Wireless sport earbuds: how to choose a pair for workouts
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- Ear-hook ANC sport earbuds. Best for: Gyms and commutes where you want less background noise. See options on Amazon
- Open-ear sport earbuds. Best for: Outdoor runs and rides where you need to hear traffic. See options on Amazon
- Open-ear running headphones. Best for: Runners who want a higher water rating. See options on Amazon
In-ear vs open-ear
| Spec | JLab GO Sport ANC (in-ear) | JLab JBuds Open Sport 2 (open-ear) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Ear hooks plus 3 sizes of gel tips | Secure earhook, rests in front of the ear |
| Noise | Active noise canceling, Be Aware mode | Outside sound stays audible |
| Water rating | IP55 | IP55 |
| Battery | 8.5+ h per bud, 35+ h with case | 8 h per bud, 45+ h with case |
| Driver | 10mm dynamic | 14.2mm dynamic |
All figures are from JLab's published specifications. JLab lists 24+ hours total with ANC on for the GO Sport ANC.
Staying aware on runs and rides
If you run or ride near traffic, hearing your surroundings matters. JLab says its open-ear JBuds Open Sport 2 keep outside sound like traffic, a trail or a conversation audible while music plays, because the drivers rest in front of the ear rather than sealing the ear canal.
Sealed buds can also help. JLab says the GO Sport ANC's Be Aware mode lets outside sound through on demand for safety during outdoor runs, without pausing playback. Shokz describes its OpenRun Air 2 as an open-ear design to stay aware, rated IP67, with up to 10 hours of listening.
Fit, sweat and water ratings
- Ear hooks. JLab says the GO Sport ANC's soft, bendable ear hooks and gel tips lock the buds in place, reducing slipping during workouts.
- IP rating. JLab says IP55 protects against sweat, splash and dust. Shokz lists IP67 for the OpenRun Air 2. Check the maker's own guidance before swimming with any model.
- Weight. JLab lists the JBuds Open Sport 2 earbuds at 13.8 grams and the case at 44.5 grams.
- Tips. In-ear buds that include several tip sizes, like JLab's three gel tip sizes, make it easier to get a stable seal.
Battery and connection
- Per charge. JLab lists 8.5+ hours per earbud for the GO Sport ANC and 8 hours for the JBuds Open Sport 2.
- Quick charge. JLab says a 10 minute rapid charge adds 1 hour of playtime on both models.
- Multipoint. JLab's JBuds Open Sport 2 can connect to up to 3 devices at once; the GO Sport ANC pairs two devices.
- Range. JLab lists 30+ feet Bluetooth range for both.
- Calls. Both JLab models list two MEMS microphones with noise reduction for calls.
If you want heart rate during workouts, pair earbuds with a chest strap heart rate monitor.
Protect your hearing
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says sounds at or below 70 dBA are unlikely to cause hearing loss even after long exposure, but long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. It lists music through headphones at maximum volume at 94-110 dBA, and names listening at high volume through earbuds or headphones as a recreational risk.
- Keep volume moderate, especially on long runs.
- Take listening breaks.
- See a doctor if you notice ringing or muffled hearing that does not go away.
Hearing damage from noise is usually gradual, the NIDCD explains, so you might not notice it at first. Over time sounds may become distorted or muffled, or you may find yourself turning up the TV. The NIDCD calls noise-induced hearing loss the only type of hearing loss that is completely preventable, and advises having your hearing tested if you think you might have hearing loss.
What to look for when you buy
Ear-hook ANC sport earbuds
Best for: Gyms and commutes where you want less background noise
JLab's GO Sport ANC lists ear hooks, 3 gel tip sizes, ANC with Be Aware mode, IP55 and 8.5+ hours per earbud.
Watch out: Sealed fit blocks outside sound; use Be Aware near traffic.
See options on AmazonOpen-ear sport earbuds
Best for: Outdoor runs and rides where you need to hear traffic
JLab's JBuds Open Sport 2 rest in front of the ear with a secure earhook, IP55, and 45+ hours with the case.
Watch out: Outside noise stays audible, including in loud gyms.
See options on AmazonOpen-ear running headphones
Best for: Runners who want a higher water rating
Shokz lists its OpenRun Air 2 as open-ear, IP67, with up to 10 hours of listening and quick charge.
Watch out: Check the maker's guidance before swimming with it.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are open-ear earbuds better for running?
- They keep outside sound audible, which JLab says suits runs and rides where awareness matters.
- What IP rating do sport earbuds need?
- JLab says IP55 protects against sweat, splash and dust. Check the maker's guidance for rain or swimming.
- Do noise-canceling earbuds work for workouts?
- Yes in gyms; JLab's GO Sport ANC also has Be Aware mode for outdoor runs.
- How loud is too loud?
- The NIDCD says long or repeated exposure at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.
- How long do sport earbuds last per charge?
- JLab lists about 8 to 8.5+ hours per earbud for its sport models.
Sources
- GO Sport ANC True Wireless Earbuds (jlab.com), JLab
- JBuds Open Sport 2 Earbuds (jlab.com), JLab
- OpenRun Air 2 (shokz.com), Shokz
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (nidcd.nih.gov), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders