Shokz OpenDots 2: One Minute Review

Shokz, the company specializing in bone conduction and open-ear buds, returns to the clip-on form factor with the Shokz OpenDots 2. It’s worth noting that the OpenDots 2 are one of two pairs released at the same time: they arrive alongside the cheaper Shokz OpenDots Air, which are missing a few features like wireless charging, waterproofing and bone conduction mics.

The clip-on earbud form factor offers both pros and cons. On the one hand, the shape is light and comfortable to wear day-to-day, and doesn’t interfere with glasses in the same way an over-ear hook might. They look almost jewellery-like, with my testing pair sporting a metal-and-pearl off-white sheen, sitting like a helix piercing over my ears.

On the other hand, they’re much less stable than over-ear hooks, with some brands being very wobbly or prone to dislodging. While the OpenDots 2, like most clip-on headphones with big drivers at the back, do suffer from being easily dislodged by the accidental brush of a hand or a hood (you’ll want to take extra care during commutes if you’re crammed into someone’s armpit on the train), they tend to stay in when left alone.

You might think that without a seal around your ear canal the OpenDots 2 might come up short on sound, and compared to market leaders like Apple’s AirPods that’s largely true. However, for open-ear headphones, the sound quality is excellent, with powerful bass despite the lack of a seal, and very little leakage. A dedicated Private equalizer mode also reportedly works to reduce leakage, although during my tests, even on Standard my office colleagues couldn’t hear any sound leakage at all, even when I had the volume turned up to Spinal-Tap-11 levels. Other EQ modes in the Shokz app include Vocal and Bass, and a Smart EQ option also exists, with users taken through six ‘A or B’ comparisons to find their optimal EQ mode.

Battery life is strong, with Shokz citing “up to 40 hours” from a full charge of the case. Wireless charging takes 3.5 hours, and a full wired USB-C charge takes two hours.

The launch of the OpenDots 2 sees Shokz attempting to push its way into a crowded category. One Shokz representative told me the company was hoping to eventually ‘replace AirPods’, and while I can’t see that happening anytime soon, the OpenDots 2 are probably the strongest clip-on earbuds I’ve ever tried; certainly in terms of sound quality, they’re up there with the Bose Ultra Opens while surpassing them in the fit stakes. They’re high-quality, durable, attractive-looking, and stable when left alone — just be careful when pulling your hood down.

Shokz OpenDots 2: Specifications

Shokz OpenDots 2: Price and availability

• $199.95 in the US
• £179.99 in the UK
• AU$339 in Australia

The Shokz OpenDots 2 cost $199.95 in the US, £179.99 in the UK, and AU$339 in Australia. That’s not cheap, and comparable to the cost of AirPods 4 with ANC ($179 / £179 / AU$299) — and the OpenDots 2 aren’t as versatile, considering that they’re effectively always in ‘transparency mode’ due to their design. If most people are going to drop this sort of money on a pair of wireless earbuds, it’s likely to be on a set that can both block out noise entirely and allow it to filter through when needed.

That being said, they’re not badly pitched (sorry) in value, being cheaper than the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which cost $299 / £299 / AU$449.95, at launch, and of similar quality. If you’re looking for cheaper options, the Shokz OpenDots Air are available at $129.95 / £129.99 / A$219, or you could opt for the Huawei Freeclip series.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Shokz OpenDots 2: Design

• Clamshell case
• Comfortable fit
• Some instability if knocked

The Shokz OpenDots 2 are designed in a similar way to most clip-on earbuds now: there’s a battery cylinder at the back featuring sensors with a tactile button, a driver designed to hover over the ear, and a band connecting the two, and gripping the device to the ear’s helix. In the case of the OpenDots 2, the speaker is in fact a sphere with two 11.8mm drivers facing inwards towards each other, creating a ball of sound, and a hole from which the sound is projected towards the eardrum.

From an aesthetics standpoint, the OpenDots 2 look very similar to the Bose Ultra Opens, right down to the mix of plastics and metallics on the buds and the clamshell case. That’s not a bad thing; they look very premium, and are extremely comfortable to wear. As a glasses wearer, I experienced none of the chafing or earache over-ear hooks give me, even when wearing the OpenDots 2 for long periods or during sweaty workouts. As mentioned, they can be knocked loose easily, and there’s no getting around this, as it’s simply a design issue with almost all clip-ons. Pulling a hood back immediately risks pulling out your expensive earbuds and sending them clattering to the floor.

The controls are intuitive — you can pause, play, adjust volume or cycle through tracks by pinching the barrels or tapping the bridges of the earbuds. The OpenDots 2 pack IP55 waterproofing, meaning they can withstand sweat, rain and dust but are unlikely to survive prolonged submersion or high-pressure washing. The case isn't waterproof either, so don’t leave them in your pocket and put them in the washing machine!

• Design score: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenDots 2: Features

• Four EQ modes
• Multipoint connectivity
• Custom EQs to tailor sound to your liking

Despite being focused on open-ear products, Shokz is clearly working on sound and pitching the OpenDots 2 at everyday audiophiles rather than athletes. With four equalizer modes — Standard, Bass, Vocal and Private — plus a Custom EQ option, you’re able to tweak the sound to suit your needs and preferences.

After going through the custom EQ setup, which asks you six times to choose between two different versions of the same track, I noticed only a very minor difference to Standard, with slightly more powerful bass and clearer mids. This probably speaks to the quality of Shokz’ already excellent sound mixing, particularly on an open-ear bud.

Multipoint connectivity allows for two devices to connect via Bluetooth simultaneously, and I’ve been switching seamlessly between my phone and laptop with no issues. The option to use wireless charging is nice too. AI-powered call noise reduction with dual bone-conduction and ‘air conduction’ microphones makes calls sound nice and clear.

The OpenDots 2 are not packed with features such as live translation and heart rate sensing like Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, but they’re certainly not bad for the price.

• Features score: 4/5

Shokz OpenDots 2: Performance

• Great sound
• Stable fit, apart from on contact
• Good battery life

The sound delivered by the Shokz OpenDots 2 is excellent, considering that these are open-ear headphones: they’re meaty and bassy, with minimal leakage even at higher volumes. In the office, I wore them comfortably all day while using my laptop, transitioning to my phone when I left the office, and only removing them to show curious colleagues, or pausing via a tap to have a conversation. Most outside sounds were blocked in a way that they aren’t with bone conduction headphones, as you have a driver sitting right over the top of your ear canal pumping vibrations down to your eardrum, whereas with the likes of the OpenRun Pro 2 your canal is left truly open.

However, while on a 10K run I kept my headphones on a low-to-middle volume, and I was still able to hear the bells of passing bikes and the occasional twitter of birds, so the open-ear design still does its job admirably. On my very sweaty run, the buds didn’t feel like they were pendulously wobbling, and I was able to pound the pavement and even shake my head without being afraid that they would dislodge. Only a nudge of my hand would cause them to come loose.

I find the OpenDots' listed battery stats to be largely accurate: I’ve been using these headphones for the better part of a week as I write this review, and only now is the case at 10% battery, with the buds themselves still on a full charge, and good for a further 10 hours.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenDots 2: Scorecard

Shokz OpenDots 2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I wore the Shokz OpenDots 2 for a week in different scenarios. I used them on my commute, in work, on a 10K run, in the gym, and even while sleeping, making use of the custom EQ functionality, asking colleagues if they could hear the audio I was listening to at various volumes, and testing their multipoint connectivity features.

First reviewed: June 2026

• Open ear headphones company Shokz is working on new products outside of bone conduction or sports headphones
• These include smart glasses, in-ear AI assistants and hearing aid solutions
• They are all in various stages of development, with none planned for release anytime soon

Shokz is well-known in fitness circles as the maker of some of the best bone conduction headphones and best running headphones in the world. Go to any running or cycling race event, and you'll spot more than a few Shokz users in attendance. While the company has branched out into true open-ear headphones for daily life such as the OpenFit and OpenDots series, Shokz' top brass has confirmed it's working on more pivots into smart glasses, hearing solutions and (of course) AI.

Smart glasses like the Meta Ray Bans and Oakley Meta Vanguard pack directional speakers and microphones into the arms of the glasses themselves. This use of open-ear audio tech might make the smart-glasses form factor a natural fit for Shokz.

At a press conference in China, CEO Ken Chen said: "Smart devices, especially smart glasses, are a significant challenge for everyone in the industry. For glasses specifically, we have already gone through several iterations, and we see AI glasses as a category that is still at a very early stage. It is a complex product that requires many elements to come together."

While Shokz debuted a very early concept for its smart glasses at this year's CES conference in Las Vegas, this is the first confirmation that several versions of the glasses are, or have been, in active development.

It's interesting to note the phrase 'AI glasses' mentioned there, too. Chen said Shokz is "closely following developments in AI, and we are actively exploring how they may shape future wearable products."

Vincent Xiong, head of North America, confirmed in a separate speech that Shokz was also working on AI open-ear headphones, stating "AI will further accelerate the trend towards prolonged headphone usage... For the AI assistant, people need audio input, and there are no better devices than headphones. I don't think people will be able to stay away from AI."

Xiong went on to describe an AI assistant that could "record everything you say" presumably to be used to add context to an AI chatbot's replies, adding: "because of [an] NDA, I can't give you a lot of detail, but what I can share now is that we are working with one of the industry leaders in the United States for AI headphones."

Bone-conduction hearing loss solutions

As a specialist company focusing on headphones that allow you to retain spatial awareness, Shokz is also looking at hearing aid solutions. Chen said: "we’ve been exploring hearing-related devices for quite some time, although we want to be careful with the term 'hearing aids', since that is a medical term and carries regulatory implications.

"We already have some activities underway in China and Australia, and we want to do more in other areas. The work is still at an early stage... we don't have a specific timeline to share at this point."

Shokz went on to show journalists a film of a US teenager who suffers from unilateral (one ear) hearing loss. After contacting Shokz, the company was able to create a device to help her overcome the hearing loss using bone conduction and a microphone.

As an over-the-counter solution, Shokz' future device could have similar functionalities to the Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses, which uses omni-directional mics to help users with bilateral (both ears) hearing loss.

This ties in nicely with Shokz' admission that it's working on smart glasses, although wireless earbuds like the Shokz OpenFit Pro would likely be preferred for those with unilateral hearing issues, as one bud or both could be worn depending on the user's hearing needs.

• Suunto has released a new set of open-ear headphones, the Suunto Spark
• They seem similar to the Shokz OpenFit 2+ at first glance, weighing just 9g each
• However, they also offer head movement controls and neck health monitoring

Do you ever wish you had more metrics to worry about on your run? Well, you're in luck: Suunto, maker of some of the best running watches and best running headphones, has released the Suunto Spark open-ear headphones.

The headphones weigh just 9g each, 1g less than the Shokz OpenFit 2+, offer 36 hours of listening with the case, have a titanium ear hook and boast hi-res LHDC 5.0 audio. They're IP55 water- and sweatproof, which means they'll withstand driving rain and sweat, but you shouldn't submerge them in water. They cost £129.99 / AU$309 (US pricing TBC, but the UK price conversion puts it at around $175).

Preset or customizable audio EQ modes are available in the app, but the advantage of open-ear headphones is that you can hear the world around you while you listen, helping you to stay aware of traffic, pedestrians or office conversations. They're ideal for runners, who might want to stay aware on roads while listening to long tunes. Usually, open-ear headphones are the only kind allowed in official races such as marathons.

So far, they're very much in line with the other entries in our best open-ear earbuds list in terms of specifications and price. For reference, the Shokz OpenFit 2+ come in at $199.95 / £179 (about AU$370), so it's nice to see the Suunto coming in a little cheaper.

However, there are also a bunch of extra features we need to talk about, specifically in relation to running.

For starters, the Suunto Spark headphones offers head movement control. Shake your head from side to side while out on a run, and you'll immediately skip the current song on your playlist. You can also use this feature to answer a call.

In a press release, Suunto said: 'Spark extends beyond audio to become a training companion. Real-time insights help runners monitor cadence, stride, and running mechanics, while voice guidance delivers pace, heart rate, distance, and lap updates directly when connected to a Suunto watch.'

While voice guidance based on watch data is nothing new, the prospect of cadence and stride data gleaned just from the headphones' gyroscope is undeniably interesting. I've reached out to Suunto for more details on this, and expect to test it in due course.

Finally the Suunto Spark headphones also track 'neck health', by monitoring 'flexibility, daily neck activity, and fatigue, sending alerts that help users maintain better posture and avoid overstrain'. That's a new one on me, but given how many of us go through the day with bent necks, peering at our phones, it's probably going to be useful.

Budget smart tech maker Amazfit actually made a pair of headphones with a similar feature way back in 2021 — but obviously the idea never caught on. Looks like Suunto is giving the concept another go.

H2O Audio Tri Run: Two-minute review

The H2O Audio Tri Run are bone conduction headphones designed for runners and cyclists who want to listen to music while staying aware of their surroundings. They undercut rivals on price and strip everything back to the essentials. No app, no frills, just good enough audio and a straightforward experience.

They’re not for swimming, despite their IPX8 waterproof rating. H2O Audio already makes a range of multi-sport devices, including the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport. But the Tri Run rely solely on Bluetooth with no onboard storage, so there’s no point taking them to the pool because the water will block the signal. What that waterproofing means is you don’t need to worry about sweat, rain or cleaning them with water.

Bone conduction transmits sound through your cheekbones, bypassing your ear canal. (To find out more, we have a handy how bone conduction works guide.)

They’re cheap, reliable and mostly comfortable. Sound is acceptable for the form factor, the fit is secure, and they’re genuinely easy to use. But battery life is just fine, the neckband design won’t suit everyone, and competition is fierce in this space. Let’s get into it.

The Tri Run have a neckband design with the bone-conduction transducers sitting against your cheeks, between your ear's tragus and your high cheekbone. It’s a style you’ll either get on with or you won’t.

I’m not entirely sure I get on with them. I can never quite put my finger on what it is with a design like this. It’s not uncomfortable exactly, but I’m always aware of the transducers sitting against my face in a way that I’m not with other styles of bud. I have a lot of hair, which may not help with the fit of the ear hooks, and during colder testing sessions, a high-collared jacket displaced them more than once.

There’s a small rubber accessory in the box that can be used to tighten the fit for smaller heads, but that didn’t resolve things for me. It may just be that I’ve tested too many comfortable wireless buds recently and I've been spoiled by them. Either way, it’s worth flagging because comfort here is highly subjective, and if you haven’t tried neckband-style buds before, don’t assume they’ll feel comfortable.

The band itself is light at 14g, flexible and sturdy, with a matte rubberized finish. Controls sit on the right side, with three physical buttons for power/playback, and volume up and down.

The buttons are easy to use on the move. I always tend to prefer a physical press to touch controls when I’m running, so there’s no ambiguity about whether it’s registered. The middle button, which handles power and play/pause, is responsive.

The volume buttons occasionally took a moment or two to register, but there’s a helpful audio tone when you hit max volume, which I liked — although you may reach that much sooner than you’d expect.

There’s no app here or companion software, so there’s nothing to tweak or change. Just turn them on and they pair seamlessly. Then every time you switch them on, they tell you whether your battery is high or low.

The audio is far from the level of quality you’d get from the best headphones, the best earbuds or even the best open earbuds. These are affordable bone-conduction headphones and they sound it. But I think how much that matters depends almost entirely on what you like to listen to.

Tracks with presence in the highs and mids come through well here. I found poppy, energetic tracks, such as New Constellations’ Hot Blooded sounded bouncy and enjoyable. There’s clarity in the upper ranges, vocals sit forward in the mix and there’s enough going on to make a run feel good. Podcast lovers are also well-served with clear, undistorted voices at most volume levels.

Bass-heavy music is a different story. Something like Hanumankind’s Big Dawgs, which is a staple on my workout playlist, simply doesn’t hit. There’s no low-end weight, so if you like listening to bassy tracks, you’ll notice the absence.

The volume is adequate in most quieter conditions. Running on my own down an off-road path, I could hear everything I needed to, but I could hear just as well running through the city first thing in the morning too.

Things were different in windy and noisy environments — I struggled to push the volume high enough, but that’s par for the course with most open designs.

Also, at high volumes you might notice a mild vibrating sensation in your cheeks or jaw. That’s a known side effect of bone conduction. It never reached the point of discomfort for me with the Tri Run, but it’s worth knowing about.

H2O Audio quotes six hours of battery life, and in testing I got almost exactly that. That said, six hours is on the lower end for bone-conduction headphones. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, for example, offer a huge 12 hours of battery, double what you get here. Granted, we’d consider them a high-end option, but with weaker audio and fewer features, I might have expected battery life to stay stronger.

It’s a similar story with open earbud rivals, like the Shokz OpenFit 2+, which offer 11 hours. That said, the Tri Run do offer an hour more than some other budget bone conduction headphones, such as the Jabees 7Seven, which only offer five hours.

Overall, there’s nothing wrong with the H2O Audio Tri Run. They fit securely, they’re easy to use, they’re waterproof, and they deliver acceptable sound for the form factor.

For a certain kind of runner or cyclist, someone who wants cheap, reliable, no-fuss awareness of their surroundings and mainly listens to poop and podcasts, they’ll get the job done without complaint.

But for everyone else, the value proposition is shakier than the price tag suggests. You won’t have to spend much more to get noticeably better performance, which we’ll get to below. The open earbud market in particular has expanded rapidly enough that there are now strong alternatives at similar prices.

If the neckband style suits you and simplicity is genuinely what you’re after, the H2O Audio Tri Run make sense. Otherwise, it’s worth shopping around — if you can get the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 on sale for this kind of price, we'd recommend those. And if you'll switch from neckband bone-conduction buds to wireless open earbuds, the Huawei FreeArc are an excellent option at around the same price.

H2O Audio Tri Run review: Specifications

H2O Audio Tri Run review: Price and release date

• How much does it cost? $99.99 / £76 / AU$145
• When did it first come out? Released in February 2026
• Where can you get it? Available globally

At $99.99 / £76 / AU$145, the Tri Run headphones sit at the more affordable end of the bone conduction market. That price makes sense when you think about the trade-off here. You’re paying for situational awareness rather than audio quality, and that’s a reasonable exchange if open-ear listening is a priority for you.

That said, affordable here is relative. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, our top pick for running in our best workout headphones guide, costs $179.95 / £169.00 / AU$319.00, which is a lot more. But it also offers significantly better performance.

And if you want some excellent bone conduction headphones that can handle swimming too from this same brand, the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, our top pick in our best bone conduction headphones guide, comes in at £152 / $199.99 / AU$289.

There are also other budget bone conduction headphones on the market now too. Like the Jabees 7Seven bone conduction headphones for swimming and running, which are significantly cheaper at $59.99 / £47.99 / AU$99. They’re not perfect or topping any of our guides, but for the price, they’re terrific.

It’s also worth mentioning here that if open listening is your priority, there are now so many excellent buds to choose from as well. Yes, they’re a bit different to what the Tri Run headphones offer. But, for example, the Huawei FreeArc open buds are only £99.99 (roughly $130, AU$200). Yes that’s a little more, but you’re getting a great fit and much better sound quality.

So yes, the Tri Run might be cheaper than some rivals, but with no standout features they’re not automatically good value. It makes sense if you’re on a tight budget or simplicity is genuinely your priority. Otherwise, spending a little more gets you more.

H2O Audio Tri Run: Scorecard

Should I buy the H2O Audio Tri Run?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

H2O Audio Tri Run: Also consider

How I tested the H2O Audio Tri Run

• Tested for two weeks
• Used with an iPhone 16 Pro
• Ran with them in all sorts of environments

I tested the H2O Audio Tri Run over two weeks, taking them out running across a range of environments. Busy streets, a canal path and open countryside. I also kept wearing them after runs, grabbing a coffee and working in a cafe, to get a sense of how versatile they are beyond their stated purpose.

I paired them with an iPhone 16 Pro, using Spotify for music during runs and YouTube for video content. Testing took place in typical UK weather conditions (think wind, sun, rain all within the space of a day) and I made a point of trying them with different layers and necklines. From a light spring fitted running jacket to a high collared running coat, as I know this can make a real different to the way neckband-style headphones fit.

I’ve been reviewing consumer tech for more than 15 years now with a particular interest in how we use technology beyond the marketing claims. What fits into your life, what you’ll still reach for long after the novelty has worn off, and what’s reliable and comfortable enough to become a genuine daily staple.

• First reviewed March 2026
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro: Two-minute review

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro are possibly the best possible headphones for serious swimmers. They secure onto a headband instead of having their own (and are very stable when in place), making them unique among H2O Audio’s offerings as well as setting them apart from the rest of our best swimming headphones. Since Bluetooth connectivity has trouble in water, H2O has added some features to get around that.

As good as the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro are for swimmers, they’re probably among the least interesting headphones for any other purpose. They only sound good underwater – this is by design, of course – and it’s still not quite an audiophile experience. And that form factor is very limiting. While some of our best running headphones list use bone conduction technology and can be used in water and on land, there are other options, even from H2O Audio, that I prefer for that purpose, such as the H20 Audio Tri 2 Pro, rated our best bone conduction headphones overall.

But for their intended purpose, you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro. With that in mind, let’s dive a little deeper on why that is.

While I already had an idea of what to expect when I received these headphones, I was surprised by how small the box was – it’s not much bigger than the box AirPods come in – nor how small the soft-shell case inside was, which was basically the same size as the box.

The actual headphones came inside the case along with the folded up charging cable and a pair of waterproof earplugs. The headphones themselves, besides being fairly small, are unique looking because they have no headband of their own, just a thick, blue cable that goes behind one’s head connecting the drivers to each other.

The bone conduction drivers are each in black housing with a clip on the outside and three control buttons – the left has the Mode (switches between Bluetooth Mode and using internal storage in Memory Mode), forward and back, while the right has Play / Pause / Power, and Volume Up / Down.

Since these are made for swimming, they have an IPX8 rating – about as good as it gets in any consumer product not meant for the Mariana Trench – so it can be underwater “up to 12ft/3.6m” without any restriction. If you’re considering these for serious diving, be warned the pressure in deeper waters could affect these headphones.

Also, since the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro are made for swimming, they come with a couple features meant to circumvent one of the biggest hurdles for using headphones while swimming. Bluetooth connectivity tends to become more intermittent the more water is between the source like a smart phone and headphones, so these headphones come with a built-in MP3 player with 8GB of storage.

Loading music onto these headphones then is reminiscent of loading music onto a phone as one might have done ten years ago, which is not the most convenient, using the included charging cable and connecting the headphones to a computer. That also means that you have to have the music you want stored in playable form like MP3 on your computer.

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro do have an additional feature to make this more manageable that the non-Pro version doesn’t have, and that’s the Playlist+ feature. This feature lets the user load music onto the headphones wirelessly. Now, H2O Audio advertises this feature as a way to transfer a playlist, but that overcomplicates what this feature actually does.

Think of the Playlist+ feature like a tape recorder. Whether you do it through the headphones (you press the Volume Up button twice to start and stop recording) or the app, you basically start the recording process, press play on whatever music or podcast you want, and then stop it when the song is done. It won’t stop on its own, so you could potentially have multiple songs on one track. One thing that I do appreciate is that it will read the name and song title from the source and automatically name the file after it. It’s a nice work-around, if a little inelegant. It’s literally a digital version of pressing ‘record’ on a boombox to make a mixtape.

Regardless of whether you’re streaming through Bluetooth or listening to an MP3 in Memory Mode (aka the built-in MP3 player), the sound quality is the same. And it’s a bit strange. The way bone conduction headphones work affects the sound quality a little, since what you’re listening to is vibrating through your cheekbones into the inner ear instead of actually passing through your ear. So, everything sounds more intelligible when also wearing the included earplugs.

It also sounds clearer when underwater. The listening experience is not quite HiFi, however. I’ve listened to H2O Audio products underwater before and I don’t remember them being as bass-heavy. Maybe it’s intentional to make the music sound more motivating but the low-end seems to be front and center to the point where a song like “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” sounds like a bass solo and songs with 808 drums like hip-hop and EDM are somewhat overpowered by the kick drum.

What’s strange is that there’s no real way to EQ the headphones in a way to offset it, especially if you’re using Memory Mode (you can always use an EQ on the phone for Bluetooth audio). That said, the mids and highs are fairly clear when underwater, so if H2O Audio adjusted their app to have some kind of EQ adjustments, I think these headphones would be even easier to recommend.

They’re still easy to recommend, despite that issue with the low-end. I haven’t really discussed fit yet, and while you’re somewhat at the mercy of whatever headband you use, when these slip on they’re incredibly stable. They don’t move. They don’t jiggle. I learned by struggling or thrashing my way through a couple laps in an Olympic pool to see what would happen. This is a big reason why they’re among the best swimming headphones.

There’s not else to write home about regarding the H20 companion app, other than to mention that it will give you a readout of battery life and let you navigate the songs stored on the device when in memory mode. You can also start the Playlist+ feature here.

Lastly, the 10-hour battery life doesn’t seem impressive compared to what we see on the best wireless earbuds, especially when you include the extra charges in their carrying case – something you don’t get with the soft shell case as it’s not a power source. But I think it’s actually a decent amount of juice for a swimmer.

H20 Audio Sonar 2 Pro: Specifications

H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $149.99 / £117.00 / AU$234.00
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro aren’t cheap, but the price is very respectable at $149.99 / £117.00 / AU$234.00. Considering the feature set and niche use, I could see a higher price (though I would hope H2O Audio would give more control over the EQ before that happens).

Many of the swimming headphones and bone conduction headphones end up going for at least the same price if not more. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro, for example, go for a slightly higher $179.95 / £169 / AU$299. They also have a built-in MP3 player but don’t have anything like the Playlist+ feature (which is a proprietary H2O feature). They also have the more typical form factor of a pair of bone conduction headphones with a sturdy but bendable headband.

Even the company’s own H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport has a higher MSRP $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310). Of course, those are meant for a different purpose. They are sturdy and steady enough to swim in, but don’t clip in, as they’re meant just as much to run in. They do come with the Playlist+ feature as well.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

• Tested over a couple weeks
• Listened to different genres of music
• Tested all the different features

I spent a couple of weeks testing the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro including a couple laps in an Olympic size pool as well as just hanging out underwater to listen to them. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I also tested the various features, most notably the Playlist+ feature.

After testing, it’s clear that these are ideal for serious swimmers, not only from the bone conduction but the form factor, which means that they’re as secure as a pair of headphones can be during a swim. Check out our guide to how bone conduction headphones work for more details on how headphones like these work.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed November 2025

Zygo Z2: One minute review

The Zygo Z2 are part of a very small world of headphones, namely bone conduction models made for being used in the water. Yet even in this small space, they are unique. They’re not the only swimming headphones that you should consider, but they are the only ones that use a radio transmitter for listening to music in the water. There's no onboard MP3 player, so they're the only pair that you don’t need to sit down with in front of your computer, to manually load the headphones with music before heading to the pool.

And while that’s the big selling point you’ll see when you come across them on their website or on Amazon, the Z2s also offer a deep ecosystem within the downloadable app including a whole assortment of classes, along with features like a walkie talkie and lap counting, hidden behind an additional but low subscription fee. This makes the Zygo Z2 function like a Peloton for the pool. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like that before.

Of course, they do come at a hefty price (and that’s before the aforementioned subscription fee), and the sound quality is not going to compete with the best wireless earbuds. But that’s to be expected with headphones that first, use bone conduction, and second, use radio transmission.

If you have a smartphone (and I’m going to assume you do), you might be aware that phones connect to devices via WiFi, data, and Bluetooth, not radio waves (even if you’re streaming a radio station through your phone, it’s coming to you digitally). Because of that little omission, the Zygo Z2 needs more than just a pair of headphones to function.

Enter the biggest headphones charging case I’ve ever seen in my life. This big black square measures a little under seven inches across and under three inches deep. There’s a flip lid hiding the headphones and earplugs, as well as the USB-C charging port, LED indicator, and the power / connectivity button. Most unique here though is the shark fin on the back that needs to be flipped up during use, like an antenna. Without it, there are no radio waves.

The headphones inside have an IPX8 rating, use bone conduction for sound, and come in the same imposing matte black as the charging case. On the back of the headphones, the volume up (also power) and down sit on either side of the Zygo logo.

Be aware when ordering the Zygo Z2 that they come in two sizes: Standard and Large. If you go by the size guide and choose wisely, you’ll end up with a snug fit. They never fell off, adjusted, or really moved at all. And despite their tight fit, I found them comfortable to wear.

I can get up to three hours’ of battery life during use, which is a bit lower than the competition (but likely to be more than enough for a single session), though using a completely different technology (the radio transmission) might have something to do with that. The charging case does at least have seven charges in it, so its overall battery life (when including the charging case) is about the same as other bone conduction headphones that have a charging case, and far more than those that don’t. For reference, many of the better bone conduction headphones last around nine to ten hours.

I feel obligated to share our "how do bone conduction headphones work?" article as this type of sound reproduction is such a niche within headphones. They’re really only popular when searching specifically for the best waterproof headphones or best running headphones, with a possible exception for office work. In essence, they sit on the bones in front of your ear, circumventing the outer ear, which make them great for use in the water.

It’s also why the Zygo Z2 (and most other swim-focused headphones) come with a pair of earplugs. They, like the charging case and headphones, come in a fetching Darth Vader black. They’re necessary for hearing the headphones, allowing you to focus on the audio vibrating through your cheek bones (It’s less weird than it sounds).

If you’re wondering how “Eye of the Tiger” gets from your phone to your ears, it starts with a smartphone using the Zygo app, which is then paired to the charging case (a simple Bluetooth pairing process) in turn automatically connected to the headphones via radio waves. The Zygo app showcases the full breadth of the Z2’s features. I can use the app to communicate with someone else wearing the headphones. It is one-way though, so the wearer can’t talk back (only really useful if you have a swimming coach).

To use this feature, you need to get the five-dollar-a-month subscription, which also includes lap counting and a large assortment of on-demand classes consisting of audio workout guidance. Having listened to a few, I found them easy to follow and understand as well as well-paced. I think this ecosystem of classes are also what separates the Zygo Z2 from other swimming headphones.

Unfortunately, the audio quality leaves a bit to be desired. Now it’s not bad and having the audio coming through radio waves does provide a completely uninterrupted signal – something Bluetooth just can’t do in water.

When wearing the earplugs and submerged in water, the high end sounded clear with a good amount of detail and the mids were present, if a bit recessed. However, whether I’m listening to rock or hip hop (or anything really), the bass is just too quiet. It’s there, but quiet enough to really impact the listening experience. If you turn up the volume on a song with a lot of low end, the headphones also have a tendency to distort. However,the highs and mids sound pretty decent, especially underwater, so if you care less about the music and more about using it with a coach or with classes, then you’ll hear everything clearly.

Using the headphones to access the classes in the water is such a novel and helpful experience, even if it seems like someone would have done it by now, that the price and my issues with the audio quality feel unimportant, not to mention that the fact that you can stream whatever you want in real time (well, there’s a three second delay intentionally built in) instead of loading MP3’s in advance as needed with any other decent pair of swimming headphones.

Zygo Z2: Specifications

Zygo Z2: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $329 (about £250 / AU$480)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US

While those abroad will have to find a way to smuggle the Zygo Z2 out of the US to get it, those in the US can get it directly from the company for $329 (about £250 / AU$480). If you’re in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, you’ll have to also cover the cost of shipping (listed at $40 at the time of writing). They’re not available outside the US right now.

That’s a pretty hefty price tag considering that both the Shokz OpenSwim Pro and the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport cost much less, with the Shokz going for $179.95 / £169 / AU$299 and the H2O Audio going for $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310). Since those two headphones use built-in MP3 players for audio while in the water, they do sound a little better.

But that’s a little unfair to the Zygo Z2 as it offers a lot more than just a pair of headphones to use in the water. As I’ve mentioned, these are basically the Peloton of the pool. Yes, most of the features are locked behind a subscription, but that subscription is $4.99 a month for access to all the pool-focused exercises (including some weight training for the pool ones) as well as the walkie-talkie and lap counting features. No other swimming headphones do that, so the expense is worth it if you’re serious about swimming but want a little help.

Price: 4 / 5

Zygo Z2: Scorecard

Zygo Z2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Zygo Z2

• Tested over a couple weeks
• Listened to different genres of music
• Tested all the different features

I spent a couple weeks testing the Zygo Z2 including a couple laps in an Olympic size pool as well as just hanging out underwater to listen to them. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I also tested the various features, including the exercises and walkie-talkie.

After testing, it’s clear that these are ideal for serious swimmers, especially those who need a workout program to get the most out of their time in the pool. If you’re curious about how bone conduction headphones work, check out the linked article for more details on how headphones like these work.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed December 2025

We’re a month and a half into 2026 and I’m sure I’m not the only one to have already moved on from at least one of my New Year’s resolutions already. But when it comes to my fitness I’ve actually kept on top of my workout regime, and I think my Shokz earphones have played a massive part in keeping me motivated through my fitness journey — and the pressure of my looming July wedding.

Shokz are best known for their bone-conduction headphones which sit just in front of your ears and send audio vibrations through your skull instead of through the air in your ears. This keeps your ears completely clear — so you can stay fully aware of what’s going on around you — which is why some marathon organizers now allow Shokz headphones while still banning all other headphones.

Bone-conduction designs can also be fully waterproof, meaning those of you who prefer swimming to running can take your music into the pool. The latest OpenSwim designs have storage space for on-headphone music acting as a mini MP3 player all-in-one, but can also stream tunes over Bluetooth.

Right now, thanks to Presidents’ Day sales, Best Buy has up to $50 off my favorite pairs including the OpenDots One which are down to just $149.99 (was $199.99), with the affordable OpenFit Air design dropping to just $79.99 (was $119.99).

I love these designs, but audio quality can take a hit with bone conduction. Things sound better again when your ears are plugged (either with water or an earplug) but that cuts out the advantage of being able to stay more aware of your surroundings.

That’s why I instead prefer Shokz’ OpenFit and OpenDots designs.

These earbuds sit over (but don’t fully cover or go inside) your ear canal. The resulting audio performance is louder and fuller than bone conduction headphones of a similar price, but you still have no noise cancellation of the outside world — helping you stay aware of what’s going on.

I love using my OpenDots One, and my fiancée loves using her OpenFit Air, while at the gym or on a run. We can enjoy great sounding music and podcasts while still staying aware of others on the road or at the gym — or simply just keep chatting while our tunes play as our private background noise.

It’s also handy while we’re around the home. With noise cancelling headphones you can very easily tune out all noise including your partner, but with open earbuds we don’t have the frustration of wishing the other one could hear us when we need a hand with something.

• Sony LinkBuds Clip launch for $229 / £180 / AU$329.95 in January 2026
• 10mm drivers, DSEE upscaling, and AI noise reduction for calls
• After an early test, they fit well, but I'm concerned about the sound

Sony has unveiled the LinkBuds Clip, which are its first clip-style open earbuds. Sony has enjoyed a run of fashioning some of the best open earbuds we've tested to date (and will happily lay claim to having invented the category with the original Sony LinkBuds, though that depends on whether you count AirPods-style earbuds as being open ear, but I digress) although the company has never tried this 'ear-cuff' style fit so far.

The Sony LinkBuds Clip include a 10mm driver, and like all clip-style open earbuds, this sits just outside your ear canal and fires sound into it without sealing you off from the outside world.

They come with a little flexible attachment that Sony calls an "air fitting cushion", designed to sit in the curve, and to hold them more firmly only the ear (or to hold them at all if your have smaller ears).

Because of the way external sound is allowed in, they include a specific new audio mode called Voice Boost, to make (as you probably guessed) stuff like podcasts and audiobooks come across clearer.

They also include an Adaptive Volume feature, as seen on the Sony LinkBuds Fit, so they can automatically ramp up the volume to avoid the sound being totally drowned out in loud areas.

There's also a 'Sound leakage reduction' mode for places like the office, where you want to make sure the open fit isn't firing your playlist out to your neighbors.

The earbuds include Sony's DSEE audio upscaling tech to make low-quality streaming music sound better, but there's no LDAC higher-res Bluetooth support – just the basic AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. There's multi-point pairing to switch between two devices instantly, naturally.

They feature a bone-conduction sensor as well as microphones to help pick up your voice for calls, with AI-powered reduction of background noise.

To control them, you can tap the earbuds themselves – they have an accelerometer in, so you don't need to tap anywhere in particular. In fact, while testing them I found that you didn't necessarily need to tap the earbuds themselves – tapping my ear right at the point where they sat also worked.

They promise nine hours of battery life from the buds, and 37 hours including the case. A fast-charging feature promises to provide an hour of play from three minutes of charging. They're IPX4 rated for waterproofing, so should be good to use for light exercise – don't wear them out in heavy rain, maybe, though.

They're available in black, white, lilac and pale green colors, and come in a funky box that both curved and square – and you can buy sleeves for the case to mix up the colors. These are available in five colors: coral, green, blue, lavender, and black.

The Sony LinkBuds Clip cost $229 / £180 / AU$329.95, and will be available to buy in January, though Sony didn't provide an exact date. The LinkBuds Clip Case covers cost $24.99 and are available from the Sony website only.

Based on the specs alone, you might be thinking the price sounds pretty high for the specs – the Shokz OpenFit Pro, for example, cost a similar amount and include an effective active noise cancellation feature and Dolby Atmos. JBL just announced a direct competitor in the form of its Soundgear Clips, and they'll cost $149. The Earfun Clip 2 include Sony's own LDAC higher-res wireless tech, and they're launching at $79…

But that's probably fine – it'll be all about the experience, right? I got to try a demo session with the LinkBuds Clip, and I'm afraid that just reinforced for me that Sony might have the price wrong here.

Clip to be square

First up: the fit. They go onto the ear pretty easily, and at first I tried them without the air fitting cushion. This was comfortable, felt overall natural, and there didn't seem to be much risk of them falling out, though I wasn't in a position to take them for a quick jog. There was a little rotational give to them, and I think this is part of them feeling pretty natural to wear.

I tried them with the air fitting cushion in, and the difference was interesting – on my ears (which aren't small), this meant that any rotational give disappeared, and they held rock steady where I'd put them. In exchange for this, I could 'feel' them on my ear more – not that they applied pressure or became uncomfortable in any way, but I just felt more aware of them.

I think on balance I preferred them with the air cushion. As I said, I didn't think they'd fall out without it – but with it, I was certain they would hold, and I love a little extra peace of mind where I can get it these days.

Firing up some of my music, my concern about the price tag become immediate – while I only spent about 10 minutes listening to the earbuds, the sound quality just didn't seem to be where I'd want it for over $200.

It's been normal for open earbuds to have softer and less deep audio quality than the best earbuds with an in-ear seal, but recent releases have really closed that gap – again, with the Shokz OpenFit Pro, our audio editor Becky Scarrott said she could forget she wasn't using more traditional earbuds. The sound is detailed and rich enough to compete.

With the Sony LinkBuds Clip, the sound balance was really good, as I always expect from Sony – no matter the budget level, it always finds a way to make sure your music feels like it's the correct shape.

But it was immediately obvious that there's a lack of deep bass, and I don't mean because I was listening to some trance bangers. The low end is slight overall, meaning that acoustic instruments don't have their full resonance, let alone a drum machine lacking its intended punch.

Similarly, the treble felt like it struggled to stand clearly out of the mid-range, feeling a bit too attached and unable to really shine. And that's part of a general lack of dynamic capability, which meant that the sound didn't feel particularly energetic, and didn't have the natural detail I expect from Sony.

(I also noticed quite a bit of sound leakage from someone else testing their buds about six feet from me, but I don't know how loud they had them – it may not be as bad in more common scenarios, and there's always the sound mode to reduce leakage if you need it.)

Obviously, sound quality is always relative to price – based on my demo, I expected the buds to cost more like $120 / £100, like the impressive Sony WF-C710N at launch. At nearly twice that, I'm worried these will struggle.

However, we can only make a real judgment after a proper testing period and comparison of the audio, and I didn't test features such as the mic quality, which could end up recommending it over the competition if you take a lot of calls (the mic quality on the Sony WH-1000XM6 with AI noise reduction is best in class, after all).

• Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds launch for $179.99, initially US-only
• Adjustable ear hooks turn open-ears into in-ears with noise cancellation
• Sensors recalibrate the EQ in real-time

Choosing earbuds for a specific purpose can mean compromising: the best open earbuds can't do totally effective noise canceling because they don't sit in your ear canals, and the best noise-cancelling earbuds' transparency mode doesn't feel quite as real as the actual ambient sound you experience with open-ears.

Some people also find it a bit uncomfortable having earbuds in your ears for long periods. But a new pair of buds from Soundcore – Anker's audio and visual brand – may offer a no-compromise solution.

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds are open-ears, but they have a five-level adjustable-angle ear hook that enables you to reposition the nozzle of the earbuds and bring it closer to the entrance of your ear. That delivers passive noise cancellation from the newly snug fit, and it means the earbuds can then use active noise cancellation more effectively to get rid of unwanted ambient audio.

Soundcore AeroFit Pro 2: key features

When you adjust the positioning of the earbuds, twin sensors in each earbud detect the change and recalibrate the EQ to suit the mode you're using – and according to Anker, that means a consistent sonic experience. And they're good for gym and outdoor use thanks to IP55 water and sweat resistance.

Anker describes the in-ear option as "semi-in-ear", a shallow open-ear design that sits close to your ear without shoving the earbud deep into your ear canal. The earbuds have version 3.0 of Soundcore's Adaptive ANC, which samples at up to 380,000 times per second and makes up to 180 dynamic adjustments per minute as the sound around you changes.

There are six microphones in total, designed to capture what's happening from multiple directions, and four voice mics to keep your voice clear in calls.

These earbuds should sound pretty good with decent low-end thump: they have 11.8mm custom drivers, support spatial audio with head tracking, and high-resolution audio via LDAC.

There are multiple color options – matte black, gloss white, matte purple and gloss blue – but only the black model will be available on the US launch on 6 January; the white and purple will be available later in the month and the blue model will be available shortly afterwards.

All four models have a US list price of $179.99 (about £134 / AU$269). International pricing and availability will be announced later.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

As someone who likes sleep, I’ve tested my fair share of sleep-tracking devices, but I’ve yet to find a pair of sleep earbuds that actually improve my slumber, rather than just adding one more obstacle between me and a good night’s rest.

It’s not an easy job. While the best sleep trackers can take a hands-off approach (apart from in the case of the best smart rings) and simply feed back on how well you napped, sleep earbuds are generally tasked with actually improving your slumber. Some people are wearing them in lieu of reusuable earplugs, such as Loop, with an added audio element. I’ve tested ones with pretty neat features but others that flew too close to the sun, and made sleeping even more of a chore.

I’ve become jaded about a few top brands because of terrible sleep headphones I’ve tested in the past, but my interest was piqued when a new up-and-comer contacted me to test their alternative.

AI health assistant app Fitnexa has released its first physical product, called the SomniPods 3. These are, according to the brand, the thinnest ANC-toting sleep earbuds released so far, and are designed to work hand-in-hand with the app’s various features.

If you’re confused by these being the brand’s first buds, but bearing a ‘3’ – so was I, but I couldn’t find any evidence of the existence of a SomniPods 2. And don’t get these things confused with the SomniBuds, which are also sleep earbuds but from a totally different company.

To test whether Fitnexa could win where other brands have left me cold (and restless), I tested the buds for a few weeks.

Fitnexia SomniPods 3: Price and availability

The SomniPods 3 cost $149.99 wherever you are in the world – when you buy them, it’ll convert the price to your local currency. At the time of reviewing, that’d be about £115 or AU$232, though whenever you read this, your currency’s value compared to the dollar will dictate exactly what it costs.

As I’ve implied, you need to use the Fitnexa app in order to use the SomniPods, but it's free to download and use. Mostly.

By ‘mostly’, I mean that there’s an optional premium mode called Fitnexa Plus which costs $9.99 per month (exactly £7.64 / $15.48 at the time of writing) or $2.99 per week (£2.29 / AU$4.63).

Fitnexa Plus isn’t necessary for using the SomniPods 3, and in fact I didn’t use it to write this feature. If you do sign up, it gets you quite a few extra features like voice input to log your workouts or nutritional intake, much higher-caliber analysis of your blood sugar and nutrition, advice and suggestions on your next meal, personalized recipes and weekly and monthly health reports, amongst other features.

An app-le a day

I ummed and erred about how much to feature the Fitnexa app itself in this feature. While the SomniPods are designed to be one component of the larger health picture of the app, the app isn't strictly my focus during testing – the buds were. That’s possibly for the best, because I had some problems with the app.

At its core, Fitnexa is used as a fitness and health hub. You use it to log every bite you eat, every sip you drink, every workout you do and, with the SomniPods, every second of sleep. Then the app can suggest workouts, give you overviews of your health and give you ideas for meals, all through the interface of a chat box with a creepy-looking AI trainer. You can pick between three trainers, but they all have that drab veneer of an AI image – was it too hard to take photos of three real people?

Some aspects of the app work incredibly well. I was particularly staggered at how smart the food-recognition feature was – I could send a snap of basically any food and the app would recognise what it was, even if it was partly-concealed by a pita or wrap, and give a smart nutritional break-down.

A feature of Fitnexa Plus is that it can help guide your nutrition and diet. As I said, I only used the standard tier of the app (the free one), but if the advice was nutritionally sound, I can see it being a fantastic fitness feature. I love apps that come up with recipe ideas based on what you own, and this is another apparent feature of the app. In general, I’d say for people trying to eat healthier, the app could be great.

But there are some problems too. Naturally, sending every iota of your daily data is a time-consuming process, and I frequently skipped logging glasses of water or snacks because I just couldn’t be bothered. The app was quite buggy, logging me out for no reason and hiding my data until I logged back in. It was an absolute pain to navigate, and I’d have to click randomly around in the hopes of finding the particular menu I was looking for. And if you’re not a subscriber to the app’s premium mode, you can only send a certain number of queries, logs or commands a day. How many? I’ve no idea; it was quite inconsistent in my testing, but Fitnexa’s materials say only one.

Then there are the standard issues with any chatbot that make them so bizarrely inhuman. Lana, the assistant that my app defaulted too, was overwhelmingly positive about every single thing I logged. I don’t need to know that my handful of peanuts was a good snack. And I also didn’t take to how Lana was reactive, responding to my commands and prompts, rather than being proactive and sending me suggestions and urges to exercise or drink water at the right times. I understand that this is how AI works – you need to spend credits to get responses and all that – but it’s not how an actual trainer would work. A drill sergeant, Lana is not.

A dream to wear, or ear-ritating?

So far in this article about the Fitnexa SomniPods 3, I’ve spent ages writing about the app and have barely touched on the sleep earbuds themselves. Let’s change that.

They come in a puck-shaped charging case. I don’t underestimate the artistry of a good charging case, and I’m a fan of both the color and feel of the SomniPods’ offering – it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.

The buds themselves are nice and small, measuring 3.3g each – of course you’d hope so, given Fitnexa’s claims about the buds' size, but it’s good to see that it’s true. They have flared silicon tips, which felt saggy, but I suppose that helps them fit in your ear better, and the box includes a variety of sizes including some non-flared ones.. The buds also have ear wings, which are an extra design feature certain headphones have to keep them wedged in your ear better – again, the box offers a few sizes.

It took me a few nights to find the knack to inserting the SomniPods into my ear – they’re small enough that the correct twisting maneuver takes some attempts. Once in the ear, they’re mostly out of sight and out of mind, and I rarely felt like I could consciously notice them, The buds don’t protrude far, so I could sleep on my side without issue. I’ve tested certain buds where the discomfort of lying on them in certain ways would wake me up, but there’s none of that here.

I must say, that on most nights during the testing process, the SomniPods felt quite loose in my ear, and I sometimes went to sleep worrying about where they’d be when I woke up. On every morning, though, I’d find them where I expected them – in my ear. I suppose it just takes a few weeks of wearing them to get use to how they feel (and the feel never actually affected my sleep at all).

SomniProblems

Wearing the buds is a simple, stress-free experience. Unfortunately, at least during my testing, actually getting them to work wasn’t.

Pairing the buds was simple, but I thought that was all I’d need to do to get them to work. I set them up, popped them in my ears and went to sleep, repeating this process for about four nights in a row. I think it’s important to avoid looking at the results when I test sleep tracking tech, in order to avoid orthosomnia, a situation in which obsessive use of sleep tracking gadgets can have a negative affect on sleep. Obviously that would really skew my testing data, and I avoid it by avoiding looking at my results for the first few days of testing.

This turned out to be a bad idea, because I was nearly a week into my testing when I discovered that the buds hadn’t tracked any of my forty winks. Oops.

When I looked further into the Fitnexa app, and specifically the SomniPods’ page in it, I discovered a slider for ‘Sleep Mode’. I was on Auto, which supposedly detects when you fall asleep and starts the tracking automatically, but in my case it hadn’t done so. Thankfully, there’s an option simply called ‘On’, which guarantees that it’ll track sleep – afterwards in my testing, I made sure to turn this on just before I went to bed every night.

The next problem was that my sleep data wasn’t reliably shared to the app. I’d wake up to find that there was sometimes no data, but historical data was starting to show up. Again, cue more testing and playing about, until I discovered the cure. Sleep data is only shared between the buds and app when they’re paired, but when I put the buds in their case and closed the lid upon waking up, the connection was severed. The data was only fully shared the next night, when I put the buds in my ears. Solving this one was simple – I’d leave the cover of the case open for a few minutes after returning the buds, and when I did this, I finally got my information on the app.

I list this all not to unduly criticize Fitnexa, but to give other owners some suggestions if they’re having trouble with the buds.

Spending a night

So what are the buds actually like to use, when working properly? Well, I’m happy to say that they’re pretty good, although there are still one or two issues.

The buds have a 11-hour battery life, which I’d say is enough for a full night’s rest for most of us. However if you turn on noise cancellation, they only have 5.7 hours in the tank. Because of this I never slept with ANC turned on, as the buds would run out of charge long before I’d wake up. For what it’s worth, I did test their ANC during the day – it’s not Bose-level or anything, but it’s pretty solid and I imagine it’d plaster over gentle background noises during the night, as well as take a dent out of louder annoyances like engineering works or noisy neighbors.

It’s easy for me to say that a better battery life would improve future models of SomniPods, but I’m not sure that’s true. The passive noise cancellation of the buds in my ears was more than enough to stop any sounds around me, and a bigger battery would require a bigger bud – I think I prefer them how they are.

Another potentially-great feature which is lacking, and can be solved pretty easily, is sleep sounds. This is pretty common in sleep earbuds, offering you gentle noise to fall asleep to. But the SomniPods 3 only have four (ocean, rain, wind and white noise), and they’re all incredibly short. I found it quite distracting trying to fall asleep to the sound of rain, when it’d fade to silence and then start the loop again every 20 seconds or so. Other options I’ve tested last a lot longer, or at least have a seamless loop so you don’t know you’re only listening to a half-minute of audio.

What’s curious is that the app has quite a few other sleep sounds, including waterfalls, farm noises and snowy footsteps. You can play these from the app, but it didn’t track my sleep when I did so, and I couldn’t find a way to replace the four on-bud noises with the alternatives in the app. Possibly my error, but I tried hard – if such an option exists, it’s way too well hidden.

What I don’t recall seeing in sleep earbuds before, is an equalizer. These are commonplace in standard earbuds, letting you personalize your audio by bumping up the bass or stripping out the mids, but I was initially surprised to see a 10-band one available in the Fitnexa app alongside some presets. It took me a while to figure out that this is for people who like to fall asleep to their own music, and it’s a neat touch.

The night-time twist

There’s one more thing that you’re expecting me to talk about; I talked about the SomniPods 3 results and then slipped in a whole separate section before even analysing these results! Now, I finally get to explain the headline.

Lots of what the SomniPods track is the kind of metric you normally see in sleep-tracking earbuds. There’s a breakdown of your slumber time in deep sleep, light sleep and waking time, as well as a graph breaking them down over time. It all looked accurate to me, except one or two times when it curiously stopped tracking early.

You of course can also see the duration, and a count of how much of your night was actually spent in bed. For me these were always the same, but if you go to the toilet frequently in the night, this’ll be a really insightful stat.

But the metric I found really fascinating was sleep position. The buds track whether you’re sleeping on your left side, right side, back or front, and even tells you how many times you turned over during the night and per hour.

I haven’t tested every pair of sleep earbuds, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen this before, and it found it fascinating. My turnover rate was nearly identical every night, at about 3 times per hour, and I generally spent about 70% of every night on my right side… all except on one night, which was 92% on my left.

I found it really fascinating to examine these stats, and align them with other factors; whether or not I’d drunk alcohol, whether or not I had a hot water bottle, how late I went to sleep, whether I read before bed or played video games. Honestly, I’m very keen to get scientific about this, and change variables each night while I examine the stats to see how it changes. I only ever tested the buds in my own bed; is the 70/30 ratio my standard or due to something about this crib?

I mentioned earlier in this article orthosomnia, which is when your sleep tracking negatively affects your actual sleep. This is generally linked to negative feelings towards sleep scores or metrics from your tech: wanting to get good numbers in some arbitrary sleep score, or trying to get the exact amount of light or deep sleep that scientists say the average human needs.

To me, interesting metrics like sleep position are a great antithesis to orthosomnia. I’m at no risk of subconsciously trying to maintain my three-flips-per-hour ratio, but instead it’s fostering me to engage with my sleep circumstances in a positive way.

As you no doubt can tell if you’ve read this whole article, I had mixed feelings about Fitnexa’s SomniPods 3. They have a few glaring issues, both in the features they offer and how they operate within the app. But they’re the comfiest and lightest sleep earbuds I’ve ever used, and collect some interesting metrics that pushed me to really think about my sleep.

I can’t say that I’d buy the SomniPods as they are now, but all that stands between them and greatness is software changes – things that are easy for Fitnexa to roll out over the air. Perhaps if your new year’s resolution is to sleep better, they’ll be ready in time for them.

• Cleer Arc 4 are Hi-Res aptX Lossless open earbuds with THX certification
• Arc 4+ model adds Dolby Atmos with Dolby's own head-tracking
• Arc 4 costs $99.99, Arc 4+ costs $129.99

Cleer Audio has launched the world's first THX-certified open earbuds, the Arc 4 and the Arc 4+. The Arc 4+ is particularly interesting because that model comes with Dolby's own head-tracking for Dolby Atmos, a feature previously reserved for over-ear headphones.

These aren't the first head-tracking earbuds by any means. But rival earbuds use their own tracking setups, whereas these Cleers use the official Dolby version – just like the Sonos Ace headphones, where it works excellently.

Cleer Audio Arc 4 and Arc 4+: key features and pricing

Both sets of earbuds are lighter and thinner than previous Cleer Arc models: 10% lighter and 45% thinner than the Arc 3 series, apparently. Cleer says they sit closer to the ear canal for better clarity and comfort,

The Arc 4 are tuned by THX engineers to align with THX's optimal frequency response curve, and the standard model features Dolby Audio and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound. They deliver Hi-Res Audio with a frequency range of 65Hz - 40kHz with Cleer's DBE bass enhancement. Bluetooth is 5.4 with aptX Lossless and multipoint connectivity.

The Arc 4+ takes the same specification and adds Atmos with Dolby head tracking, using on-board sensors to adjust the audio experience based on the position of your head. Having tested this feature in the Sonos Ace, we're familiar with how responsive and immersive it is – my colleague Matt Bolton still says the Sonos Ace are the best headphones for movie viewing, because of their spatial audio.

Both sets of earbuds are IPX7 rated so they're great outdoors, and battery life is a promised 32 hours in total, with up to nine hours from the earbuds alone for the Arc 4, and 34 hours in total for the Arc 4+.

The Arc 4 are available now in black or white for a recommended retail price of $99.99 (about £74.50 / €85 / AU$150) while the Arc 4+ will come in black, white or pink for $129.99 (about £97 / €110 / AU$195).

Jabees 7Seven headphones: One minute review

The Jabees 7Seven swimming headphones pack some features you don’t even find on their contemporaries at Shokz for around half the price. For many, that’s plenty of reason to buy. The 7Sevens are light as a feather at 28g and packs an ample 32GB of MP3 storage, essential for underwater listening where Bluetooth connectivity is weaker. This storage space outdoes quite a few older bone conduction headphones sets that have retained their price over the years, and puts the 7sevens in the same league as the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro and H20 Audio Tri 2 Pro.

Multipoint connectivity and Bluetooth 6.0 are great quality-of-life upgrades we wouldn’t expect on cheap headphones, allowing you to link to multiple devices and switch between them seamlessly. This is nice to swap between the phone for running and commuting and laptop for work, and works well in practice. Phone calls with the built-in microphone are, unfortunately, a bit tinny: the recipient of my test calls could hear me fine outside on a rainy run, but even at max volume the other person’s voice wasn’t great.

Music fared much better. Regardless of whether it was streamed via Bluetooth or loaded onto the headphones via the MP3 storage feature, quality was good, especially considering these are cheap bone conduction headphones. The transistors do vibrate at higher volumes during bassy tracks, which is especially noticeable above-ground on runs and in the office. However, in the water during swims, the vibrations are greatly reduced.

Controls are simple and intuitive, with volume up and down also allowing you to skip tracks as usual. Everything else is handled by the multifunction power button with a variety of long and short presses, and it’s generally easily remembered, although I kept the manual to refer back to.

Generally speaking, the Jabees 7Seven headphones offer good quality that bely their price, but there are still some niggles here and there that have been ironed out in more expensive offerings. The fit around the ears isn’t adjustable: instead, the 7Sevens are packaged with a “secure fit loop”, a little piece of elastic common in bone conduction headsets that are supposed to tighten the band around the head. The battery only covers five hours of playback time, so they’ll need to be quite frequently charged. And then there are the high vibrations from the transistors at full volume and slight call quality issues.

However, none of these annoyances are enough to reduce the 7Seven’s status as a value-for-money alternative to the likes of Shokz and H20. It’s got some great features, stores a ton of music, and that five-hour playback will be enough for several pool sessions and a run. They won’t last all the way through an ironman event, but if you’re into that, you’re probably opting for the more expensive headphones anyway.

Jabees 7Seven headphones: Price and availability

• $59.99 / £47.99 / AU$99
• Cheaper than most high-quality swimming headphones
• Same 32GB storage as more expensive brands

The Jabees 7Seven bone conduction headphones are available for $59.99 / £47.99 / AU$99, and bundle deals on multiple headphones can be found on the Jabees’ website. Considering some of their competitors are double, sometimes triple the price, you’re getting a lot for your buck with 32GB storage

Jabees 7Seven headphones: Scorecard

Jabees 7Seven headphones: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I tested the Jabees 7Seven underwater and on various runs. I drained the battery down, tested onboard MP3s and Bluetooth streaming alike, and adjusted the fit using the included secure fit loop.

I'm a big user of the best open ear headphones and best bone-conduction headphones (my daily drivers being the Shokz OpenFit 2+) as they allow me to run and listen to music or podcasts while staying aware of my surroundings.

Sound quality has advanced tremendously: whether I'm listening to a podcast on a long, slow run to while the time away, a pounding house DJ set for a 30-minute lunchtime blowout, or soundtracks from my favorite fantasy games for a woodland trail ruck (try it, it feels like you're on an adventure) audio quality is stellar on modern open headphones, all while leaving your ears free.

However, even the best open-ear buds have a flaw. During marathon training, when I'm flagging during really long runs, I sometimes need a change of stimulus to keep my brain occupied, or to prevent myself thinking about my legs becoming leaden. I call my wife, or my parents, and have a quick chat to pep me up. But inevitably, as I run, the conversation ends with some variation of "it's windy, I can't hear you".

Normally it's on the other person's end. Calls are often great on open headphones now in optimal conditions, but despite promises of beam-forming microphones and reduced wind resistance, I still get the same outcome: the other person yelling down the phone, or saying "where are you? It sounds like you're in a wind tunnel!"

That was why, while watching the Meta Connect 2025 event during which Mark Zuckerberg took to the stage to show off an array of smart glasses, my ears pricked up when he said the words "wind tunnel".

Specifically, he was referring to the Oakley Meta Vanguard sports glasses, a visor-style pair of running glasses outfitted with Meta's AI assistant capabilities, a nine-hour battery life and 3K camera functionality. It's packing Strava and Garmin integrations, allowing you to hear your metrics from either service by just demanding "stats". Your metrics are also displayed in an overlay once the video has been processed.

All very impressive, and one of the few demonstrations that didn't go awry at this year's Meta presentation. Zuckerberg was joined by famous DJ and running fanatic Diplo as he left the auditorium to join a pack of lycra-clad, fist-bumping, high-fiving Diplo Run Club members, all wearing Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses. The presentation ended on a carefully engineered high as Zuck, Diplo and followers jogged away to the thumping beat of Be Right There.

I can certainly see how cool the camera and stats functionalities might be for marathons, hikes and skiing, despite the fact I'm loathe to offer Meta any more of my data. However, it's the speakers in the frames that got my attention. Said to offer the most powerful sound Meta glasses have produced yet, six decibels louder than their previous Oakley offerings, Zuck was positive about its noise reduction functionalities, offering a slightly out-of-touch anecdote about taking a call on his jet ski.

"The open ear speakers are the most powerful that we’ve shipped yet," said Zuckerberg. "They’re great for running on a noisy road, biking in 30-mile-an-hour winds… I actually took a call on a jet ski a few weeks ago, it was great, I could hear the other person fine over the engine.

"Our advanced noise reduction means you can basically stand in a wind tunnel and you’d still come in clear to the person on the other side.”

This is intriguing. Given my previous experience with open-ear headphones, I find the mention of improved noise reduction and call clarity working with jet skis and wind tunnels something I would very much like to test. However, I do note Zuckerberg mentioned that he could hear the other person fine over the jet ski, and not the other way around – but his next comment on the wind tunnel was on microphone quality, rather than speakers.

I would like to hope Meta's quality of sound is comparable to open-ear headphones from Shokz and Bose when it comes to listening to music – because if so, Meta might be tempting me to invest in its new high-tech visor, allowing me to make and receive crystal-clear, windless calls during runs, whether I'm letting my wife know what time I'm home, or I need an encouraging voice to bring me out of the 16-mile black hole.

As a regular user of the best Garmin watches too, the integration overlaying stats on my videos would be the icing on the cake.

You might also like...

• I ran with Oakley Meta Vanguard AI sports glasses and realized I need more action in my life
• Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2 smart glasses are official
• Meta announces new Oakley Vanguard smart glasses

Panasonic RB-F10: Two-minute review

Being a little down on a product you fundamentally really like feels uncharitable. It’s the audio equivalent of Ebenezer Scrooge giving Tiny Tim a pair of the incredible Shokz OpenFit 2+, then swapping that sweet sonic stocking stuffer for Bob Cratchit’s humble morsel of goose. Bah, humbug, indeed.

Truthfully, though, if you did buy me a pair of Panasonic RB-F10s for Christmas or my birthday, I’d be pretty smitten. Yes, they have their faults, but if you can overcome slightly fiddly on-ears controls, Panny’s recent buds are stylish, affordable, and feel so comfortable once they’re on, you might as well have a couple of pixies giving your ear canals a luxurious bubble bath.

I adore how these open earbuds feel on my lugholes. There’s no question the main selling point here is the soothing snugness the RB-F10s bring to your listening experiences. I genuinely forgot I was wearing Panasonic’s open earbuds, which weigh 8.79g each, during the vast majority of my testing.

I can’t think of a single occasion where the fit irritated me, be it in on a recent skin-sizzling 93F trip to Fuerteventura or enduring a mild Scottish downpour closer to home. These wrap-around buds neither slip or irritate your skin, nor do they begin to chafe after hours of prolonged use. Granted, I might be guilty of the (ahem) occasional wildly definitive-sounding declaration over the years, but I stand by the following statement: the Panasonic RB-F10s are the most comfortable earbuds of any kind I’ve ever worn. Stick that on the box, Panny.

Elsewhere, problems sadly surface that lower these otherwise supremely sturdy buds' score. With grown-up looks, a classy charging cradle, and satisfyingly loud, well-weighted audio, there’s a whole lot to like about a pair of open ears that cost comfortably less than $100.

Yet it’s hard to stuff my fingers in my ears and pretend the RB-F10s don’t have issues – chief among them are some of the fiddliest, least dependable on-ears controls I’ve encountered on a pair of buds. At best, they’re semi-reliable. At worst? The simple task of pausing or skipping a track has made me chuck Panasonic’s ear accessories onto my sofa multiple times – a feeble bout of frustration the best open ear buds wouldn’t bring out in me.

I’ll get to the RB-F10’s fuller audio performance shortly, but if you want the abbreviated version, they’re damn good. With weighty 17mm x 12mm drivers, they bring boom in spades for such svelte buds, while also delivering acoustics you’d never describe as either tinny nor scratchy.

Feature-wise, we’re looking at somewhat of a mixed bag. That's a bag you’d drop every time you did your shopping thanks to those misfiring on-ear controls that are as dependable as a lion going for the vegan option at an all-you-eat zebra buffet. Though IPX4 waterproofing is welcome (and effective in my experience), battery life doesn’t exactly have my knees aquiver.

If you don’t have Panasonic’s nicely minimalist charging cradle to hand, you’re looking at a meagre seven hours of juice. If you’re a fiendish podcast binger like myself who often leaves home without a dock, these may not be the buds for you.

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) has also been left off the party list and software support is non-existent. Though not the most feature-rich buds, the RB-F10s do at least support convincingly solid dual mic audio calls, and the presence of reliable Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is also welcome.

If it weren’t for those overly finicky on-ear controls, I’d unquestionably be giving the Panasonic RB-10s a higher score that would have it ruffling the feathers of some of the best earbuds. Yet due to those unpredictable controls and only so-so battery life, you may be better off looking at the sublime Nothing Ear (a), or the slightly more premium Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Specifications

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Price and availability

• Released in June 2025
• $110 / £79.99 / AU$165 (approx.)

The Panasonic RB-F10s have been out for a few months at this point, but you’d be hard pressed to tell. You’d have an easier time spotting a neon-dipped snow leopard during a blackout than finding these buds readily on sale.

Currently, the only place I’ve been able to locate these attractive, relatively affordable earbuds is the official UK Panasonic site. Available in black or a two-tone white scheme, these $110 / £79.99 / around AU$165 buds are very reasonable considering their overall build and sound quality.

Knowing Panasonic, the F10s are unlikely to become significantly easier to pick up going forward, so if you do see them in stock on the UK’s official site or somewhere like eBay (and fancy the cut of their jib), put your money where your sonic-slaying mouth is.

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Features

• IPX4 waterproofing works well
• Seamless Bluetooth multipoint connections
• Average battery if they don’t get a full charge

If there were a Deep Impact style meteor-centric oblivion on the horizon and you were forced to draw the short straw on who gets to board the shuttle to survival…. well, suffice to say that comet is cooking F10 owners. That’s a fruity way of saying the RB-F10s aren’t exactly feature-rich.

A lack of ANC or software support is perhaps expected at such an agreeable price point, but what’s considerably harder to stomach is the F10s’ battery life. I’ve seen mayflies with heaving drinking problems boast longer lifespans.

Unless you carry the handsome dock around you like it was a court-mandated bracelet, these open earbuds will die on you a little after seven hours. If you obsessively charge the buds in their dock, and I mean every single day, you’ll get a much healthier 25 hours of juice. Nevertheless, during my seven weeks of testing, I found Panny’s buds died out of nowhere an alarming amount. If you’re a committed jogger, these probably aren’t the earbuds for you.

Don’t walk away at a brisk pace just yet, though. The RB-F10s aren’t entirely no-frills and an IPX4 waterproof rating should never be taken for granted from a native Scot like myself. If you live in an area with regular showers you’ll definitely appreciate this feature. Thanks to their open ear design that shows off a whole lotta lobe, nailing down an IPX4 waterproof rating was key.

I was once caught in a downright biblical lashing of hailstones while nipping out for a lunchtime burger during my F10s testing, and it was mercifully only my soggy quarter pounder that met a watery fate that day. On the few times I have encountered showers while out and about, I’ve yet to hear all those sky tears cause any audible distortion while listening to music on the RB-F10s.

The F10s’ Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint connectivity is probably the most forward-looking feature these buds boast. Capable of pairing to a duo of iOS/Android devices at the same time, the F10s can register to 10 separate devices, though you can obviously only swap between a single pair at once.

The pairing/disconnecting process is relatively simple, involving holding the sensor button down on each bud for several seconds. Once you hone in on your two favorite devices, these buds will intuitively pick up on whatever content you were listening to on them last. It’s smart, hassle-free stuff.

Dual mic support also makes the F10s solid for voice calls. As glamorous – and depressingly unstaged – as this sounds, I had to take a relatively important fraud call from my bank while wearing Panasonic’s buds. The company’s claim that voice signals hold up to around 33ft proved largely true, and even taking an irritating security call while wandering about my Spanish friend’s (in no way death) cellar, the clarity of the audio never wavered.

So the F10s just about get a passing grade in the features department. Still, any prospective future teacher would be sticking a big, fat “could do better” before a pair of F11s rock up to school next year.

• Features score: 3/5

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Sound quality

• Bass satisfies for such lightweight buds
• Vocal clarity is usually excellent
• No software but EQ tweaks seldom needed

As someone who normally wears the best over-ears headphones in everyday life I’ve been mightily impressed by the range of sounds these sleek buds pump up. Keen to hear how the buds would fare, I decided to forgo my increasingly decrepit musical tastes and listen to some fresher bangers from Glastonbury 2025. Not in a mud-caked field in Somerset, you understand. Rather from the comfort of my reclining chair with an RF-10 popped into each ear.

Now let’s jump down the YouTube rabbit hole!

The five-piece indie pop group Wet Leg slithered around Glasto’s Other Stage and immediately wormed into my brain with Catch These Fists. Sensationally steely, winkingly erotic before exploding into a scrappily raunchy crescendo, it’s a bloody fun tune, and one where the RB-F10s powerful 17mm x 12mm drivers effortlessly pick up lead singer Rhian Teasdale’s growling lower registers.

