Look for true wireless earbuds that come with multiple tips of different sizes, and experiment to find the correct tip size for your ear canal. A memory-foam tip (whether included or available from a third party) can conform to the shape of the ear canal to provide a more stable fit. Also, check the manual or the manufacturer website to ensure that you’ve positioned your earbuds properly. The one thing that does bridge the gap and finds use in both situations is battery life. Larger headphones will have better battery life but true wireless earbuds have an extra trick.
The Skullcandy Indy ANC earphones join a growing number of affordable true wireless in-ears to feature adequate noise cancellation, with audio performance that will appeal to bass lovers. I don’t talk about sound quality in these skullcandy hesh anc small descriptions because the truth is it’s very similar between the options. Still, if you want the best headphones for sound quality, Sennheiser is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a true wireless form factor.
Like the Beats Fit Pro, this pair uses stabilizing wings to help keep the earbuds in place. JBL includes three sizes of wings, so you can choose the fit that grips your ear most comfortably. Our testers found the fit to be comfortable, but people who have very small or sensitive ears may find the wings’ pressure fatiguing over time. If anything goes wrong, JBL covers this pair with a one-year warranty. The Skullcandy Indy ANC True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds offer a premium audio experience with active noise cancellation technology.
Like the Beats Fit Pro, this pair relies on stabilizing wings to keep the earbuds securely in place. Three sizes of flexible, gripping wings and three sizes of eartips provided a secure fit for all of our testers. These earbuds are lightweight, sleek, and minimal in size, with no parts that significantly protrude from the head. However, if you dislike the feeling of pressure in your ears or you have very small ear canals, you may prefer a different, non-winged earbud design.
My recommendation for the best headphones when riding a bike outside are the Shokz OpenRun Pro, though in all honesty, they’re great for riding inside too. Compared to the Adidas headphones the Jabra option is ever so slightly less secure when both are drenched in sweat. If you are looking to ride outside more than inside then these are a better choice as there’s far less issue with sweat and the rest of the features are superior. The bone conducting tech in the Shokz OpenRun Pro means that your ear canals are open, so you can hear what’s happening around you.
You can also quickly pair these earbuds with Android devices, but in that case you need to download the Beats app to experience the instant pairing pop-up. Switching from one device to another is a process similar to that of other Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, and you can only be connected to one device at a time. Because this skullcandy hesh anc pair fits so securely, the Fit Pro is equally comfortable on a jog as it is at the office. The water resistance rating of IPX4 means that the Fit Pro should be sufficient for the average run or workout. However, for heavy sweating, water-based workouts, or tough mudders, we recommend looking at our guide to workout headphones.
Venue were the first Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones from this brand, and they implemented it really well. With a simple press of the ANC button, you can activate Monitor mode that amplifies your surroundings. These are overall V-shaped with a clear emphasis on bass and sparkly treble, while the mids remain slightly recessed. This sound signature works perfectly with popular music genres like hip hop and electronic dance music (EDM). A redesigned version of the Skullcandy Push Ultra now comes with different types of silicone ear tips for better comfort, great fit, passive noise isolation, and bass extension.
In fact, I liked them better than Skullcandy’s earlier Push true wireless earphones, which cost more. With a higher dust/water resistance rating of IPX7, the EarFun Free 2S can definitely handle rain. IPX7 means the device can be dropped in a meter of water for 30 minutes with no adverse effects. The rating only applies to clear water, so be sure to rinse any saltwater, sweat, or dust off of the Free 2S after exposure and allow the earbuds to dry thoroughly before placing them back in a case. Should anything go wrong, EarFun covers the Free 2S with an 18-month warranty.
Those who want to block out higher pitches such as voices or baby cries will find that the Fit Pro offers solid noise isolation. One trick I discovered that helps to combat my ANC collywobbles is to have music playing before activating the noise cancellation. Somehow this keeps my brain occupied enough to reduce the psychosomatic unease. Indoors both modes do work but it can feel very odd to ride with a lack of sound because of a good active noise cancelling system. It all goes back to the point made in the beginning that there’s not a universal pair of headphones that’s best at everything. Adding active noise cancellation is better for everyday use but expect to turn it off when riding a bike.