7 things to know about sports earbuds
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
Music in the ears is a great motivator to get moving, whether it's walking the pooch or working the gym. But what features should you look out for in a pair of earbuds? These seven considerations will put you in front of the pack.
Totally wire-free
In our book, the introduction of true wireless tech in this space was a game changer – and remains so.
True wireless is precisely what the name suggests – the earbuds are powered individually without cables and use Bluetooth to connect to your device.
In short, they offer the ultimate in convenience and look stylish too.
Comfort is key
All ears are shaped differently, and manufacturers make provisions for this by supplying a selection of different gel bud-tip sizes in the box.
A good fit is vitally important – you don’t want buds toppling out during a sprint. Sports earbuds have been designed with motion in mind, and as such, some feature wingtips to spread tight in the lobe or hooks to fit over the ear to prevent the buds from coming loose.
On the resistance
When the weather matches the intensity of your workout, sweat is a certainty. IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings feature two numbers, such as IP67.
The first number covers protection against dust and sand, and the second is resistance to liquid ingress. If excessive sweat or getting caught in the rain while running is a factor, shoot for a high number.
It’s common to see the letter X substituted for a number after the IP. This means that the manufacturer hasn't tested the dust ingress resistance.
Stop the noise
Noise cancelling has come a long way and can now be found in top-end earbuds and more budget-friendly models.
Noise cancelling can be helpful in a gym to drown out the communal playlist, and the ambient mode, designed to let in some environmental noise, is perfect if you’re out walking or running and need to be aware of traffic or your surroundings.
Power up
Battery life has come a long way and can offer anything from six to 12 hours of use from a single charge (sometimes more).
Moreover, the earbud storage cases typically hold two to three full charges, so you can rely on constant music even if you’re running an ultra-marathon.
Keeping control
Controlling volume, skipping tracks, taking calls, and features like noise cancellation can either be touch controls or a physical button.
Most earbuds are touch control purely for convenience – swiping with a finger in the heat of a workout is about as easy as it gets.
Sound matters
Earbuds designed specifically for sports and exercise tend to lay the bass down heavy straight out of the box.
However, most premium brands will offer an adjustable EQ in the companion app where subtle audio adjustments can be made.
At the end of the day, having good quality sound pumping in your ears is the perfect motivation to get going.
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