I was also taken aback that the RB-F10s made the upbeat Yougotmefeeling by Parcels come alive in a full-bodied way that briefly made me do a double take on whether I was listening to their summery banger on budget earbuds or one of the best surround sound systems. There was one moment the video cut to the super sweaty crowd, and the subsequent swirling chorals almost made me believe I was standing among the throng covered in knocked-over plastic lager glasses.

Sticking with YouTube, I was delighted to bump into an energetic performance of Don’t Back into the Sun by The Libertines. The fact Carl Barat turned up with chaotic longtime collaborator Pete Doherty, who not only looked reasonably healthy, but didn’t flub his lines, was a nice surprise. That definitely wasn’t on my Glasto bingo card. Back to the Panasonic RB-F10s, Gary Powell's pounding drumwork and John Hassall's satisfyingly punchy bass came through without overwhelming Pete and Carl’s duets.

Even though I do a lot of my headphones testing on my iPhone, I must admit to consuming a lot of content on my iPad Pro, be it the best Netflix movies or the best Amazon Prime shows. On that note, I’ve been rewatching The Boys season 3 for roughly the 43rd time. Herogasm! Anyway, there’s a song that plays during a later episode where Homelander “might” be getting his morning milk from an unconventional source. Yick.

Still, if it wasn’t for that udderly unacceptable act, I’d never have found 1968’s Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells. Talk about a psychedelic headtrip banger for the ages. This trance-like ‘60s tune is mellow yet somehow quietly sinister. For all three minutes and 25 seconds the RB-F10s deliver the big beats with aplomb while also delivering on the shakier strands that make you wonder if your entire head is about to fall into your buds.

So it shouldn’t come as a Tyler Durden-style shocker that I’m into the audio quality the Panasonic RB-F10s deliver at such a comparatively reasonable price. Bass also feels nuanced, with drivers capable of handling both big orchestral numbers without letting lyrics get lost in the shuffle. Sound-wise, these are some of the most well-rounded, best-judged buds I’ve tested.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Design

• So light you can barely feel them
• Classy little charging cradle
• On-ear controls can be a nightmare

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY! Not enough? Alright. Zip those lips and take even more of my cents. I’m smitten with the design of the Panasonic RB-F10s, especially with the ultra alluring two-tone white shade (also available in black). Unfussy yet dignified, they have an aura of quiet confidence about them I really dig. And then there’s the comfort.

If it was legal to wed a pair of open earbuds based purely on how ludicrously comfortable they feel to wear, I’m slamming a ring on the RB-10s pronto…. before finding a cave where I can live out the rest of my days in shunned solitude. Hot dang, do these buds feel lovely.

I’ve worn some supremely comfy cans of late (like the likeable yet uneven Happy Plugs Play Pro over-ears), but Panasonic's lightweight offerings are on another level. Once you get them out of their cute charging cradle, popping them on is a breeze. With a few tweaks I found the RB-10 almost immediately adjusted to a position that wrapped around my lobes in an entirely satisfying, seamless way.

I suspect this is down to two major factors. Firstly, the flexible (but not cheap-feeling) plastics they’ve been constructed from, which lets them contort around the shape of your ears with minimal fuss. Secondly, their oh-so-lightweight footprint. At well under 9 grams per bud, and thanks to their open design that leads to what Panasonic describes as an “unintrusive fit”, it’s almost alarmingly easy to forget you’re wearing the RB-F10s.

Fun fact: I went on a four-hour round trip to see the deeply underwhelming Jurassic World Rebirth semi-recently, and not once on that lengthy inner city tour could I feel Panasonic’s open buds rub my ears up the wrong way while listening to Jurassic-themed podcasts. Hey, you gotta keep it on brand, right? Honestly, I'm wearing them while currently writing this review and I legit can’t feel them. Witchcraft!

Sadly, the on-ear touch sensors are about as reliable as a chocolate watch… and a timekeeper that’s been placed into a giant oven at that. They simply don’t function as they should often enough.

Located on the main body of each bud, a single tap should play/pause whatever you’re listening to, and touching the left bud’s sensor rapidly three times will turn the volume up (a double tap turns it down). Meanwhile, a trio of touches on the right earbud will skip forward a track (again, a double tap to go back a song).

The trouble is, these sensors are both weirdly sensitive and not sensitive enough. During my weeks of testing I’d find they’d follow the commands I wanted maybe 40% of the time. Hardly an ideal batting average, right?

If you’re sitting at a desk judging the exact position and pressure you need to hit the RB-F10s is easier. In motion, though? That’s a far more flustering story. I lost count of the times I accidentally skipped to a new podcast episode on walks due to my right bud’s sensor having a mind of its own.

Pausing tunes via the left earbud also proved to be a teeth-gnashing chore. It’s such a pity, because if the Panasonic RB-F10s controls were more reliable, I’d be awarding these attractive buds another half star.

To round off this finger-flummoxing package on a cheerier note, I’ve got to pour some love all over the RB-F10s’ charging “cradle”. Sorry, “dock”! Not only is it incredibly easy to jam into even the tightest of pockets, but the way both buds magnetically snap into their holders – Nintendo Switch 2 style – is stupidly satisfying.

• Design score: 3/5

Panasonic RB-F10 review: Value

• Build feels premium
• Sound exceeds expectations for the price

The RB-F10s are a bit of a steal. Full disclosure: DO NOT STEAL. Packing that Panny quality without skimping on audio quality, they hit a lovely sweet spot between price and performance. In an age where it’s all too easy to pick up any random pair of buds for $20 at an airport, the F10s’ design and sonic quality shine through.

The very fact I’ve barely given my beloved Apple AirPods Max much of a look-in of late speaks volumes – and I’m in no way sorry about the tangential pun. Rocking premium build quality and striking sound at a rough $100 price bracket, the F10s are easy to recommend for homebody audiophiles who aren’t fussed about ANC, so are less likely to contend with noisy commutes.

• Value score: 4/5

Panasonic RB-F10: Scorecard

Panasonic RB-F10: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Panasonic RB-F10

• Tested for seven weeks
• Used at home, outdoors and on flights

I tested the Panasonic RB-F10 over a seven-week period. Forgive me if that seems like an overly long testing window. I turned 40 during the review process and suffered a tiny existential breakdown. Thank heavens I had the F10s’ quality sound output to pick me up during my darker moments.

During that time I used these open earbuds to listen to my favorite tunes and podcasts across different environments, spanning my ground floor apartment, on walks through city centers and on public buses. I primarily connected the headphones to my iPhone 14 Pro – and to a lesser extent – my Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024).

First reviewed: September 2025

Read more about how we test.

Shokz OpenFit 2: Two-minute review

At their core, the Shokz OpenFit 2 are a great pair of open earbuds that provide a crucial mix of traffic awareness and solid sound quality that runners of all skill levels are sure to appreciate. I know they’ll be my go-to for running – for quite some time. Surely, that makes them some of the best open earbuds around, right?

Sort of, but that's not the whole story. Yes, there are some notable improvements here over the original Shokz OpenFit earbuds, including a massive leap in the available battery life, a more robust soundscape and, my personal favourite upgrade, the addition of physical buttons which just makes controlling playback on the go so much easier.

It’s a great package overall, but there’s a big asterisk over how much money you have to spend. Now at the increased price of $179.95 / £169 (which is around AU$350, give or take), the OpenFit 2 aren’t quite as affordable as their predecessor, so they're oddly less viable as a sports-specific second buy alongside a traditional pair of in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro 2 or the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Lastly, there's the existence of the also-just-launched Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus (or OpenFit 2+), which throws quite the spanner in the works. Despite only being £10 more expensive than the OpenFit 2, the 2+ come with wireless charging and Dolby Atmos compatibility, two features which are easily worth such a nominal uptick at the checkout.

If you can get the OpenFit 2 at a discount then none of this will be an issue, but at full price it’s a tricky one to recommend to the masses.

Shokz OpenFit 2: Specifications

Shokz OpenFit 2: Price and availability

• Priced $179.95 / £169.00 (around AU$350, where sold)
• Available from June 5th 2025 (announced January 2025)
• Available in the US and UK, at the time of writing

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are priced at £169 / $179.95, hitting store shelves on June 5th 2025 in the UK, despite having been available since January in the US. The earbuds are also launching at the same time as the more premium Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus which are just slightly more expensive at £179, with US pricing unannounced at the time of writing.

This is a notable price increase, particularly in the UK, against the $159.95 / £129 of the previous Shokz OpenFit, and it’s also worth bearing in mind that the entry-level Shokz OpenFit Air, priced at $119.95 / £94, are still readily available via the company's website. This does make the OpenFit 2 a tricky sell to budget-conscious buyers, but I do think that when you factor in the amount of upgrades that have been crammed into the OpenFit’s successor, there’s a lot for the avid runner in your life to appreciate.

Shokz OpenFit 2: Features

• Maintain traffic awareness while listening to music
• Vastly improved battery life
• Multi-point pairing

The main allure with the OpenFit 2 remains very much the same from every other product within Shokz’s wares. It is spatial (read also: environmental, traffic, general hubbub of life happening all around you) awareness. As any runner can attest, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a passing car or cyclist – if you don't have your wits about you then you can end up doing harm to yourself and others. However, going for a run without your favourite playlists is like going on a flight and staring at the tray table in front of you for the duration. Thankfully, Shokz’s open-ear format helps to bring together the best of both worlds.

Because the Shokz OpenFit 2 don’t block your ear canals in order to deliver sound, you can still hear everything that goes on around you, all while enjoying your go-to running tracks. It sounds simple enough, but it’s not easy to pipe good quality audio to ears when the product's drivers aren't covering them. It is a great feature to have in practice, and it's precisely why I’ve been using Shokz headphones and earbuds exclusively for the last several years when going for a run. For that reason alone, the Shokz OpenFit 2 will now supplant my existing Shokz headphones.

As you've no doubt guessed, the caveat to all of this is that Shokz’s products aren't great if you're trying to block out the world and focus. Simply put, with no noise cancellation to speak of, the OpenFit 2 are a terrible option to have for the commute or when working at a nearby cafe. It's not all negative however – I do find that the OpenFit 2, and earbuds of their ilk, are quite handy in an office environment as you can enjoy listening to a podcast as you work, but your colleagues won't have to flail their arms just to get your attention (unless it's a really good podcast).

Still, if you do want to use the OpenFit 2 in noisier environments, you can help to mitigate things by diving into the accompanying Shokz app and toggling the ‘Vocal’ setting to elevate voices and lead singers. There are other equaliser modes including ‘Bass Boost' and ‘Treble Boost’, but these are best enjoyed in quieter surroundings (Bass Boost is almost inaudible outdoors without cranking up the volume). Multi-point pairing has also found its way to the OpenFit 2 after being noticeably absent on the original OpenFit, so you can jump between devices without issue.

According to Shokz, the OpenFit 2 have the same four built-in noise cancelling mics as the OpenFit, but this time there’s some AI optimisation going on under the hood to improve the quality even further. While I will say that the actual quality of voice recordings with the microphones is fairly standard (legible but nothing to write home about), I was very impressed to see just how much heavy lifting the noise cancelling could do. Even with loud music blaring on my Sonos Ray nearby, I could still take down voice notes and listen to them without any hint of external sound getting in the way. For taking a quick call mid-run, the OpenFit 2 are more than up to the task.

Arguably the biggest shake-up on paper is the massive leap forward in battery life offered by the OpenFit 2, now boasting up to 11-hours of listening time on a single charge, and a total of 48-hours when the charging case is factored in. Given that the total use time capped out at 28-hours on the OpenFit, that’s a big improvement and it means you'll be able to get in more runs without needing to worry about giving the Shokz OpenFit 2 a top up.

Putting those claims to the test, I was able to drain about 10% from both earbuds after 30-minutes of playback at 50% volume. At that rate, it would have taken roughly five hours for the batteries to drop to 0%, but it's far more likely that you'll get closer to that 11-hour claim at a reasonable volume.

• Features score: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenFit 2: Sound quality

• New dual driver system
• Rich bass and vocals
• Easliy some of the best sounding open-ear earbuds I've tried

One of the upgrades that Shokz has been keen to point out is the inclusion of a dual driver system in each earbud for the OpenFit 2, which is designed to deliver enhanced clarity for both the bass and the vocals of any given track.

Coming in from my usual trusty pair of Shokz OpenRun Pro (which are a few years old now), the difference was immediate and tangible. Shokz was spot on in highlighting bass and vocals in particular as they both have a richer quality to them on the OpenFit 2. I knew this from the moment I kicked off a run with a tried and true classic, Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s Points of Authority / 99 Problems / One Step Closer mash-up – the opening guitar riff is as crisp and cutting as expected, but it’s when the backing vocals kick in that you can really hear the depth. And that’s only elevated once the bass drops (no small feat for earbuds of this type) to bring the whole song into view.

Further on in the playlist, the Black Eyed Peas’ Boom Boom Pow came up and I was impressed to see just how bouncy and impactful the percussion sounded throughout the song. Again, this is a pair of earbuds that attempting to convey sound without obstructing your ear canal, but as any fans of in-ear headphones can attest, that tends to be the way to get the most fulfilling sound quality, so the fact that the OpenFit 2 can still do justice to a song like this is quite something.

I did notice that at certain frequencies, the bass was unable to fully come to the surface and replicate what I'd expect from 'regular' buds. Megan Thee Stallion’s Opposite Day, a song that I rely on for weightlifting because of the thumping bass right from the start, just didn’t sound quite as powerful as it usually does with the OpenFit 2, but I will say that moments like this were certainly the exception to the norm.

If you prefer to listen to podcasts while you run, you won’t have any problems here as vocals come across as clearly as intended, although if you are in a busy area then you can always toggle the aforementioned Vocal equaliser to give it a bit of a boost.

At this money, the Shokz OpenFit 2 aren’t that far off some of the best earbuds you can buy, and I’ve lost track of the amount of times that the epic AirPods Pro 2 have dropped to around the same price during sales events. Even though I would sooner bring a pair of Shokz headphones or earbuds with me on a run ahead of anything else, I still use my AirPods the rest of the time, and if you’re tied to a strict budget then this might be something you have to weigh up at the checkout.

What is also odd is that for an extra £10, you can get the Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus, which add Dolby Atmos support for a more cinematic soundscape if you’re streaming video content. When you also throw the addition of wireless charging into the mix, I don’t know why you wouldn’t just go for the OpenFit 2 Plus, unless you’re desperate to hold on to a tenner.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenFit 2: Design

• New silicone finish is very comfortable over long periods
• The earbuds stay firmly in place when running
• Physical inputs now sit alongside touch controls

If sound quality is the one area where the Shokz OpenFit 2 struggle to truly kick away from the competition, this is thankfully not the case where the design is concerned. These are a comfortable pair of open-fit earbuds that have been constructed with all-day wear in mind, a feat that’s largely achievable thanks to the new material used for the chassis.

The OpenFit 2 are largely encased in a soft silicone finish, which feels so comfortable against the ear that after a while, you start to forget they're there.

The hooks also remain sturdy and at no point during my runs with the Shokz OpenFit 2 was I ever concerned that the earbuds might become dislodged and lost, which is far more than I can say for most in-ear headphones which do not provide the same peace of mind.

One of the more welcome additions is a revamp of the control scheme on the OpenFit 2, finally bringing physical buttons into the mix. Both the OpenFit and the OpenFit Air relied entirely on touch controls which, I can tell you, was certainly a mixed bag from my experience with the latter. I could never quite wrap my head around the input system which is why, after a while, I ended up ditching them in favour of an older pair of Shokz headphones with physical controls.

This time around, there’s a push button sat on top of both earbuds and they can be customised (not independently) to recognise different actions. For example, I set the buttons to tweak the volume after a long press, and move either backwards or forwards through a playlist with a double click. There are still touch controls available, but they can only be assigned to wake your preferred digital assistant.

There are two colorways available, black and beige, and while they’re not quite as eye-catching as some of the more vibrant colours that Shokz has offered in the past, there is a refined quality about them that makes the earbuds feel stylish in their own way.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenFit 2: Value

• Cheaper options are available within this market
• The more feature-packed Shokz OpenFit 2+ aren't much pricier

It’s a shame – I do genuinely appreciate what Shokz has achieved with the OpenFit 2, what with a more comfortable design, improved sound quality and the inclusion of physical buttons (finally), but the one thing that holds it all back is the product’s pricing, which has left me scratching my head for two reasons.

First off, as I’ve mentioned a few times, $179.95 / £169 just feels far too expensive for a pair of open-ear headphones. Even though I still think that open-ear is the way to go if you’re an avid runner, or hoping to get into running, they’re just not great options for any other setting. This hasn’t been too much of an issue in the past thanks to cheaper pricing, but with this increase the Shokz OpenFit 2 are encroaching on the space typically held by more premium earbuds.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the more premium version of these earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus, are only £10 more expensive but for that minimal amount you get wireless charging and Dolby Atmos compatibility which begs the question – why on earth would you opt for the regular OpenFit 2 when the OpenFit 2 Plus are almost the same price? I don’t know if this is an intentional tactic from Shokz to get people to upgrade to the pricier pick, but the result is that it undermines the OpenFit 2’s position on the market.

• Value score: 3 / 5

Shokz OpenFit 2: Scorecard

Should I buy the Shokz OpenFit 2?

Buy them if...

Don't buy them if...

Also consider

How I tested

• Tested for two weeks
• Used in indoor and outdoor scenarios
• Connected to both iPhone and Android handsets

For testing, I wore the Shokz OpenFit 2 over the course of two weeks. I began my initial tests by taking the earbuds with me for a run at a local park with slight elevation, to get an idea of how well they could stay in place.

I also took the earbuds with me on a trip to Central London, listening to music and podcasts against the backdrop of a commuter train, passing cars and conversations, as well as the occasional spot of roadworks.

• First reviewed June 2025

Shokz OpenFit 2+: One minute review

After weeks with the Shokz OpenFit 2+ I can tell they’re great headphones that are worthy of inclusion in our best open-ear headphones buying guide, our best running headphones guide, and will be ideal for any runner willing to splash out on a pair.

They're comfortable to wear: the over-ear design isn't ideal for glasses wearers like myself, but I made do on my commute, with Shokz’ flexible nickel-titanium alloy ear hooks looping over your ears and weighted down by a bulbous end, while the driver sits snugly against your temples. It didn't affect the sound quality, but did affect the fit slightly: more on that later. However, as I don't run with glasses, it didn't cause any real lifestyle issues.

The silicon covering, which Shokz labels its “ultra soft silicone 2.0” is comfortable to wear in sweaty conditions. The whole earbud weighs 9.4g, making it light, but a gram heavier than the original OpenFit. Physical buttons and touch controls allow you to adjust volume, pause and skip tracks. The headphones are rated IP55: splashproof and sweat-resistant, ideal for rain but not water immersion.

The drivers aren’t bone-conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 or Shokz Openswim Pro. Instead, they’re more like traditional drivers or speakers, directing sound towards your ears without covering the lughole entirely. Four beamforming mics with ANC and AI-powered algorithms allow you to make clear calls: Shokz' claims about clarity on calls were a bit of an exaggeration on windy days and runs, but clear enough.

The sound is really very good: I'd say it's close to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (our gold standard in open-ear sound) in terms of quality, and far and away better from a fit perspective. The addition of Dolby is noticeable from the moment you flip the setting on in the Shokz app: everything becomes richer and more pronounced.

Likewise, I had fun tinkering with the EQ settings in the app, switching from Vocal mode to listen to my podcast during the first part of the run, and Bass Boost once I got up the giant hill I'd foolishly decided to tackle. I needed something heavier to get myself through the second part of my run, and Bass Boost paired nicely with the pounding roars of Linkin Park’s new (at the time of writing) Heavy is the Crown. The app even has a "find my headphones" style feature, which is clever stuff.

While the sound is comparable to the Bose Ultra Open, the OpenFit 2+ are certainly more reassuring to wear during strenuous exercise. I was continually worried that the Ultra Open would fall off my ears during jogs due to their pendulous wobbly clip design, and while I got through a 20km run without it happening, I personally know one person who had this happen during a marathon – a disaster, as the earbuds are very expensive.

Taking the Shokz OpenFit 2+ on runs, I felt very secure on linear road runs, and even during trails that demanded a little lateral agility to navigate: I felt them shift slightly a few times, but never feared they would drop off. The only time I did feel them wobble precariously was during explosive jumping motions in a demanding circuits session, and they did indeed threaten to leave my ears during dynamic vertical movement.

Nonetheless, this is a quibble: I loved them. They lie so flat against my skull that I even wear them to bed when I can't sleep and don't want to disturb my wife with an audiobook. They're extremely comfortable, and great for all aspects of active life. They're not quite as rich in sound as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, but they're almost there, they feel more secure, and crucially work out around $100 / £80 cheaper.

Shokz OpenFit 2+: Specifications

Shokz OpenFit 2+: Price and availability

• $179.95 / £169
• $100 / £100 cheaper than Bose Ultra Open Earbuds at launch
• Only $20 / £10 more expensive than regular OpenFit 2

The Shokz OpenFit 2 cost $179.95 / £169 (about AU$350), while the Shokz OpenFit 2+ cost $199.95 / £179 (about AU$370). Official pricing for other regions is TBC. The Shokz are available to order now.

For the extra few dollars and pounds, you get the Dolby audio setting and wireless charging on the hard plastic case, whereas the OpenFit 2 need to be charged via USB, and they're still much cheaper than the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds were at launch.

It’s such a nice convenience, and Dolby makes a big difference for such a small price increase, that my initial thoughts are that the standard OpenFit 2 will rapidly become obsolete; I can’t imagine a situation in which I’d recommend them over the 2+.

• Value score: 4/5

Shokz OpenFit 2+: Scorecard

Shokz OpenFit 2+: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Shokz OpenFit 2+

I wore the Shokz OpenFit 2+ in the gym, during road and trail runs, and during my commute. I wore them with and without glasses for one month, tested the controls in the Shokz app, and drained the battery down. I even wore them during sleep.

First reviewed: June 2025

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: One Minute Review

The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are unquestionably one of the best pair of bone conduction headphones on the market, and certainly the best pair of waterproof headphones I’ve personally tried in a very long time. They perform well in all areas, offering long-lasting battery life and ample storage, and prove comfortable to wear both on land and in water.

I used the headphones on my runs for quite a few weeks and could find precious little to moan about. Their adjustable hooks allow you to achieve supreme comfort, and you can also adjust the transducers – bend them inwards towards your ear, for example, to activate the Runner Diver2 Pro’s “noise canceling” mode – to suit your needs. Note, though, that noise canceling here isn’t exactly on a par with the ANC you’ll find on the Apple AirPods 2 Pro; you’ll need to wear earplugs to really eliminate sound leakage.

Nevertheless, to expect a pair of bone conduction headphones to feature world-class noise canceling is likely an ask too much. The Diver2 Pro are open-ear headphones that have been designed to enable you to continue to hear the world around you, stay safe on the roads and perform well in water. By their nature, bone conduction headphones don’t shut sound away, which explains the reason that the noise canceling mode disappoints here.

Bone conduction headphones work by using transducers to emit sound waves through your temples towards your eardrums, rather than directly into your ear canals. And coupled with the proprietary magnetic charger, silicone casing and 32GB storage in the Diver2 Pro, allow them to be used in the water, too. Bluetooth signals don’t travel well underwater, so the onboard storage is crucial for swimmers.

Overall, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are genuinely well-crafted and well-executed headphones for all manner of sports, from running to swimming. They’re a bit thicker and bulkier than market leader Shokz’ slender offerings, probably in order to accommodate that MP3 player – but we really can’t fault that; the headphones are quick to charge, simple to use and high-performing; they’re great for runners, cyclists and swimmers alike, which will make them near-perfect for triathletes.

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Price & Availability

• $199.99 / £154.50 / AU$427.80
• More expensive than OpenRun Pro 2
• Can be found on sale for less

The base price of the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is $199.99 / £154.50 / AU$427.80. For that sum you get the headphones, the proprietary magnetic charging cable, earplugs, and three sizes of sound-quality enhancers. A carry case is available, but it’s sold separately - which is disappointing considering the price

While the base price is more expensive than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, putting the Diver2 Pro at the very top end of bone conduction models, the headphones can frequently be found at a discounted price on both Nank’s own website and third-party outlets such as Amazon. At the time of writing, Nank’s website has the US version of the Diver2 Pro on sale for $159.99, and the UK version for £123.60.

Find them on sale for less, and I’d consider the Diver2 Pro a good buy – especially at that UK price point.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Design

Weighing around 32g, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro headphones are light and comfortable both in and out of the water, which is surprising given they come packing 32GB storage. Their silicon casing is remarkably soft, especially on the enclosed earplugs, which are made from the same material. The IP69-rated sealed unit makes the Diver2 Pro headphones fully waterproof and sweatproof; even open-water swimmers can use them without worry of saltwater getting into cracks and crevices.

The magnetic proprietary charger is well designed and clips onto the inside of the unit neatly; however, given the price, I was surprised to see Nank still using USB-A for its charging point. I reckon if we’re expected to pay full-price for these headphones, then USB-C – rapidly becoming the new universal standard due to its faster data transfer and charging speeds – should have been used instead.

The headphone’s arms allow you to pull the transistors towards your ears by up to 35 degrees, delivering greater control over how much sound is heard, while a trio of buttons enable you to skip tracks, adjust volume, and switch between Bluetooth and TF (storage) modes. Patented technology aims to reduce vibrations in the unit – a common problem with bone conduction headsets – by up to 35%. You can also slip the included silicon sound-quality enhancers over the base units, to stick in your ears, to ensure sound is conducted more effectively.

Overall, the Diver2 Pro’s are extremely well-designed: light, durable, comfortable and eminently functional.

• Design score: 5/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Features

• Noise canceling mode
• Multipoint connections
• Masses of storage

The adjustable arms of the headphones operate the noise canceling mode that Nank advertises: it claims that by pressing sound units closer to the ears and adding ‘noise canceling waves’ that you have the option between open-ear and closed-ear. You can slip the included silicon sound quality enhancers over the base unit, to stick in your ears and ensure sound is conducted more effectively.

However, the real stars of the show here are the multipoint connection with Bluetooth 5.4, which allows you up to two high-quality connections at once to switch between freely, and the built-in storage. The 32GB offered here is generous, holding up to 8,000 tracks – enough for hours upon hours of podcasts, or the longest workout playlist anyone has ever (probably) compiled. You can adjust the volume up and down, switch between modes or skip tracks with the Diver Pro2’s simple button configuration. While this might appear a limited feature set, in terms of bone conduction headphones, the Diver2 Pro are practically feature-rich.

I can’t really think of anything else I’d want on the Runner Diver2 Pro, apart from the ability to isolate the stored music into specific playlists, as I can do on Spotify. However, I can’t imagine how Nank would go about implementing such capability. These headphones are effectively a high-capacity iPod Shuffle at a fraction of the size, built into a pair of headphones. Awesome.

• Features score: 4/5

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Performance

• Great performance and comfort during runs
• Works well in the pool
• Battery lasts ages

I used the Diver2 Pro for multiple runs of varying length in Bluetooth mode, and found them ridiculously easy to set up and simple to use. My one gripe was that I was expecting the volume up/track forward button to be on the front of the unit rather than the rear, which took some getting used to.

Aside from that minor gripe, the headphones were light, comfortable and a pleasure to run with. While I didn’t find the noise canceling mode particularly useful – there was still plenty of ambient noise leakage, and the music just got louder rather than clearer – but this is a small complaint. From the start, the sound was clear, nicely balanced rather than overly-bassy (which is common with bone conduction headphones), plus the headset worked well for taking calls on the go, cutting out some ambient wind noise at my end.

In the pool, I found the Diver2 Pro similarly useful. Loading the built-in MP3 player with music was super simple from a laptop, and switching to storage (or “TF mode”) from Bluetooth was simply a matter of pressing the power button three times in quick succession. Despite an unavoidable change in sound levels as my head rose and fell out of the water during a swim, I could hear my music clearly throughout my swim.

Battery-wise, the headphones performed as described, lasting for around 12 days with plenty of use before needing to recharge. On the occasion I did find the battery low, charging for 10 minutes delivered an extra hour of use.

• Performance score: 5/5

Scorecard

Nank Runner Diver2 Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I spent weeks testing the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro, going on runs and one pool swim. I drained the battery down with frequent use, charged it again, tried all the modes and loaded songs onto the unit using the proprietary cable.

First reviewed: March/April 2025

My Jabra Elite 8 Actives were perfect – until I lost one. Like most people, I got used to the freedom that using the best workout earbuds provided, with no more tangling wires draped under my shirt anchoring me to my phone. Also, on runs, I often test the best bone conduction headphones to run with, as you get to soundtrack your runs and stay aware of your surroundings.

On this occasion, I was using the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, as I was between bone-conduction headphones to test. Normally very secure, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2s are the Rolls Royce of workout headphones: super-premium, well-engineered, and very comfortable. Halfway through my run, I stopped at the local health club to grab a coffee, took my earbuds out, and one of them slipped through my fingers onto the floor.

Before I could see where it bounced, a group of kids rolled through the foyer fresh from a swim class, and that was the last time I saw that earbud. After 20 minutes of searching the floor and corners for the bud, I left my details with the receptionist and dejectedly began the six-mile run home with one earbud.

I used those earbuds for work and play, so I was practically left without a tool for meetings as well as workouts. Furious with myself, I ordered a couple of cheap pairs of wired headphones; some Sony over-ear headphones reserved for working on my laptop, and a cheap pair of Panasonic RP-TCM225DEK USB-C wired headphones I could use as backup workout buds until I picked up another pair of premium ones.

Although I was still bemoaning the loss of my buds, I was also excited to go back to wired, in a small way. As a former owner of a Sony Walkman and then an iPod Nano, before moving entirely to phones and Spotify, it was a delicious bit of nostalgia. I hadn’t used wired headphones regularly in years.

The Panasonic headphones I bought were exactly what you’d expect of cheap wired headphones from a name-brand electronics company: they came with a trio of earbud sizes, they’ve got a volume rocker and microphone on the right cord, and the sound is deceptively high-quality for an £11.99 (around $15.50 / AU$25) pair of earphones, with no Bluetooth broadcasting to flatten the sound.

The plastic case does stick out of the ear a bit, which makes lying on your side a consideration, and now and again I got a touch of white noise when I paused whatever track I was playing.

I have used these non-stop for the past three weeks for all kinds of exercise, along with meditation and sleep. Here are three things I loved about the experience, along with two I really didn’t.

What I loved

1. No charging anxiety

It sounds obvious, but having one less thing to charge made a big difference in my pre-workout routine, especially long runs. No more dreading the woman who lives inside my Bluetooth headphones telling me “battery low” halfway through a 10-miler.

I keep my wired buds with the rest of my running kit, and I know they’re always ready to go. One less thing on my mind.

2. More sustainability

A very similar point to the last one, in a way: I counted how many devices I owned with rechargeable lithium batteries, and was thoroughly shocked – phone, smartwatch, smart ring, Nintendo Switch, laptop, tablet, Kindle. Apart from my laptop, every one of these devices is a sealed unit, and when the battery eventually dies, it's thrown away or recycled.

Rechargeable, true wireless buds in particular are huge contributors to e-waste due to using three batteries: one in each earbud and one in the case. Wired headphones have fewer parts to start with, making them theoretically a more eco-friendly option, providing they’re taken care of.

3. Affordability

My wired headphones cost £11.99 (around $15.50 / AU$25) from Amazon. While there are affordable true wireless headphones out there with very serviceable sound quality (such as the JLab Go Air Sport), it’s hard to argue with this sort of value. As they include fewer parts, wired headphones can be picked up very cheaply while still retaining an element of reliability.

What I didn't love

4. The wire

Argh. It only took accidentally yanking the headphones out of my ears one time to remember why we all switched to wireless in the first place. The live wire also means the buds are only light rain- and sweat-proof, not truly water-resistant. One saving grace, though, is that I dropped my phone once, and it was only spared a fatal concrete kiss by the plugged-in wire.

Less universality

While the headphone jack still has its place on most laptops and entertainment centers, headphone jacks in phones and tablets are now an endangered species. This means I had to get the Panasonic RP-TCM225DEK headphones with a USB-C end, and if I wanted to wear them in bed, they competed with the charging port for access.

USB-C is increasingly becoming the industry standard now that Apple has moved over, but the headphone jack is synonymous with better music quality.

You might also like...

• The best wired earbuds 2025, from cheap USB-C to audiophile-grade IEMs
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are officially here
• The best running gadget you're not using, but should be (according to the experts)

• Audio-Technica's new cartilage conduction headphones are here
• They feature 20 hours of battery life
• Cartilage conduction uses your ears to transmit sound, in a similar vein to bone conduction

Audio-Technica has today unveiled its brand new Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 cartilage conduction headphones.

The second-generation of its cartilage conduction efforts, these headphones are a great alternative to the best bone conduction headphones on the market, trasmitting sound through the cartilage of the ear rather than the bones in your skull.

It's a nifty way to avoid some of the vibration complaints you might have had with the likes of Shokz, which we find to be an everpresent quirk of the existing bone conduction technology.

Cartilage conduction turns your ears themselves into speakers, letting you hear music and calls all while keeping your ear canals free and open. Not only is this more hygienic than your average pair of workout headphones, it also leaves you free to stay in tune to your surroundings, keeping those runs and bike rides safer.

Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 : The details

As you can see, they look a lot like bone conduction headphones, with a similar open-ear design and lightweight fit. They're made of titanium and silicone and weigh just 32 grams.

Audio comes via AT's PAT.P vibration drivers and its Acoustic Pure Sound Stabilizer, which should eliminate the degradation in sound quality vibration normally delivers.

A real highlight is the 20 hours of battery life from a single charge, with 10-minute quick charge offering up 120 minutes of playback.

You can use them to take calls with a built-in microphone, and there's AI-powered noise reduction technology to make your voice clearer during calls and meetings.

They're IPX4 water resistant, so immune to rain, splashes, and sweat, and can be paired to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. You'll also get compatibility with Siri, Google Assistant, and Audio-Technica's Connect app. Charging is delivered via USB-C.

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 headphones are available now from Audio-Technica.com, retailing at £119 / €139. Unfortunately, those of you in the US are out of luck, as the headphones won't be available there. AU prices are TBC.

You may also like

• The Powerbeats Pro 2 are my new favorite workout headphones, but not because of their heart rate monitor
• Apple just unveiled its most ambitious health study yet – here's how you can take part with just an iPhone
• A Redditor installed a PSP emulator on a Galaxy Watch 5, and now it runs GTA at 60fps and God of War

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: One-minute review

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 arrives as an updated version of the Jabra Elite 8 Active, which were released in September 2023. They were sporty truly wireless earbuds and we were big fans, stating they were “everything you’d want from a pair of fitness earbuds”.

For Gen 2, Jabra is still promising buds and a charging case that can withstand the rigours of a tough workout and stay put in the process. Now it’s increased the Elite 8 Active’s spatial sound powers, and promises improvements with how they’ll block out the world with ANC and HearThrough modes.

Outside of those upgrades, it’s largely the same experience as using the Elite 8 Active Gen 1. They offer a great, reliable fit without ear hooks and bright, customizable sound with good but not class-leading battery life.

