I’m CNET’s fitness expert. I swear by these versatile earbuds for every run and gym session

I’m CNET’s fitness expert and when I work out, I like to have one trusty pair Headphones For a range of activities. The idea of ​​having multiple pairs for different tasks or exercises slows me down, and I prefer just one that’s versatile enough to handle everything. A perfect pair for all my favorite activities including Run, Strength training and Go for a walk. They need to withstand a lot of sweat and stay in place while maintaining solid sound quality.

The wireless earbuds I’ve been using for over a year now are Beats Powerbeats Pro 2And it’s great whether I’m running or lifting weights. They are CNET’s best wireless sports earbuds And at the top of our list The best earbuds and headphones for working out.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Ear hooks stay in place
• The noise cancellation feature works well; It can be closed when needed
• Sensors on the earbuds can read your heart rate
• Easily rechargeable
• Seamless transition between listening to music and answering a call

cons

• beloved
• Noise cancellation may not be ideal for all activities
• Sometimes the earbuds need to be recharged at separate times

Why I love the Powerbeats Pro 2 for running

Powerbeats Pro 2 is very suitable for running because Ear hooks Stay behind the ears while moving. I used it with the noise cancellation function turned on while running, and I could only hear my thoughts, not anything going on around me.

I found that the eartips included in the initial package provided a good seal for me, but some people may need to try different eartips to find the perfect fit. CNET’s headphones expert, David Carnoy, Powerbeats Pro 2 pre-tested It provides a comprehensive explanation of their unique technology and functions. One of his pro tips is to find eartips that provide the best seal for your ears, as they improve noise cancellation and sound quality.

However, if you don’t like the feel of an earphone digging into your ear, you can opt for a pair of CNET earphones Best open ear headphoneswhich sits on top of your ear while keeping you aware of your surroundings.

Carnoy says in his review of the Powerbeats Pro 2 that Apple’s noise-canceling function is the best, and the Powerbeats use the same H2 chip as Apple AirPods Pro 2 headphones.

However, noise cancellation is not my favorite feature when I go running, as I like to remain aware of my surroundings. The running path I frequent is shared with cyclists, so turning on Transparency mode is essential to prevent a collision. With many people using it E-bikesIt is more important to be aware of them, as some can reach speeds comparable to the speed of a moving car.

These earbuds also have sensors that can monitor your heart rate. Ideally, you can track this by starting your workout on a third-party app or by connecting to gym equipment via Bluetooth. Powerbeats Pro 2 syncs with Apple Health, so you can also view your data there. If you don’t want this information, you can disable the feature in the Powerbeats Pro Bluetooth settings.

Why I love Powerbeats Pro 2 for the gym

At the gym, I like to focus on my workouts without any distractions. This is where the Powerbeats Pro 2’s noise cancellation feature comes in handy. I use it when I’m stretching, warming up, working out, and lifting weights. From time to time, other members of the gym contact me and want to chat, but usually they have to send me a reference; Otherwise I don’t hear them. The Powerbeats Pro 2 makes it easy to pause and resume music as well with a single tap on the right earbud.

These earbuds stay put while I’m doing my favorite sports activities, whether I’m jumping or lying on the bench. I’ve had other earbuds that tend to move or slip when sudden changes in motion during exercise, which is the last thing I want when I’m sweating.

The other factor that sold me on the Powerbeats Pro 2 was the seamless Bluetooth connection to my iPhone (they also work with Android). You can set them up to sync automatically, or you can give them permission to connect. When I take calls while wearing the Pro 2 earbuds at the gym or while walking, it’s easy to switch between them and my music. The sound is always clear, and the wireless connection is very strong, with no Bluetooth hiccups.

Cons of Powerbeats Pro 2

One gripe I have with these earbuds is that the carrying case is on the larger side. If you’re running with it, you’ll need a pair of leggings with pockets, or a running belt to hold it in place.

Another downside to individual earbuds is that battery life may vary between them. For example, sometimes the left earbud’s battery runs out faster than the right, which means I have to recharge both sooner than I’d like. I’ve had instances where both earbuds sync up once I’m wearing them, then I’m suddenly notified that one of them is low on battery, and it turns off, leaving me with only one earbud working. This is distracting and makes it difficult to concentrate during exercise.

The price of these earbuds may not fit everyone’s budget, as they retail for $250. As with any piece of technology, this is an investment that may require saving or looking for an alternative. If this price is too high, there are more affordable options as shown on our website The best headphones and earbuds existing.

Who wants Powerbeats Pro 2?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are versatile and suitable for anyone who enjoys being active. They’re perfect if you need a pair of earbuds that stay in place no matter what type of workout you do – walking, running, working out at the gym, or even rushing through your work commute. At $250, they’re not cheap, but they’re worth the investment if you value having a reliable pair of multi-functional earbuds that will last you.