

The design does not create a thorough seal in your ears, which can be a good thing as this will allow you to maintain awareness of what's around you.
Comment

Pro
 Good battery life

The BackBeat Fit can last up to 8 hours of playback from a full charge.
Comment

Pro
 Sweat resistant

A sweat resistant coating is applied to the interior parts, so splashes of liquid aren't likely to cause damage.
Comment

Pro
 On-earpiece buttons allow basic smartphone/music player function control

Each of the earpieces have a single button. Different combinations of presses will allow you to pause/play tracks, answer/end calls, adjust volume and do other functions which can be convenient.
Comment

Pro
 Built in microphone has a decent sound

The audio from the microphone is not amazing, but it is quite clear with no distortion so it should be good for most conversations.
Comment

Con
 Flopping earpiece cord can be annoying

When you start moving, it is likely that the short but fairly chunky cord connecting both earpieces will flop up and down. This can come into contact with your skin which can be distracting, and can even cause skin irritation.
Comment

Con
 Noise leakage can be distracting

While these headphones allow you stay aware of your surroundings, this also means that a lot of environmental sound will get in the way of your music. If you want to zone-in on your audio while running or working out then these may not be the best ones for you.
Comment

Pro
 Can be used during workouts or while raining

These resist sweat and other liquids as they are IP67 rated. They can be submerged in water without getting damaged as long as the water is not too deep and they are not submerged for a long time.
Comment

Pro
 Balanced sound signature with clear highs, rich mids and controlled bass

The Elite Sport sounds quite balanced with no harshness or muddiness. The highs are clear and deliver good detail. Mids sound natural and rich, while the bass is tight and controlled instead of bloated. With these headphones, you will get decent punch from the usually bass-centric workout tracks, yet you will still be able to enjoy a refined sound when listening to more mellow or instrument focused music.
Comment

Pro
 Optional wing tips improve fit

You can attach wing tips to the earpieces, which allow for better in-ear grip for reduced chances of the earpieces falling off. The tips are quite soft so they will not have too much of a negative impact on comfort.
Comment

Pro
 Can monitor fitness stats

There is an integrated heart rate monitor which can connect to Jabra's fitness companion app. This combination should make it very easy for you to see fitness related data.
Comment

Pro
 Allows you to take calls

There are microphones integrated in the ear pieces so hands free calls are possible. Voice quality from the mic is actually pretty good.
Comment

Pro
 HearThrough mode allows you to better hear your surroundings

In this mode, the mic picks up audio from your surroundings. You can hear sound from around you mixed in with your music.
Comment

Pro
 Earpiece buttons allow playback/call control

Each earpiece has two buttons which you can use to control playback or to answer/end calls.
Comment

Pro
 An extensive accessory pack is included

You get a charging case, 3 pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, 3 pairs of premium Comply ear tips in different sizes, 3 wing tips in different sizes as well as a charging cable.
Comment

Pro
 Can easily be charged on the go

The charging case has an internal battery that can add up to 6 hours to the Elite Sport's battery life.
Comment

Con
 Battery life is not very good

On average, you'll only be able to get around 3 hours of playback time from a full charge.
Comment

Pro
 Great bass reproduction along with good detail and smoothness to the highs and mids

Bass output is very good. It has good power yet at the same time is fast and punchy. It does not bloat the sound at all. The highs and mids are able to deliver a good level of detail that makes the sound quite lively. These will work best for bassy tracks, though rock, jazz, classical and pop will still sound enjoyable.
Comment

Pro
 Won't easily get damaged by splashes of liquid

The earbuds can resist small splashes of liquid or sweat. The hydrophobic cloth material wrapped around the headphones helps to minimize issues relating to moisture.
Comment

Pro
 Won't fall off the ears easily

The specially designed Stay Hear ear tips have a wing design which helps to add grip to the earpieces when worn. This helps to ensure that the headphones will not easily get dislodged when on the move.
Comment

Pro
 Can be worn for long periods with little to no discomfort

The ear tips are very soft and flexible. Combined with the ear bud design that does not jam into your ear canal, these are a joy to use in terms of comfort, even for extended periods.
Comment

Pro
 You have the option a short or long cable

In stock form, these headphones have a relatively short cable. However, Bose includes an extension cable for extra reach. This can help to minimize the wire length that you have to deal with when going for a run or exercising.
Comment

Con
 Has poor noise isolation

You'll still be able to clearly hear your surroundings with these on. If you want to focus on your music while using these, then the noise that mixes with your music can get quite distracting.
Comment

Con
 Separate variants for iOS/Android

Do make sure to buy the proper variant for your device. The remote will not function optimally if the headphones are used with a different platform.
Comment

Pro
 Will stay snug in the ears thanks to the flexible ear hooks

Flexible ear hooks are integrated into the design. You can twist and bend these hooks to conform to the shape of your ear, and will certainly help to keep these in-ears in place even when running or working out.
Comment