These are set to be Jabra’s last set of Elite true wireless earbuds, as it’s decided to shutter its consumer headphone business. It’s a genuine shame because the Elite 8 Active Gen 2, while not a necessary upgrade for Gen 1 owners, is one of the best true wireless sports earbuds you can buy that also work great outside of workouts and are well worth the money in our opinion.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: Price and availability

• Priced at £229.99 / $229.99 / AU$329
• Released: June 2024

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 launched in June 2024 and went on sale for $229.99 / £229.99 / AU$329. That does mean they come in pricier than the Elite 8 Active Gen 1, which are currently available for $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.

These are definitely true wireless sports earbuds that sit at the top end in terms of pricing. They’re slightly more expensive than the Beats Fit Pro, but do remain cheaper than the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, which unlike the Elite 8 Active, uses ear hooks to keep them secure during your sweatier sessions with them.

• Value score: 4/5

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Specifications

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Design

• Same reliable fit as Gen 1
• Charging case now slightly heavier
• Added USB-C to 3.5mm cable

Essentially, the design and the way the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 sits and operates in your ears hasn’t changed from Gen 1. You can pick it up in black, coral, navy blue and olive (pictured) colors, with its liquid silicone rubber coating which has a pleasingly soft touch to it.

Like Gen 1, it’s using Jabra’s ShakeGrip fit to keep them inside of your ears without the need for wingtips or ear hooks. Again much like its predecessor, the fit is great: they really do really stay put without aids. There’s not many earbuds that achieve this kind of secure fit when your exercise time gets more intense without adopting some sort of earhook design, but these really do the job of remaining secure. They’re comfortable too, I’ve used them for over an hour-long workouts and they’ve not caused any sort of irritation.

While there’s nothing here to add extra security to its fit, Jabra does still include large, medium and small silicone eartips to improve sound isolation and help you make sure you enjoy the best ANC performance, with the ideal fit inside of your ears.

Jabra builds physical controls once again into the exterior of the buds, which can be customised in Jabra’s Sound+ companion smartphone app. These controls allow you to handle calls, adjust volume, skip back and forward through tracks and are some of the best controls I’ve used on fitness-focused earbuds, especially when you’re on the move. The controls are more reliable to press than to swipe or tap on touch controls, which seems to be the route a lot of other earbuds opt for. Jabra’s approach works great here, and I found the volume control support particularly well integrated into the buds.

In terms of its defence against moisture, it’s the same as Gen 1 with Jabra sticking to an IP68 water resistant rating. This gives it one of the strongest levels of protection against moisture you’ll find on a set of earbuds: we dropped the first gen into a glass of water, no trouble. The case also carries an IP54 rating, which isn't as strong a defence against water, but does mean as a package the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers good protection against sweat, rain and a splash of water or two.

The charging case has slightly jumped in weight, likely to account for its added smarter powers, with a physical button in front to pair with your devices and a single LED light above to indicate pairing and charging status. At the base is a USB-C port to charge the buds or you can use the accompanying USB-C/3.5mm cable to enable the new spatial sound mode when connected with other devices like a monitor or TV..

• Design score: 5/5

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Features

• New LE Audio smart case
• Improved ANC and Heathrough modes
• Bluetooth 5.3

The headline news here lies with the case, which Jabra is calling the world’s first LE Audio smart case. That case allows you to enjoy spatial sound from devices such as TVs and screens built into gym equipment, by using a physical USB-C to 3.5mm cable jack to plug the case into that device, and stream audio from the case. Then when you stick the buds in your ears and have spatial sound enabled in the app, you can enjoy that surround-sound listening experience. It’s a revolution to no longer need cabled headphones for gym equipment.

On the listening front, Jabra says it’s improved the effectiveness of the ANC and HearThrough modes on Gen 2 to be twice as effective at cancelling out sound. There’s Bluetooth 5.3 to offer reliable connectivity, support for multipoint sharing and a welcome Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters.

Inside of the companion smartphone app, you’ve got scope to tinker with that sound and enable a Spotify Tap mode for quick access to the music streaming service. There’s fast pairing for Android devices and you can summon your smartphone’s assistant, whether that’s Siri or Google Assistant, straight from the buds.

In terms of audio codecs supported, it’s the same AAC and SBC ones offered on Gen 1, which might be a source of bad news for serious audiophiles, though I’d expect that’s not going to be an issue for those grabbing these predominantly for workouts.

• Features score: 4/5

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Performance

• Same enjoyable, workout-friendly sound
• ANC mode good but not best in class
• Spatial sound case mode could have its uses

The remit of the Gen 2 Elite 8 Active is the same as Gen 1, to offer a sound that’s a great fit for workouts. There’s the option of active noise cancellation, but like its predecessor it’s not Jabra’s best available advanced ANC support. There’s also a HearThrough mode, which can be tweaked in the app to control the balance of your sound and exterior sounds, to give you more or less awareness of your surroundings. You can also choose to have neither of these modes in play as well.

When you head into the companion Sound+ app, you’ll be met with an equaliser, six EQ presets and the scope to build custom ones. There’s also a Dolby Spatial Sound mode, which is designed for when you’re exercising in front of a screen. So, maybe watching the TV on a screen built into a treadmill as opposed to listening to music. This Spatial Sound mode is also now extended to the case. It feels like quite a niche feature to add in here and actually more of a useful feature when you’re not in the gym with them. They’re a nifty solution for when you’re flying and don’t want to use those free wired headphones.

These are buds tha sonically sound solid when you’re working out and when you’re just working at your desk. To me, the sound profile doesn’t sound all that different from the first generation Elite 8 Active. It’s a sound quality I’d describe as bright, powerful with plenty of bass warmth. They don’t give you the best they have to offer in sound straight out of the box, but once you’ve tinkered with things in the app, you can get something that helps that treble sparkle and achieve overall a more balanced sound whether you opt for bass-heavy songs or prefer things far more relaxed.

It’s a similar story for call quality, where there’s six microphones in place to deliver calls to your ears. The call quality overall here is very good for a truly wireless earbud. Calls offer good volume and the clarity overall makes them ideal to break your workout for an important call.

Jabra claims that the ANC support on the Gen 2 can cancel out twice as much noise as Gen 1, but does stick to the same adaptive hybrid ANC support, so that ANC adjusts based on your environment. It’s particularly designed to help battle more blustery, windy conditions such as the sort of intrusion you get running or cycling.

I’d say that the ANC performance has been good overall. I’m not wholly convinced it’s twice as good as Gen 1, but I’d put its performance below the top-performing ANC-packing truly wireless earbuds. Inside and outside, they muffle the sounds around you in an effective way as opposed to entirely drowning them out. I found that running near busy roads did an effective job of drowning the sounds in my environment. While they don’t entirely block out wind, they do a good job of muting it. It was a similar story using them in a gym and dampening the sound of the gym speaker system.

It’s a similar story with Jabra’s HearThrough mode: I can’t say I noticed a discernible difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2, but it remains one of the best examples of a mode that wants to achieve a better balance between interior and exterior sounds.

In terms of connectivity, I’ve had some good and a little bad here, which wasn’t really the case with Gen 1. In general, connecting to a range of devices including an iPhone, Android phone, Android tablet, MacBook Air, a connected rower and an Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Forerunner 965 has been fine. With the iPhone, I’ve experienced the buds disconnecting and reconnecting during some listening time. It could have something to do with running a beta version of iOS on my iPhone, but this isn’t something I’ve experienced on the previous version. Thankfully, it’s only happened a couple of times, but it’s not ideal.

For battery life, it's more of the same here with Gen 2. Jabra promises the same battery numbers with and without ANC in use. It’s up to 8 hours of music streaming with ANC in use or 14 hours with ANC turned off. When you factor in a fully charged case, you’re getting anywhere from 32-56 hours depending on that ANC use.

My experience suggests certain EQ modes in use also offer quicker drain on battery, as does listening volume. For over an hour of use with the ANC enabled and the bass boost EQ mode, the battery dropped by around 30%. For a similar workout without ANC, it was half that. So I wouldn't say those promised numbers entirely correspond with my experience of using them.

Fortunately, Jabra does still include its useful fast charge mode, which gives you an hour of listening time from a 5-minute charge. You've also got the convenience of wireless charging if you happen to have QI-certified setup.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Scorecard

Jabra Elite 8 Active: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I used the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 for two weeks, using them for a range of workouts including indoor and outdoor runs, gym workouts like indoor rowing, cycling and strength training. I also used them for travelling on trains and buses and using them for work.

In terms of pairing to devices, I paired with an iPhone, Android phone, Android tablet, MacBook Pro streaming from services and apps including Spotify and YouTube. I also tested with the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Apple Watch Ultra to test the connectivity support for smartwatches and sports watches. I also paired them with a connected rower and treadmill.

I have over a decade of experience testing and writing about consumer technology and that includes a big focus on sports headphones. I’ve tested sports headphones and truly wireless earbuds across a range of prices from budget to premium, so have a good idea of the good and bad in this category and what makes a great pair of headphones for exercise.

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport: Two-minute review

There might not be a better set of headphones for triathletes than the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport. Their lightweight frame, flexible build, and host of features, particularly the Playlist+ feature that lets you record a playlist from a source directly to the headset, make it better than the best open earbuds or the best wireless earbuds for use in the water. There’s also a case to be made for considering these over the best running headphones if you’re looking for something specifically for races, marathons, or even a lengthy jog.

Being bone conduction headphones, the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport aren’t going to be the best sounding option out there,but they sound better than most bone conduction headphones I’ve used. And having completely uncovered ears is crucial if you need to hear your surroundings when on the trail or running alongside traffic.

That said, there’s still some room for growth, as I’ll go into in a bit, and the price is on the higher side for this form factor. But, triathletes, swimmers, and anyone that hates plugging up their ears during a workout (they work well in the gym as well) will get a lot out of the H2O Audio Tri 2 Multi-Sport.

The Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, at 3.2 grams, is very lightweight. It wraps around the back the head with a frame that can be twisted this way and that, not to mention has plenty of clearance in the back to fit all sorts of head shapes and sizes (and also handle plenty of abuse). It’s extremely stable and doesn’t move at all even with rapid head movements.

Its matte black rubberized covering offers an essentially waterproof IPX8 rating, which is one of the things that makes it so good for use in the water. Its charging port is a unique proprietary one, most likely to keep the headset fully waterproof.

The downside of the thick covering comes when trying to manipulate the controls, of which there are three: volume down, power, and volume up. The headphones are somewhat slow to respond, especially when trying to use secondary functions, which are triggered by either a double press or a long press. On top of that, if the double press isn’t quick enough, it just registers as two successive single presses.

This is particularly frustrating when trying to switch from Bluetooth to on-board memory in the middle of a run, or when trying to use the Playlist+ feature. I ended up having a few moments of silence that I didn’t mean to record along with the beginning of another song when testing this feature because my presses weren’t always registering.

On the bright side, the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport comes with 8GB of storage and a built-in MP3 player that allows about 2,000 songs to be loaded for use when you can’t or don’t want to bring your phone, such as in the water where Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t work well. This is all bolstered by the Playlist+ feature, which essentially live records whatever you play through the Bluetooth connection once engaged and turns it into an MP3 loaded onto the headphones.

Of course, if you run a whole playlist while doing this, it basically registers it as one song, so if you want to skip from song to song, you’ll have to start and stop for each song. Still, it’s a welcome way to add music to the onboard storage without buying MP3s.

Since using the buttons can be problematic, engaging the Playlist+ feature and getting exactly what I wanted was a bit of a chore as I ended with the beginning parts of the last song cut off while I was trying to stop the feature without initial success.

Doing that through the app where I could control by pressing on the app was much easier. In general, the app was easy to navigate. My only gripe with the app is that I have to switch from Bluetooth mode to memory mode to see what’s stored on the headphones and then back again to use the Playlist+ feature.

Before I dig into the overall sound quality of the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, I want to talk about the vibrations of it and bone-conduction headphones in general. These types of headphones transmit sound by essentially vibrating the frequencies through the high cheek bones. The benefit of this is that it leaves your ear completely untouched so you can hear everything around you – even transparency mode on wireless earbuds aren’t as good. Check out our guide to how bone conduction headphones work for more details. The drawback is that at higher volumes, the vibrations can cause discomfort, sometimes even to the point of nausea. It’s the main reason that I typically don’t use bone-conduction headphones as my daily driver (I’m also only doing around three-mile runs, typically).

However, H2O Audio has somehow managed to greatly minimize this effect to the point where I only get a very slight discomfort at the highest settings, and even then it’s more annoying than anything else. Regarding the sound quality itself, it’s good but don’t expect hi-res audio. When using them during a run or even just around the house, they’re not going to have the detail and clarity of high quality earbuds. But, they do reproduce everything well enough.

There’s a decent amount of bass, though not a huge amount (it probably would create the discomfort issues I mentioned above). The midrange is nice and full, while the high-end is a little rolled off but doesn’t sound veiled. As is often the case with bone-conduction headphones, it’s good for the form factor and that’s good enough.

Interestingly enough, they sound better underwater when used with the provided earplugs. When I put the earplugs in before submerging, the audio gets boomy and somewhat indistinct, but as soon as I go under, everything sounds clear as day with tight bass and balanced mids and high end. It’s really quite something to experience.

While you can take calls with the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, they’re not ideal for it as you’ll sound quiet and a bit far away. It’s not a huge deal breaker to me just because of the niche purpose of these headphones (and the fact that most earbuds are still just okay in this department).

Lastly, I want to mention the battery life as it offers nine hours of use (18 total if you spring for the charging case). Though something like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 offers 12 hours on a single charge, that’s quite good compared to what many wireless earbuds offer and is enough for a marathon, not to mention you won’t have to deal with discomfort of sweaty earbuds.

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport: Specifications

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport’s price point of $199.99 / £155.68 is a bit pricey for a pair of bone-conduction headphones, but its price makes sense when you think about the fact that the original version of this tri-athlete-focused headset started at $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00) and the introduction of the Playlist+ feature added about $20/£20 to the price tag.

Bumping the price up thanks to some design upgrades makes sense as well, though I would have liked to see the Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport keep the same price point as the Playlist+ enabled version 1 it replaced. If you have a little extra money to spend, there’s also a charging case available for an extra $49.99 (about £40 / AU$80).

Spending around $200 on bone conduction headphones is not unheard of. For example, the Suunto Wing has a similar price point at $199 / £169 / AUS $319. Of course, it doesn’t have the Playlist+ feature and its sound quality is underwhelming. However, it does offer up to 30 hours of battery life with its charging case. You get up to 18 with the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport only if you pay extra for the charging case.

• Price: 4 / 5

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport: Scorecard

Should I buy the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

• Tested over a month
• Listened to different kinds of media
• Tested all the different features

I spent a month using the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport as my workout headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I used them in various settings such as on a run and even under water. Check out our guide to how bone conduction headphones work for more details.

After testing, it’s clear that they serve their purpose well as they are, per the name, for triathletes, swimmers, and athletes in general who want to hear their surroundings while listening to music.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed November 2024

Shokz has announced the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, a new contender for the best bone conduction headphones designed for runners, and the best running headphones. With audio upgrades promising deeper bass, and a longer battery life than the original OpenRun Pro, they look set to be Shokz’ best headphones yet. 

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 retain the same look and feel of their predecessors, the original Shokz OpenRun Pro (and this goes right back to older models, when the brand was called Aftershokz), comprising a high-strength band with a silicone covering and transducer pads designed to fit around the temples. 

This standard bone conduction design leaves your ears free to hear the world around you – great for staying aware of potential hazards during runs – while transmitting audio through your temples towards your eardrum. 

The OpenRun Pro 2 are sporting several small changes here, featuring both bone conduction drivers and air conduction speakers. The bone conduction driver is said to offer a “new dual reed and coil innovative design stabilizes the vibration system, producing a purer vocal sound”, while the air conduction speaker is pitched lower for “booming, deep bass”. It sounds like our test runs for these will be well soundtracked. 

The OpenRun Pro 2 also offer a longer battery life (12 hours, compared to the original’s 10), multipoint pairing to two devices, and a 2.5 hour listening time on just five minutes of charge time. They're available now, priced at $179.95 / £169 / AU$299.

Analysis: If it ain't broke...

Bone conduction headphones haven’t changed much in design since the days of the Aftershokz Aeropex (although we do also have the best open-ear headphones now), and with the OpenRun Pro 2 Shokz isn't messing with this tried-and-tested formula. 

It’s just improving what’s already there, with better audio quality and longer life. To be honest, that’s all it had to do, and I’m certainly in the camp of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. 

I’m a keen user of the original Shokz OpenRun, so the prospect of having amazing sound quality and 2.5 hours of playback on a five-minute charge is an exciting prospect. Watch this space for a full review soon. 

You might also like

• How do bone conduction headphones actually work?
• Suunto Wing review: Bone conduction headphone tech with added toughness
• The best running watch 2024

Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Two minute review

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a more capable, upgraded version of the regular Shokz OpenSwim headphones. It adds Bluetooth connectivity for live music streaming to the existing built-in MP3 support, making the headset more attractive to anybody wanting to listen to music in non-swimming settings as well as underwater.

Targeted at both aquatic and regular activities, the OpenSwim Pro is best suited to open-water and pool swimmers. Its IP68 rating means it's protected to depths of up to two meters, for up to two hours. Enough for a pretty intense triathlon swim, and certainly enough for an hour in the pool.

Like the rest of the Shokz range, the OpenSwim Pro sits over the ear, rather than in it, which means it fits more ear shapes. The bone-conducting technology may not match the sound quality of conventional earphones, but the PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology makes sure that the audio is clear and bass is reasonably strong.

It’s a shame that, even though it launched two years after the OpenRun Pro, the OpenSwim Pro uses eighth-gen bone conduction technology, whereas the Run model uses ninth-gen tech (which Shokz calls TurboPitch).

Where the Shokz OpenSwim Pro excels against other earphones is the fact that (just like the rest of the best bone conduction headphones) you can hear ambient sounds, such as traffic and people talking, very clearly. In fact, even as an avid AirPods Pro and AirPods Max user (with Transparency Mode), I found myself choosing to pick up the OpenSwim Pro headphones for a quick run or walking the dog because I felt less disconnected from the outside world. 

The device only weighs 27.3 grams, which means there’s little to no ear fatigue. Plus, you can pick one of two designs that match your style – a vibrant, active-inspired orange headset or a safer grey color.

Although the device is waterproof, Bluetooth signals aren’t, so you’ll need to use MP3 mode to listen to your tunes when you’re in the water. This is fine, because you’re unlikely to have your phone nearby anyway, and you can switch between MP3 and Bluetooth modes by holding down the two volume buttons.

The 32GB of onboard storage is enough for around 8,000 songs, and transferring files onto the OpenSwim Pro is as easy as dragging and dropping files onto it as if it were a regular flash drive (although this is no good if, like me, you rely on streaming services for most of your auditory needs). It’s a shame that the included cable uses a regular USB connection rather than the newer, increasingly popular, and more versatile USB-C connection.

There are two noise-cancelling mics for taking calls or interacting with voice assistants in Bluetooth mode only. I took a few calls in the office, as well as while walking and cycling, and received no complaints about the quality of the audio.

The battery life is a particular strong point of the OpenSwim Pro, which is capable of up to nine hours of audio playback on Bluetooth mode, or six hours when playing from the built-in MP3 library. It might fall short of the OpenRun Pro’s 10 hours, but it does support the same quick charging speed, with a short 10-minute charge powering up to three hours of extra audio. Put it this way – I used the headphones for an entire working day and they were still ready to keep going for a little longer.

Compared with the regular OpenSwim, the OpenSwim Pro has upgraded bone conducting technology, support for quick charging, 28GB more onboard storage and Bluetooth support for streaming and calls, so it’s easily worth the small premium, priced at $179.95 / £169 / AU$299.

On the whole, the OpenSwim Pro is easy to recommend for anybody who spends a lot of time doing a variety of exercises – the fact that it’s genuinely one of the best waterproof headphones and not just water-resistant is advantageous, but even if swimming has become a failed New Year’s resolution, it’s a versatile, long-lasting and great-performing headset.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Specifications

Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Scorecard

AllTrails: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I replaced my AirPods with the Shokz OpenSwim Pro for listening to music and taking calls when in the office, walking the dog, running, cycling and swimming – both in the pool and in a lake. I compared speaker and mic quality in various settings, used Bluetooth and MP3 modes, and configured some settings in the Shokz app.

Emeet Airflow: One minute review

If you haven’t heard of Emeet before, you’re not alone. Previously, the company only made other work-based tech products, like cameras and speakers. It also has two pairs of over-ear headphones, but the Emeet Airflow are the brand’s first pair of earbuds. 

The Emeet Airflow have an open-ear design, which uses air conduction tech by positioning a small speaker on the outside of your ear, not in your ear canal like most of the best wireless earbuds. This style has become popular over the last few years. Our best open-ear headphones guide is filled with options to suit a range of budgets. Smaller audio tech brands are introducing open-ear designs, and big tech companies like Bose are getting in on the action. 

Open-ear headphones are appealing because they free your ear canals, enabling you to listen to music while still hearing sounds around you. The complete opposite proposition to the best noise-cancelling earbuds and best noise-cancelling headphones. Ideal for runners, cyclists or people who generally would like to be more aware of their surroundings in any situation. Like those who need to be on hand at an office or listen out for their kids as they work at home.

They also appeal to people who don’t like the feel and fit of other kinds of headphones. Some people don’t like the stuffed-ear feeling they get from wearing a pair of the best true wireless earbuds in their ear canals. Or the pressure of the cups and headband when they’re wearing over-ears.

But although there’s a lot of appeal to this design, it’s not always easy to get right. I tested many of the buds in our best open-ear headphones guide, and several were a little fiddly to put on when I was also wearing glasses or were unstable when I wore my hair down. So, how did the Emeet Airflow compare? 

Surprisingly well. I initially had some minor fit issues when I had to position them behind my ears alongside glasses. But otherwise, they’re a secure and comfortable fit that I prefer over bigger name brands. The audio on offer here isn’t perfect. But for a pair of open ears, the sound is clear, can get loud, and is ideal for a work-based setting. 

A couple of added features make the Emeet Airflow unique, including a detachable mic – a bonus for upgrading work calls – and a charging case that claims to clean the buds with UV light. 

As long as you’re not expecting sonic excellence – which isn’t really possible where air conduction is concerned – the Emeet Airflow are a surprisingly solid choice of open-ear buds. They’re especially good if you’re looking for a pair of buds predominantly for the office or for making work-based calls, as they straddle the line between buds and a headset.

Emeet Airflow: Price and availability

• Cost $179.99 in the US 
• £129.99 in the UK 
• About AU$272 in Australia (actual pricing tbc)

The Emeet Airflow cost $179.99 / £129.99 / about AU$272, and they’re available now.

How do they compare to rivals? This price makes the Emeet Airflow a little cheaper than the similar 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50, which cost $149.99 / £149.99 / around AU$290, and a similar price to the JBL Soundgear Sense at $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$231.

The Shokz OpenFit are significantly more expensive at $179.95/£179.99/AU$289. Although the Shokz OpenFit are one of my favorite pairs of open-ear buds, so the elevated price does make some sense.

With this in mind, they’re priced in the mid-range, and I’d say performance-wise that adds up. I think it is possible to find better and cheaper true wireless buds, but if it’s the air-conduction style you want, this price represents good value. 

•  Value score: 4 / 5 

Emeet Airflow: Design

• Stable fit compared to rivals
• Comfortable 
• Simple design

Looks-wise, the Emeet Airflow have a basic design that I’d describe as quite corporate. That’s probably because they strike me as a buds-meet-headset offering. That’s not to say they look bad or you can’t wear them outside of the office and, again, this is down to personal preference – in fact a few people I spoke to liked the more “serious” look and feel of these buds compared to sportier ones.

There are two large, shiny circles on the buds with the Emeet logo. This is the area you can tap to use touch controls. These worked well, especially because I managed to achieve a secure fit. This means activating a touch control doesn’t throw off the stability.

The buds have large hooks to sit behind your ear and position the speaker next to your ear canal. These hooks have a 1mm titanium memory steel wire inside, which makes them flexible and skin-friendly silicone on the outside. These buds also have stabilizing fins, which you can add for an even more secure fit. 

Weighing in at a mere 8.5g per bud, they’re incredibly light and on par with their competitors. The combination of their design, materials, and lightweight form made the Emeet Airflow a joy to wear, especially after I had adjusted them to my liking at the start – a process that took only a minute or two. 

Once I had them on, I found myself forgetting about them several times. The Emeet Airflow's design and fit make them perfect for work, but their comfort and stability also make them a great choice for sports and walking. There’s a little movement, but not enough to be a concern. 

The only time they moved a little was when I took them to the gym and used the cross trainer – then again, these aren’t explicitly for workouts, and they still fared exceptionally well on a rowing machine, while lifting weights and doing some functional fitness. They also have an IPX5 rating, meaning they're sweat-proof. But although sweat won’t damage them, it might have caused the fit to become a bit loose when I tested them. 

This comfortable fit experience elevates them above some key rivals, particularly the 1More Fit S50, a decent pair of open-ear buds that were just not crafted for smaller ears like mine. 

• Design score: 4 / 5

Emeet Airflow: Features

• Multi-point connectivity
• Detachable mic
• 40-hour battery life

The Emeet Airflow has some handy features onboard, cementing them as a solid choice for offices, work and calls. 

The most interesting is the detachable mic, which easily slots into a port at the base of the buds – you can pick either side – making them more of a headset-meets-earbuds hybrid. This mic is small and thin, but there’s a little spot for it in the charging case, so you can keep it safe when you’re not using it.

Battery life is good at 8 hours from the buds and 40 hours from the case. This is more-or-less exactly the amount of time I got from them during testing; this varied a little depending on how many calls I made. The more calls, the quicker the battery seemed to drain. 

For comparison, the Shokz OpenFit have 7 hours of battery in the buds and 28 hours in the case, so the Emeet outperform them. Then again, the OneOdio OpenRock Pro have an exceptional 19 hours of battery in the buds and 46 hours from the case, so it is possible to get better if long-lasting power from this form factor is a priority.

The charging case isn’t small by true wireless earbuds standards, but it is slim and pocketable. It has a premium look and feel despite feeling like plastic. The case has an added trick up its sleeve as it cleans the earbuds as they charge. Emeet promises the case can sterilize 99.99% of common bacteria. This isn’t common, but I’ve seen similar tech in other true wireless bud cases – given they go into your ear canal it’s probably more necessary there. I doubt anyone would favor the Emeet buds over a rival for this feature, and it is hard to quantify whether it works, but this is down to personal preference.

The Emeet Airflow come with a small USB dongle. This allows you to connect them to a laptop. The process felt a little fiddly and annoying compared to the easy experience I had connecting them to my phone.

Emeet Tune is the accompanying app. It has many simple features, such as showing the status of the buds, allowing you to tweak the EQ, and customizing some on-ear controls.

• Features score: 4 / 5

Emeet Airflow: Performance

Sound quality here isn’t excellent, but it’s surprisingly good considering the design of the buds. Music sounded clear and detailed with some richness and even bass – especially at higher volumes, likely due to the large 16.2mm drivers.

Tracks like ‘Back on 74’ by Jungle and ‘Got It Bad’ by Leisure sounded clear and melodic across the range, with bright vocals and pleasing drum beats, even at the highest volumes. Overall, I felt the Emeet Airflow were really well-suited to tracks like this, which are soulful and a little poppy with smooth basslines.

But don’t expect strong bass here or the feeling of immersion you’d get from a different, closed design. I noticed this lack of immersion most distinctly when it came to heavier rock or punk tracks, like ‘Beat Your Heart Out’ from The Distillers and ‘Sick, Sick, Sick’ from Queens of the Stone Age, which sounded fine, but flatter and less lively than other kinds of buds, especially at high volumes.

Emeet says the buds are designed to be anti-sound leakage. I tested this and had to ask a friend to get close to hear the sound. Playing ‘Burn The Witch’ by Queens of the Stone Age at full volume stood around 1 meter away; they could make out sound in that sort of tinny, distant way. To some extent, it’s impossible for no sound leakage with a pair of open ears but I felt like this performance was impressive. This makes me confident to recommend them for wear in most offices – just be wary about cranking the volume up to the limits.

As you’d expect, calls here sound great. This is thanks to the detachable mic, which improved clarity and made calls way more pleasing overall. But it isn’t necessary for decent call quality if you don’t like it because there are two built-in omnidirectional microphones in the buds, too. 

Emeet also offers what it calls a “VoiceCore algorithm,” which can filter out noises on both sides of the call up to 50dB. I definitely felt like taking calls with these buds was better than with other air-conduction earbuds I’ve tested.

• Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Emeet Airflow: Scorecard

Emeet Airflow: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I wore the Emeet Airflow buds every day for three weeks. This gave me the chance to use them in different situations.

I used them to listen to music and podcasts while I was walking around a few different cities and the countryside. As well as on jogs along the beach and when I worked out at the gym. 

I paired them with an iPhone 14 Pro and mostly used Spotify and Apple Music to test them. I paired them with a laptop and used them to listen to movies on Mubi and Disney Plus.

I’ve tested lots of different headphones and earbuds over the past 12 years, especially devices that are designed for fitness. I’m particularly interested in audio tech that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. 

First reviewed: July 2024

As summer is fast approaching, that can only mean one thing; the running season is near. While it can be quite a daunting exercise for many people, a little bit of motivational music or a thought-provoking podcast makes running a more enjoyable experience - and it's all down to a good set of running headphones. 

With that in mind, now is the time to start gathering your research on what running headphones will work best for you. Research can take quite some time, so it's best to make an early start on your hunt for running headphones so that you can snag a great pair in time for your first run of the summer. Even if you're completely new to running or if you’re very experienced and are looking to upgrade your gear for your next marathon, we’re here to point you in the right direction so that you can secure the best running headphones for your needs. 

Like with any piece of gear, there are a lot of factors to think about before making the final purchase. While appearance is a big element for most runners, it takes more than a good-looking set of headphones to endure the intensity of a run no matter the distance. You need to take into account audio capabilities, waterproofing, and overall fit, because no one wants to be uncomfortable while nailing a 5k.

To narrow it down for you, we’ve pinpointed three basic areas for you to look for during your hunt for running headphones. Throughout our guide, we’ve also weaved in some recommendations we think fit best for each element along with links to our guides on the different types of running headphones. Hopefully these three elements will give you a clear idea of what to look for, and more importantly, help you soundtrack your runs wherever you are in your running journey.

1. Awareness 

Scoring a set of noise cancelling headphones can guarantee your listening experience will be smooth and uninterrupted. But while this makes for great audio quality overall,, it’s important to consider your surroundings during a run, especially if you run through cities and busier areas. 

Though some of the best noise cancelling headphones can help to improve overall sound quality, what they lack is the ability to leave you aware of your surroundings and when it comes to running, personal safety should come first. With that in mind, it’s worth checking out what bone conduction headphones are out there. 

The best bone conduction headphones like the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport let outside noise in by sending sound vibrations through the bones in your ear and jaw, leaving room for sounds of traffic, cyclists, and other loud commuters to be more present during your exercises. 

You’ll find the same effect with the best open ear headphones such as the Shokz OpenFit, which don’t place the tech directly within the ear canal leaving room for you to pick up on your surroundings. If you don’t like open ear designs, transparency modes found on earbuds such as the AirPods Pro 2 would do the trick, as long as you keep the volume at a low-to-medium level.

2. Waterproofing 

It should be a no-brainer that this should be another factor to consider when purchasing running headphones, and it’s even more important if you live somewhere where rainfall is constant (I’m talking to you UK runners).

The easiest way to see if a set of headphones has good waterproofing is to check out its IP rating and know the difference between them. In short, headphones with an IP rating of IPX4 and over will provide reliable waterproofing, meaning that you can use them in wet weather conditions without worrying about damaging them. In that case, we’d suggest checking out the JBL Reflect Aero earphones (IP68), or the previously mentioned H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport (IPX8).

Additionally, the best waterproof headphones will be able to endure heavy sweat conditions during longer runs or exercises at a higher intensity, so if wet weather isn’t a concern for you, waterproofing is still a factor for you to consider if you frequent HIIT workouts. The first model that comes to mind is the Beats Powerbeats Pro (IPX4), which are also great endurance headphones if you’re a long distance runner. 

You should note that there is a difference between waterproof and water-resistant headphones, both of which provide different things. We have a waterproof vs water-resistant headphones guide which helps identify exactly what you’re looking for. 

3. Fit 

One thing that runners look for in any fitness gear is comfort, and like any good pair of running shoes, the same applies to running headphones. 

Unlike regular headphone models, it’s essential for runners to consider purchasing a set that provides a secure fit which will then ensure a reliable running experience. Many audio brands have adopted different designs and measures for their wireless headphones, the most common one being over-ear hook headphones like the Shokz OpenFit, which double as great open ear headphones.

Shokz’s extensive range of over-ear hook designs makes them a reliable option for running headphones that fit securely. In addition to its ear-hook style headphones, Shokz specializes in headphones with bands that stretch around the head and neck, notably the Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction model. While they’re considered slightly higher-end, the investment is worth it if comfort and audio quality are your priorities. 

In recent years, brands like Bose have taken a new approach to the design of their open ear headphones with the new “clip” style design in the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. As well as increasing your awareness by leaving your ear open to your surrounding environment, the “clip” provides a secure and safe listening experience that makes them great running companions. 

You might also like

• This is what it’s really like to run a marathon
• These are the 5 common running mistakes every beginner makes – and how to avoid them
• Couch to 5K: Best free apps and how to get started

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: One minute review

The 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 use air conduction technology to get sound to your ears. They don’t sit in your ear canal, like most other true wireless earbuds, or cover your whole ear, like over-ear headphones. Instead they’re designed to hook around your ears, positioning little speakers above your ear canals.

The benefits of this open-ear design is that you can stay more aware of what’s going on around you, which is ideal for outdoor workouts or anyone who doesn’t want to feel cut off from their surroundings. Because no part of the design goes inside your ear, they’re also a good option for people who don’t like the intrusive design of other types of buds.

Other audio brands have been venturing into air conduction tech recently, including Bose, Shokz and JBL. But, as I’ll get to soon, keeping earphones in place when there’s nothing inside your ear is a challenge: the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 won’t give the best earbuds a run for their money. It’s very difficult to get fantastic sound from this sort of design, but I was pleasantly surprised by their audio: it was clearer than I was expecting with some decent, but not powerful, bass. 

They’re built for workouts with some specs you’d expect from the best workout headphones, like an IPX7 rating, making them sweat-resistant, and an impressive listed 38 hours of battery. I got around 35 hours during testing, so this is quite representative. The 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 may sound like a decent set of earbuds, but they’re sadly let down by their fit: for me, they simply weren’t stable enough. 

It’s easy to see why there’d be a problem with this design as in-ear buds are “anchored” in place when they fit in your ear canal. 1More attempts to solve this problem both with earhooks and small silicone rings, which sit just outside of your ear canal. However, the earhooks didn’t bend enough and were oddly-shaped for my ear. This meant I never got a good fit on my left ear, the bud fell out several times, and although I managed to get a slightly better fit on my right ear, the bud still felt precarious the whole time – not ideal for earbuds built for fitness.

