1
Best Apple Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Pros
Improved sound from previous generation
Volume controls on the stem
Transparency mode creates little wind noise
Cons
Using stem controls can cause you to pull the earbuds loose
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are the gold standard for wireless earbuds, and also the most ubiquitous. They’re the overwhelming favorite earbuds on the market. I think that’s largely due to the fact that the moment you pop them in, you notice the comfortable, secure fit (thanks to four ear tip sizes), and ergonomic design. Whether you’re commuting, running, or just trying to listen to your romance novel audiobook without scandalizing your family, these buds stay put and feel featherlight.
Sound quality is pretty good: it has a custom high-excursion driver and H2 chip to keep things sharp and booming, even in loud environments. Active noise cancellation is superior to that of many others, and adaptive transparency mode lets you hear what’s going on around you to the level you can stand when you’re trying to get your workout on.
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Battery (buds) | 6 hours |
Battery (case) | 24 hours |
Type | Truly wireless earbuds |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Noise-Canceling | Yes |
Transparency Mode | Yes |
2
Best Sound
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros
Secure, comfortable earhook design that stays put during intense workouts
Excellent sound quality with rich bass, clear highs, and balanced mids
Fast charging and long battery life
Physical button controls for easy use during exercise
Cons
Heart rate monitoring feature is limited and not fully reliable, especially on iOS
No customizable EQ or sound presets, which is disappointing at this price
Some users may have trouble achieving a perfect ear tip seal, affecting noise cancellation
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed to stay put, thanks to flexible earhooks and five ear tip sizes, so you can focus on your run instead of fiddling with your headphones. The IPX4 water resistance means they’ll handle sweat and rain without a hitch.
Sound quality is on point—expect punchy bass, crisp highs (as someone who has worn these, Hamilton has never sounded better), and a nicely balanced sound that makes your playlists pop. The active noise cancellation and transparency mode is handy: block out the gym clatter/your children’s video game sounds when you want to focus, or let in the world when you’re running in busy areas and don’t wish to be taken out by a minivan. The physical buttons are a practical touch, making it easy to control your music even with sweaty hands.
Battery (buds) | Up to 10 hours per bud with ANC off (8 hours with ANC on) |
Battery (case) | Up to 35 additional hours with ANC off (28 hours with ANC on); total up to 45 hours |
Type | True wireless, in-ear, with secure-fit earhooks |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Noise-Canceling | Yes |
Transparency Mode | Yes |
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3
Best Open-Ear
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Pros
Loud enough to enjoy but still allow you to be aware
Long battery life
Charges quickly
Nice, hugging fit
Cons
Bass and sound quality could be better
Open ear headphones lead to sound leakage
No wireless charging
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are a real game-changer for runners who want great sound without sacrificing safety or comfort. Aly Ellis, our director of content hype, sums it up perfectly: “These are my favorite running headphones ever, specifically, the Kipchoge edition. They get loud enough that you can hear them while running, but you can hear noise and traffic around you. I listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while wearing mine, and they all sound great!”
That open-ear design is the magic here—it keeps you aware of your surroundings, whether you’re dodging bikes on a trail or crossing busy streets.
Battery (buds) | 12 hours |
Battery (case) | n/a |
Type | Bone conduction, wireless |
Water Resistance | IP55 |
Noise-Canceling | No |
Transparency Mode | No |
4
Best Deal
NordicTrack T 6.5 S
Pros
Simple and easy to use
Great and programming
Cons
Smaller deck
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill is a fantastic choice for home workouts. Users love its easy assembly, quiet operation, and effective cushioning, which makes running or walking comfortable. The treadmill offers a solid incline range and folds up easily to save space. Its sturdy build and user-friendly features deliver great value for the price. Overall, it’s highly recommended for anyone seeking a reliable, well-built treadmill for daily exercise at home
Deck Size | 20” by 55” |
Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
Max Speed | 10 mph |
Max Incline | 10% |
Max Decline | n/a |
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5
Most Hassle-Free
ProForm Carbon TLX
Pros
Simple setup
Reliable and easy to use
Cons
Can feel a bit shaky at higher incline
The ProForm Carbon TLX treadmill is an outstanding addition to any home gym. Its sturdy build and smooth, quiet operation make daily workouts enjoyable and hassle-free. Assembly is straightforward, and the treadmill’s folding design saves space when not in use.
The spacious 60-inch deck accommodates both walking and running comfortably, while the incline feature adds variety to workouts. Overall, this treadmill offers excellent value and quality, making it highly recommended for anyone seeking reliable exercise equipment
Deck Size | 20” by 60” |
Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
Max Speed | 12 mph |
Max Incline | 12% |
Max Decline | n/a |

Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.

Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
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