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’m working out, I like having a single, trusty pair of 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 pair that works for all my favorite activities including running, strength training and going for walks. They need to withstand a lot of sweat and stay in place while maintaining solid sound quality. 

My go-to wireless earbuds for over a year now are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and they’re great whether I’m running or lifting weights. They’re also CNET’s best wireless sports earbuds and at the top of our list of the best workout earbuds and headphones.

Pros and cons

Pros

• The ear hooks stay in place
• Noise-canceling feature works well; can be shut off when needed
• Sensors on earbuds can read your heart rate
• Easily rechargeable 
• Seamless transition between listening to music and answering a call

Cons

• Expensive
• Noise-canceling feature may not be ideal for all activities
• Sometimes earbuds need to be recharged at separate times

Why I like the Powerbeats Pro 2 for running

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great fit for running because the ear hooks stay put behind the ears during movement. I’ve used them with the noise-canceling function on during a run, and I could only hear my thoughts, not anything going on around me. 

I found the eartips included in the initial packaging 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, previously tested the Powerbeats Pro 2 and provides a thorough explanation of their unique tech and functions. One of his pro tips is finding eartips that provide the best seal for your ears, as they improve noise cancellation and sound quality. 

However, if you don’t love the feel of an earbud digging in your ear, you can opt for a pair of CNET’s best open earbuds, which sit on top of your ear while still keeping you aware of your surroundings. 

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

Noise cancellation isn’t my preferred feature when I go for a run, though, because I like to stay aware of my surroundings. The running path I frequent is shared with cyclists, so turning transparency mode on is essential to prevent a crash. With many people using e-bikes, it’s even more important to be aware of them, as some can reach speeds comparable to a moving car. 

These earbuds also have sensors that can monitor your heart rate. Ideally, you can track this by starting a workout on a third-party app or by connecting to gym equipment via Bluetooth. The Powerbeats Pro 2 sync 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 like the Powerbeats Pro 2 for the gym

In the gym, I like to focus on my workout without any distractions. That’s where the noise-canceling feature on the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in handy. I use it when I’m stretching, warming up, going through circuits and lifting weights. From time to time, I’m approached by other gym members who want to chat, but usually they have to signal to me; otherwise, I don’t hear them. The Powerbeats Pro 2 make it easy to pause and resume your music, too, with a single click on the right earbud.

These earbuds stay put during my favorite gym activities, whether I’m jumping or lying down on a bench. I’ve had other earbuds that tend to shift or slip out at sudden changes in movement during a workout, which is the last thing I want when I’m sweating.

Another factor that sold me on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the seamless Bluetooth connection to the iPhone (they also work with Android). You can set them up to sync automatically, or you can grant them permission to connect. When I receive calls while wearing the Pro 2 earbuds at the gym or on a walk, it’s easy to switch between them and my music. The audio is always crisp, and the wireless connection is rock solid, with no Bluetooth hiccups. 

The downsides of the Powerbeats Pro 2

One of my gripes with these earbuds is that the carrying case is on the bulkier side. If you run with it, you’ll need a pair of leggings with pockets, or a running belt, to hold it in place. 

Another downside of individual earbuds is that battery life may vary between them. For example, sometimes my left earbud tends to run out of battery 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 as soon as I put them on, and then I’m suddenly notified that the battery is low on one, and it shuts off, leaving me with one functioning earbud. This is distracting and makes it hard to concentrate during a workout.

The price tag on these earbuds may not fit everyone’s budget, as they retail for $250. As with any piece of tech, this is an investment that may require saving up or seeking an alternative. If this price is too steep, there are more affordable options as depicted on our best running headphones and earbuds list. 

Who would like the Powerbeats Pro 2?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are versatile and suitable for anyone who enjoys being active. They’re ideal if you need a pair of earbuds that stay put no matter the type of workout–walking, running, working out at the gym or even rushing through a work commute. At $250, they aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the investment if you value having a reliable pair of multifunctional earbuds that will last you.