Maxell AS-4 Earbuds
These budget beasties have a behind-the-neck band to keep the cord from getting tangled up in your StairMaster.
Comfort: 1.5/5. Testers complained that these phones “are impossible to keep in your ears.”
Sound: 2. Tinny audio reminded one tester of a “junkyard Victrola.”
Drench test: After taking a 10-minute shower, we noted a decrease in sound quality…if that’s possible.
$25
maxell-usa.com
Philips/Nike Flow Sport Earhook Headphones
This Philips and Nike collab aims to deliver both killer sound and athlete-friendly design.
Comfort: 3.5. Testers gave the fit good marks. “They didn’t shift or short out after an eight-mile haul—more than I can say for my knees.”
Sound: 3. Results were mixed. One said, “It’s like hearing an awesome concert—one county over.”
Drench test: No problem.
$29
nike.com
Sennheiser PMX 80 Sport II {Winner}
Precise German sound for the active listener.
Comfort: 4.25. Great fit, even if it does “make you feel like a telephone operator.”
Sound: 4.75. In a word, awesome. “Nice bass, and I like that you can hear some outside noise—such as approaching cars and knife-wielding muggers.”
Drench test: Aced.
$60
sennheiserusa.com
Aquapac 100% Waterproof Headphones
This U.K. company makes Phelps- ian phones intended for mermen.
Comfort: 4. “The best headphones make you forget you’re wearing them, and these pretty much did.”
Sound: 3. The buds really seal on the ear, so the noise reduction is top-notch, but “running at night with these is scary.”
Drench test: Not surprisingly, these phones were unfazed.
$45
aquapac.net