I'm a sweaty boy looking at getting back into running. I've been using Jaybird Tarah Pros for the last 5ish years but they're not charging reliably and I've been having other issues with them, so I think it's time to look for replacements.
I'm interested in the Beats Fit Pros because of the Apple integration, but the IPX4 rating has me a little worries that they won't last long. I've never run with fully wireless earbuds before, but I'd love recommendations of what y'all are using, models/brands you like, and which ones you hate.
I sometimes run with sunglasses, so I'd rather not have anything with ear loops (I also have weird ear and so loops often hurt me more than they help).
EDIT: Thanks for the recommendations. I got really sick after posting this so my replies stopped dead, but I read all your replies and have a list of models and brands to check out once I can get out of bed again. Much appreciated! ๐ค
Some observations:
Don't get tiny in-ear pods. They have a habit of popping out during outdoor activities, and due to their size they are likely to get irretrievably lost when they do.
If you're outdoors, being aware of your surroundings is very useful. Traffic, bicycle bells, dogs, other runners, etc.
I started out with some cheap Bluetooth buds with a linking cable between them. They served me well for about six months before I decided I was getting serious about running.
I have an older pair of Aftershokz Aeropex (the previous model to the OpenRun, before the rebranding to Shokz). I can't fault them. I also wear spectacles and have no problems. The initial set I had a firmware bug which would mean they didn't charge if you turned them off when they weren't idling (ie. whilst they still had an active audio session with the phone).
About 20 months into owning them, my set developed a fault where they sounded like clashing cymbals on every movement (one of the transducers must have detached internally). The manufacturer sent out a brand new pair without argument. That has different firmware without the charging bug.
Note that many race events do not allow the use of earphones, but some will make an exception for bone conduction earphones which don't block outside sounds.
On the other hand, if your routine solely consists of running on a treadmill in a gym, ignore all of the above.
I run outside in towns and cities almost exclusively โ hate hate hate treadmill running. In my 8ish years of on-and-off running I've always worn in-ear neckbuds (not with ANC, but have been pretty isolating as far as outside noise goes) โ I've had the Jaybird X3, and 4, and Tarah Pros, and a pair of Jlab something or other that I killed with sweat in under two months. I've never had any issues with not being able to hear things around me when running, I'm pretty comfortable keeping an eye on my surroundings as I go.
I don't plan on doing any races or events, I just run for my own fitness and enjoyment, so that's not a concern, but the point about buds falling out is a good one. That was actually a big part of why I was initially looking at the Beats Fit Pros, I've always had success with the wing tips on my JayBirds so I'm interested in trying to find wireless earbuds that have them too. While the Jabras people have recommended look really good on paper for what I'm after, the lack of wing tips is a concern for me for sure.