Some of these fit issues could have been down to the size and shape of my ears, but I asked a few other people to test them and several had similar problems. Issues with stability became even more apparent when I was wearing glasses, too, as the earhooks and glasses were competing for the same small space behind my ear.

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Specifications

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Price and availability

• Cost $149.99 in the US
• £149.99 in the UK 
• Around AU$290

The 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 were released internationally in September 2023 and cost $149.99 / £149.99 / around AU$290. At the time of writing, they’ve been reduced on the 1More website to $99.99 / £104.99. We don’t know if this is a permanent discount or part of a limited deal. 

1More also makes the S30, and while these earbuds use the same air conduction tech and have a similar design, they’re cheaper and a step down in terms of specs. They only have an IPX5 water-resistant rating and a 30-hour battery, compared to the S50’s IPX7 rating and 38-hour battery. The S30 cost $69.99 / £69.99 but, like the S50, are currently reduced to $47.99 / £49.99.

To put the S50 into broader context, similar air conduction rivals, like the Shokz OpenFit, are more expensive at $179.95 / £179.99 / AU$289, although I did find the Shokz buds to be generally better and much easier to wear. The S50 are more similar in price to JBL’s air conduction offering, the Soundgear Sense, at $149.99/£129.99/AU$231. 

When comparing the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 to sports earbuds more generally, you can often expect to pay more for buds at the top of their game, like the Beats Fit Pro at $199 / £199 / AU$299. Then again, plenty of the options in our best workout earbuds guide are much cheaper and perform significantly better than the 1More buds, like the JLab Go Air Sport at only $30 / £29 / AU$69.  

• Value score: 3.5/5 

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Design

• Earhook design
• Unstable fit
• Looks nice and slickly designed

The 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 use air conduction technology to enable you to hear audio, which means there’s nothing in your ear canal. Instead, a speaker is just outside of it. So what keeps these buds in place is an earhook design that fits behind your ear and little silicone rings, which 1More calls “sound loops”, that rest just above the ear canal. There are three different sizes of these loops to choose from to get the best fit. Rival buds have a similar earhook, but we’ve not seen the sound loop-like design anywhere else yet.

I get the thinking behind the sound loops: they’re a way to keep the buds in place without putting anything in your ear, which means you’re still aware of your surroundings. But they defeat the point of open-ear buds a little for me, as they are still using something to block your ear, even if it’s not as intrusive as a bud in your ear canal. I much prefer the design of the Shokz OpenFit. 

But the reason the Shokz OpenFit work well without similar loops is that their earhooks are effective (albeit not perfect). Unfortunately, the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 have earhooks that are too rigid and not as ergonomic – at least not for my ears. This meant I never achieved a snug or stable fit with the buds, especially in my left ear. This bud fell out even when I was just walking and not working out. 

I played with the earhook, adjusted the positioning, tried out all of the different loop sizes but had no luck. My best guess is that the distance between the bulk of the bud and the top of the earhook was just too big, so it actually fell down over the top of my ear. I did wonder whether this was a quirk of my ears and so enlisted a couple of friends and family members to see if they had similar problems. This was by no means an exhaustive test, but I found women with smaller frames had similar problems, either with one bud or both. 

There was another problem that affected the fit: glasses. Even with my right ear feeling stable, wearing glasses meant the arm of my glasses and the earhook were competing for space behind my ear. I could either lay the earhook down first and put my glasses arm on top, which meant my glasses were unstable and vision ever-so-slightly distorted or the other way around, which meant the buds were even more unstable. 

I opted to wear contact lenses for the rest of my testing, but some people won’t be able to. This also means wearing these buds and sunglasses could be an issue, which feels disappointing considering these are buds designed for outdoor workouts.

Despite these fit issues, these are a nice-looking pair of earbuds with a sleek design. I tested the silver version but, from what I can tell from online press shots, the darker grey shade is a little more appealing. The silver shade is nice, but does look a little cheap and plasticky. The same can be said about the charging case, which has a shiny cheap look about it. The charging case that comes with these buds is also big compared to the cases offered by competitors at 86 × 65 × 29.8 mm and weighing in at 63g (82.5g with the buds in). It could be slipped into a bag or a large pocket, but it’s not ideal for taking out on a run with minimal gear.

• Design score: 2.5 / 5

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Features

• IPX7 water-resistant rating
• Air conduction for ambient awareness
• Good battery life

These earbuds are durable with an IPX7 sweat-resistant rating. This means they should handle the most sweaty workout sessions, even splashes, light rain and, technically, an accidental dunk in water. However, we wouldn’t advise it – and best keep them out of the shower.

There’s some opportunity to change the audio with 12 EQ presets within the 1More app. It’s good to have this option, but I preferred the way the buds sounded out of the box. You can also use the app to customize some of the touch controls on the buds. These didn’t work well for me as I never got a stable fit, so touching them made it more unstable.

The 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 have what 1More calls its ‘PurePower Driver’ inside. The company says it has a diamond-like DLC diaphragm, which results in a 40% boost in power over conventional models. It’s not clear whether this means whether that’s over previous 1More models or rivals. There are also dual mics on each earbud for calls, and an AI algorithm promises to distinguish voices from background noises, helping block out any ambient sound when you’re on a call. 

In terms of battery, 1More promises up to 11 hours of battery life from the buds and 38 hours of battery life with the charging case. I found these figures to be accurate during testing. 

This is where the S50 really shine, bringing some of the best battery compared to rivals. For example, the Shokz OpenFit offer seven hours of battery life, and 28 hours from the case. And the JLab Go Air Sport (with an in-ear design) bring you eight hours with an additional 32 hours of battery life with the case.

• Features score: 3.5/5

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Performance

• Decent sound
• Only some leakage
• Great for hearing your surroundings

One of the biggest benefits of these open-style buds is that you can hear what’s going on around you, especially traffic, loud conversations and music. I personally found this to be a better experience than simply using the “ambient awareness” or similar modes on ANC headphones and earbuds, which I always find difficult to process.

However, due to the build of these buds – with their positioning and the silicone sound loops – not all sounds were clear in my immediate environment and it was easy to get distracted by the audio. This means you’ll need to be careful, as you definitely can’t hear everything when you’re using them. Especially when the volume is loud, which is worth bearing in mind if you run next to roads.

As you’d expect from an open-ear design, there’s some sound leakage. But not as much as I anticipated, which makes the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 a versatile proposition for wearing in a range of different environments – assuming you get a decent fit.

The S50 deliver a good but unremarkable sound. The audio is clear and there’s some decent bass and volume here too – again, two things I wasn’t expecting from the open-ear design. Push up the volume high on a bass-heavy track and things do start to sound a little muddied. Due to the style of these buds there’s also no real sense of immersion or an expansive soundstage. But then again, these buds were never going to be the best-sounding out there, you’d need to find a pair of the best ANC buds for a more polished experience. However, for me, the sound is perfect for providing a soundtrack to a walk or workout.  

•  Performance score: 3.5/5 

Scorecard

1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I wore the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 most days over three weeks, and had the opportunity to test them in a range of different environments.

I used them while walking around the city and by the beach, running through the countryside and rollerblading. I took them to work at several coffee shops and the gym and wore them as I worked at home alone.

I also went on a trip to Rome whilst testing these buds, which gave me a good opportunity to use them in some different situations, like on a plane to listen to movies with my phone and in an airport to listen to podcasts and stay aware of flight announcements.

I paired them with an iPhone 14 Pro and mostly used Apple Music and Spotify streaming services to test them with music, as well as podcasts on Spotify and movies on Mubi.

I’ve tested many different headphones and earbuds over the past 12 years, especially those designed for fitness and active lifestyles. I like to find the devices that prioritize comfort and ease of use and flag up any new tech that feels more style over substance.

It's a conundrum any fitness fan knows only too well: music when running is good, but cutting off one of your senses from your immediate surroundings (be it traffic, people, bulldozers or even being fully engrossed in Zombies, Run!) is bad. 

You've likely heard of solutions such as the best bone conduction headphones which leave your ears completely free (by transmitting sound vibrations along your cheekbones instead of through your cochlea like regular earbuds), or open-ear options from Oladance, Cleer and others – and you may even have cast your eyes on JBL's convertible pair or SONR's 'head puck' solution for swimming. 

But OneOdio's new OpenRock Pro headphones take a different approach, using 'air conduction' to your ear. To understand it, we need to talk about the patented TubeBass enhancement technology. Accuracy and weight through the lower frequencies is typically an area where open-ear and bone conduction solutions can struggle, but with TubeBass (which is all about the dual tube design that goes around you ear), OneOdio says the low-frequency resonance of the sound can be increased to enhance bass and rhythm and make low frequencies solid, deeper and more enveloping. These dual tubes not only enhance the bass but also help prevent sound leakage too. This, combined with the really rather large 16.2mm dynamic drivers enables the earbuds to boast a "360-degree superior sound".

And they're competitively priced right now too! OneOdio OpenRock Pro are currently on sale at the fair price of $110 / £90  thanks to discounts and promotional vouchers on Amazon. Their regular asking fees are $150 / £130, which is around AU$243. 

Opinion: with specs this strong, OneOdio's certainly got our attention 

The open-ear design (i.e. without any 'plugs' involved) allows air pressure to stay equalised while ensuring important environmental sounds can still be heard for a safer and more comfortable wearing experience. 

OpenRock also adopts dual-mark noise reduction and beam-forming tech for better call quality, which sounds like it could make them a candidate for our best workout headphones roundup. When that important call comes in midway through a gym session? That. 

Also patented: the ear hook, for stability during use. There's also an IXP5 water resistance rating for the especially sweaty spin class. Stamina? Or course. They can last up to a claimed 19 hours on a single charge and give a total of 46 hours of use including the charging case. Just five minutes through the USB-C charger could provide 60 minutes of playtime, if you're low on juice and want to run that 10km before breakfast, too…

Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX is onboard and it's nice to see since this opens the door to LE Audio and Auracast audio sharing. 

Compared to bone conduction headphones, OneOdio explains that OpenRock Pro use a high-quality diaphragm with minimal vibration that both allows them to be worn all day without damaging your hearing (after all, that big driver isn't actually in your outer ear canal, unlike even some of the best earbuds). It also greatly reduces any experience of listening fatigue, which some users experience with bone conduction tech.

OneOdio has some form in the headphones space too. The company's Monitor 60 wired over-ears are a decent pair of starter studio cans, although obviously this is a different proposition entirely. 

All in all, I cannot wait to try them. A possible debutante in our best running headphones guide? That might all hinge (sorry) on the efficacy of that ear hook design, but it's plausible. 

Bone conduction earphones incite a lot of curiosity in people. How can you hear music when nothing is in your ear? The curiosity and confusion are all understandable. And this article will assist you in understanding this technology better. 

For those of you who don’t know, bone-conduction earphones were primarily created for physical activities and sports with the aim of the wearer being able to listen to their surroundings while they exercise. They consist of a strap that goes around the back of your head and a pair of pads that sit outside your ears on your cheekbone right next to your tragus. 

The first bone-conduction headphones were patented in 1994, but the best bone conduction headphones (and by extension, some of the best running headphones) are significantly more advanced Bluetooth-connected offerings these days. 

How do bone-conduction headphones work? 

So, how do they work? The short answer is they work by transmitting sound vibrations along your cheekbones instead of through your cochlea like regular earbuds do. Let’s look at the two in detail: 

• Regular earbuds pass sound vibrations through the air along the eardrum. They make the eardrum vibrate which passes the information along to the cochlea. 
• In contrast, bone-conduction earphones transmit sound vibrations along your cheekbone into your auditory nerves, completely bypassing your eardrum. The sound directly reaches your cochlea through the bone.

A cool fun fact: this is the same approach Beethoven used to continue making music after he lost his hearing. He would hold a conducting baton between his teeth as he played the piano. The baton would allow the sound vibrations produced by the piano to travel to his inner ear. 

Those vibrations would be processed by his brain as sound and that’s how he’d be able to make sense of the notes. Interestingly enough, this is also how sea mammals communicate underwater. Moreover, the very first hearing aids also used this technology.

Do bone conduction headphones work well?

Users like the feeling of their ear canals being free instead of having something pushed into them at all times. Since they rest on the top of your cheekbone and aren’t inserted into your ear, you feel more comfortable and your ears are happier, too. 

Another very important advantage of this kind of headphones is that they allow you to stay present in terms of what’s going on in your surroundings. Since there’s nothing in your ear, you’re able to fully hear all ambient sounds, and obviously, way clearer than any regular earbud’s ambient mode would allow you to. This is a big advantage in headphones that are designed for outdoor use. 

Another great feature these headphones offer is that they’re way more hygienic than your regular buds. Again, since nothing is touching your ear canal, there is no transmission of germs. I think we’ve all seen how disgusting the part of an earbud that goes inside your ear can sometimes get. It’s great that bone-conduction earbuds don’t feature the same issues. 

Additionally, and this has lightly been touched on above, bone-conduction headphones are ideal for folks with hearing deficiencies. Since they bypass the eardrum and work solely with the help of vibrations, they make for an excellent solution for people in this group. 

Lastly, but very importantly, these headphones are great for your ear health. Since they don’t directly come in contact with your eardrums, they don’t damage your hearing. A lot of people dismiss or underestimate the serious impact that listening to music at a loud volume consistently for extended hours can have on their ears until they begin to realize how it has affected their hearing. As bone-conduction earbuds are mounted externally, you don’t need to worry about your eardrum being damaged. 

 Should I get bone-conduction headphones?  

While bone-conduction earphones have a plethora of advantages, they’re not without some flaws too. To begin with, and this is fairly obvious, the audio quality is not the same as what you get with regular earbuds. Of course, if you don’t have a pair of buds actually going inside your ear, the passive noise isolation won’t be as impressive. Hence, the sound doesn’t feature the same kind of clarity, and while you’d be able to listen to your music, you won’t enjoy it as much as you would with regular earbuds. If you’re a hardcore audiophile and the way your music sounds like matters a lot to you, even when you’re out on a run, bone-conduction headphones aren’t for you. 

Also, bone conduction headphones that don't fit properly tend to get quite uncomfortable. Imagine a pair of pads resting on your cheekbone for an extended period of time: you might argue that even regular earbuds get uncomfortable when they’re worn for too long. It all comes down to your priorities and needs. 

Closely related to the last point is that it’s sometimes hard to maintain a stable fit with bone-conduction headphones. Since they’re not securely plugged into your ears, they tend to move in place, causing annoyance especially when you’re engaged in a physical activity. 

Whether or not you decide to go for these is up to what you’re looking for in your next pair of cans. If their pros outweigh their cons for you, you should definitely consider investing in a pair, as even some of the best waterproof headphones work on bone conduction technology. Folks who are looking for the ideal workout headphones, but don’t want bone-conduction technology, can look at our top picks for the best workout headphones.

JBL Endurance Peak 3: One minute review

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are made for extreme circumstances. Their secure fit, IP rating, and even extended battery life are probably overkill for the general treadmill user, though they work plenty well there too. 

What they’re perfect for is any activity where you need to be sure they’ll stay in place and can handle whatever weather conditions you might experience, whether that’s hiking in inclement weather, climbing up the side of a mountain, skiing, or even going for a run.

What’s more, this third iteration builds upon and improves on the JBL Endurance Peak II, already among the best running headphones out there, for an almost perfect workout companion by adding a transparency mode and a better IP rating. 

Whether you would consider these among the best workout headphones is going to depend on what you need them for. If you’re a long-distance runner going at a steady speed for hours on end, there are options that you’ll probably find more comfortable. However, as we’ll see in this review, I think the JBL Endurance Peak 3 are superb earbuds for athletes and those with an active lifestyle. 

JBL Endurance Peak 3: Specifications

JBL Endurance Peak 3: Price and Availability

• How much does it cost? $99.95 / about £82.99 /AU$199.95
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia

The JBL Endurance Peak 3, released in February of 2023, might include a transparency mode but mostly keep a lot of things the same as the previous model including, thankfully, the price. Instead of taking the opportunity of a slightly expanded feature-set to raise the price, JBL decided to keep this newest version at that under-$100 /  £100 price tag.

Sure, you can spend much less on a pair of workout earbuds sporting ear-hooks for that secure fit such as the JLab Go Air Sport, which go for a criminally low $30 / £29 / AU$69, but their IP55 rating isn’t quite as robust as the IP68 rating of the JBLs. More importantly, at least for those who need workout earbuds outside the gym, the JLab don’t come with a transparency mode.

However, many of the best options will set you back much more, like the Beats Powerbeats Pro. These earbuds go for $249 / £219 / AU$349, yet they don’t have the battery life, IP rating, or transparency mode of the JBL Endurance Peak 3.

• Value score: 5/5

JBL Endurance Peak 3: Design

• Ear-hook design gives very secure fit
• Can be uncomfortable after long periods
• IP68 rating to withstand most weather conditions

If there’s ever been a case of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” the JBL Endurance Peak 3 are it. Or at least, that’s the approach that JBL seems to have taken here as they look identical to the Endurance Peak 2. The earbuds have that same thick stem that attaches to the earbud and a large bendable ear hook that fits around the ear for a fit so secure it would require some extreme force for it to come loose. Each earbud also has capacitive touch controls, though they require a little pressure to engage.

The charging case, which matches the color of the earbuds (you can either grab these in black or white), is similarly bulky to the point that it takes up a similar amount of space as at least two Beats Fit Pro cases. In essence, everything about the JBL Endurance Peak 3 is big. This is not for someone who wants something slim to pop in while on a treadmill.

The downside to wearing earbuds this big, especially the ear hooks, is that they can get uncomfortable after a while. That’s due to the fact they not only fill up the opening to the ear canal but are continuously pressed in by the ear hook.

On the bright side, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 are built to withstand the elements with their IP68 rating, a vast improvement over the previous model’s solid IP55 rating. That means this newer version is virtually waterproof and can withstand quite a bit of debris as well. If you’re a rock climber, skier, or do anything where you have to factor in weather conditions, an IP68 rating is a godsend. Just keep in mind that these are not great for swimming if only because Bluetooth has an extremely short functional range in the water.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

JBL Endurance Peak 3: Performance

• Mostly good sound
• Bass is pronounced but indistinct
• Transparency mode is finally here and works well

As is the case with any pair of earbuds whether they’re for the gym or a commute, it doesn’t matter how well all the different elements are if the sound quality isn’t there. And, while the JBL Endurance Peak 3 are nowhere close to audiophile-quality, they sound pretty good. The high-end can be a tiny bit bright but not to the point of pain, even after using them for 30-45 minutes. The mids, to compensate, are a little recessed but full enough to sound pleasant. And, as seems to be the case with many workout earbuds, the bass is big.

The thinking, at least from what I can gather from the way manufacturers present their products, is that this built-in bass boost is to help motivate during workouts. While that doesn’t resonate with me, it might with some. However, as we’ll discuss in the next section, you can EQ in a bass boost if you want that. It doesn’t need to be quite this pronounced. On top of that, no matter the genre of music I listen to, that big bass starts to sound muddy and to lose some definition to the point where I would use the EQ to roll off some of that low end. That said, some people may enjoy that extra low-end oomph. In essence, they sound good or at least good enough for the price and can be easily EQ’ed into a sound that works best for you.

The transparency mode, selectable in the JBL app as well as through the on-unit controls, is the main improvement these earbuds have received over the previous version. And, they’re a welcome addition. Billed as Ambient Sound Control here, there are just two settings: Ambient Aware and TalkThru. While there’s no additional controls as I have found with other brands, both modes are effective. 

Ambient Aware brings in just enough outside ambient sounds that I’m aware of surroundings when going for a jog – especially important when I have to worry about passing vehicles – though I do have to balance the volume of what I’m listening to to not drown out the sounds of my environment. TalkThru is a more aggressive mode where the volume of your source is limited so that you can easily hold a conversation without removing the earbuds or pausing the music.

Like almost all earbuds these days, you can use the JBL Endurance Peak 3 to take calls as it employs four mics to pick up the voice. It’s not going to be as crisp as when I hold the phone up to my face as the voice comes through slightly veiled and with a tiny bit of echo, but it’s still loud and understandable. Really, that’s not much worse than most of the other models as I’ve found very few to give the same experience as talking directly into the phone.

• Performance: 4 / 5

JBL Endurance Peak 3: App

• Easy to use
• Relatively powerful EQ
• Some limited customizations of gestures

The JBL Headphone app is streamlined and easy to use with just about everything you need accessible on the landing page for the earbuds. You just scroll down to find the feature you want to mess with.

At the top, just under a picture of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and a reading of each earbud’s battery life sits the Ambient Sound Control, which you can turn on and off and switch between Ambient Aware and TalkThru. 

Next is the EQ. There’s a toggle to turn it on and off, three presets and a custom button along with the presets. I wasn’t a huge fan of the presets but the EQ itself is reasonably powerful. You can boost or cut up to 6 dB and can create up to 10 different adjustable points on the EQ graph. So, you can create a 5-point EQ profile or a 10-point one depending on what you’re trying to do. Additionally, you can create more than one custom EQ profile, something that I typically don’t see in these sorts of apps.

Following the EQ is Gestures where you can customize what the touch controls do on each earbud. However, you can’t select for each type of press as there is a dropdown menu to let you choose from a preselected bundle of gestures.

There’s VoiceAware on hand as well with a slider that will adjust how much you hear your own voice, a nice feature for making a call in noisy environments. And, lastly, you can choose between Audio Mode and Video Mode. This is a nice feature for anyone who might stream something on their phone. Instead of dealing with delayed audio, you can choose Video Mode for reduced latency. Or, if you’re just listening to music and want better sound quality, then choose Audio Mode.

• App score: 4/5

JBL Endurance Peak 3: Battery life

• Ten hours of battery in earbuds
• Charging case adds another 40 hours
• Ten minutes of charging gives an hour of use

Battery life has come a long way in earbuds but having enough juice to last hours on end is important for something you might want to use for more than just a 45-minute session at the gym. Luckily, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 last an impressive ten hours on a single charge. Of course, using features like the transparency mode will affect that. But, when tested without any features, mainly turning off the Ambient Sound Control, I found these to last as advertised. Every hour they ran, the battery life would drop 10%.

Additionally, the charging case adds another 40 hours of battery life. As it should, considering how bulky it is. What’s more, if you somehow manage to drain the earbuds, ten minutes of charging will give you an additional hour of use.

•  Battery: 5 /5 

Should I buy the JBL Endurance Peak 3?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the JBL Endurance Peak 3

To test the JBL Endurance Peak 3, I not only used them for a couple weeks while working out, which included jogging around busy areas with them and doing bodyweight exercises with them, but I also spent plenty of time head-banging to see how secure they were. I also listened to various types of music, paying attention to all elements of the music. I took a look at and tested every feature in the app and ran some battery tests to see if they work as advertised.

Having spent the last few years reviewing all sorts of audio gear, I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation. And, I’ve spent even longer playing and listening to music critically.

First reviewed: April 23

Bone conduction headphones aren’t exactly a new phenomenon, but I’m a very late adopter. The Shokz OpenRun Pro, a great set of bone conduction headphones, have topped our best running headphones buying guide for ages; however, it's only after I got the chance to test a pair of the non-pro Shokz OpenRun that I’ve come to fully appreciate the benefits of open-ears. 

For a few years now I've been using a cheap set of in-ear buds, the Anker Soundcore Life P2, on my runs. They’re a steal at around $50 /£40 (and they're often on sale for less). They're some of the best cheap wireless earbuds I’ve used for the price, they're relatively stable, and they offer average but perfectly good sound quality. My position as TechRadar’s fitness and wearables editor notwithstanding, I’m a stubborn person, and outside of reviews I tend to stick with something cheap and cheerful for personal use. 

However, the Soundcores, after four years of hard wearing, have begun to fritz on me, dropping the connection to my phone on occasion. Perhaps it’s one too many heavy road-running sessions in the rain that’s doing it, or perhaps they’ve bounced on a concrete floor one too many times. Either way, the time is coming when I'll need to retire my trusty but ancient earbuds.

Unlike the Ankers, most new in-ear buds come with some degree of noise cancellation, which is exactly what I didn’t want – nobody wants to forget to look while crossing the road during a demanding run, only to be blindsided by a car or cyclist. 

Pounding the streets of London in safety demands that you remain aware of your surroundings. I was dimly aware of the Ankers partially blocking my ear canals to ambient sound, even though they weren’t noise-cancelling buds, so I decided to try something new to keep me running safely. 

The best bone conduction headphones don’t transmit sound waves into your eardrums; instead, they hook over the ears, with a transducer resting against the ear, rather than inside or over the ear canal. They work by transmitting sound through the temporal bone in the skull to the auditory nerve, where we pick up those vibrations and recognize them as, for example, Taylor Swift’s perennial banger Bad Blood (don’t judge me, it’s great). After getting a test pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones, which are similar to the Pro, but with slightly shorter battery life and a softer, less protective carry case, I hooked them up to my phone and went out for a light jog. 

Initially, the stimulation from both the traffic and the headphones at once, with both at full volume, was almost overpowering. It was like trying to hold an extended conversation with a loud TV in the background, with your attention drifting between two very different audio sources. I didn’t think this was going to be an experience to enjoy.

But once I turned away from the busy main road towards my local park, the quieter streets allowed me to get used to the Shokz’s way of transmitting sound, and I really liked the change. I could hear birds tweeting. I had more sensory awareness of other pedestrians around me. I could even hear the obnoxious readouts from the speaker of the watch I was testing at the time, which hadn’t been set up to pipe those notifications into my ears (or bones, I guess). 

Plus, pounding the pavements with Wolfmother and Iron Maiden literally vibrating through my very bones seems quite metal to me.  

Leaving the park and heading back towards the main road, my brain had become a bit better accustomed to processing multiple streams of audio information. The traffic, although noisy, didn’t turn into a wall of sound when meshing with the vibrations being transmitted by the Shokz. The headphones themselves were comfortable and didn’t budge, even though they felt like they were only sitting gently over my ears. 

Bone conduction headphones vs in-ear buds is a hot debate, with each design having its own pros and cons, but after many years of avoiding bone conduction headphones, consider me a convert. 

Huawei Watch Buds: One minute review

The Huawei Watch Buds is a smartwatch that wants to appeal to those people who never want to leave without their smartwatch and truly wireless earbuds. Instead of scrambling around looking for where you left those buds lying around outside of the case, Huawei wants to keep that case and buds where you can always find them - on your wrist.

Enter the Watch Buds, which becomes one of Huawei’s priciest smartwatches that in return for more of your money gives you a watch running on its HarmonyOS operating system and inside of the watch case lies a set of dinky truly wireless earbuds.

Do we need a smartwatch with earbuds inside? Huawei certainly thinks we do. Does it work? Surprisingly well is the answer to that question, but (and forgive us for sounding slightly dramatic) at what cost? What compromises has Huawei had to make to bring the two wearables closer together? 

Despite the fact it works well, this is clearly an initial iteration of a unique idea. it's neither the best smartwatch, nor the best wireless earbuds, but a perfectly average attempt at both. These compromises might put some people off from grabbing the first-generation version of this inventive take on the smartwatch.

Huawei Watch Buds: Price and availability

The Huawei Watch Buds is available now and is priced at £449, or 499 Euros. It doesn't currently have any official pricing in the US and Australia, likely due to Huawei's ongoing disputes with the US government. 

That price does mean it’s more expensive than Huawei’s Watch GT 3 Pro, so those added earbuds do come at a considerable extra cost. 

Huawei Watch Buds: Design and display

• Watch case thickness isn’t overly chunky
• Uses same AMOLED screen as Huawei Watch GT 3
• Lower waterproof rating due to lid design

At first glance, the Huawei Watch Buds just looks like a very nice (albeit rather thick) smartwatch. It veers more on the side of a traditional watch look with a stainless steel case that comes in black or silver and a 22mm leather strap that can be removed if you’re not a fan of the leather.

Look at the watch from side-on and it’s surprising how passable the Watch Buds is for a regular-sized smartwatch. It is absolutely thicker than other Huawei Watches, but at 14.99 mm thick, it’s not a hulking beast that protrudes from your wrist as notably as, say, the Huawei Watch D is. Huawei has had to make the case thicker to accommodate those buds, but it’s a lot slimmer than we’d anticipated it would be.

Then we get to the 'buds' part, which you can locate by pressing a button at the front of the watch case, which then lifts like a lid to reveal a set of two, small black earbuds. They’re tiny little things that come with a set of small, medium, and large eartips. They magnetically snap into place inside the case, which is where the buds also get charged up. The lid design thankfully feels well-made rather than cheap, and hasn’t posed any issues opening and closing it throughout our testing.

As a result of hosting those buds inside the watch's casing, Huawei needed to change things on the durability front, specifically on how well it can deal with water. Unlike the 5 ATM protection used on most of Huawei’s watches, the Watch Buds is only IPX7 rated to guard against sweat and rain. The earbuds are IPX4 rated, making them fit for sweat mainly. If you want to take it swimming, or in the shower, don’t. 

This is a real drawback to the watch, as many of the best running watches at this price point are fully water-resistant and can be taken surfing, swimming, showering, paddleboarding... basically, wherever your adventures will take you. The Watch Buds isn't an adventuring fitness watch – the gimmick simply doesn't allow for it.

Elsewhere it’s all a pretty familiar story. There’s the same colorful, vibrant 1.43-inch, 466 x 466 resolution AMOLED screen as found on the Huawei Watch GT 3 and a watch crown-style button to offer a way to physically interact with the watch. The result is an attractive smartwatch that doesn’t show any obvious sign that it’s hiding away some earbuds.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Huawei Watch Buds: Features

• Harmony OS is nice and slick
• Earbuds integration works well
• Familiar sports and fitness tracking

If you’ve used a Huawei Watch, then using the Watch Buds will feel like a familiar experience. It uses basically the same version of HarmonyOS as the Watch GT series with a few features that are missing in action but are not hugely missed. There’s no temperature sensor or microphone or speaker, but in terms of the latter two things that’s where the earbuds come into play.

Those earbuds and how they work in conjunction with the watch is slick on the whole. You need to pair the watch to your phone if you want to listen to audio via your phone and they can be connected to other devices too. When you whip them out that opens up additional settings for the earbuds offering an EQ and both awareness and active noise cancellation modes.

The earbuds are small and we didn’t have an issue getting a good fit and when they’re in and your audio is playing, it does punch out very good audio quality for music and calls. There’s power, bass and there’s a good level of clarity and detail there too. Huawei has launched a fair few bright sounding truly wireless earbuds and these buds follow suit.

Using the awareness and active noise cancellation modes offer a good but not immaculate performance, particularly on the ANC side where it really depends on getting a good fit to block out that exterior sound. You’ll find earbuds that will deliver a more consistent ANC performance, but in the right environments it works well enough to make its inclusion useful.

While you can control the earbuds from the Watch you do also have some control on and around the buds as well. You can use a combination of taps on the buds on themselves or in specific areas around the ear to skip tracks, answer a call or enable one the ANC or Awareness modes. If you’re stationary, the responsiveness of those controls is very good, as soon as you introduce movement into the equation, things get a little trickier.

Outside of those buds, this is every bit a Huawei smartwatch. You’ve got that strong suite of sports tracking and activity tracking features. It doesn’t get the dual-band GPS mode featured on the GT Runner to improve outdoor tracking accuracy, but still gets good features like running courses and rich sleep tracking too. We found sports tracking in general to be good, though it doesn’t feel like the kind of watch you’d want to spend extended exercise time with unless you’ve got a more gym-friendly strap on it. You do get Huawei’s latest optical heart rate sensor here as well which is definitely a better fit for resting heart rate insights as opposed to exercise HR readings. 

As a smartwatch, it handles notification support well, particularly when paired to an Android smartphone, which does also support sending quick replies. You can carry around music on it as well, but you’ll need to load your own purchased and downloaded files yourself as opposed to storing offline playlists from a third party streaming service. You’ve got well implemented music controls and scope to add payment cards as well to use it to pay your way.

Adding the buds into the mix doesn’t adversely change what the Watch Buds is like to use as a watch, but you do have to live without a few features that you will find on Huawei’s cheaper smartwatch options.

• Features score: 4/5

Huawei Watch Buds: Battery life

• Less battery than Huawei Watch GT series smartwatches
• Short 4 hour battery life for earbuds
• Buds charge quickly inside case

Huawei has made big strides with smartwatch battery life in more recent years, but you’ll have to live with a smaller battery life on the Watch Buds.

When using both watch and buds regularly, you will get up to 3 days before both need charging. The watch part has the ability to go for 7 days in a power-saving mode, but that means turning off charging the buds each time you drop them back in the case.

The earbuds promise up to 4 hours of battery life or 2.5 hours of handling calls when you’re not using the active noise cancellation. When you enable ANC, then you can expect 3 hours of music streaming and 2 hours to make your calls.

We’d say those battery quotes in general are on the money, particularly when using the buds and watch each day. The earbud battery life feels a touch generous though, especially if you’re using them with ANC turned on and at louder volumes. 

For the watch, there’s a pretty standard white Huawei charging cradle you need to drop it onto while the earbuds charge in the case hogging battery from the watch is why you’ll see a more severe drop-off compared to other Huawei smartwatches. Those buds do charge quickly and you can get back up to 100% in under an hour spent in that case.

• Battery life score: 3.5/5

Huawei Watch Buds: Buy it if…

Huawei Watch Buds: Don't buy it if…

Also consider

First reviewed March 2023

The Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport are both excellent headphones for the water. They both have a waterproof IP rating, make use of bone conduction technology, and come with different types of connectivity that function well in the water.

While they share plenty of similarities and are both better picks than a standard pair of earbuds, even waterproof ones, the Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport are very different products in more ways than one. While they’re both among the best waterproof headphones out there, one will most likely be a better fit than the other. 

If you want to go more in-depth on either product, we’ve reviewed both the Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport and given them both a 4-and-a-half rating, which is pretty difficult to achieve and is about as close to a perfect score that any waterproof headphones have gotten. This may be a little bit of a spoiler alert but no matter which one you choose, you’ll end up with something excellent for the pool, beach, or any water activities you want sound or music for. 

That said, we think taking these two and putting them head-to-head is important because they’re pretty different. And, one will most assuredly be the better fit for your needs.

Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: price & availability

• H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is half the price and available in Australia
• Zygo offers a Peloton-like subscription for water-based workouts

First and foremost, any Australians reading this should know that the Zygo Solo is not available there. If you want a pair, you’re going to have to smuggle it in the way a certain former celebrity couple tried to smuggle in their dogs. However, those in the US and UK should have nothing to worry about when ordering. The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport then already has a leg up, at least for those living in the South Pacific as it’s available in the US, UK, and Australia.

Just looking at the price, the H2O Audio looks like the better deal. And, while it is certainly more affordable at $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00), which is about half of the Zygo Solo’s price tag of $299.00 / £218.00 (about AU$400.00), there’s a bit more going on here.

As we’ll dig into further in this article, the Zygo Solo does two things that no other waterproof or bone conduction headphones do. The first is its marquee feature. The Zygo Solo uses an FM transmitter so that you can still use your streaming service like Spotify to listen to music or podcasts. Bluetooth doesn’t work very well in the water so you’re typically limited to using an MP3 player that’s either built into the headphones as they are with the Tri Multi-Sport or that you have to buy separately and somehow keep on you while you’re in the water. That also means that you have to get MP3s and transfer them before swimming.

