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Reddit Reviews
I’ve been using JBL Endurance Race 2s for a bit and if you’re open to in ear they do have an audio pass through ‘aware’ mode - very good for the price, when compared to the equivalent Bose. I prefer Bose in ears for sound quality and noise cancellation, but each generation has problems. The Bose QC 2 Ultras would be my #1 best ever (if money was no object if the touch controls didn’t react to water. I’m a sweaty man and after 3-4 miles the noise cancellation controls start rotating. Shokz really are the way for true awareness. I just don’t think music sounds good through them… so I do prefer in-ear. Beats Sport lines are better than AirPod for similar tech (both owned by apple). I’d say my Beats lasted through my sweat the best of any headphones I’ve had over the years.
What devices are you planning to use them with? If you are in the Apple ecosystem it might make sense to go with AirPods or Beats because there are some features they have limited to their hardware. I have had a pair of AirPod Pro 2s for several years and they do a solid job of noise cancellation. The AirPod 4 ANC do a good job as well but not quite to the same level as the Pros (presumably due to the difference in the seal in your ear being different between the models). I love the option of transparency mode for if I need situational awareness like commuting or at the dog park. I tried Beats earbuds and liked them, the sport ones stay on well if you have trouble with that and they have similar features but not quite as many as the AirPods with an Apple device pairing. Good options to consider for an alternative that isn’t an extreme price point, they have more types of earbuds in terms of physical form factor. Can’t really comment on Android, my AirPods work fine with Windows but switching to my Windows work computer is annoying (unlike Apple to other Apple device that is pretty simple/seamless) so I mostly don’t bother and use a separate headset for my work PC. And yeah notably BIFL is kind of not realistic. iFixit does have info on changing batteries in AirPods but not everyone is willing to go through that effort so ymmv there.
Powerbeats! Great sound but can’t hear much traffic over them which has never been a problem for me but is for others.
Same with my wife so she tried the powerbeats(?) that have the loop around the ear. The case is big and it doesn't have as good of audio but it stays in her ear no matter what. And sweat proof.
Get a pair of power beats for working out. I always struggled with headphones in the gym. You don’t even have to buy the latest version as long as they’re wireless. Trust me, just use your xm5s for everything else.
My dad gave me a pair of Powerbeats last year and I love them
When I’m running, I love to use my power beats. They stay in my ear, and they are very comfortable.
Love my powerbeats for running. Best purchase I've made! They never budge.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Air travel

Top pick
Apple - AirPod Pro Series
Best for Audiophile sound quality

Top pick
Technics - EAH-AZ100
Best for High-intensity workouts

Top pick
Beats (Apple) - Fit Pro
Best for Industrial hearing protection

Top pick
Sony - WF-1000XM5
Best for Meetings & video calls

Top pick
Apple - AirPod Pro Series
Best for Situational awareness (when running, cycling, parenting etc)

Top pick
Shokz - OpenFit Series





