We’ve all been there. Wires that get caught in our arms as we power forward, earpieces that are too big, too small or fall out, sound quality that’s just...meh. It’s enough to make you wonder, hmmm, are all earbuds created equal? The answer, nope.
Whether your jam is listening to music, being inspired by a podcast, or being guided by a coach in a walking class, you need to love your earbuds when you head out for a walk. So we’ve asked the 99 Walks HQ team to share their favorites:
Pack Leader Joyce: Recently, the awesome team from Jabra introduced me to the Jabra Elite Active 75t. They are incredibly comfortable, fit great, are easy to figure out, have a really long battery life, and they come in lots of colors including 99 Walks teal. At $179, they are not cheap, more like an investment in myself, my walking, my music and my happiness.
Coach Jenny: I have Power Beats 3 and love them because regular earbuds do not stay in my ears—and I have tried a lot of them! They hook over your ears, are wireless (connect via Bluetooth), and also have a cord that attaches them together which is better for me since I would probably lose one! They also come in a cute little carrying case. :)
Coach Eric: My favorite earbuds are my sunglasses. That's right, sunglasses. Lucyd sunglasses have Bluetooth audio built in so you can take calls, listen to music, podcasts, etc. while you’re out and about. Here's the great thing about them. While using them, you can still hear ambient noise around you. For walking on the roads, this is a super safety feature. And when you’re out in nature, you can listen to your tunes, and still hear bird calls, the wind in the trees and be part of the environment. Check them out at Lucyd.co.
Social Media Manager Jess: I keep my music going and hair out of my face with this bluetooth headband! For me, price is a factor, so I like that it’s affordable, plus it covers my ears from the wind. The sound quality is good, and honestly, it just works great!
Community Director Jamie: My vote goes to Airpods Pro! They are comfortable, very secure, and they never feel like they are going to fall out (even if I am jogging). They have a super-long battery life and come in a case that charges them while not in use. The sound quality is great, and they leave me hands-free when I’m talking on the phone or dancing around my kitchen.
My favorite thing, though, is they have noise cancelation for when I need to block out everything and transparency mode for when I don't so they are perfect for walking outdoors because you can really hear what's going around you while still being able to listen to what you have playing.
I've had them for a little over a year and they still work like they are brand new.
Pack Support Squad Katelyn: My husband got a pair of Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds and now I want a pair of my own! They’re comfortable, have a long battery life—around 9 hours, and the sound quality is great! Plus, they come in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect match to fit your style!
Pack Support Squad and Bookkeeper Michelle: Why, yes I do love my headphones! I use Aftershokz which are bone conduction headphones and don't actually go in your ear. They kind of loop over your ears and sit right in front of your ear. I love that I can listen to music but still hear everything that is going on around me (whether it's my daughter yelling in the stroller or cars on the road). I was nervous how they would fit with my glasses but haven't had any issues. They have regular sizes and then "mini" for smaller-headed people. The only negative is that if you are a person who listens to music super, super loud then the sound quality isn't as good, but for a normal sound level it's fine!
Fitness Director Natalie: As an outdoor enthusiast, I love my Soundwhiz earbuds. Not only do they have a great sound and fit comfortably, they are sweat- and water-proof so I don’t have to worry about them getting damaged if I’m walking in the rain.
As for the rest of the team, well, we’re still making use of the wired earbuds that came in the box with our phones, but I have a feeling a few of us might be making a switch to something with a little more pizazz. How about you? Is it time to rethink your listening accessory and find the right fit for you?
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