The other feature is similar to Peloton and other workout subscriptions. The Zygo All Access Monthly Plan costs $14.99 / £12.99 (about AU$20) per month and gives you access to several swim-related workouts that can help you become a better swimmer or get in shape while in the water.

While those are both unique features that set the Zygo Solo apart, we think the H2) Audio Tri Multi-Sport is still a slightly better value. It comes with an MP3 player built-in already and costs half of what the Zygo Solo costs. And, though you can’t use it in the water, the Tri Multi-Sport also has Bluetooth connectivity.

• Winner: H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport

Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: design

• Zygo Solo uses an FM transmitter to stream but requires extra equipment
• H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is simpler with MP3 player but requires planning

As the Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport are both bone conduction headphones, they share a similar design. Both have bone conduction sensors that rest on the upper cheeks connected to a headband that loops over the ear and behind the head, using some appropriate clamping force to stay in place. Since the ears aren’t covered at all as is the case with bone conduction headphones, both headphones come with earplugs to use so that the sound quality doesn’t change when you’re going in and out of the water.

However, they don’t look the same. The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport does include an 8GB MP3 player and still weighs just 33 grams while the Zygo Solo instead opts for a built-in FM receiver so it has a bulkier body and weighs 66 grams.

Additionally, the Zygo Solo requires some extra equipment. Since you’re streaming audio to them, you need to bring your phone or audio source as well as the included FM transmitter to beam audio to the Solo. With the H2O headphones, you don’t have to deal with carrying extra equipment, which can be a big worry if you plan on using one of these in a public space.

Instead, the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport’s built-in MP3 player lets you carry a lot of music with you. Its 8 GB of space translates to about 1500 to 2000 songs. Of course, you do have to spend extra time before going anywhere plugging the Tri Multi-Sport into your computer and porting over MP3s (which also means you have to buy the songs you want if you don’t have them). 

While both methods of connectivity come with their issues or sources of concern, the H2O Audio headphones do offer Bluetooth. Now, Bluetooth doesn’t work very well in the water which is why you can’t just grab whatever earbuds you have before going to the pool. But, Bluetooth connectivity means that when using the Tri Multi-Sport for some other activity such as biking or running, you can switch to Bluetooth to expand your listening options. That does make the H2O Tri Multi-Sport more versatile.

Of course, the Zygo Solo does have its ace in the form of that monthly subscription. Yes, it’s an extra monthly cost on top of an already premium price tag. But, if you’re looking for some motivation or another tool to maximize your time in the water, it’s something that you won’t find with other headphones.

• Winner: Tie

Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: performance

• Zygo Solo provides slightly better sound quality
• Both headphones come with tricky controls

When it comes to sound quality, there are a few caveats to note with bone conduction headphones. As nothing is going in your ear to reproduce the sound, using them outside of the water can be underwhelming. They’re thin with little bass. And, this is the case for just about every pair of bone conduction headphones. After all, the sound is transmitted through your bones.

However, once you plug your ears, either by submerging them in water or using the included earplugs, the sound quality transforms. Under these conditions, the Zygo Solo sounds very good. It’s full with plenty of bass. The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport similarly transforms. However, it does have a little too much bass in these conditions.

When it comes to onboard controls, the Zygo Solo ends up being the weaker of the two headphones. If you consider the technology it’s using, there’s no way around that. The Solo only comes with a volume and down, and controls for play/pause or skip track are on the FM transmitter that will most likely be sitting next to your phone and far away from you. So, while you can stream your music, unlike the Tri Multi-Sport, you need to have a playlist queued up before you go in the water. Otherwise, you’ll have to get out of the water to navigate your phone to play new material.

While the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport comes with three buttons that give you plenty of control on the headphones themselves including even turning on a shuffle mode, the buttons are small and a bit finicky, not always registering presses. That’s a problem when your hands are too wet to try adjusting anything on your phone. 

• Winner: Zygo Solo (by a hair)

Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: which is right for you?

Neither the Zygo Solo and H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport are better than the other. They are both excellent options for the water and are the more ideal choice depending on your own criteria.

The Zygo Solo does have a slight objective advantage in sound quality. However, for everything else, it’s entirely subjective. You don’t have to preload anything to use. You can just plug in the transmitter, pick your music and go. You also have access, for an extra fee of course, to a bunch of water-related workouts. As we mentioned, there are some cons as well, most notably the fact that you’re going to have to bring your phone or audio source as well as the FM transmitter, both of which can be stolen if you’re in a public space.

The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is much cheaper (and available in Australia). You don’t have to bring any extra equipment as you can load any music you want directly onto the built-in MP3 player. That does mean you have to get MP3s and will have to forgo using streaming services like Spotify when in the water, which is the Zygo Solo’s main attraction. It also should be noted that the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is the better option if you’re planning on using it for land-based workouts as well since it also comes with Bluetooth.

In essence, if streaming is a priority, then the Zygo Solo is the way to go. If you’re on a budget or want to get in the water without carrying a phone and FM transmitter, not to mention are ok with MP3s, the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport is the more ideal choice.

The JBL Reflect Aero versus the JBL Endurance Peak II is not a match up based around which is better. Instead, it’s about which one is better for your needs. After all, they’re both very capable earbuds that can handle the most intense of workouts without succumbing to wear and tear.

While they’re both excellent workout companions, one will be a more ideal fit based on budget, feature-related needs, and sound quality. The kind of workouts you plan on engaging in will also be a factor. The JBL Reflect Aero is one of the best running headphones out there while the JBL Endurance Peak II’s lack of features, namely the fact that there’s no ambient mode, makes it better suited for activities that don’t involve anticipating and dealing with traffic.

However, the JBL Endurance Peak II’s ear hooks make it among the best workout headphones when the workout requires your headphones or earbuds to be very stable, rock-climbing for instance. Whatever you’re looking for, this head-to-head comparison will help determine which of these two offerings from JBL is the right choice for you. Even if you don’t quite go for one of these, you can apply the same factors to other earbuds to see which one you like.

JBL Reflect Aero vs JBL Endurance Peak II: price & availability

• Endurance Peak II is much cheaper in the US
• Reflect Aero is not available in Australia

These two JBL earbuds fit in slightly different sectors of the workout headphone market. The JBL Endurance Peak II goes for $99.95 (£104.99 / AU$149.99) and so is priced to compete with more budget options, even if it’s much better than most sub-$100 options out there. 

In comparison, the JBL Reflect Aero’s price tag of $149 (£119 / about AU$222) puts it more in range with the mid-tier / almost premium models like the Beats Fit Pro. While those workout earbuds from Beats are better in some ways, particularly in their implementation of active noise cancellation, they’re also $50 / £80 more expensive.

Basically, both JBL earbuds punch above their weight for what they do. But, when compared to each other, the Endurance Peak II are much more limited on features but offer the more stable ear hook while the Reflect Aero have smaller wings but are as feature-packed as $200 / £200 earbuds. And, spending that extra $50 or just £10 for those in the UK might be worth it to not only get app support but active noise cancellation and, more importantly, Ambient Aware aka JBL’s ambient / transparency mode.

Of course, the JBL Endurance Peak II gets a slight nod in terms of value not just because they’re cheaper but also because they’re available everywhere. The JBL Reflect Aero, which are not brand new, still haven’t made their way down under.

• Winner: JBL Endurance Peak II (by a hair)

JBL Reflect Aero vs JBL Endurance Peak II: design

• Endurance Peak II is stripped down, Reflect Aero is fully-featured
• Reflect Aero has an ambient mode, Endurance Peak II does not

While both JBL earbuds come in three similar colorways (black, blue, and white for the Endurance Peak II and black, mint, and white for the Reflect Aero), they couldn’t be more different. The Endurance Peak II are large, bulky and utilitarian while the Reflect Aero are small, slim, and fully-featured. 

That has a lot to do with their functionality as the Endurance Peak II come with those large ear hooks that keep them in place during even the most extreme activities. And, while the ear hooks are bendable so they’ll work with most ear shapes, the only customization comes in the way of different size silicone ear tips.

The Reflect Aero come instead with small wings that slip inside the folds of the ear to stay in place, which along with the silicone ear tips can be changed out for different sizes for a more customizable fit.

Speaking of customizable, the JBL Reflect Aero has a lot more going on on the software side as well. While the Endurance Peak II is stripped down and doesn’t have app support, the Reflect Aero does where you can not only adjust your listening experience but fine-tune the actual frequency range as well via a 10-band EQ.

The JBL Reflect Aero also come with active noise cancellation – the Endurance Peak II does have decent passive active cancellation – and, more importantly, Ambient Aware (aka ambient or transparency mode), a crucial feature that lets you hear your surroundings while wearing the earbuds, something that’s sorely lacking on the Endurance Peak II and might a deal-breaker for those who want to use them in a public space like jogging along a busy road.

Let’s not forget the IP ratings of these earbuds as that’s important for certain workouts. The Endurance Peak II has a solid IP67 rating that can keep out debris and water though it’s not meant to be kept submerged for very long. The Reflect Aero with its IP68 rating, however, is fully waterproof and can be used for any number of water sports (though you should be aware that Bluetooth doesn’t work very well underwater).

• Winner: JBL Reflect Aero

JBL Reflect Aero vs JBL Endurance Peak II: performance

• Reflect Aero sounds a bit better but has inconsistent low-end
• JBL Endurance Peak II has a lot of bass

Sound quality is always a central pillar of any pair of headphones, no matter the size or form factor. After all, there’s little reason to invest in a pair if they don’t sound good. Luckily, both the Reflect Aero and Endurance Peak II offer solid, if not amazing, sound quality. 

The Reflect Aero are actually the better sounding of the two but do suffer from some inconsistent bass response. Some songs have strong bass while others sound anemic. Luckily, the rest of the frequency range is consistent. The mids are a little recessed which keeps everything sounding clear if a bit polite. And, the high end is detailed and clear if a tiny bit bright.

The Endurance Peak II not only has a consistent low-end but it’s also the most prominent part of the frequency range. JBL did this intentionally for extra motivation during workouts, though we prefer a more balanced sound profile. The mids are full enough but the high-end lacks the clarity of the Reflect Aero.

Call quality is not quite as important but is still a factor. Both earbuds do fine on calls though the Reflect Aero can make you sound a little thin to the person on the other side of the line. Battery life is also a secondary consideration. Both pairs provide more than enough juice for most people. The Endurance Peak II has more than enough battery life overall as the earbuds have six hours of use and another 24 on tap from the charging case. However, the Reflect Aero has just a little more as the earbuds can last eight hours before needing to recharge while also having 24 additional hours of charge in the case.

• Winner: JBL Reflect Aero

JBL Reflect Aero vs JBL Endurance Peak II: which is right for you?

Overall, the JBL Reflect Aero are the better earbuds. They sound a little better, have a higher IP rating, and come with more features, most notably that Ambient Aware mode. Yet, they’re not in a different league.

The JBL Endurance Peak II are cheaper (33% cheaper in the US), actually available in Australia, and, most importantly, come with those ear hooks that keep the ear buds secure in extreme situations. For instance, if you plan on using earbuds during rock climbing, you’ll never have to worry about the Endurance Peak II popping out. As secure as the Reflect Aero typically are, that’s still a worry.

Both earbuds offer excellent value and do what they set out to do well (with a few hiccups here and there). So, consider what kind of workouts you want earbuds for and then choose accordingly.

JBL Endurance Peak II: One-minute review

The JBL Endurance Peak II are serious earbuds for serious workouts. They provide the fit and comfort that will get you through just about any exercise routine without having to adjust or mess with them. And, the sound quality with its big bass will keep your heart pumping to get through that last rep or the last 100 yards of a difficult run.

In essence, they do just enough right that most people in the market for the best running headphones or the best workout headphones will be happy with them. Of course, the JBL Endurance Peak II aren’t perfect as they lack a lot of the features that we’ve come to expect on the best earbuds such as active noise cancellation or app support. But, considering their sub-$100 price, these omissions are necessary evils. And, if you’re using these exclusively for workouts, they’re generally not missed.

JBL Endurance Peak II: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $99.95 (£104.99 / AU$149.99)
• Where is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

Though the JBL Endurance Peak II aren’t going to break any records when it comes to budget workout headphones, an imaginary award we would give to an offering from JLab, their affordable price tag of $99.95 (£104.99 / AU$149.99) makes these earbuds a much more accessible pair than a lot of the competition.

The Beats Fit Pro, which we’re big fans of, do come with many more features such as active noise cancellation and ambient or passthrough mode but will also cost you twice as much at $199 (£199 / AU$299.95). If you want to stick with JBL, the JBL Reflect Aero are also much more feature-filled than the Endurance Peak II and aren’t that much more ($149 / £119), especially for those in the UK. However, they don’t come with those ear hooks for the incredibly secure fit that the Endurance Peak II have.

• Value: 5 / 5

JBL Endurance Peak II: Design

• The fit is incredibly secure and mostly comfortable
• They’re light on features like ambient or transparency mode

What sets the JBL Endurance Peak II apart from most other earbuds are those large hooks that go around the ear. Sure, you can get these earbuds in three colors: black, blue, and white. But, these JBL earbuds are generally utilitarian in aesthetics. If you’re looking at these, it’s for functionality during a workout. And, thanks to those ear hooks, the Endurance Peak II are instantly among the better options out there, no matter how intense the workout.

The ear hooks are rubberized appendages that have enough give to comfortably fit around different size ears yet stiff enough that once secured, they won’t budge. In our testing, we can say that these didn’t move at all. And, we’ve tried out all sorts of earbuds including the traditional variety and those with wings such as the aforementioned Beats Fit Pro.

Of course, as solid and secure as that fit is, its comfort comes with a time limit. Since these earbuds are essentially locked into place around the ear and push the ear tip into our ear, it does start to exert some pressure after an hour or so. It’s a bit of a necessary trade-off. However, if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds to also use for everyday use whether on a commute or around the house, you might want to look elsewhere. But, for workouts, this tight fit is worth it.

While the JBL Endurance Peak II is light on a lot of features that we see on mid-tier earbuds such as active noise cancellation or app support, the only real feature we miss is some kind of ambient or transparency mode. Passive noise cancellation is more than adequate to block out noise, but when we’re out and about for a job, being able to hear traffic is critical to stay safe.

Yet, these earbuds are not devoid of features. They come with capacitive touch controls so you can pause music, adjust volume, answer a call, and more. And, they can be used in mono mode as well. You can use either earbud on its own to listen to music or jump on a call.

Lastly, as these are meant to weather the elements of most workouts, they come with an IPX7 rating. While that’s considered waterproof, don’t go swimming with these as they can’t survive long bouts underwater (you need an IPX8 rating for that) but they’ll handle sweat or brief submersion without taking on any damage.

• Design: 4 / 5

JBL Endurance Peak II: Performance

• Good but not great sound quality
• Above-average battery life

Though the JBL Endurance Peak II won’t win any awards for audiophile-like audio quality, they sound pretty good, especially for the price. There’s quite a bit of low-end though not much sub-bass extension, the mids are balanced enough that they sound full without sounding too rich, and the high end is present without sounding harsh though we do find it a bit indistinct sounding, as it doesn’t have as much detail as we would like.

Going back to that low end, it’s intentionally bumped up to help you with your workouts. While we prefer more neutral-sounding headphones, that low-end is not egregiously out of balance. However, if you want to tame it, you’ll have to use a third-party EQ or built-in EQ on your phone to do so.

Though we’ve described these earbuds as being light on features, they thankfully still include the capability to take calls. And, they’re not bad. Our experience has generally been that almost all headphones and earbuds (excluding headsets with a boom mic) sound worse than speaking directly through a phone and rating the quality is a matter of how big that gap in performance is. So, with the JBL Endurance Peak II, the speaker does sound a little hollow and a little far away but is still very audible to the listener. In our estimation, that’s above average for a pair of earbuds.

Another feature that we consider to be above average is their battery life. The earbuds’ six hours of use without needing a charge is hardly world-beating but is inline with the Airpods Pro (with the Airpods’ ANC off). And, the additional 24 hours that the case provides is similarly on par. And, considering that these should mainly be used for exercising, that’s more than enough for anyone not running a triathlon.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Should I buy the JBL Endurance Peak II?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

JBL Endurance Peak II: Report card

• First reviewed December 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

When I try to explain my insomnia to the blissfully unaffected, my first port of call is invariably the old adage 'what you focus on expands'. 

Imagine the scene: you've not had caffeine since 4 pm. You set your phone to airplane mode an hour ago – and limited your screen time beforehand because of that heavily-documented blue light thing – plus you're certainly tired, both physically and mentally. Every preparation has been made for a good night's sleep! 

A gloriously restful night awaits for sure. This whole shut-eye thing is going to be a doddle. Only, it's not. As you toss and turn under your carefully chosen sleep-inducing weighted blanket, cogs keep turning. 

Dropping off to the land of Nod is a pipe dream. Thoughts resurface. I must remember to buy food for the weekend tomorrow. Am I actually composing the difficult email I put off earlier, now?! Well, I may as well mentally run through that challenging piece of choreography then. Yes, if I do it like that it'll be awesome – not overthinking is key. Wait, did I remember to file that review for the weekend? And what did my upstairs neighbor mean when they said I wouldn't have to wait long to see the changes happening around here? I should sleep! I need sleep. Everyone needs sleep! Who else do I know who can't do this most basic thing?! Even if I get to sleep right now that's only… not enough. Tomorrow I'll feel awful once again, with only myself to blame. 

Sound familiar? I sympathize – and I think I can help. As a tech journalist, I have readily and eagerly turned to various products claiming to train me into achieving better sleep, including the Sleep Cycle app, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Generation) tablet, and the Whoop 4.0 wearable. Now, I don't want to disparage any of these products – all are designed to be very helpful; maybe they will help you. But they didn't work for me. However, after trying a selection of the best sleep earplugs and best sleep trackers, I might have found a solution to my restless nights.

Focusing on not sleeping (aka the ways in which you're failing) isn't the only way

My Whoop wearable told me so much about the sleep I wasn't getting. I now know, for example, that I was waking up 2.6 times per hour, on average. I also know that this is far from optimal and that because of it, most of the sleep I did get was not the good stuff, a.k.a deep sleep and rapid-eye-movement, better known as REM. These are the states in which we really get quality rest and our body gets to recover. 

Apparently, I was surviving in a 'get by' state only, rather than 'performing' or at my 'peak'. Sounds a bit like failure, no? And worse, failure despite a comprehensive sleep-coaching wearable's tips and notifications. 

I chose to wear the Whoop specifically because it does not have a screen. Why? Because the Google Nest Hub had a screen and, although I liked its Soli Sensor overall, I didn't get on with the three visual circles for sleep – I fixated on them not lining up and turning purple, as they should. I thought I might enjoy occasionally glancing at the Whoop app on my phone to tell me how long I'd slept instead. I was wrong. It isn't Whoop's fault, but to me, the wealth of information it delivered simply read as another litany of errors; another tale of woeful insomnia. 

I even set up the vibrating alarm to wake me once I'd achieved my nightly goal, crazy optimist that I am! Not once during my two-week experiment did it actually find me asleep, as my sleep debt accumulated. It was as if I'd fallen into a dark hole of sleeplessness I'd have to claw my way out of at some point to get back to the land of Successful People. Hardly a relaxing thought, is it? 

The Sleep Cycle app meanwhile, had me and my partner in stitches about our sleep talking (it records things such as snoring and can play them back to you) but again, it simply acted as damning confirmation of my poor performance in drifting off – and in not staying asleep even if I did.  

Two little earbuds, several great nights of sleep (so far)

Before we get too excited, note that I do not expect this solution to work instantly, indefinitely, or for everyone. Sleep is a far more delicate and elusive beast than that. However, I can tell you that it works for me, more often than not. And crucially, at no point will this sleep-promoting item tell you anything about yourself – good, bad, or sleep-deprived. Imagine! 

The product is the QuietOn 3 earbuds and they're an interesting hybrid creation. We do not include them in our best sleep earplugs guide since these tiny beauties actually include active noise cancellation and live in a battery-toting charging case. I cannot categorize them as noise-canceling earbuds either for fear of confusion because these buds cannot play your music over Bluetooth. There is no setup pairing process. You take them out of their charging case, fit them correctly and wait. After about 20 seconds you'll feel the ANC tech kick in – and if you're me, you miraculously start to feel sleepy. 

Nobody is more surprised than me by that last statement. Typically, I have shunned ANC-toting earbuds for various reasons. These include the oddly nauseating vacuum-like effect they can produce when I'm upwardly mobile, the audible hiss I've experienced on occasion, the way some options have adversely colored and sweetened my music, and the fact that I prefer to hear traffic and approaching strangers alongside my tunes for safety reasons – yes, I know there's usually an ambient aware feature. I prefer to save on the cost of ANC antiphase tech I'll rarely use, opting instead for a set of buds that don't actively nix noise. 

After fitting the QuietOn (you sort of pull your ear back and put them in, twisting the housing so that it slips and "locks" behind your meatus or auditory canal) they never fell out during my testing, despite my reservations about this given my small ears and weird, oddly-shaped right ear. They do sit quite deep into your ear, which may take some users a little while to get used to (and some may not like it at all) but for me, this isn't an issue.

Because there's no scope to play music (and when trying to sleep, I tend to stay fairly still) I lie back in bed and immediately feel cocooned. There is no screen to look at, no tips to check in any app, just a bubble of near-silence engulfing me. And then I sleep for eight hours. 

I didn't think it would work – often I've written about how the human ear is finely-tuned to treble frequencies and we shouldn't try to cloak that – but what can I say? They work for me. And I still heard my morning alarm. 

Now, there are certain safety implications associated with this method – make sure you've locked the door and haven't left the oven on spring to mind – but provided you're relatively secure in your home or you live with a caring partner, I think these earbuds are an excellent pick. Surely they are at least worth a go if you're struggling to sleep, whether or not you live in a noisy household. I do not and yet, the QuietOn 3 have changed my quality of life. I rate them incredibly highly – and I've been sleeping well recently so, you know, I'm likely at my peak…

If you’re a runner, you want clothes and accessories that work with you, without you having to stop every few minutes to adjust them – and that certainly goes for your best running headphones. Good running headphones need to be comfortable and secure, and ideally able to adjust your volume and settings on the fly.

When I tried my first set of Apple AirPods, the first generation, I fell in love. I began wearing them for training runs, 10Ks, and throughout my training for my first half-marathon, so I do remember them with a measure of fondness. But as soon as I tried Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, I knew they were going to blow my AirPods out the water. Not only is their audio quality every bit as good as the AirPods, but their tiny tips molded into my ear for a perfect fit, so I never had to worry about them falling out.

I was a slow adopter of running earbuds – I was worried they would fall out as I ran, and that I’d never see them again, which isn’t ideal for such a costly piece of tech. But after doing my research, and after a few literal trial runs with cheaper sets of buds, I settled on the AirPods. 

I thought I was a dyed-in-the-wool Apple convert – until, that is, I tried the latest Galaxy Buds2. Now I won’t wear anything else for running. So, why have I jumped ship?

I tried Samsung Galaxy’s first versions of its buds, but I found them a bit too big for my ears, and I couldn’t quite get the fit right. The Buds2, however, are 15% smaller than its predecessor, and while I generally find earbuds hard to place in my ear, these took just a couple of seconds, and they stayed put even during sprints. They’ve never once fallen out, to the point where I’ve stopped worrying about it; my Airpods, on the other hand, have fallen into bushes, mud, and once even into the eyeline of an excited, seemingly hungry dog. Thankfully I was able to recover them before my expensive headphones ended up inside Fido's lower intestine.

The sound from my Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is a big plus for me. The quality from the Airpods was great, but sometimes the sound would drop from one of the buds as I ran, meaning I wouldn’t get the full 360 surround sound as I do with the Galaxy buds.

When I’m running, whether it's in the gym or in a park, having my full attention on my music or an audio motivation track is really important to me – it gives me focus, helps me to forget about how much I’m pushing myself, and most importantly, allows me time for myself. My first-generation Airpods didn’t have active noise cancellation (ANC – new models do offer this), and I’m all for my Galaxy Buds2 giving me the right sort of distraction. 

A study published last year in the Journal of Motor Learning and Development showed that experiencing the right sort of distraction when exercising actually makes it easier and helps us to increase our overall effort. With ANC, I can toggle it on or off, so on a busy road for example, I can still keep part of my hearing open to the world around me.  

The battery life is great too – they’re good for eight hours of listening on a full charge, in comparison to the most recent AirPods' six hours, sans case. And while I wouldn’t want to drop them in a puddle (although, as mentioned, they haven’t fallen out of my ears yet) they do have an IPX7 rating, so they can theoretically be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. AirPods 3 are only IPX4, resistant to water splashes but unable to be submerged at all. 

The only slight drawback was how long they take, via Bluetooth, to pair with my phone – I have an iPhone, and I know the pairing process would be quicker and more intuitive if I was pairing them to a Samsung phone; but with that being the only downside, I’m one happy runner.

However, if you really don't like closing off your ears while you run – for example, you live smack-bang in the middle of a busy city – you might be better off with a set of the best bone conduction headphones, which pipe music through vibrations in your skull while leaving your ears open for the outside world.

Editor's note

• Original review date: November 2022
• Original price $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00)
• Price now $99.00 / £84.99 / AU$127.99

Update: February 2024. The H20 Audio Tri Multi-Sport headphones are still a great buy over a year on, even with the advent of a Pro model. Onboard storage and streaming options, a cheaper price from launch and bone-conduction tech, which hasn't really advanced much, means it's standing the test of time very well. The rest of the review remains as previously published.

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: One-minute review

The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport Waterproof Open Ear Headphones are a contender for our best waterproof headphones guide. Thanks to their dual Bluetooth/flash memory, these headphones are so versatile you’ll only need the one set for all your workouts, whether underwater or not. 

Fully waterproof, they have surprisingly good sound in most Bluetooth conditions and from the onboard 8GB flash drive for uninterrupted play while swimming. Bluetooth’s limitations in water mean you need both modes if you never want to be without sound. While you could jerry-rig a smartwatch to your swim cap or goggles, keep in mind you’ll need the two devices within three to four inches of each other.

As with most bone conduction headphones, they’re worn on the cheekbones – an improvement over the H2O Audio Sonar (one of our waterproof headphone picks) which need to be attached to swim goggles. 

Our main quibble is that the control buttons sometimes need a couple of attempts to perform how we want rather than working on the first try. Of the three function buttons, the main button controls a lot, so you need to be very precise with how you hit it and how long you hold it. This should improve after the button design change in the next production run. 

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00)
• Where is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

Both on H2O Audio’s website and on Amazon, these versatile headphones are currently on sale at the time of writing. However, they retail at $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00). They’re manufactured in China and designed in San Diego, California. They ship internationally, though additional taxes and shipping fees vary by country. 

It’s rare to find waterproof headphones, especially at this price, with both Bluetooth and onboard memory so you can have uninterrupted sound regardless of the conditions. For example, Shokz OpenSwim headphones have only an MP3 player (no Bluetooth) at a cost of $149.95. On sale for $89 (from $129) are the Bluetooth-only YouthWhisper SuperQ3 bone conduction headphones. While Zygo Solo headphones allow you to stream flawlessly from your phone underwater via an FM radio transmitter, it’ll cost you $299 and you need to bring extra gear to the pool.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: Design

• IPX8 waterproof rating means you can swim without worry
• Stream via Bluetooth or from the onboard flash drive 
• 8MB of storage of MP3, WMA and M4A files 

The H2O Audio Tri Multi-sport Waterproof Open Ear Headphones have the maximum waterproofing rating – IPX8. That means they can withstand immersion in 12 feet (3.6 m) of water for an unlimited time (so you’ve lost one more excuse for cutting your workout short).

Fairly typical for bone conduction headphones, these have two round transducers that sit below your temple, hooks that go over the top of each ear, and two rectangles that sit behind your ears with the controls and battery. The device is mostly black, though you have your choice of Caribbean blue, hot pink, or black for the band that wraps behind your neck. No need to worry if you expect to be tossed around in the waves, they come with a little rubber leash to secure them to swim goggles or a wetsuit zipper. For regular wear, you likely won’t need it – they stayed comfortably in place for us during a jog and while swimming laps. 

Charging the headphones and downloading files to the 8GB flash drive is through a compact proprietary cable that pairs four metal circles on each device via a magnet. While you can’t sub one of your dozens of other cords in, you don’t have to worry if water will seep into the charging port. 

Once the cable connects your headphones to your computer, a window instantly pops up to transfer files. Our headphones arrived with two dozen songs already loaded, and we can attest that Janis Joplin belting out “Me and Bobby McGee” energizes for several extra laps in the pool. It’s easy to drag and drop whatever MP3, WMA, or M4A (iTunes) files you like into folders and organize them by type, workout, or however you like. Note that you can’t download files from subscription services like Spotify or Apple Music because they’re copyright protected (but you can stream them via Bluetooth). 

Three buttons manage the controls. With a click, two buttons raise or lower the volume; holding one skips to the next or previous track (or forward or back a few seconds on podcasts). In memory mode, a double click of a volume button skips to the next or previous folder. The main button turns power on and off, pauses and restarts play, and toggles between Bluetooth and memory. In memory mode, the main button also controls shuffle play and, in Bluetooth mode, answers calls as well as activates voice assistants. 

The battery lasts eight to nine hours though playing at higher volumes will drain it more quickly. You’ll know your headphones are fully charged when their light turns from red to blue. A polite British lady announces the battery status when you turn the headphones on and she gives you an hour’s worth of periodic warnings when the battery level is low. She also confirms when you’ve toggled successfully between Bluetooth and memory modes. 

• Design: 5 / 5

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: Performance

• Easy to download to the 8GB memory and organize files how you want
• Great sound, though a bit bass-y underwater
• Button controls can be a bit finicky 

Because the H2O Audio Tri Multi-sport Waterproof Open Ear Headphones stream sound two ways, you only need this one set for all your sports needs. Overall, sound quality is quite good, especially for music and podcasts, though a bit echo-y for phone calls. In the air, both music and podcasts sounded great and were surprisingly rich, whether streaming by Bluetooth or from the flash drive. Underwater, podcasts’ sound quality was just as good as in the air. For music underwater, we would have liked more treble and less bass, but it wasn’t a deal breaker (and we were happy that the bass wasn’t so strong that our cheekbones vibrated, as with some other bone conduction headphones). 

Because water blocks Bluetooth signals, sound did go in and out while swimming in Bluetooth mode when our head was even just a couple of inches below the surface. The headphones performed better at the end of the pool nearest where our phone was sitting and less well 60 feet away at the pool’s other end. Keep in mind that the headphones must be in Bluetooth mode to receive phone calls. 

Swimming is why you want headphones with a built-in MP3 player. In memory mode, the sound was great and didn’t cut out at all whether we swam on the surface or dived to the bottom of our four-and-a-half-foot-deep lap pool. 

Our biggest complaint is that the control buttons of the H2O Audio Tri Multi-sport are a bit finicky, especially the main button which controls play, pause, toggling between Bluetooth and memory modes, and a few other functions. Sometimes it took a few tries to get the device to do what we wanted; occasionally we gave up and just pulled out our phone to get the sound to restart rather than continue to try to hold the button for the exact right number of milliseconds. Now, most people won’t do the extent of toggling and control adjustments that we do during testing, but keep this in mind if you frequently want to skip ads, pause and restart play, or switch back and forth from Bluetooth to memory mode. In circumstances when your hands aren’t free (or dry) to use the controls on your phone, make sure you’ve downloaded enough podcasts or music to the flash drive so you don’t need to toggle and then don’t touch the controls once it’s playing how you like it. 

We’re told that H2O Audio is updating the design for the next production run to make the control buttons bigger so that they’re easier to press. This is likely to reduce the problem significantly.  

As with all bone conduction headphones, you’ll need to turn the sound up in noisy environments because, unless you also wear the supplied earplugs, nothing blocks your ears. The open-ear design is a safety advantage – you want to hear the cyclist or car zooming up behind you or if another swimmer is trying to pass. Unlike with other bone conduction headphones we’ve tried, there was very minimal sound bleed (and, phew, no complaints from the noise-sensitive person we share home and office space with). 

The 8GB storage is a fairly standard size and generally means you can store 1500 to 2000 songs. Downloading files onto the headphones was drag-and-drop easy – our biggest challenge was finding MP3 podcasts and songs in a Bluetooth world. 

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport: Report card

• First reviewed November 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

Waterproof headphones for swimming can get expensive quickly. They’re meant to survive conditions other headphones and earbuds can’t, after all. And, they frequently come with onboard storage to compensate for the fact that Bluetooth is unreliable underwater.

But, you don’t have to test out your wireless earbuds to see if they can survive in the deep end just to save some money. There are a few ways to find and get waterproof headphones under $100 / £100, and you don’t necessarily have to wait for Black Friday to roll around to get a deal. Though, as we’ll discuss, you should keep an eye out for upcoming sales.

We’ll also give you a few other tips to help narrow the options to a more affordable price tag. Of course, you can always just splurge and get something like the Zygo Solo. If you’re not sure what constitutes waterproof headphones, we highly suggest checking out our waterproof vs water-resistant headphones guide so you know what to consider.

1. You don’t have to get bone-conduction headphones

Bone conduction technology lends itself beautifully to headphones that have to be protected from the elements. The sensors that send audio to your cochlea are completely surrounded and covered by protected materials, unlike traditional headphones that only have a partial covering over the driver that’s pumping audio into your ear. That’s why you see many earbuds meant for working out or running listed as water-resistant instead of waterproof. They’re not completely sealed off from the elements because they can’t be.

That said, bone-conduction headphones are pretty niche so they’re often a little more expensive. Don’t ignore bone conduction options outright as there are some, like the H20 Audio TRI Multi-Sport Headphones, that just barely fit within the budget and are worth a look. But, you’ll also find some traditional headphones that employ a little extra protection within that sub-$100 / £100 price range. Models like the HydroActive Waterproof headphones and the H2O Audio Surge SX10 are just some examples.

2. Compromise on sound quality

Don’t expect to get amazing-sounding headphones on the cheap that will sound just as stellar underwater. They’re employing certain technologies to function while submerged, which means they have to make some sacrifices. That’s especially true when you’re trying for more budget options.

We’re not suggesting going with something that sounds terrible. Just be aware of the limitations. Even more expensive options that utilize bone conduction sensors aren’t going to give you the same immersive experience as some top-notch earbuds or headphones. As long as they’re able to do a decent job reproducing the music or audio you want to listen to, they’ll be good enough to accompany you on a handful of laps in the pool.

3. Don’t cheap out too much

We’re not going to point any particular waterproof headphones out as a bad purchase – we do suggest avoiding random Amazon finds with names that don’t make sense – but you shouldn’t go for the bargain bin items just because you’re trying to save some money. After all, if you get something that’s cheap because it’s cheaply made and likely to break after a few months of use, you’re going to end up spending at least the same amount again to replace those broken headphones.

Instead, make sure that whatever you get, no matter the price, is made well enough and comes with the features and performance you need so that you only end up making one purchase. Unless you want to start a collection, it’s better to get the right one instead of the cheap one.

