Gym earbuds: when to spend $80—and when to spend more

Best Buy listed the black Sport X20 (SKU 6604321) at $69.99 when checked October 12, 2026, before tax, sold by Best Buy with Add to Cart available. Adjustable ear hooks, active noise cancellation and an IP68 earbud rating make these earbuds a sensible option to shortlist for sweaty indoor workouts. The fit adjustment is the feature to prioritize: try squats, jogging in place and a bench position during the return window. A secure seal should not require painful pressure.

The compromise: published specifications cannot tell us how the microphones handle your gym or how the sound suits your ears. We have not measured either. Do not treat the water rating as a promise that the charging case can get wet. Dry the earbuds before putting them away.

Powerbeats Pro 2 adds the Apple H2 chip, noise cancellation, transparency and workout heart-rate monitoring, with ear hooks and IPX4 sweat and splash resistance. It is a more specialized option for someone who wants those features, rather than our default value recommendation. Check compatibility with your phone and workout app before paying for heart-rate monitoring.

Best Buy listed Jet Black Powerbeats Pro 2 (SKU 6558860) at $239.99 on October 12, with Best Buy as seller and Add to Cart available. Our editorial buy target is $200 or less, so we would wait at that observed price. Above that, compare the extra cost with Sport X20 and ask which feature you would use every week. IPX4 is splash resistance, not a swimming rating. Neither pair should be bought for use in a pool.

If you wear glasses, check whether the hooks compete with the arms. Try different ear tips on each side; your ears may need different sizes. Walk, chew and turn your head. A pair that repeatedly needs adjusting is a poor workout purchase even if its specifications look excellent.

For outdoor running, prioritize awareness of traffic and other people. Transparency mode is a convenience, not a safety guarantee. Consider an open-ear design if sealed earbuds make you uncomfortable, accepting that bass and isolation will be different.

Confirm the seller’s return policy for opened earbuds, warranty coverage, replacement-tip availability and the final price after shipping. Compare battery claims under the same noise-cancellation setting; manufacturer maximums are not our tested workout results.

Keep working earbuds if they stay secure and last through your sessions. Replacement tips may fix a slipping fit for much less than a new pair. Our broader athletics guide covers watches and headphones if you are building a complete gym setup.