I prefer Amazon's $16 retro headphones over my $270 earbuds for the gym — here's why
They're lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
Overview
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I've tried my fair share of headphones and earbuds at the gym, including expensive name brands like the Apple AirPods Pro and Bose noise-canceling headphones. Some fell out too easily, and others would get hot and sweaty. I've even used wired earbuds, and those had their limitations, too. I've been using the JLab Rewind 2 Retro Wireless Headphones for the past six months, and they've been my favorite so far.
At their regular price, the headphones are only $25, which is already incredibly affordable. But with a clippable coupon, you can get them on sale now for just $16 at Amazon. Between the price, the style, and the quality, it's a steal. You might be wondering why on Earth I'd choose cheap headphones for my workouts over highly rated models, and the answer goes beyond just the price tag.
JLab Rewind 2 Retro Wireless Headphones
When I was looking for new gym headphones, I wanted something that was lightweight, comfortable, and affordable, and this pick from JLab fit the bill. Out of the box, the headphones were simplicity at its finest. They were super lightweight and had retro features that reminded me of styles that were popular in the '80s, '90s, and even early 2000s. The thin metal headband was adjustable and added a cool metallic touch, and the foam ear pads came in two colors: orange and black. The orange color initially drew me in, giving it a classic vintage-inspired feel.
They were also really comfortable. They didn't add extra pressure to my head or ears, and they stayed on during gym sessions. While they aren't sweat-resistant, the on-ear design and foam padding seemed to make them more breathable than over-ear headphones that have a tendency to trap heat.
Details
In addition to style and comfort, they have modern conveniences that true vintage headphones don't have. With Bluetooth connectivity, I don't have to deal with wires that can get in the way at the gym. It easily connected to my phone, and it has the ability to connect to two devices at once. On-ear controls make it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls, too. It also connects to the JLab app to customize sound modes, adjust controls, and more. The battery life lasts for over 20 hours on a single charge, so I rarely have to worry about recharging it frequently either.
Affordable headphones with some setbacks
Affordable headphones tend to have some trade-offs, and these are no exception. Truthfully, I didn't expect the best sound quality I've ever heard from $25 headphones, but I think they're pretty solid for the price, and you can enhance the sound with customized modes using the app. They also don't have noise cancellation, but that's not a major concern for me, as I actually like to have that awareness at the gym.
Last but not least, they're not fully waterproof or sweat-resistant. While they've survived my workouts, they might not be the best fit for anyone whose ears really overheat and sweat significantly during a gym session.
So if you're looking for gym headphones with top-tier sound quality, noise cancellation, and are completely waterproof, these may not be the best fit for you. However, I find them more than suitable for my gym needs, which is light music during workouts.
The case for budget-friendly gym headphones
At under $30, the price lands it in the budget-friendly headphones category that I now prefer at the gym, even over expensive options. Affordable headphones, like these options from JLab, show that you can find lightweight, secure, and comfortable headphones that can handle the wear and tear of the gym, without having to spend hundreds of dollars. Plus, the affordability can give you peace of mind, as there won't be a major financial loss if they're damaged or stolen compared to more expensive options.
However, it's important to manage your expectations. As I mentioned earlier, these probably won't be the headphones you turn to for the highest sound quality or noise cancellation, but they're a great, affordable pair of headphones that you can wear to the gym.
More headphones
Veatool Mini Go Wireless Retro On-Ear Headphones
Marshall Major V Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
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Originally published at www.thestreet.com.