4. Don’t skip certain features

On that note, many waterproof headphones for swimming have onboard storage for MP3s and other audio files. We may be in a world of Spotify and Apple Music playlists, but the current Bluetooth standards have yet to overcome the hurdle that water presents. What do we mean by that? Bluetooth only works intermittently underwater.

So, yes. You can get some headphones that skip the onboard storage and are cheaper for it, but you’ll end up with an unreliable signal every time you submerge in that pool, lake, or ocean. 

5. Take advantage of sales

While the above tips will help you focus on options that are within your price range, sometimes you can stretch your money to get a slightly more premium model. Though you’ll still have to pay extra for something like the Naenka Runner Diver, you can spring for something that usually won’t go for under $100 / £100 for that price if you time it right. 

However, that does mean that you have to be cognizant of upcoming sales holidays or even just price drops. If you don’t need a pair right away, whichever water headphones have piqued your interest most likely will get a temporary price cut throughout the year. 

Whether you’re keeping tabs on Black Friday headphones deals when the holiday shopping season is around or are waiting for a regular sale, the best thing you can do is be vigilant. We suggest that you bookmark our buying guide above and check in on them periodically. You’ll find a list of deals that reflects current prices.

Do you do triathlons of a weekend? I tip my hat to you. For the rest of us, maybe we just want some good running headphones or a set of the best swimming headphones we know we can rely on for being really, really waterproof.  

And these are they, because H2O (the Californian specialist that was first to market with waterproof headphones in 2003) today released its newest invention – multi-sport, waterproof bone conduction headphones that go beyond the IPX8 rating by being submersible up to 12 feet of water for an unlimited amount of time. Yes, you read that correctly.

Wondering how you'll take your mobile phone into the drink with you? Don't fret. The Tri Multi-Sport Headphones with Bluetooth and MP3 (yes, quite a mouthful, but that's their name) also have a built-in MP3 player as well as Bluetooth, shockingly.

The headphones actually feature 8GB of memory, so you'll be able to take approximately 2,000 MP3 songs with you. They also offer a claimed nine hours of battery life. Impressive.

Opinion: you don't need to be an elite athlete to own them – but you could Tri…  

These headphones were designed for triathletes, but made for anyone who likes to listen to music while they swim, surf, run, bike, ski, or snowboard. OK, I only do some of those things but I would love a set – and let's be clear, I may never run a triathlon.

Why do I want something designed for elite athletes? Why does an Apple Watch owner want the new Watch Ultra? Because we've suffered too many losses, friends. We've dropped earbuds in puddles (my colleague even put his AirPods through the laundry), dried them religiously, rejoiced when they did come alive then lamented their fate, ie. sounding forevermore as if they're still underwater. 

And now there's H2O's Tri headphones, which also offer a refreshing open-ear design with a behind-the-neck headband, so you can hear the traffic on your run, or stay with the yoga teacher in class, say. For a pretty low price (specified below) I'll absolutely give them a go. 

But the Tri headphones' biggest draw is that concurrent with the 2022 Ironman World Championship and The Underpants Run in Kona, Hawaii (which I didn't know about, but I'll be researching as soon as I finish writing this piece) H2O Audio’s waterproof technology goes beyond the IPX8 rating.

To clarify, IPX8 is specified as a device that can be submerged in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30 minutes and still survive. These headphones, however, are billed as being able to withstand submersion up to 12 feet underwater (that's 3.6m for us metric heads) for an unlimited amount of time. It's a huge jump in waterproofing, and could mean they jump straight into our best bone conduction headphones buying guide. 

At a promotional launch price point of just $99 (around £90, AU$157), in black, blue and pink headband finishes, the H2O Tri Headphones are possibly the most affordable premium multi-sport, waterproof headphones on the market today, too. 

Want to hear how they fare for sound, features and comfort under review? Watch this space…  

YouthWhisper SuperQ3: One-minute review

Though the YouthWhisper SuperQ3’s instructions say they aren’t for swimming, that’s only because water blocks Bluetooth signals. These bone conduction headphones have a water resistance rating of IP67, which is good enough for at least a half-hour swim.

Unlike most waterproof headphones, you can take a phone call with the SuperQ3 plus stream whatever you like from your phone since there’s no need to download MP3s. As a bonus, the price is lower than most swim headphones too. Now, there is a tradeoff for all that, but it’s almost non-existent if you only want downpour- and sweat-proof headphones.

Physics is the challenge here – water blocks Bluetooth. When you swim, the device-to-headphone signal will cut in and out a bit unless the Bluetooth receiver (on the left side of the headphones) is just barely below the surface of the water. But we found it easy enough to keep the headphones almost always in range with just a minor head tilt while swimming. That seems a fair compromise to listen to whatever you want while swimming lengths and not even miss a phone call (though the latter might sound a bit tinny).

The bone conduction technology – with the sound traveling by vibration through your cheekbone into your middle ear – does mean there’s some sound bleeding. If you listen to the game during hot yoga or while you’re playing in the pool with your kid, it’ll be apparent your attention is elsewhere. But in noisier situations, it’s likely that no one will notice. 

The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones’ ease of use and nice price make up for their lack of sound quality perfection. 

YouthWhisper SuperQ3: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $129, currently on sale for $89
• Where is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US and Canada

Available in both the US and Canada and cheaper than most waterproof headphones, the YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones are regularly priced at $129 (around CA$178) on YouthWhisper’s website. They’re discounted to $89 (around CA$123) at the time of writing. The sale price is currently available on the US Amazon site too, and, on Canadian Amazon, they’re discounted to an even cheaper CA$63. The headphones are made in China, and YouthWhisper is headquartered in Texas. 

• Value: 4.5 / 5

YouthWhisper SuperQ3: Design

• Minimalist titanium headband in smooth silicone 
• Bluetooth and bone conduction design 
• Charging port cover doesn’t stay closed

While YouthWhisper’s website and user’s manual say the SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones aren’t suitable for swimming, that’s because of the limits of Bluetooth and not because they’re not waterproof enough. Unlike most swimming headphones, the SuperQ3 operates with Bluetooth (version 5.0) rather than requiring you to download MP3s onto flash storage. If you don’t want to download, other options include the pricier Zygo Solo swim headphones, which operate by an FM transmitter or attaching a waterproof Apple Watch to your swim goggles.

The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Headphones have an “ingress protection” code (i.e. waterproofing rating) of IP67. That’s the highest rating (6/6) for dust protection and the second highest (7/8) for water, which means it’s been tested for temporary immersion in water between 5.9 inches (15cm) and 3 feet 3 inches (1m) for 30 minutes. That means you can swim with them, as well as wear them in a downpour or while sweating up a storm. 

Like other bone conduction headphones, the YouthWhisper SuperQ3 have hooks that go over the top of the ears and transducers that sit in front of each ear below the temple. The behind-the-head band, made from titanium, rests away from the head and neck. The whole device is covered in smooth, dark gray silicone. The transducers are a rounded square shape and sit comfortably whether in or out of the water and while wearing swim goggles. Weighing in at just over an ounce (30g), the headphones stay in place when swimming and running. 

The easy-to-use control buttons allow even wet hands to pause, skip, fast forward, rewind, adjust the volume, and answer phone calls (there’s a noise-canceling, dual microphone hidden inside for calls). You can connect the headphones to two devices at a time. 

Unlike most other bone conduction headphones, the SuperQ3 use a standard USB-C charging cord (provided) rather than a proprietary charger. A red light indicates the headphones are charging, and it turns blue when they’re maxed up. The battery capacity is billed at about six hours of continuous play or eight hours of talk time. It takes about two hours to charge them completely, and they have a standby time of 20 days. 

Construction and design seem solid, except that the cover of the charging port doesn’t stay closed. That didn’t affect functioning while swimming and the headphones charged up again just fine, though we thought it wise to ensure they dried overnight first. 

• Design: 4 / 5

YouthWhisper SuperQ3: Performance

• Works well when swimming, if left ear is near the surface 
• Sound quality is decent though not stellar 
• Easy to use both in and outside of the pool

The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones score high marks for convenience. There’s no need to remember to download MP3s, and you can stream whatever you want from your phone, just as you do with other Bluetooth headphones. You don’t need to bring a separate FM transmitter to the pool, a waterproof Apple Watch, or a proprietary charging device. The SuperQ3 is great for almost any exercise, even swimming, with no need to worry about water damage or missing a phone call. 

Because the headphones are bone conduction style, your ear canals are open so you can hear sounds around you – an ideal safety feature for cyclists and runners. Whether in the pool or out, that does mean a loud noise might drown out whatever you’re streaming, but you can rewind the track with a triple-click if needed. 

Overall, the YouthWhisper SuperQ3’s sound quality is fine but not stellar, though that seems a fair tradeoff given the price, waterproofing, and Bluetooth capability. We needed to turn up the volume for phone calls, resulting in a tickly vibration on the cheekbones, and we sounded a bit tinny on the other end of the line. Sound quality was better for podcasts than for music (but no tickly bass as with phone calls). Wearing earplugs – the SuperQ3 ships with standard orange ones in a reusable plastic box – did improve things, but we’re not sure we’d bother. 

The YouthWhispers do have a whisper of a sound bleed, so you might annoy anyone in a quiet room with you. You can get away with sneakily listening to something else in louder spaces because you can still hear others clearly since your ear canals aren’t blocked (you’re just keeping the headphones on in case your phone rings, right?). 

The main sound challenge is while swimming because Bluetooth signals travel well through the air but degrade quickly in water. For our tests, we put our phone on a bench at one end of a 60-foot lap pool and jumped in to see how well the SuperQ3 performed. 

The sound was great when swimming with the left side of the headphones out of the water – such as a head-in-the-air breaststroke or a right-side side stroke. Doing the backstroke, the headphones were too far underwater and were silent. While swimming a proper breaststroke and front crawl, the sound cut in and out a bit regardless of how far we were from the phone. But we could make it tolerable with a slight tilt of the head to get the left side of the headphones closer to the surface of the water. 

We didn’t mind the occasional skipped word in exchange for being able to listen to the latest podcasts without having to download MP3s. If you want full sound for every swim stroke, Bluetooth swimming headphones aren’t right for you; instead, download MP3s to one of these waterproof headphones or get the Zygo Solo headphones, which operate via an FM transmitter.

The YouthWhisper SuperQ3 has just three buttons: volume up (which also turns them on and off, and connects the Bluetooth), volume down, and a larger round button that controls everything else. These buttons work as you’d expect, though that’s different from what the manual says they’ll do. One click of the round button plays, pauses, and answers a phone call. A quick double-click skips to the next song. Even though the manual says that a triple-click is to “skip to forward [sic] song”, it actually rewinds to the beginning of the current song. On a podcast, a double-click fast forwards about 30 seconds to bypass ads and a triple-click rewinds by about 10 seconds so you can catch anything missed by a loud external noise. 

Whether you’re in the water or in very sweaty situations, the YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones make it easy to listen to whatever you want to stream from your phone, eliminating the need to download in advance. They’re not perfect, but they’ll make your swim or wet weather exercise much more enjoyable. 

• Performance: 4 / 5

Should I buy the YouthWhisper SuperQ3?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

YouthWhisper SuperQ3: Report card

• First reviewed October 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

The difference between water-resistant headphones and waterproof headphones matters. While it might seem obvious to tech-heads, many still don’t know the difference between water-resistant headphones and waterproof ones. In fact, most people assume that those two terms mean the same thing and use them interchangeably. 

Unfortunately, doing so could be catastrophic to your devices – those headphones you just spent a lot of money on. After all, only one of them means fully-submersible. We thought we’d break it down for those who aren’t so well-versed.

We won’t be naming a winner in each section like we do in many of our versus articles. We’re not here to pit these two different types of headphones against each other and see which one comes out on top. There are water-resistant headphones, and there are waterproof headphones, but they’re not necessarily in competition with each other. Each type serves a different purpose – each specializes in different activities (though there will be overlap).

Instead, we’re here to discuss each type, as well as talk about their strengths and weaknesses. By the end of this, you’ll not only know the difference between water-resistant headphones and waterproof alternatives, but also know which one is best for you.

Water-resistant vs waterproof headphones: what exactly is the difference?

• Headphones must have full protection against water to be waterproof
• Water-resistant headphones do not have a complete barrier against water
• Water-resistant headphones cannot be fully immersed in water

To put it simply, waterproof headphones have total protection against water and, therefore, can be submerged in water for a specified period of time. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can take your waterproof headphones for a proper dive, as most waterproof headphones – even bone conduction headphones – aren’t designed to withstand the hydrostatic pressure and can only be used at one or two meters. However, that still means that they can be immersed in water for 30 minutes or more, which means they’re perfect for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.

It’s worth noting that while there are some waterproof headphones that offer Bluetooth connectivity, most do not have it. That’s mostly because Bluetooth technology uses 2.40GHz to 2.48GHz radio frequencies that do not work very well in water. Those that do not have Bluetooth do come with their own MP3 player in which you store music files for listening underwater.

Water-resistant headphones, on the other hand, only have protection against water sprays, splashes, or streams, and are not designed for full immersion. Bear in mind too that there are different levels of water resistance. Some options only have sweat-resistance, which typically means they can only handle water splashes, while others have actual protection against high pressure water jets from any angle. Whatever their water-resistance level is, these headphones are better suited for non-water-immersive activities like working out at the gym, running a marathon, and navigating through rush-hour pedestrian traffic.

How do you know just how much water-resistance or waterproofing a set of headphones comes with? Check its IP "ingress protection" rating. Anything at IPx7 or IPx8 is safe to use underwater while anything with an IPx6 rating or below only has some lower level of water resistance, good for sweat and rain but not submersion.

Water-resistant vs waterproof headphones: price and availability

• You might be hard-pressed to find sub-$50/£50 waterproof headphones
• There are water-resistant headphones at any price range
• Waterproof headphones aren’t as prevalent as water-resistant ones

Waterproof headphones aren’t as widely-available and have fewer models and options than other headphones on the market. That makes sense since not everyone actually needs a pair of waterproof headphones or would use them every day. 

In contrast, water-resistant headphones are more popular and more prevalent than ever, with newer models being released every month from different manufacturers. That’s because they’re more in line with what most users need, whether they’re on an outdoor run, doing hot yoga, or just in the middle of a hectic morning commute. You’ll find more options at every price range.

Budget-minded consumers will love the IP55-rated Jlab Go Air Sport that will only cost you $30 / £29. Those who aren’t on a tight budget, on the other hand, can get a mid-range set like the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro or splurge on something like the Beats Fit Pro that costs $199 / £199.

However, just because waterproof headphones aren’t as readily available  – you might not find one at the airport tech shop or even at your local Best Buy – that doesn’t mean that they're expensive. You might be hard-pressed to find something that’s under $50 / £50, but you’re also unlikely to spend $500 / £500 on a pair. 

Michael Phelps-approved waterproof headphones brand, H2O Audio, has a model – the Surge Bluetooth Waterproof Headphones – that will only set you back $60. It also has an MP3-slash-Bluetooth headphones model, the Sonar, that’s currently discounted at $100.

For a premium option, Cr8 Sounds’ M1 Sport, is just $120 / £104, which isn’t bad and is cheaper than many premium water-resistant options. If you’re willing to spend a little more, the Zygo Solo bone conduction headphones are $299 while the new Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are $229 / £219, and those have an IPx7 rating that means they can get soaked.

Water-resistant vs waterproof headphones: which one is best for you?

The more appropriate question might be, which type of headphones do you need for the type of activities you do? And, sometimes, it’s not even a one-or-the-other situation. If you’re both an avid swimmer and a passionate runner, for example, then it might be worth it for you to get one of each. However, if you’re on a budget or trying to live minimally, just go with the pair that makes perfect sense for your lifestyle.

Are waterproof headphones the same thing as water-resistant headphones? Do you need fully waterproof headphones for sports, or are you better off getting a pair of water-resistant buds for cheaper? How can you tell which headphones are waterproof and which are water-resistant? And, as a matter of fact, what's IP rating?

These are some of the questions we'll try to find an answer to in this 'waterproof headphones vs water-resistant headphones' article. It's good to know the difference because even though the best waterproof headphones have been immensely popular among runners, cyclists and swimmers, they aren't always a better choice than waterproof running headphones.

Let's dive in.

What’s IP rating?

The ‘IP’ in IP rating stands for ingress protection, and this number represents how effectively a product can keep foreign objects out of its casing. The IP rating is made up of two numbers: the first digit refers to solid objects and the second to liquids. Often, headphones have an IP rating with an ‘X’ for the first digit, meaning the product hasn’t been rated for solids, only liquids.

The highest IP rating any product can get is IP68, where ‘6’ means the construction is entirely dust-tight and ‘8’ that it can be completely submerged in water for a continuous period of time. Most waterproof headphones are either IPX7, or IPX8 rated to ensure you can perform any water-based activities with them without having to worry about busting the buds.

Are water-resistant headphones any good?

Is it worth getting water-resistant headphones with a rating below IPX7? Yes, in most cases, you don’t need buds that can be completely submerged in water. Even IPX4-rated headphones can usually be used for sweaty workouts and even in the rain; as long as you don’t submerge them in water or get them thoroughly soaked, they should be able to work fine.

Another important factor is sound quality. Most water-resistant cans are the bone-conduction headphones variety, and those produce sound differently from your ‘normal’ buds – by resonating your cheekbones, no less. On the other hand, they often leave the ears open, so you are more aware of your surroundings; hence why runners often opt-in for these kinds of headphones. For the best sound quality, decent water-resistant headphones are your best option.

Do you need waterproof headphones?

Knowing all this, is there a point in getting fully waterproof headphones? Absolutely, especially if your preferred activity is water-based. Swimmers, triathletes, surfers and the likes would want their buds to be fully immersible in water to ensure they can be used more than once.

Have you got a pair of headphones but aren't sure how waterproof they are? Your best option is to check the manufacturer's website for the IP rating. Most sports headphones have an IP rating of IPX4 or IPX5, but some can go as high as IPX8. that said, water-tightness can change over time, and it very much depends on how you treat the buds when you use them.

If force is applied to the headphones – e.g. you step on them, or they fall from somewhere high – that might change the structure of the casing, potentially compromising the water resistance of the buds. Sadly, there is no way of telling when this happens, so your best bet is to look after your headphones as much as you can.

Waterproof headphones vs water-resistant headphones: which one should you get?

Which headphones to get depends on what you need them for. People who prefer working out in gyms won’t need water-resistant headphones; similarly, runners in urban environments might prefer waterproof headphones that leave their ears open (sweating + heavy traffic).

Swimmers and people who spend a lot of time in the water will want water-resistant headphones. We strongly recommend reading through our waterproof headphones guide before making a purchase, though, as these headphones are not without caveats. For example, some can only play stored music underwater, so you must have a collection of MP3 songs if you want to listen uninterrupted in the pool.

Jlab Go Air Sport: One-minute review

The Jlab Go Air Sport headphones are one of those workout headphones that might easily get overlooked. After all, just how good can a pair of sub-$50/£50 be? Historically (and understandably), they are simply unable to compete with the greats, despite their appealing price tags. 

But then, the Jlab Go Air Sport came charging on the scene to prove history wrong. According to them, wireless earbuds and headphones do not need to cost a fortune to sound good and deliver on more than just the basics, and now our idea of the best workout headphones is changed forever. 

In fact, we’re so impressed with them, we now prefer using them over our former favorites, the Beats Fit Pro. And, that’s saying a lot considering those might have just single-handedly ushered the Beats headphones line into a new era. 

The Jlab Go Air Sport may not have the Fit Pro’s ANC prowess. However, they have superior comfort, fit, controls, and battery life – that’s while costing 3/20th of the Fit Pro. Need we go on?

Jlab Go Air Sport: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $30 (£29, AU$69)
• Where is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

At only $30 (£29, AU$69), the Jlab Go Air Sport are certainly for the budget-minded listeners and economizing fitness fanatics. 

To be clear, these aren’t the only budget headphones or earbuds that are worth your consideration. However, these probably give you the best bang for your buck out of all of them. Their battery life alone, which is way above industry standard, already offers a reasonable return on investment.

In comparison, you’ll have to shell out a hefty $199 (£199, AU$299) to take the Beats Fit Pro home, spend $149 / £112 for the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro, and pay an eye-watering $279 (£250, AU$449) for the Sony WF-1000XM4. 

• Value: 5 / 5

Jlab Go Air Sport: Design

• Comfortable and secure fit
• Touch controls are intuitive
• There’s volume control! ‘Nuf said!

They have to stay in place even during intensive sessions, and they shouldn’t hurt our ears (workout is hard enough!) – these are the two design features we expect from our go-to workout earbuds. But, true to its overachieving nature, the Jlab Go Air Sport don’t just tick those two big things off our list of demands. It goes above and beyond.

The fact that both earbuds are incredibly lightweight definitely adds to their comfort, but we have to give credit to those earhooks, which are comfortable even after hours of wear (unlike the wing tips on the Beats Fit Pro that hurt our outer ears even after 30 minutes) and effective at keeping the earbuds secure. We’ve ran, hiked, climbed stairs, and done dance workouts with these on, and they haven’t fallen off or even slipped out of place once.

If you aren’t used to such a design, there might be a bit of a learning curve – meaning you’ll have to use both hands to put them on in the early days. But, trust us, you’ll be putting these on one-handed in no time.

For a pair of cheap headphones, the touch controls here are surprisingly reliable and accurate. They’re intuitive as well, making these earbuds effortless to control during workout sessions. These touch sensors also let you select among three sound profiles: JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost.

The best part about these controls, however, is the fact that they include volume control — that’s something even the top earbuds on the market do not offer. Press and hold the right earbud, and your volume goes up. Do the same on the left, and the volume drops. Simple, effective, brilliant.

One other thing the Jlab Go Air Sport offer that their pricier rivals don’t is the built-in USB cable. For obvious reasons, the case doesn’t offer wireless charging. However, the built-in USB cable, which you can snap back in place and out of your way in its own garage, kinda splits the difference. You don’t need to remember to bring your own charging cable, as it already comes with the case.

Speaking of the case, it’s larger than others, so not by much – and that’s really mostly to accommodate the earbuds’ earhooks. It definitely keeps things pocket-sized still.

Finally, if you’re tired of the same bland black or off-white shades, you’ll be happy to know that the Jlab Go Air Sport comes in six different attractive colors. There are no pink or purple options, sadly. (You need to get on that, Jlab!) However, there’s light blue, yellow, and teal.

• Design: 5 / 5

Jlab Go Air Sport: Sound quality

• Great sound quality for the price
• Mic is slightly muffled; no ANC
• Impressive battery life

You wouldn’t think that a pair of earbuds at this price range would sound very good, but the Jlab Go Air Sport yet again punch above their weight. The sound quality isn’t just good; it’s actually pretty great considering how much you’re paying.

There’s lots of bass to keep you motivated and moving even when you’re sore or just about ready to give up, but not too much bass that it overwhelms everything else. There’s also surprisingly good treble for the price, and the mid-range is well-represented as well.

Listening to Florence and the Machine’s new album, Dance Fever, on these is a great audio experience, even if they aren’t the most detailed-sounding earbuds we’ve used. The violin towards the end of King isn’t as prominent as it should be, for example. However, Florence Welch’s voice comes out clear and rich, and all the other instruments are well-represented.

Unfortunately, the built-in mics are slightly muffled, as if there’s a veil over your voice as it comes through to the other end of your calls. However, the person on the other end shouldn’t have a hard time hearing you clearly. There’s no background noise rejection, though. 

Nor is there active noise cancellation, though when it comes to workout headphones, that’s a bit of a double-edged sword. When you’re running on a trail in the woods, you obviously want to be aware of your surroundings. Same if you’re jogging on a busy street. The tips of the Jlab Go Air Sport should give you some level of noise cancellation, albeit passive, and for us, that’s more than enough for when we’re working out.

Since they are made for workouts and activities, they boast an IP55 sweat-resistance rating, which means that while they’re not completely sealed, they have a high level of dust and water jet protection. We’ve drenched these in sweat during midday and early afternoon workouts outdoors in the middle of a hot SoCal summer, and they haven’t failed yet.

Last but certainly not least is their impressive battery life. While the Beats Fit Pro only give you up to six hours of listening per charge, the Jlab Go Air Sport beat them by two more hours, boasting around 8+ hours per charge, which is pretty accurate during our battery tests. Additionally, you’re getting up to 32 hours of battery life with the case, which again beats the Beats Fit Pro’s 24-hour rating.

Do you need that long of a battery life per earbud if you’re just using them for workouts? Well, that depends. If you’re running a marathon, a pro athlete, or a long-distance hiker like yours truly, then absolutely. 

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Jlab Go Air Sport?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Jlab Go Air Sport: Report card

• First reviewed September 2022

How we test

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

The best running headphones don’t just play your music — they can help you settle into a rhythm, stay focused, and keep moving when the going gets tough. Whether you’re logging big mileage weeks, training for a race, or simply running for the mental and physical benefits, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference.

That means no constant adjusting mid-run, no battery anxiety halfway through a session, and no distractions pulling you out of your stride. For some runners, that will mean open-ear or bone-conduction headphones that help you stay aware of your surroundings. For others, it’s a locked-in pair of earbuds with powerful sound to help you focus.

Every pair in this guide has been tested by our experts who love to run, from easy miles to speed sessions, so we know how they hold up when it counts. We’ve assessed fit, battery life, durability and sound quality to find the best options for different running styles and budgets.

Right now, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 takes the top spot thanks to its lightweight fit, generous battery life and impressive balance of awareness and sound quality. We’ve also included a range of alternatives to suit different needs and preferences, so keep reading to find your perfect running companion.

The best running headphones in 2026

In our guide below, you'll find more information about each of the best running headphones that made our list.

The best running headphones overall

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 supplant the OpenRun Pro as our top pick for the best running headphones in 2026. They build on the successful formula of the previous version, great bone conduction headphones with solid audio, comfortable and secure fit, and good battery life.

Shokz has boosted the battery life of the new OpenRun Pro 2 to up to 12 hours, and we found the battery life in our review to be pretty excellent. When you do run out of juice, the OpenRun Pro 2 offer faster charging that'll get you two and a half hours of use with just five minutes plugged in. A full charge takes one hour.

The on-device controls are a little confusing until you get the hang of them, however, Shokz has delivered significant audio quality upgrades over the previous model. They feature Shokz's 10th-generation bone conduction technology and also feature air conduction, which complements the bone conduction to provide better audio. While the usual limitations of bone-conducted audio apply, they sound excellent for the form factor. Audio call quality is also good.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

• ^ Back to the top

The best value running headphones

It's very rare to see a pair of earbuds so cheap tick all the right things. And yet, the Jlab Go Air Sport beat the odds, proving once and for all that you can get more for less. This isn't the first time Jlab has released affordable headphones that punch above their weight, but this time around, it might have just mastered the art.

Our time with the Jlab Go Air Sport has been full of wonderful surprises. We found it to be much more comfortable to wear than the pricier Beats Fit Pro, our previous favorite. We also found its sound quality, while not audiophile-level, to boast frequencies that are all well-represented, particularly the bass, which is banging yet not overwhelming. We also found its controls – particularly the volume control that Apple has only just started implementing on the AirPods Pro 2 – to be a pleasure to use.

Of course, being a cheap option, some premium features aren't present. There's no active noise cancellation, for example. But, considering everything else you're getting, you won't even miss that. Budget-minded runners will find these the best running headphones for them.

Read our full Jlab Go Air Sport review

• ^ Back to the top

The best running headphones for a secure fit

There are plenty of great earbuds that stay secure as you run, but the best ones have an ear hook attached, which means they’re not going anywhere – no matter how fast you run or how much you sweat. The JBL Endurance Peak 3 true wireless earbuds are our recommended option if you want that all-important ear hook and the added security it brings.

Along with a design built for movement, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 buds also boast an impressive 10 hours of battery life (that bumps up to 50 with the case), Transparency Mode for instant ambient awareness, and an IP68 rating. In our JBL Endurance Peak 3 review we said that these buds seem like they’re made for extreme circumstances and these specs really reflect that aim. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate workout buds that are excellent value at $100 / £100, you may have found them.

During our testing, we did find that the Endurance Peak 3 buds aren’t the most comfortable for long periods of time – the price you pay for them being so very secure. That means if you’re looking for buds for lower impact workouts, you might prefer other options on this list.

Read our full JBL Endurance Peak 3 review

• ^ Back to the top

The best open ear fit running headphones

The Shokz OpenFit Pro are our top pick for runners who want an open-ear design, thanks to their satisfyingly refined sound, secure fit and ability to keep you aware of your surroundings without losing the quality or impact of your music. Trust me, I ran a marathon in OpenFit Pro, and they didn’t let me down in either department.

Unlike bone-conduction headphones, which use vibrations through your cheekbones to deliver sound, open-ear earbuds sit just outside the ear without sealing the ear canal. The result is fuller, richer audio while still letting in ambient noise, making them a great option for road running, racing and wearing on more urban routes where awareness matters.

Open-ear designs can sometimes sacrifice depth and clarity, but the OpenFit Pro sound noticeably fuller and more confident than most. With Bass Boost enabled, music has real weight and drive to help you settle into a rhythm on tougher sessions, while Dolby Atmos with head tracking creates a more spacious feel to your music. There’s also a noise reduction mode to help cut down distractions when you want to focus, although our reviewer Andy did note it falls short of true ANC.

Battery life is solid enough for full-day use, the case is compact enough for running belts or pockets (I can vouch for this from race day), and while they sit at the premium end of the open-ear category, they’re among the most complete and capable options currently available for runners.

Read our full Shokz OpenFit Pro review

• ^ Back to the top

The best running headphones for endurance

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the pair you reach for when your runs start pushing past the one-hour mark and into meatier endurance territory. They combine up to 10 hours of battery life per charge (around 8 hours with ANC) with a total of up to 45 hours from the case, which in practice means you can get through a marathon, a long run, and several midweek sessions without scrambling for a charger.

When you’re racking up the miles, it’s not just about battery life, comfort matters just as much. The Powerbeats Pro deliver on both, with a secure fit that stays put from start to finish. In our testing, the ear-hook design didn’t budge through a range of tests from steady-state runs to high-impact HIIT sessions, and even aerial silks training. Yes, really. Our tester Becky took things well beyond a typical run to properly stress-test them, and they stayed locked in throughout.

They also bring a useful extra for runners who like data. The built-in heart rate monitor can sync with compatible apps like Nike Run Club, giving you live effort data without needing a chest strap. You also get physical buttons on the buds, which are helpful when you want to adjust things like volume or skip a track while on the move.

It must be noted that the IPX4 rating means they’ll handle sweat and light rain, but not heavy downpours, and sound quality is solid rather than knock your socks off territory. But for long-distance runners who value comfort, a secure fit and battery that goes the distance, they’re a smart choice.

Read our full Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 review

• ^ Back to the top

The best running headphones for iPhone users

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 make the most sense for iPhone users who want their headphones to kick into gear without any setup or connection headaches. With the Pro 3s pairing is instant, switching between devices is seamless, and your workout data, battery levels and settings all live in one place within Apple’s ecosystem. It might sound minor, but it cuts out the faff so you can get out the door and start your run quicker.

Noise control is where they really earn their place. The active noise cancellation is powerful enough to block out gym noise or busy streets, which is ideal for treadmill sessions or urban runs. Meanwhile, transparency mode lets in just enough sound when you need to stay aware of traffic.

Battery life is up to 8 hours with ANC (closer to 5.5 hours in testing with features like spatial audio active), with up to 24 hours from the case. The fit has improved this time around, too. The updated shape and five ear tip sizes create a secure seal that stays in place during runs without causing pressure over time.

You also get in-ear heart rate tracking for workouts and hands-free Siri access, which can be useful mid-run. They’re not built specifically for running, but for iPhone users, they offer one of the smoothest and most reliable all-around experiences.

Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review

• ^ Back to the top

Also tested

We test a lot of running headphones at TechRadar, and while not every pair earns a top spot in this guide, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth considering. Below, you’ll find other models we’ve tested that may better suit your budget or running needs better.

How to choose the best running headphones

Battery life, awareness, and on-ear controls are three key factors in choosing the best running headphones for you. Battery needs to see you through at least one run before you need to recharge – ideally a few – which means those used to shorter runs should be looking for headphones capable of going five hours or more on a single charge. Those who can spend all morning running need to find headphones capable of 10 hours or more.

Do you run on the road, in the park, or on a treadmill? If you run outside, you might want to consider bone conduction headphones which don't sit inside your ear canal. The sound quality isn't as good, but you can hear potential hazards around you.

A number of running headphones have on-ear controls. Whether you need these or not is down to personal preference, but they're important if you don't like getting your phone out to skip tracks or change settings.

Of course comfort and fit is hugely important too. But, you can assume all of the picks on this list will stay in place – even if we do think some are more comfortable and secure than others.

How we test running headphones

We’ve reviewed all the headphones in the guide above to test the sound, fit, specifications, value and design, running with each pair to test their limitations. When testing the best running headphones, sound quality and a secure, comfortable fit are our priorities.

We look at bone conduction headphones, in-ear buds and cans, rating each one for audio experience and fit. If they're falling out of our ears on a regular basis during our runs, they're not making the cut.

However, other factors we look for include value for money, helping us pick budget alongside premium headphones, and safety. Be it via a transparency mode, an innovative design, or bone conduction tech to leave your ears exposed, when on a run it’s useful to be aware of your surroundings.

The best bone conduction headphones are a handy way to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music, podcasts or taking calls. They work by using transducers that sit just outside your ears to send sound vibrations through the bones in your skull, rather than through the air, so nothing goes inside your ear canal. They pair fantastically with fitness activities like swimming, running, cycling, and your gym workouts.

It’s worth noting that not all bone conduction headphones are designed for the same environments. Models like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are built for running and outdoor workouts and are sweatproof but not suitable for swimming, while options such as the Shokz OpenSwim Pro and H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport are fully waterproof and designed for pool or open-water use, often with onboard MP3 storage so you can listen without Bluetooth.

Bone conduction headphones can also work well in the office, as they leave your ears open so you can still hear colleagues or someone trying to get your attention. Just note that because the transducers sit outside your ears some sound can leak at higher volumes, which may be noticeable in quieter environments.

Below, you'll find the best bone conduction headphones we've tested. We regularly update this guide as new models launch throughout 2026. One more thing before you check them out...with Prime Day around the corner, it’s a good month to watch for deals across a range of bone conduction brands!

The best bone conduction headphones in 2026

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best bone conduction headphones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best bone conduction headphones overall

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport bone conduction headphones may be among the pricier options on our list, but they're certainly more feature-rich than the others. They're a triathlete's dream, seamlessly transitioning from water to land for rich listening in any environment.

Best for swimming as well as for land-based workouts, they come with an MP3 player that stores 8GB worth of music and a save-your-playlist Playlist+ functionality to work with streaming, which means that you don't have to rely on Bluetooth connectivity when you're in the water. As a habitual Spotify user, this is so useful for me. Outside of the water, however, you still have that Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream any music or podcast you like.

During testing, they've also proven to be great for listening in general. Worn above water, both music and podcasts boast solid sound, regardless of whether you're using Bluetooth or internal storage. Underwater, podcasts’ sound quality was just as good.

