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Editor’s note: We’ve updated this story to reflect that these Beats headphones which fitness experts love are up to $90 off for Black Friday.
I am certainly not a purist when it comes to running, which means when I am logging miles—whether in the great outdoors or hitting the treadmill—I am listening to music. It’s basically an alternate fuel source for me. A great pair of headphones is a must. The ones I currently turn to: Beats Powerbeats Pro. They’re the best wireless workout headphones I’ve ever tried.
While I was once loyal to the Powerbeats 3 Wireless, which saw me through many a marathon, the moment I slipped on the Powerbeats Pro, I caught the bug. From the easy pairing with my iPhone—they were ready to roll straight out of the charging case—to the auto ear detection that turns on as soon as they are in my ears, it was as if they anticipated my needs. That and they also met all of my requirements, chief among them a charge that never fails.
Look, the last thing you want is a pair that dies midrace. That happened to me at mile 16 of the 2018 Berlin marathon, and it took a toll on my mental state for sure. With the Powerbeats Pro, you’ll never have to worry about this. The nine-hour battery life is out of this world. Plus, when fully charged, the case offers an additional 24 hours of listening time.
As someone notorious for forgetting to plug in her tech essentials—my phone, my running watch, and, yes, my headphones—and then have the nerve to be upset when it takes forever to recharge them, I appreciate that a quick five minutes gives ’em enough juice for one and a half hours of music, which is enough time for a solid run (or a killer gym session).
I also love that the pieces aren’t tethered like many other workout headphones. The headphones are actually two independent over-the-ear hooks with adjustable in-ear pieces, each with buttons for volume control and playback options. Also handy: Pushing and holding the Beats logo will activate Siri on your iPhone so you can go completely hands-free. Independent buds also mean you don’t have to wear both at the same time for them to work. I typically run with one in and one out, especially during evening runs, for safety reasons—you can never be too careful!
As an added bonus, these get a check for being sweat-resistant too. Because I am a heavy sweater (TMI?), earbuds often slosh around in my ear when the perspiration begins dripping down my face. But these keep a nice snug and comfortable fit with no slippage, whether I’m at mile 2 or 20.
And if that isn’t enough, they are sleek and matte, and come in four cool deep hues. Personally, I prefer the black because I think they look the best. I cannot tell a lie: They are pricey—but I think the features, especially the sound quality (is that a DJ in my ear?), more than justify the price tag.
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones
These sleek, matte headphones are two independent over-the-ear hooks with adjustable in-ear pieces, each with buttons for volume control and playback options.