I review headphones and my all-time favorite workout earbuds are under $150 at Amazon
I tested the Jabra Elite 7 Active two years ago, and they're still my go-to earbuds, now for less than $150
I started reviewing headphones in 2016 and I've tried everything from over-ear cans to wireless earbuds.
Two years ago, I tested the Jabra Elite 7 Active and rated them as the best workout earbuds for most people. I loved them then and I still do. These earbuds are my everyday pair that I use for exercise, podcasts and phone calls.
Even with daily use the buds still look new, the case charges in less than an hour, and they still don't fall out during weightlifting sessions, high-intensity workouts, or during household chores.
Jabra Elite 7 Active | was $179.99, now $149.99 at Amazon
The sound quality is great, the battery lasts for eight hours (with another 30 in the case), and if you use just one earbud the sound switches to mono (not all earbuds do this annoyingly). You can customize the sound using the Jabra app, and the physical button on the left side cycles through noise cancellation modes. If you want a pair of earbuds to get out of your way so you can focus on your training, I recommend these.
You can definitely find better-sounding earbuds, or some with longer battery life, but I rate these as the best all-round package. You get active noise cancellation to remove background noise, and an effective transparency mode for when you need to hear traffic and other people.
But what I liked the most while reviewing the Jabra Elite 7 Active was the fit. With most earbuds, I have to fiddle with the tips or continually adjust the placement in my ear, but these I just put in and forgot about them.
It took me a while to get used to the way the ShakeGrip material keeps them in place, though. They're small and light, so it was easy to panic and think they're about to fall out, but they never did.
Still, if you prefer the security of an over-ear hook, you have options. And, helpfully, my other favorite pair of workout earbuds are also on sale. The Skullcandy Push Active are a bit larger, but have large hooks to keep them in place, and they're currently 40% off, on sale for just $58.99 at Amazon right now.
Skullcandy Push Active | was $79.99, now $58.99 at Amazon
If you want something more secure for your runs, the Skullcandy fit the bill. The ear hooks stopped them falling out during HIIT and cardio workouts, and I was impressed with the near 44-hour battery life. It's a shame there's no active noise cancellation, but the price and fit make them worth the money.
Unlike the Jabra set, they don't have active noise cancellation, but the fit blocks out quite a lot of noise anyway. And there is a Stay-Aware transparency mode for when you're on a run or a busy street.
But where the Elite 7 Active feel like a premium set of earbuds (they are durable, though — I've dropped them several times and they're fine), the more plastic-y Push Active seem like they'd survive most accidents and they're IP55-rated, so they'll be fine if you get caught in some light rain.
Get the Fit&Well Newsletter
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
James is a London-based journalist and Fitness Editor at Fit&Well. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.
In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. In recent times, James has been absorbed by the intersection between mental health, fitness, sustainability, and environmentalism. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each week’s New Music Friday releases.
-
I tried this barre-inspired home glute workout—here's why I preferred it over Pilates
pilates Try this bodyweight routine to train your glutes at home
By Alice Porter Published
-
No time to get your steps in? Here's how to hit 10,000 steps without leaving the house
Walking Take the equivalent of a five-mile walk in just 40 minutes
By Maddy Biddulph Published
-
There's only one Prime Day Fitbit Deal I'd buy—the Charge 6 under $100
Deals Even though Fitbit's smartwatches get Prime Day deals, I still recommend Fitbit's top tracker
By Jonathan Shannon Last updated
-
These are the 10 budget Prime Day fitness deals under $30 that are actually worth the money
Deal You don't need to break the bank to develop muscle, boost your fitness, and increase your metabolism
By Anna Gora Published
-
Use these Prime Day fitness deals to pick up new equipment for your home without breaking the bank
Deals Amazon's Prime Day shopping event is over for 2023, and there were big discounts on workout essentials
By James Frew Last updated
-
I switched music for audiobooks for my dumbbell workouts, and here's what changed
DEAL Music has always been my motivator, but audiobooks kept me going and helped improve my wellbeing
By James Frew Published
-
My favorite workout earbuds are now cheaper than ever on Amazon Prime Day
DEAL The Jabra Elite 7 Active are $60 off on Amazon Prime Day, saving you 33% on top-rated buds
By James Frew Published
-
The Jabra Elite 7 Active are the comfiest headphones I've ever tested, and they're now $60 off
DEAL My all-time favorite workout earbuds are 33% cheaper this Amazon Prime Day
By James Frew Published
-
I use the Garmin Instinct Solar for literally everything, and now it's $90 cheaper
DEAL Rugged fitness watches can be expensive but the Garmin Instinct Solar watch is currently on offer for 26% less thanks to Amazon Prime Day
By Jessica Downey Published