They're quite expensive, but that doesn't take away from the fact that these are the best bone conduction headphones on the market right now. Sorry, Shokz.

Read our full H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport review

• ^ Back to the top

The best premium bone conduction headphones

The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are exceptional bone conduction headphones for both runners and swimmers alike. They excel in every field and even come with premium earplugs to improve the sound quality you get.

Onboard storage of 32GB takes care of music, and an IP69 water rating ensures you can use them while swimming, not just in the rain.

I love their lightweight and comfortable fit, as well as the well-designed charger, although USB-C is a surprising omission. The noise-cancelling mode is decent, and there's multipoint connectivity to ensure reliability.

I enjoyed the clear, nicely balanced sound during testing, and the battery life definitely delivers the promised 10 hours. These are my top money-no-object bone conduction pick, making them a perfect candidate for a premium slot.

Read our full Nank Runner Diver2 Pro review

• ^ Back to the top

The best cheap bone conduction headphones

The Jabees 7Seven swimming headphones, despite the descriptor, are perfectly capable of operating above and below the water, and offer great value for the price. With Bluetooth 6.0, multi-point connectivity allowing you to connect with multiple devices, and 32GB storage, the 7Seven headphones are outstanding value.

They're especially good for swimming, with ample storage and waterproofing, excelling in pool swims. They're fine above ground too, although the secure fit loop needs fiddling with to ensure comfort as they're not particularly adjustable.

You do get bone conduction vibration at higher volumes, and call quality was a bit crackly – common problems on cheaper bone conduction headphones – but as a budget pick, they certainly do the trick. Especially for swimmers.

Read our full Jabees 7Seven swimming headphones review

• ^ Back to the top

The best bone conduction headphones for running

If you’re looking for the best running headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 takes the top spot. Building on the success of the OpenRun Pro, Shokz has upgraded the audio with its new 10th-generation bone conduction tech. It has also added air conduction to complement the bone conduction vibrations. In testing, our reviewer found satisfying high-end performance, full mids, and a slightly pulled-back bass profile.

For bone conduction headphones they sound excellent, however. Audio aside, a new USB-C connector ensures a faster charge, you'll get two-and-a-half hours of listening from just five minutes, and a full charge takes just one hour. That full charge is good for 12 hours of total listening time, too.

There are six total audio modes and a five-band EQ for personalization. You can also store MP3 tracks onboard thanks to 8GB of storage and a special feature for recording playlists without your phone present.

While these won't work for swimming, they're IP55-rated, so boast solid water resistance. These are absolutely the top bone conduction headphones for running in 2025.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

• ^ Back to the top

The best bone conduction headphones for swimming

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro come with Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, alongside their existing support for MP3 playback. 32GB of onboard storage is enough for 8,000 songs, so you can swim without a phone in your vicinity.

They have IP68 waterproofing, which means they're rated for up to two hours at two meters of submersion, perfect for a quick triathlon or a pool session. Battery life is good for up to 9 hours of Bluetooth playback, or 6 hours of streaming music from the onboard storage. The only quirk here is that you'll need to own the music you want to play from your headphones, so if you rely on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, they might not be for you.

The over-ear design ensures a comfortable fit for a range of ear shapes, and at just 27 grams, you'll hardly notice them on your head. Sound is delivered via Shokz' PremiumPitch 2.0+, with clear audio and noise-cancelling to boot. Sadly, they miss out on the more recent Shokz ninth-gen bone conduction tech, but they're still absolutely brilliant in their field.

Read our full Shokz OpenSwim Pro review

• ^ Back to the top

If you can't find what you're looking for here, check out our best swimming headphones and best open-ear headphones guides for more headphones designed for spatial awareness. You can also scroll down to our Also tested section, where we've included several bone conduction headphones that performed well but were beaten to a top spot by stronger all-rounders or more specialist picks.

Also tested

Bone conduction headphones compared

FAQs

Below, we've answered some of the most commonly-asked questions about bone conduction headphones, so you can choose the best pair to fit your needs.

Are bone conduction headphones good for swimming?

• If you need completely swimproof bone conduction headphones, you'll need a pair rated IP68 or higher
• Water doesn't conduct Bluetooth signals well, so you'll also need onboard music storage

If you’re thinking about investing in a pair of bone conduction headphones for use while swimming, then be sure to check the IP (ingress protection) rating, which will provide an indication of how well they'll be able to fend off sweat and water.

Generally, an IP68 or higher rating ensures total protection in water. In the list above, that's the H20 Tri 2 Pro, Nank RunnerDiver 2 Pro, Jabees 7Seven and Shokz OpenSwim Pro. The Shokz OpenRun 2 Pro are not designed for the pool, although they are sweat- and rain-resistant.

Bluetooth signals also don't travel well underwater, which is why headphones designed for swimming feature built-in music storage. Our best swimming headphones guide can tell you more. It's also about charging method: plugs are tough to keep water out of, while magnetic chargers are easier.

Are bone conduction headphones safer?

• Bone conduction headphones keep you aware of your surroundings
• They leave your ears free so you can hear pedestrians, traffic and other athletes

Generally, yes. Similar to transparency modes on some ANC headphones, bone conduction headphones allow ambient sound to reach your ears. However, the difference here is that rather than use the built-in microphones in in-ear buds, bone conduction headphones don't plug up your ears at all.

This is why many organized race events prohibit the use of headphones other than bone conduction or open-ear headsets. Earbuds that leave your ears open are becoming more common too, and we have a dedicated guide to the best open earbuds.

Do bone conduction headphones sound good?

• Bone conduction headphones have reasonable-to-good sound quality
• Because your ears are exposed to external sound, you're never going to get sound quality comparable to the best in-ear or over-ear headphones
• Bone conduction headphones still sound great for running, with satisfying bass

All of the bone conduction headphones in this guide offer decent audio performance, but you're never going to get the same sound quality as you would from a pair of in-ear headphones or over-ear headphones.

If you do want to stay aware of your surroundings without sacrificing audio quality, there are plenty of true wireless earbuds out there with transparency modes, which feed in sound from the outside world to your ears.

Are there any health benefits to using bone conduction headphones?

• There is no evidence that bone conduction headphones are more or less damaging to your eardrums than in-ear headphones
• Bone conduction headphones do present a better safety prospect
• This is because you can also hear your surroundings while you listen to music or podcasts, increasing your spatial awareness in public

There's a theory that bone conduction headphones could be better for your hearing health than earbuds, over-ear, and on-ear headphones. That's because they're not driving air directly to your eardrum, which can lead to damage if you listen to music at loud volumes.

However, studies have shown there is no difference in pressure on the ear canal between bone conduction and in-ear headphones.

Which Shokz headphones have the best sound?

• The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 feature updated DualPitch transducers to better conduct audio
• The OpenSwim Pro allows you to store your own audio too

While some other models might feel more comfortable to wear, the best-sounding Shokz headphones are the OpenRun Pro 2. As we mentioned in our guide above, these headphones contain a set of updated DualPitch bass transducers that deliver far richer sound than other bone conduction headsets we've tested.

You can even adjust the sound profile in the Shokz app using the EQ settings to further tailor the audio to your liking. However, the OpenSwim Pro can allow you to store and play your own music on the headphones, without a phone to hand.

How we test bone conduction headphones

We've tested dozens of bone conduction headphones over the years, which puts us in a great position to select our favorites for this guide.

We have reviewed every pair listed above. In each case, we give the product plenty of time to run before evaluating its sound quality across a variety of music genres, games, movies, and podcasts, from several sources, against known class leaders in the category. Sound quality is obviously a priority, but we understand bone conduction headphones aren't going to give the same listening experience as over-ear headphones or earbuds.

We also consider how comfortable it is to wear these headphones over extended periods, and how secure the fit is going to be, especially when exercising.

When it comes to additional features, we look at voice assistant integration, on-device touch controls, how comprehensive the companion app is, and anything else that each set of bone conduction headphones provides.

We also evaluate those battery life claims to ensure we can give an accurate opinion on how long they will last in normal use. Ultimately, we want you to have a product you'll be over the moon with. We hope we help you achieve that.

When it comes to choosing the best workout headphones or workout earbuds in 2026, the range of options, styles, and features can be a tad overwhelming. Bone conduction, over-ear, or in-ear? Is fit more important than comfort? What about active noise cancellation? Battery life?

Of course, any of the best headphones on the market could be used to work out with, but if you want a better experience it's worth choosing something more specialized. That's especially true if you want a great pair of headphones to use while swimming or running, where waterproofing and fit are going to be vital to ensure your headphones can withstand your workout.

We tend to recommend earbuds over headphones because they weigh much less and are less obtrusive for working out. Options like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are perfect for weightlifting or any other gym-based activity. We also have more specialized pairs such as the best bone conduction headphones for running, swimming and cycling.

But if you’re here for the best all-round options, here are the latest and greatest workout headphones and earbuds for 2026. We will continue to test new models on the market as and when they are released and include the ones we actually rate highly.

The best workout headphones overall

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 take the top spot in this guide because, from our time testing them, they felt like the most complete option for those who regularly exercise.

The over-ear hook design is the first thing we noted and liked. Once we had them fitted and twisted into place, they stayed secure through steady runs, gym workouts, and more demanding sessions like aerial hoop and silks training. In use, that level of stability meant we were not thinking about adjusting them mid-workout, which makes a noticeable difference when you just want to focus on the session itself.

They also include built-in heart rate monitoring. Each earbud uses an optical sensor to track your pulse during exercise, sending data to Apple Health and supported fitness apps. This is particularly useful if you don't wear a smartwatch or prefer to keep tracking contained within one device.

According to our tester, the sound is energetic and bass-forward, which works well for workouts. Meanwhile, spatial audio adds a bit more space and movement when listening on the go. From our time with them, there is enough clarity and punch to keep motivation up during longer sessions.

Battery life is another strong point, delivering up to 10 hours from the buds and around 45 hours in total with the case.

They are not the cheapest option, and water resistance plus transparency mode are more limited than some rivals, but overall they feel like the most rounded workout headphones available right now.

Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

The best budget workout headphones

The Amazfit Powerbuds Pro are a versatile pair of buds that'll serve you well whether you're running or working out. We've added them to our best workout headphones list as they're an excellent choice if you'd like to track your fitness but don't want to bother with a wristband or sports watch – these buds use in-ear tracking instead.

Sound is bass-heavy, which we prefer while working out, and the active noise cancellation effectively masks sounds when you need to focus on your fitness. There's in-ear fitness tracking thanks to a heart monitor in the buds that keeps tabs on you while you exercise. The buds send this data to the Zepp Health app on your phone. Data from any other Amazfit fitness trackers and smart scales will be collected in the same place, so you can easily track trends.

If you do want to use them for other purposes, the Powerbuds Pro can also check the position of your head in relation to your spine while you're working to determine whether you're slouching and putting yourself at risk of back and neck problems.

They're not perfect. We found the heart rate measurements to be consistently higher than those measured by our chest strap monitor, and there are no ear hooks to hold them securely as there were with the original Powerbuds. However, they're an excellent choice if you want workout buds with built-in tracking.

Read our full Amazfit Powerbuds Pro review

The best workout headphones for Apple users

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a strong choice for Apple loyalists who want workout earbuds that integrate neatly with the devices they already use. With a compatible iPhone, setup is usually quick, and heart rate data flows directly into Apple’s Health and Fitness apps. So, they make a nice and natural addition for users who track workouts through Apple’s ecosystem.

The fit of the buds has also taken a welcome step forward. Apple has reworked the shape of the earbuds, and during testing, they stayed secure and comfortable, even during exercise. The IP57 rating means they can handle sweat and rain without complaint, and the improved battery life stretches to around eight hours with noise cancelling enabled, which should cover most gym sessions or runs.

The big new addition is heart rate monitoring. A built-in photoplethysmography sensor measures blood flow through the ear and sends your data to the Health app, so you can check your heart rate during workouts without needing a watch. Apple is clearly steering users toward its Fitness app too, where the data ties neatly into guided workouts and activity tracking.

There are a few minor drawbacks. Our audio editor experienced pairing issues with older iPhones (specifically the iPhone 12 Pro Max) that don't support Apple Intelligence, and resetting the earbuds is slightly more fiddly now that the case button has been removed.

Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review

The best workout headphones for comfort

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are true wireless earbuds ideal for those who really need a pair of in-ear buds, but their top priority is a comfortable fit. Our reviewer found them to be super-snug, very light, while still capable of providing bassy, satisfying sound.

Noise cancellation is fine, but the minimalist charging case is very nicely designed and aesthetically pleasing. The cute design extends to the earbuds themselves, with thsoe stubby in-ear hooks doing a surprisingly great job of keeping the buds stable during intense workouts.

They're not perfect, with on-ear touch controls that occasionally jar and some noise leakage, but if you're looking for a well-priced set of minimalist earbuds perfect for work and gym, here they are.

Read our full Sony LinkBuds Fit review

The best workout headphones for swimming

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are our best headphones for swimming. Totally waterproof, nine hours of battery life, a quick fast-charge feature and a hefty 32GB worth of onboard storage makes these bone conduction headphones a winner.

Bluetooth streaming is patchy at best underwater as signals don't transmit well through liquid, which is why the OpenSwim Pro has its built-in MP3 player. You'll need your own music rather than a streaming service like Spotify, but once you're in the water, podcasts and music work swimmingly.

You can also use these neat headphones as headphones above-ground: they're extraordinarily light considering their battery and storage, and the bone conduction style allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. We loved them during testing, stating "the Shokz Openswim Pro are some of the best waterproof headphones we've ever tried", praising the in-water audio quality.

Read our full Shokz OpenSwim Pro review

The best workout headphones for noise-cancelling

If you need to block out the world for an effective yoga session, a pair of noise-canceling headphones are essential; however, a pair of bulky over-ear headphones could slip off your head when you transition into downward dog.

That's why we recommend these true wireless earbuds from Sony. The Sony WF-1000XM4 manage to offer a level of noise cancellation that's exceedingly good for a pair of earbuds. They won't offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear headphones, but it's a worthy trade-off for that sleeker form.

Not only are these a great-looking pair of true wireless earbuds, but they also combine serious noise-canceling tech with fist-pumping musicality. So, if you like your yoga session to come with music, you're in for a real treat with these buds.

Battery life is above average, and the charging case they come with is pretty slick too. The audio quality is among the best you'll get from a pair of wireless in-ear headphones, and DSEE Extreme upscaling means you'll get an approximation of high-resolution sound from standard-definition digital audio files.

Although we highly rate the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, it's worth mentioning they've recently been replaced by the newer Sony WF-1000XM5 buds. During our testing, we noted that these latest buds bring some noticeable improvements over the XM4s that are relevant for working out, including improved sound quality and a fit that's considerably smaller and lighter.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review

The best workout headphones for running

Bone conduction headphones allow you to listen to music and hear sounds around you. Shokz is the biggest name in bone conduction headphones, and the OpenRun Pro 2 headphones released in August 2024 are the best yet. tehy feature a combination of bone conduction (pumping vibrations through your temples) and air conduction (small speakers aimed at your ears) to deliver great sound while leaving your ears free.

They have a light, springy titanium band that holds the headphones' earpieces securely yet gently in place. They remain firmly in position in all conditions and never pinch or rub. The bass sometimes results in a slightly tickling sensation if you're enjoying some particularly heavy tunes, but in our tests, it was never enough to become annoying.

These are a great pair of headphones if you're working out and need to hear sounds around you, like if you're running outside. During our testing, we called them "the ideal runner's headphones" and commented that if you're concerned about safety or you regularly run races, bone conduction is a must. Many races require that you can hear the commands of marshals and traffic on open-road courses, which makes bone-conduction headphones a great choice.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

How to choose the best workout headphones

To find the best workout headphones for you, you'll need to consider what you'll be using them for. For example, if you're running or doing any kind of high-energy workout, ensuring your headphones stay put is your number one priority. Whereas if you're looking for a pair to take swimming then top waterproofing is a must.

Most headphones that cater to sports do come with some water resistance, but you'll want to check the specs. Plenty say they can withstand water and sweat, which might be fine if you're using them for light workouts. However, if you want the best protection, choose those that come with an iPX4 rating and higher. IPX7 means full waterproofing, so that's what you'll want for swimming.

Although you'll need to consider the way you work out, for value for money you'll also want to think about whether they'll work in other environments, too. To be honest, most of the top headphones for working out will be perfect for the office and the commute, too – never be put off by the sporty design or "sport" labeling. But it is worth considering how you like to listen to music in other environments.

If you're eyeing up a pair of running earbuds but prefer the immersive sound of over-ear headphones, you might need to make a compromise. If you're choosing wireless headphones or earbuds, consider the controls. It's probably best if they have an inline remote or easy-to-use touch controls. That way you don't have to reach for your phone anytime you want to skip a track.

But more than anything, we'd recommend considering comfort. The best audio quality or fancy features don't matter if they don't feel right or keep sliding out of your ears. Look for designs recommended for your favorite sport, as well as things like customizable ear tips and ear hooks to keep them secure.

The best workout headphones: FAQs

How we test the best workout headphones

We selected the headphones for this guide based on which we think are best suited to certain sports, whether that's running, yoga, cycling or swimming. Yes, sound quality is key, but if they won't work at the gym, they can't be included here.

To make these choices, we did the right thing: we put them to the test while working out! That's the only way to be sure the best running headphones offer a snug fit while you're pounding the pavement, whether the best swimming headphones are fully waterproofed and deliver good sound as you're gliding through the water or if the best headphones for yoga can stay put during your downward dog 'resting' moments.

For this reason, the best headphones for sports in this list aren't necessarily the top headphones you can buy today for excellent sound quality, but they are included for the unique features that they can offer sports lovers.

Having said that, many of the headphones here would fare well in all kinds of environments, and if they didn't sound more than passable for the money they wouldn't be here – so they're still good value for money whether you're wearing them for running or focusing at work.

Triathlon training can be tedious sometimes. Sure, it’s exciting to sign up for a new race and start planning; but after the first couple of weeks, when you start building endurance and spend hours a day swimming/running/cycling, it’s nice to have some sort of entertainment to keep you going. My secret to powering through any and all triathlon workouts is to assemble custom playlists that match the pace of my training.

It makes sense (at least to me): you can assemble playlists the same way you plan workouts. I’m in the ‘build’ phase, I’ll be listening to something more steady, while in ‘peak’ mode, when I have to muster all my energy to keep pushing through my limits, I’ll choose a more uptempo playlist. When I want to make sure the workout goes as well as possible, I go as far as curating a playlist to match the cadence of my workout; it’s all for the greater good!

The best bit is that I don’t have to leave my music behind, even when I’m in the water, as some of the best waterproof headphones can literally be used for pool swimming! Even when I’m in the final phases of training and practising transitions, I can just keep the headphones on as they work equally as good for running – the joys of living in the age of technology!

To clarify, when I say waterproof headphones, I generally mean bone-conduction headphones, not sweatproof running headphones. Although some running headphones are pretty watertight and can, in theory, be submerged in water – such as the excellent Jaybird Vista 2 – the way they produce music is different from bone-conduction headsets, making them less than ideal to use in water.

On the other hand, bone-conduction headphones create sound by resonating your cheekbones, which might feel weird at first, but they produce a sound that closely resembles actual headphones. Better still, they leave the ears open, so when running, you can still hear everything around you (this is called ‘spatial awareness’), making them a safer option to enjoy music when you’re out and about than noise-cancelling headphones.

For the same reason, waterproof headphones (again, the bone-conduction variety) aren’t best suited for cycling as there is too much wind noise around the ears. You can use earplugs with these headphones, but that kills the purpose of spatial awareness; if you need to be isolated, you’re better off using headphones that sit in your ears. Earplugs are a good option for swimming, though, as you’ll still hear the music through the bone-conduction headphones, but they will keep the water out of your ear canals.

Waterproof headphones have only one drawback: they are often MP3-only, so you’ll need to have all your favourite songs downloaded and made available offline. Admittedly, most of us use Spotify/Apple Music/Youtube Music nowadays, so it might be a bit of a stretch to ask people also to buy their music as MP3s. But you don’t need all your songs as MP3s; it’s enough if you have a good selection of them so you can mix and match when necessary.

Should you get waterproof headphones for triathlon training? I’d say the answer is a resounding yes. They are versatile (can be used for swimming and running), durable (more sturdy than standard headphones), and have excellent sound quality (you’d be surprised). No wonder they are so popular – you’ll see many triathletes using them for training. I found them immensely useful for triathlon training as they helped me overcome the tedium and some of the most challenging workouts during my training. 

Two minute review

The Haylou PurFree BC01 are great value running headphones that are worth considering over the market leaders Shokz OpenRun Pro and Shokz OpenRun. Like all examples of the niche, they’re designed for running and workouts, hence their water-resistant build and behind-the-head strap that uses soft, but non-slippy, silicon that doesn’t move much when making contact with skin (or hair). 

Able to go for north of eight hours, rivaling some of the best bone conduction headphones, they’re a touch larger than their rivals, but for practical reasons, there’s almost no difference. They pair easily with Bluetooth devices, they stay in place during exercise and they provide a nicely balanced soundstage. 

While some cheaper rivals supply a boomy, bass-heavy sound that sends ticklish vibrations down cheekbones, the soundage on the Haylou PurFree BC01 is balanced and easily bold enough for use while out and about. Audiophile quality this is not, but the treble detail and balanced bass on offer here is at least the equal of much pricer bone conduction headphones. 

Our only complaints are its use of a proprietary charging cable (par for the course for bone conductions products) and its lack of physical buttons, which necessitates learning a few double and triple-taps to control the playback of music and tracks. However, nothing can take away our great impressions of the Haylou PurFree BC01, which are the best value bone conduction headphones we’ve tried so far. 

Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones: Price and release date 

• US$85 (UK£72/AU$125)
• Available now

Launched in mid-2022, the Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones sell for all kinds of prices – most of them low thanks to introductory deals. The average prices come out at around US$85/UK£72/AU$125, though you can get about a 25% discount if you shop around.  

Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones: Design

• Open-ear design
• Weighs 28g
• Proprietary magnetic charging cable

Design score: 4/5

The Haylou PurFree BC01 looks almost identical to the likes of the Shokz OpenRun Pro, Shokz OpenRun, and Mojawa Mojo1. It has two transducers responsible for sending vibrations down cheekbones, two ear hooks to keep them in place, and two areas for the electronics behind the ears. There’s a flexible headband that sits on the back of the wearer’s head. However, there is a subtle difference we noticed in the shape of the Haylou Purfree BC01’s delightful-named multi-function button (MFB). Like on most bone conduction headphones it’s there to pause music – most likely to cross the road safely or to have a conversation with someone – but here it also controls the playback of music and the awakening of a voice assistant. 

Other than that the Haylou Purfree BC01 – although designed much like any other bone conduction headphones – certainly has the ideal combination of stability and strength. The build quality overall is excellent despite them weighing just 28g. 

In fact, our only complaint is that the Haylou Purfree BC01 uses a proprietary charging cable. It’s black and it measures 60cm long, with a USB 2.0 terminator on one end and a two-pronged magnetic connector on the other. It’s almost identical to the one used by the Shokz OpenRun and Shokz OpenRun Pro. 

The only difference is that the battery and the electronics on the Haylou Purfree BC01 are a tiny bit larger. Either way, we do wish that Haylou Purfree BC01 had innovated away from using a proprietary charging cable. They are easy to lose and make the headphones annoying to travel with. 

Of course, they’re more sweat-proof than a USB-C slot, which can get water and dirt in it, but unless a pair of bone conduction headphones are designed for swimming they should not be using proprietary charging cables. In our opinion, they should also come with some kind of protective bag or box to keep them safe when packed into, say, a gym bag or a backpack. 

Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones: Performance 

• Excellent sound quality
• Balanced soundstage
• Slightly confusing controls

Performance score: 4/5

The Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones are impressive – and not just because they’re going for a song. We tried it out with lots of different kinds of content while running and got the same excellent results. 

Though treble highs are clipped slightly, there’s plenty of detail to please all but the most demanding of music fans. It’s balanced, too, with enough low-frequency action in the background. Unlike on a lot of bone conduction headphones, the Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones don’t overdo the bass, and consequently, avoid the weird side effect of buzzy vibrations ‘tickling’ the cheekbones of the wearer. 

That applies even when the Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones are used at their top volume, which we found to be just loud enough for an urban run (though if you’re on a really busy road the open-ear design means you’ll struggle to hear everything). 

We appreciate that a sweat-proof headset that’s all about hygiene should have a minimalist design, but it does mean the few physical buttons on the Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones take a heavy load. Or, rather, the wearer does because a host of double and triple presses have to be learned to control music. It’s actually not that hard to do, but a triple-click of the MFB button to skip back a track isn’t exactly intuitive. 

Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones: Features

• Bluetooth 5.2
• Connects to voice assistants 
• IP67 waterproof

Features score: 3/5

The Haylou Purfree BC01 has everything you could want from a pair of bone conduction headphones plus hints of a few extra features. The most interesting is that the Haylou Purfree BC01 can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. At least that’s what is claimed on the packaging. In practice we weren’t able to do this, with the Haylou Purfree BC01 allowing only one device at a time to connect over Bluetooth. 

The Haylou Purfree BC01 also features dual-mic noise cancellation for hands-free calls, which makes it an instant candidate for use around a home office and while on the move for things other than running and workouts. It’s also possible to call-up Siri or Google Assistant via a long press of that button on the transducer. 

The 165mAh Li-ion polymer battery inside the Haylou Purfree BC01 takes 90 minutes to fully charge, but there’s a useful quick-charge option where 10 minutes gives two hours of battery life. 

Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones review: value for money 

• Great value compared to the competition
• Very slightly larger physical size

Value for money score: 5/5

When judged against the market leaders – the Shokz OpenRun Pro and Shokz OpenRun – the Haylou PurFree BC01 have to be considered great value. They’re ever so slightly larger but we’re talking a few grams. 

There’s no practical difference between them either in terms of build, strength, or sound quality (and the Haylou PurFree BC01 actually uses a slightly newer Qualcomm chipset and Bluetooth 5.2 instead Bluetooth 5.1). 

Should I buy the Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones? 

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

First reviewed July 2022

While throwing on any pair of headphones or earbuds when you step onto the gym floor or head out the door for a run is perfectly fine, there are some options out there that are a much better fit when it’s exercise time, and if you work out a lot, you'll be grateful that you got something tuned towards it.

The best workout headphones factor in the ideal sound to give you that motivational push, they ensure they will stay put, and they make sure they’re built to go the distance when you need to go the distance.

If you’ve decided you need to invest in a dedicated set of workout headphones and not sure exactly what’s going to make them a good fit for your ears and your preferred sporty pursuit, here’s a few things to consider before you part with your money.

1. Fit is everything


Yes, this is true of all headphones, but it’s even more important when those headphones are going to be put to more rigorous use. For a start, you are likely to want in-ear buds rather than any kind of over-ear headphones, because of the lightness and coolness compared to having big pads on your head, and over-ear headphones do more to block out ambient noise. You need a bit of sensory awareness around you in busy gyms and running in busy areas. 

However, it's not unusual to see people working out with over-ear headphones in environments that allow you to focus completely on your workout, such as an empty gym. After all, if it's good enough for the Rock, it's good enough for us, but we're assuming you're looking for smaller in-ear buds here. When exercising, you want those buds to stay put and feel comfortable to wear for short or long periods of exercise where sweat and more energetic movement can impact getting that optimum fit.

It’s hard to know definitively if they will stay put without trying them on first, but to minimize the chances of having issues, the smart move is to go for a set of earbuds that opt for an ear hook, wingtip, or neckband-style design. These are generally the options that offer the most reliable and secure fit. Whether they clip on, round or inside the ear, these headphones are built with maximum secureness in mind and do typically deliver that.

If you really don’t want to deal with ear hooks or wingtips and want to go for truly wireless earbuds that only include ear tips, check how many additional tips are provided in the box and what sizes they cover to maximize your chances of getting a fit that works in your ears.

Fit is an absolutely crucial factor for our picks of the best running headphones, since that's one of the activities most likely to dislodge earbuds over time.

2. Pay attention to sweat, water and dust resistance

Along with fit, earbuds that offers strong protection against things like sweat, dirt and surviving a run in the rain are important things to look for. It’s certainly one of those design elements that can be communicated in a very confusing manner.

What you’re essentially looking for here is the 'IP' or 'Ingress Protection' ratings attached to headphones, which offer an insight into the level those headphones are guarded against moisture, dirt and foreign bodies, which could cause the earbuds to perform incorrectly or stop them from working at all.

There’s definitely some more desirable IP ratings to look out for depending on the environments and scenarios you plan to use them in.

Headphones with an IP57 rating, for instance, offer something with strong protection against dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes. An IP68 rated pair of headphones means they’re resistant to dust, dirt, sand and can be submerged in water up to 1.5 metres depth for 30 minutes.

Headphones with an IPX4 rating, such as the Apple AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro, offer resistance against some water and sweat, but aren’t fit to be submerged in water. This is more about sweat from workouts and rain.

The key here is that while many workout-friendly headphones can technically be submerged in water or given a little wash under a tap, that doesn’t mean they are actually suitable for swimming. Especially if they’re only packing Bluetooth streaming as their way of getting music, because Bluetooth and swimming do not mix. 

If you want something to swim with, you want a pair with onboard music storage like the IP68-rated Shokz OpenSwim or the IPX8-rated Naenka Runner Diver bone conduction headphones.

If you spend a lot of time outside, you can even look for headphones where the cases offer some protection too. The Jaybird Vista 2 truly wireless earbuds feature a case with an IP54 dust resistance rating for that added layer of ruggedness.

We have a full guide to the best waterproof headphones, if you want to see more options.

3. Go for physical controls


If you’re a speedy runner or like to tinker with the volume or skip a track in the heat of a HIIT workout, then you need to know that sweaty hands and touch-sensitive controls don’t mix. 

While a discreet set of touch controls can be absolutely fine if you’re doing things like settling in for a steady ride on a stationary bike, the kind of controls you have to physically press are generally far more reliable to use when you’re upping the intensity of your workouts and hitting those top heart-rate zones.

There are plenty of examples of headphones with physical controls that don’t offer additional bulk and ensure you get controls that are far more responsive to your sweaty interactions with them, so just keep this in mind while looking.

4. Go for quick-charge skills

It’s not an essential feature to have, but if you often have a habit of forgetting to charge up your gym-friendly headphones when they go flat or throw back them in the charging case, having the ability to take advantage of some form of fast-charging support is definitely going to be something you’ll want and appreciate having in your life.

In the case of truly wireless sports earbuds, that rapid charging support often requires those buds being placed back in their case or plugged in with the bundled charging cable (typically a USB-C type one) to give you a little top-up from a small amount of charging time.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active true wireless earbuds can deliver an hour’s listening time from a 5-minute charge as long as the charging case you drop them into has at least 30% of charge, or that case is plugged into a power source. Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones similarly offer a useful 1.5-hours of battery time from just a 5-minute charge.

5. Study the battery numbers

This is particularly true of sporty truly wireless earbuds, which use cases that power up those buds. Those battery numbers are often quoted in terms of what you’ll get from a single charge or per bud and additionally offer a number that factors in that single charge plus the amount of times you can fully charge the buds in that charging case.

Some features will inevitably increase the drain on the battery. That includes things like active noise cancelation or even listening at louder volumes on a more regular basis. It pays to look at what battery numbers are quoted when things like ANC are in use. Especially if you’re planning to use the headphones regularly with those features in use.

Another thing to look out for on true wireless earbuds is whether the case they’re sitting in can actually hold charge. It’s not always the case and means a stronger reliance on carrying the supplied charging cable instead of simply grabbing the case when you’re on the move and running low on battery.

6. Scope to customize sound


The go to sound profile on most workout headphones is to go big on power and bass, but if you’re more podcast or audiobook listener on runs as opposed to thumping drum and bass, then you’ll likely prefer to have the scope to tinker with things to better suit something less uptempo.

There are plenty of headphones that now offer the ability to adjust sound, whether it’s done directly from the headphones or typically via a companion phone app. These EQ settings or different listening modes give you greater control on how much that bass dominates or whether you prefer a bigger emphasis on clarity and detail in audio.

If you’re not sure whether the headphones you’re looking at supports that ability to adjust sound profiles or you’d like to know what level of control you'll have, it’s always worth hunting out the app in the app store first to get a better idea just how much tinkering you can actually do.

And bear in mind that the best bone conduction headphones can't really do bass in the same way that 'normal' headphones can, so are generally better suited to audiobooks and podcasts – though you certainly can listen to music, as long as you accept that there'll be less thump.

I love running, and I always run with a pair of headphones. However, it's not often music piping through them: for long periods of monotonous endurance exercise, I use podcasts and audiobooks to keep me entertained. As a massive Lord of the Rings geek, I've slowly, mile by mile, been working my way through a new set of audiobooks recorded by Andy Serkis.

Consequently, I've been keeping an eye on the Prime Day deals in an attempt to pick up a set of the best bone conduction headphones, namely the Shokz OpenRun or Shokz OpenMove. You can check out the deals on those below, in both the US and the UK: 

Amazon Prime Day US Bone Conduction Headphones deals

Amazon Prime Day bone conduction headphones deals in the UK

I'm planning on keeping my current earbuds for gym work, where I enjoy listening to more powerful-sounding rock and metal to get me through a tough weightlifting workout. So why does music in the gym, and listening to Gollum himself read me The Return Of The King while I run, merit two different sets of headphones?

The answer lies in the unique properties of bone conduction headphones. Bone conduction headphones sit directly above the ear and send vibrations, not through the air between the headphone and your eardrum, but through the bones in your skull. All sound is vibration, so it's just a different way to transport those vibrations to your inner ear.

Of course, this different form of vibration means that some of the nuances you're used to hearing with the best workout headphones might get lost in translation. You'd be hard-pressed to get a real audiophile to recommend bone conduction headphones over a pair of over-ear cans. 

However, bone conduction headphones do excel by transmitting audio while leaving your ears open to the outside world. If you're running, this means you're able to hear important things like traffic, other people, and wild animals. Nobody wants to be running in a national park and not hear the bear in the woods.

In the water, you can pop a pair of earplugs in, creating a tight seal to keep the water out, and still listen to your favorite tunes. Many of the best waterproof headphones offer bone conduction technology, and one of our entries, the Finis Duo, is on offer at Amazon right now:

One thing you do need to bear in mind when wearing bone conduction is the volume limiter on your phone. As you're sending the vibrations into your bones, you can turn up the volume if things are quiet, especially on busy roads or in the water. If your bone conduction headphones are sounding quiet, especially with podcasts and audiobooks rather than music, you should look at turning things up a notch and disabling or bypassing that volume limiter.

Either way, I've been hawkish in my search for late-stage Prime Day discounts on bone conduction headphones. If you're a swimmer, or a runner, and you're sick of buds that tend to fall from your ears or you want to hear the world around you while listening to podcasts or audiobooks, bone conduction are a must-buy.

More bone conduction headphones in your region

• See the best Amazon Prime Day TV deals
• See the best Amazon Prime Day laptop deals
• See the best Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals
• See the best Amazon Prime Day iPad