Fitness Hot Product: Wireless Running Headphones
HOT PRODUCT: Jabra Elite 75t, £129.99 (were £169.99)
USP: These bestselling buds have won countless awards and with good reason. Fitting snugly in the ear thanks to an ergonomic shape, three different-sized ear tips and a clever grip coating, you won’t feel the need to readjust during your workout. Offering five-star sound quality that filters out background noise with a strong bass, the earbuds also house sensors for automatic ear detection: removing one bud automatically pauses playback, while reinserting resumes playback.
SPECIAL FEATURES: The noise-cancelling feature is second to none, but if you’d rather hear what’s going on around you, pressing the button on the left earbud once activates the ‘hear through’ function, allowing you to hear ambient noise – ideal if you’re running in the dark or near main roads. Download the accompanying app and it will allow you to set different audio profiles and tweak the equaliser, adjust call volumes and update the earbuds when a new software version arises. The Elite 75t is voice assistant-enabled and connects to Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to access information when you’re out and about, from appointments to weather alerts. If you plan to use the headphones for calls, the four-microphone system won’t disappoint, providing clear voice transmission.
DURABILITY: A robust option, these Jabras are rated IP57, meaning these phones could technically withstand a sandstorm or monsoon. In British terms, they’re moisture and dust resistant. They also come with a two-year warranty, so you can wear them with confidence, whatever the weather.
BATTERY LIFE: 7.5 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (charging case – it takes two hours 20 minutes to fully charge the case via a regular computer USB port, or faster using a more powerful USB charger). A 15-minute quick charge in the case also gives the buds enough battery power for around an hour of playback.
WEIGHT: The Elite 75t corrects one of the biggest problems with previous Jabra earbuds by being 20% smaller – the buds weigh in at just 5.5g and the case is small and compact, magnetically locking the earbuds in place and fitting into the money pocket on your jeans.
Visit Jabra.co.uk
After something different? Here’s the best of the rest…
Beats Powerbeats Pro, £219.95
Beats is a heavy hitter when it comes to running earphones and this bestselling pair comes highly recommended. Runners with a particularly vigorous training schedule will appreciate the mouldable ear-hook for added security, while the buds are unique in that they push upwards and into the inner ear, providing stellar sound. There are various colours in the collection, and the branding is fairly subtle. The Powerbeats Pro are particularly suited for iPhone users, as they house Apple’s H1 chip and use Class 1 Bluetooth.
BATTERY LIFE: Up to nine hours’ listening time on a single charge; more than 24 hours with the charging case. A five-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playback.
WEIGHT: 20g for the earphones.
Visit BeatsByDre.com
Jaybird Vista, £139 (were £159)
There’s a lot to like about Jaybird’s bestselling style. Small and comfortable, these wireless buds connect easily and quickly, and provide great sound. Lasting six hours on a single charge (long enough to get you to the finish line of your next 26.2), the brand has also built its own Bluetooth chip, improving the connection with your phone. A complementary app will also sort you out with a personal EQ preset, optimising the sound-field for your ears. Bonus points go to the silicone ear-gels that sit seamlessly in the ears with a weightless feel, even during the most intense workout.
BATTERY LIFE: Six hours of playback on a full charge, plus an additional ten hours from the charging case.
WEIGHT: 6g with a medium-sized ear bud.
Visit Jaybirdsport.com
Bose SoundSport Free, £179.95
These earphones are both sweat- and water-resistant. There’s no noise-cancelling but they deliver a bold and balanced sound with plenty of bass as well as an impressive battery life, buoyed by a charging case. Unlike many wireless headphones, the SoundSport Free was designed to maximise the strength and reliability of a wireless signal, so you’re guaranteed consistently clear and jump-free music, whether you’re running outside or on the treadmill.
BATTERY LIFE: Five hours of playback, with the charging case offering an additional ten hours.
WEIGHT: Each bud weighs 9g and the case weighs 80g.
Visit Bose.co.uk
B&O Beoplay E8 Sport, £300
The E8 Sport are durable and lightweight yet offer powerful sound. Suitable for use in all weather conditions, they are sweat resistant and completely waterproof down to 1m for 30 minutes. Plus, a clever touch interface means you can keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on the road. The top choice for music junkies, these buds have been tuned by B&O sound engineers, offering a deep bass frequency and an impressive overall soundscape.
BATTERY LIFE: A single charge provides up to seven hours of continuous playtime, or up to 30 hours with the charging case.
WEIGHT: 13g for both earbuds.
Visit Bang-Olufsen.com
Libratone Track Air+, £149.99
Danish brand Libratone is known for its chic wireless speakers and headphones, and these good-looking earbuds boast a minimal, sporty design. True noise-cancelling earphones, they’ll automatically adapt to your surroundings, cancelling up to 30dB of noise. With four different attachments, there’s the option to customise your fit for superior comfort. Downloading the app will also give you the chance to tweak the bass, mids and treble, depending on your music preference.
BATTERY LIFE: Six hours on a full charge. When you need a charge, place them into the case which is good for three full charges.
WEIGHT: 5.6g per earbud.
Visit Libratone.com
Aftershokz Trekz Air, £99.95
The ultimate headphones for urban running awareness, these ones use bone conduction technology to transfer sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to hear potential hazards. A complete wraparound titanium design provides a flexible fit for all-day comfort and they’re IP55 certified to repel sweat, dust and moisture. Plus, EQ presets boost bass and reduce vibration on the go.
BATTERY LIFE: Six hours.
WEIGHT: 30g.
Visit Aftershokz.co.uk
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