Exercising is tough enough as it is, and then there’s maintaining consistency and keeping up motivation. Not everyone can really hit the gym every day without a friend—a trusted gym buddy. And that is invariably a good pair of earphones, wired or wireless, which can keep you company via music, podcasts, a phone call or a video. So, to make your life easier, I’ve picked the top five pairs of earphones ideal for a workout, which have been tried and tested by me. Each of these have been used for more than two months (some a few years) and in varied conditions including rain. Plus I’ve walked, jogged, danced, run, swam, hiked, kick-boxed, yoga-ed and lifted weights using these. And since I exercise twice a day, I hope you'll trust me! Starting from INR 500 to INR 15,000, here’s my top pick of earphones for a workout.
Tried & Tested: 7 Earphones That Are Ideal For Exercising, Across Budgets
Boult Audio Red Wireless AirBass Livebuds
One of the best I've tried, the Boult Audio Red Wireless AirBass Livebuds are great for workouts. Not only do they sit snugly in the ear, but they are also rain proof! Phew! In fact, you can even wash the ear buds and the case. (If you do that, please let me know how it turns out. I’m still sceptical.) I love that the earbuds have a single multi-function button and voice control so you can bark out orders to Siri and Google Assistant mid exercise and not have to fumble around pressing many buttons.
Sound Quality: 3.5 / 5 for music, 4.5 / 5 for calls
Top Features: Voice assistance and waterproof
Discounted Price: INR 1,500
JBL Tune 130NC TWS
These ones are fantastic for those who walk or run. Not only are these kitted out with active noise cancellation up to 40dbs, but they also have an ambient sound filter so you can tune into the surroundings. As someone (read a woman) who has to look over her shoulder at all times in the park, this feature makes it easier to be aware while listening to music, podcasts or talking.
Sound Quality: 4 / 5 for music and calls
Top Features: Ambient sound control and TalkThru, which is a feature that automatically lowers the sound with speech being amplified so you can chat with your walking or running buddy. If it’s your nosy neighbour, just run on!
Discounted Price: INR 5,699
JBL C50HI In-Ear Wired Headphones
I will confess that I am a huge fan of wired earphones, especially when running. Sure the wire sometimes gets in the way, but at least the music doesn’t stop when there’s a bad Bluetooth connection, or if the buds fall out, you don’t waste time picking it up. It’s still connected to you! And it’s for that reason that I love the JBL C50HI in-ear wired headphones. It has a mic too, so you can easily make calls while on the move. The wire is also really light and thin, and from many years of using these, I can assure you, these ones do not hinder your movement. Plus, no need to remember to charge the earbuds and the case. Just old-school plug and play with these.
Sound Quality: 4 / 5 for music and calls, based on the price of just INR 599
Top Features: The wires. They keep the earphones eternally attached to you!
Discounted Price: INR 5,99
Bose Sport Earbuds
Of the few 'sports earbuds' I’ve used in the last few years, Bose makes the best, in my opinion. Sweat and slightly water resistant, they don’t plonk out with every jump and hop, thanks to the umbrella tip and flexi wing on the side of each of the buds that keep them in place all workout long. The touch sensitivity is good too, so no real pressing hard. Just a gentle tap. With the mic on the right earbud, calls are also crystal clear. These ones come in three colour—blue, white and black.
Sound Quality: 5 / 5 for music and calls
Top Features: A 15-minute quick charge give you over 1.5 hours on the go.
Discounted Price: INR 14,449
H2O AUDIO Surge SX10 Headphones
The only earphones or headphones that are actually waterproof and allow you to swim with them, the H2O Audio Surge is well worth its price of INR 10,764. Waterproof up to a depth of approximately 3 metres, these gave great sound and despite the water lapping, the sound remains undisturbed. It is has a short chord for connection so avoids any tangling while swimming or working out. I must warn you though that my sibling had the opposite experience and her earphones were damaged in three wears.
Sound Quality: 4/5 for music. I have not tried chatting underwater...yet. But it's expensive, so if you're not using it extensively, swim on.
Top Feature: It is waterproof up to 3 metres.
Discounted Price: INR 11,574
Nothing Ear (Stick)
Finally, some stylish new earbuds that are NOT Airpods, and do not cost an arm and a leg. Phew! These are one of the best Bluetooth earphones, the quality is great, with even the faintest of sounds being picked out. What I appreciate most is that while running, they don’t fall right out every 10 steps! These fit snugly but not painfully. It's IP54 dust, water and sweat resistance, and I vouch for them withstanding water as well because, in addition to the sweat, they have survived many a rainy-day run too.
Sound Quality: 4/5 for music and calls.
Top Feature: Touch sensitivity is fantastic.
Discounted Price: INR 7,999
Airdopes 171
One for our favourite Shark Tank judges! Jokes apart, boAt has managed to provide good quality earphones at great price points making wireless earphones even more accessible in India. The Airdopes 171 are in-ear buds with an ergonomic design, which means they fit comfortably and won’t fall out during your runs. They offer IPX4 rating, meaning you don’t have to worry about sweat, dust or the occasional splash ruining them.
Sound Quality: These have powerful 6 mm drivers so you can expect crystal-clear sound.
Top Feature: It's got Bluetooth 5.0, so the connectivity will be swift and quick with compatible devices.
Discounted Price: INR 1,199