Pro
 Won't easily get damaged by sweat or small amounts of liquid

Getting sweat or small splashes of rain or liquid won't damage these headphones as they are splash resistant. You will still want to make sure that they do not get soaking wet or get submerged in water, as such situations can still damage the headphones.
Comment

Pro
 Bass-focused sound

The bass is pretty powerful and gives a lot of thump to the music. Listening to hip-hop, EDM and dance tracks with these will most certainly get you going as you work out or run. The highs and mids are clear, but recessed so the headphones will not be able to provide you the utmost in detail.
Comment

Pro
 You can take calls with these headphones on

An in-line microphone along with a one button remote is integrated into the cable so you can easily answer/end calls when needed.
Comment

Con
 Bass can overpower the other frequencies

Bass is quite powerful which is great if you really love bass. However, if you also want a good level of detail and clarity from your music, then these headphones may fall short.
Comment

Pro
 In-line remote allows control of basic phone/player functions

There is a one-button remote which allows you to play/pause tracks as well as answer/end calls. This can be very convenient when used on the go.
Comment

Pro
 Produce deep and forward lows complemented by detailed and airy highs

The low end frequencies are what stand out from these headphones' sound signature. Bass goes deep and is pretty forward too, so you can clearly hear and experience the thump that these headphones can give. The highs are also crisp and airy, giving a lot of detail. This combination results in the headphone having a fun sounding signature.
Comment

Pro
 Fit can be customized using the extra ear/wing tips that are included

The JBuds EPIC features standard single flange tips as well as bi-flange ones. Each type comes with three sizes: small, medium and large. There also are 4 pairs of Cush Fins in different sizes. With all these accessories, it should be much easier for you to get the desired fit and seal from these in-ears.
Comment

Pro
 Included carrying case makes these easy to bring on the go

A fairly large, zip up carrying case comes included and should give these extra protection when taken on the go. You can just chuck this case into your bag without worrying about your headphones getting damaged.
Comment

Pro
 Stays snug in the ears while you are active

Little rings called "Cush Fins" wrap around the earpieces, and give extra grip, and prevent the pieces from falling out. Also, these Cush Fins are quite soft and flexible so they do not have too much of a negative effect to comfort.
Comment

Con
 Muddy mids

Due to the bass being quite prominent, the mids take a negative hit, as the bass gives the mids a muddy sound. Guitars and male vocals will not sound very clear at times.
Comment

Con
 Wearing these while on the move can be distracting

When the wires move or brush on your clothes, the rattling sound can be transmitted to the earpieces. This can be quite annoying.
Comment

Pro
 True wireless

There is no band or cable connecting the earpieces. You won't have to deal with the noise caused by a cable rubbing against your clothes or body.
Comment

Pro
 Lightweight

These come in at only 4 grams per earpiece. The absence of a connecting cable further minimizes the weight.
Comment

Con
 If you get sweaty ears, there is a good chance these will fall out

Comment

Pro
 Excellent battery life

You get 12 hours of playback off a single charge, which is better than most Bluetooth headphones.
Comment

Pro
 Clear, fairly balanced sound with forward mids

The highs and bass have good clarity. They do not stand out as amazing, but can easily be heard in the mix. The mids are quite forward so vocals sound great with these.
Comment

Pro
 Good accessory bundle

There is a carrying case as well as an assortment of ear tips and clips included. Not only does this add more value to the product, but this also gives you a lot of fit options when using these.
Comment

Pro
 A variety of ear tips to choose from

Aside from the standard ear tip design in different sizes, you also get a pair of triple flange tips for added noise isolation. If you have smaller ears, JLab also includes their shallow-fit tips which may give you a more secure fit.
Comment

Pro
 Universal remote

The in-line remote works fully for both Android and iOS devices.
Comment

Pro
 Great for gym or running

The ear hook design has the cable wrapping around your ears, helping the earpieces stay secure. They won't fall out easily while exercising.
Comment

Pro
 Very durable

The earpieces are made out of high quality, solid feeling plastic with minimal rattle. The cable has good thickness and does not feel flimsy. Its IPX5 rating minimizes the chances of liquid splashes damaging these.
Comment

Con
 Mids may be too in-your-face

The boosted mids may make the music sound unnatural if this is a sound signature that you are not used to. Vocals may be too loud, and guitars, especially with distortion effects, can be abrasive.
Comment

Con
 Non-standard remote function activation

Activating the functions with the remote takes some getting used to as it's different from other remotes. For example, you need to hold down the volume button for 2 seconds instead of the usual double tap to skip to the next song. This can get annoying if you're used to the standard way.
Comment

Con
 Not a lot of longevity / will not work for a long time

Comment

Pro
 Stays in place

Cheetah earbuds don't fall out easily.
Comment
undefinedurl nextprice drop