Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

JLab’s sweatproof wireless headphones are perfect for earbud-hating gym rats

By Parker Hall Published October 23, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

When it comes to breaking a sweat while rocking out, we’re generally fans of the latest generation of true wireless in-ear headphones. That said, we frequently encounter those who can’t seem to find a pair of earbuds that seem to fit right, especially when they’re in the midst of a strenuous workout.

Recommended Videos

This is a problem that JLab Audio looks to solve with its new Flex Sport over-ears. The new wireless model was explicitly designed with gym goers in mind, offering an extremely flexible headband and removable earpads that can actually be washed after a particularly sweaty workout.

“Every time I go into a gym (though admittedly not as often as I would like) I see people wearing heavy over-ear headphones. I knew we could design these better,” JLab CEO Win Cramer said in a press release. “Flex Sport are so durable they twist 180 degrees; there’s no other headphone that can do that. Plus, the tension headbands snap on for a firmer, more secure fit at the gym or a looser feel while at your desk without a tension band. From materials to customizable sound, Flex Sport is truly the most advanced headphone we’ve ever made.”

In addition to being durable, the headphones offer 20 hours of Bluetooth playback time — more than enough to take even the biggest workout enthusiasts through many days of workouts without looking for a wall socket.

They even allow you to pipe in the sounds of the outside world using the company’s Be Aware technology, making it so that you are always aware of your surroundings when on runs or bike rides.

Three sound modes — Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost — let you shape the sounds of your favorite music while you work out, and a built-in microphone even lets you take calls without messing with your cell phone.

The new Flex Sport model comes with a modest price tag of $100, which makes them a no-brainer for those who have been looking for a non-earbud workout solution. You can purchase them today on the company’s website, or at Best Buy. But be sure to check out our list of the best wireless headphones right now before you pull the trigger.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…

Audio / Video

What is Bluetooth multipoint and why your next earbuds or headphones should have it

Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 seen side-by-side.

Imagine effortlessly switching between audio sources with your Bluetooth headphones without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect each device. This is made possible by Bluetooth multipoint, a feature introduced in 2010 with Bluetooth 4.0.

Bluetooth multipoint allows headphones to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easier to manage tasks like receiving calls while listening to music or joining video conferences. When an incoming call comes in, the headphones can pause the current audio, allowing for a seamless transition to the call—an essential feature for productivity.

Audio / Video

Prime Day madness: Wireless ANC headphones for $40

QCY H3 ANC headphones.

QCY is a company that few folks have heard of, despite the fact that it's the China-based manufacturer that assembles many wireless headphones from brands you likely have heard of. You'll find lots of QCY products on Amazon at rock-bottom prices, and I confess, this made me deeply skeptical about their quality. Still, when QCY reached out and asked if I'd like to try out its H3 ANC wireless headphones (which sell for $50), my curiosity got the better of me.

I've only had them for a few days, so it's too early for a full review, but I'm already stunned by how much these ultra-affordable wireless cans get right. They're lightweight, and very comfortable to wear for long periods. The battery lasts for a claimed 60 hours, and so far, that seems to be true. The noise-canceling and transparency modes won't make Sony or Apple owners jealous, but they do their jobs well enough. And while their sound quality is not as good as say, the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless ($180), they sound far better than their price suggests. Solid bass response combined with clear highs let me genuinely enjoy listening with these cans.

Audio / Video

Cambridge Audio’s first wireless headphones boast AB amplification, long battery life

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 wireless headphones.

Cambridge Audio is no stranger to the audiophile world or its denizens, who like to obsess over sound quality. So it's no surprise that the company's first set of wireless headphones -- the Melomania P100 -- have a bunch of features aimed squarely at this market. You can buy the new noise-canceling cans for $279 in either black or white starting in July at both cambridgeaudio.com and Amazon.

Design-wise, the P100 may share many design traits with other flagship headphones -- the aluminum and plastic materials are especially reminiscent of Bose's recently released QuietComfort Ultra Headphones -- but under the surface lurks an unusual feature: The company has equipped the P100 with AB amplification, typically reserved for dedicated hi-fi components. It's the same audiophile-grade technology that Cambridge Audio used in its Melomania M100 wireless earbuds.