Still looking for the best running headphones that don't fall out of my ears.
When I tried the AirPods Pro for running on the track, I spent less time exercising than I did retrieving my fallen buds. Later, I replaced the AirPods Pro with the Powerbeats Pro and my quest came to an end, but that hooked headphone had its own setbacks.
Now I have turned to the Jabra Elite Active 75t. The Jabra Elite Active 75t is the best wireless earbuds according to the audio experts here at Tom's Guide. In addition, several Twitter friends have said that these sporty Jabra earbuds are great for all kinds of exercise.
Unlike the Powerbeats Pro, the Jabra Elite Active 75t features active noise cancellation. After a week of rain in the Northeast, my runs had to take place on a treadmill, but I was relieved to know that the Jabra Elite Active 75t would block out the distractions of my gym buddies.
I also missed Apple's effortless setup via the H1 chip, but the Elite Active 75t earbuds are completely sweatproof and offer 7.5 hours of non-stop tuning. So are the Jabra Elite Active 75t the ideal running headphones for me? Read on to find out.
To be honest, the design of the Jabra Elite Active 75t did not make me optimistic at first. Even without the stem hanging down from the ear, it looked as secure as the AirPods Pro. I tried on a pair of the included ear tips to find my best fit, and surprisingly, the medium size fit perfectly; with the Powerbeats Pro, I liked the smallest ear tip better. Of course, the AirPods Pro has a special fit test to help you choose the right size for you.
I did the hype-up dance to reconfirm my choice, but the Jabra Elite Active 75t stayed put. I went to the gym instead of the track for this workout, so I warmed up with the elliptical instead of walking my usual half-mile. I wasn't convinced that the earbuds were safe, but I was surprised at how comfortable the Elite Active 75t was. It feels like nothing is in my ears. At only 0.19 ounces, they are as light as the AirPods Pro and considerably lighter than the 0.36-ounce Powerbeats Pro.
Unfortunately, after transitioning to the treadmill to pick up the pace, the Jabra Elite Active 75t in my left ear fell out after the first quarter mile of a 5.5 mph run. With my cat-like reflexes, I caught it against my shoulder before I had to stop moving, but this fall changed my perception of safety. Luckily, the earbuds stayed in place for the rest of the run, but I adjusted them on instinct and pushed them firmly into my earholes to avoid further problems
Jabra is one of the most respected brands in the audio industry, so I had high expectations for sound quality I had high expectations for sound quality. But I had no idea how well my sound would be tuned, so I explored the Jabra Sound+ app for presets and other cool features that enhance both sound and call quality. I like to tweak the customizable EQ for running.
Playing "Can't Stop" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers helped me get through a particularly tough rut after a mile or so of running. However, the lingering sensation from the introductory bass riff and pounding drum beat really boosted my energy level. Similarly, the rhythmic sounds of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Can't Hold Us" carried me to the end of the two-mile run.
As mentioned earlier, noise cancellation is a big issue at the gym. If I were to run indoors again, I wouldn't reach for the Powerbeats Pro; the Jabra Elite Active 75t drowns out the sound of someone on the phone in the gym or the odd noise from the free weights behind the treadmill. Also, when I wanted to ask another gym-goer how much more of the machine I needed, with one tap, the earbuds switched to pass-through mode, allowing me to have a quick conversation without taking out my buds.
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is officially my new gym headphones. Long-lasting battery life, lightweight design, impressive active noise cancellation, and customizable audio options prove why these earbuds are so well-loved.
However, they are still vulnerable to drops, which is the biggest complaint about the AirPods Pro. I tried to completely part ways with my wireless earbuds last year, knowing that this is a very "me" issue. When I'm on the move or moving around on the circuit, I need to make sure my headphones don't disappear into the subway grating or the grass, and the Powerbeats Pro assures me of that. I just wish it had ANC.
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