Decent cheap earphones for running\gym\etc

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sidefx

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#259732 18-Oct-2019 09:35

I tend to kill earphones pretty quick (At least the ones I use for running, gym, bus, etc)

Anybody have any suggestions for some good cheap-cheap ones? I have been using old ones I got with a couple of Nokia windows phones and LG phones, which have been alright, but my last pair is now on it's last legs.

Looking at these currently:

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/audio/portable-audio/headphones/panasonic-rp-hje125e-k-ergo-fit-in-ear-headphones-black/prod136567.html

which seem to review pretty well and 10$ seems like a steal. Any other suggestions?

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blackjack17

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#2340110 18-Oct-2019 11:25

I used these for a while (mpow bluetooth cheetah) (~$30)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32828915022.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.5c4e3ea7kl3k1g&algo_pvid=ef09d57d-6858-4966-a3e3-9a4b73cb2b0b&algo_expid=ef09d57d-6858-4966-a3e3-9a4b73cb2b0b-32&btsid=89cc47e6-38d5-444b-8297-a3e2ba5efc86&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5,searchweb201603_52

First pair lasted nearly 2 years, then next 3 sets only lasted a couple of weeks, was able to get full and partial refunds for them all. Looking at the amazon pages for these reviews are similar, when they work they are awesome however the failure rate is high.

Then I went with JBL Peak (paid $149)

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/audio/portable-audio/headphones/jbl-endurance-peak-true-wireless-in-ear-sport-headphones-black/prod172470.html

This lasted two months before the charging box stopped working but they replaced it and now it seems fine.

I went with bluetooth as I don't want cables to catch on stuff when running or in the gym. Also when running I have my phone in my bag and hate that feeling getting the cables tangled around your neck.

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minimoke

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#2340846 19-Oct-2019 22:50

blackjack17:

I went with bluetooth as I don't want cables to catch on stuff when running or in the gym. Also when running I have my phone in my bag and hate that feeling getting the cables tangled around your neck.

Hint. Tuck earphone cable down shirt. I run 60km a week on road and trails with my Cowan in my pocket and earphone cord under my shirt - never once caught on anything.

(It took 5 years for the plastic housing on my Shures to break down. That was years of wind, cold, rain and sun. So I replaced them with more Shures)

Hint. I like my over ears. Firstly they never fall out. But sometimes after a few hours I get a bit noise fatigued so I just pop them out and they dangle happily over my ears.

blackjack17

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#2340927 20-Oct-2019 07:17

minimoke:
blackjack17:

I went with bluetooth as I don't want cables to catch on stuff when running or in the gym. Also when running I have my phone in my bag and hate that feeling getting the cables tangled around your neck.

Hint. Tuck earphone cable down shirt. I run 60km a week on road and trails with my Cowan in my pocket and earphone cord under my shirt - never once caught on anything.

(It took 5 years for the plastic housing on my Shures to break down. That was years of wind, cold, rain and sun. So I replaced them with more Shures)

Hint. I like my over ears. Firstly they never fall out. But sometimes after a few hours I get a bit noise fatigued so I just pop them out and they dangle happily over my ears.

I do 60-100km a week and hate having my phone in my pocket. It bounces around to much. That and the pulling feeling of the cable on the headphones. Much prefer wireless.

Only had a cable snag once but that cost me a phone.

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k14

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#2340952 20-Oct-2019 09:19

I have had these for about 3 months now.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/nPL1htr2

They are brilliant. Cheap, very solid connection, never had them go flat (although longest run I've used them on is about 3.5 hours). Can't go running without these and my Fenix 5+. The occasional drop out but maybe 2-3 for a second or two every hour of running.

hairy1

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#2341014 20-Oct-2019 12:06

I've been using Anker Soundbuds. I've got two pairs which are still going strong. They are a bit 'thumpy' when running (on each step) as they are in ear but otherwise great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721MP41Q/

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geoffwnz

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#2343513 25-Oct-2019 14:11

From personal experience you can pick either one of "decent" or "cheap". But there's always exceptions obviously.

After a few failing cheap ones I ended up with Plantronics Backbeat Fit. Definitely not cheap, but extremely good. Over ear hooks stay put on any and all running that I do. Bluetooth connection is definitely way better than cables. Excellent sound quality and still able to hear traffic etc.

After 3 years of hard use my first pair is still going strong with 5-6 hours of life each charge but the rubber/plastic slowly started to perish from my sweat on the ear loops about a year ago, so I got a second pair for commuting until the first ones finally give up.
The first pair still hasn't given up yet though. :-)

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sidefx

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#2343550 25-Oct-2019 15:27

I ended up just picking up some JBL T110 wired headphones for $15. Perfectly happy with them so far.

I have had a few wireless bluetooth pairs in the past but ended up killing them like I do most others... lol. Hence why I went for a wired pair.

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- Richard Feynman