After years of running with wired earbuds, I switched from an MP3 player to a “retired” Android phone. That allowed me to use Bluetooth earbuds, so I bought several to try: a pair of “true wireless” earbuds, another with the electronics attached to the earbuds and loops that go around your ears, and this pair. The “true wireless” earbuds were fussy to pair and stuck out of my ear to far. Plus I felt like they would be too easy to lose. The one with the electronics attached were significantly larger and while the loops would keep them from falling off, the sound quality left a lot to be desired. These, on the other hand, hit all of the high points.
Charge: I never get to test the 6-hour battery life, but my run takes about two hours and I have never had the battery run out. I charge them after each run, the battery charges quickly and after 6 months still works fine.
Fit: These come with two different size tips and removable “cush fins” that help to hold them in place. I use the cush fin only on the right side so I can more easily remove the left bud if I need to talk to someone. The control unit dangles from the right side so I figured it could use the extra support but, honestly (a) I don’t think it really needs it and (b) it’s really no harder to remove/replace the bud with or without the cush fin. I think you can go either way, whichever is more comfortable for you.
Sound: This is where these earbuds excel. The sound quality is excellent, easily matching my best wired earbuds. No complaints at all over a wide range of musical styles and volumes. They simply sound great.
Controls: logical, well placed and useful, if basic. Press the center but to pause or unpause, long press to power on or off. Top (“up arrow”) button increases volume with a short press, skips to next track with a longer press. Bottom (“down arrow”) button decreases volume with a short press, skips to previous track with a longer press. I have no trouble working these controls when running by touch alone. Both my phone and music app have built-in equalizers, but I find the default “balanced” sound fine with the equalizers turne off.
Durability: I run about 8 miles at a not-too-fast pace. After 6 months, I have no issues. Lots of sweat, occasional rain, no problems. They still pretty much look (and work) like new.
I didn’t rate “Noise cancellation” because it doesn’t have any, relying on physical isolation. That said, I can hear oncoming traffic and other sounds, which I consider a good thing when running.
For the price (under $20) I would have been happy if I had to replace them twice a year. As it is, I consider them a terrific value. I am getting a second pair, “just in case”.
