How to Pick the Best Bluetooth Earbuds With Ear Hooks
Bluetooth earbuds with ear hooks offer great fit and comfort for activities that require mobility, like working out or running. Unlike regular Bluetooth, the ear hooks provide a more secure fit, preventing them from falling out and getting lost during intense activities. However, our ears have different shapes and sizes, making it difficult to pick earbuds that would fit perfectly—even more so for ones with ear hooks. Getting the wrong size or material can easily turn your earbuds into torture devices that continuously pinch your ears. To help avoid that, we’ll explain what you should consider when buying Bluetooth earbuds with ear hooks. We’ve also compiled our top picks for you. Let’s get right into it.
JBL Endurance Peak II
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IPX7 Battery: 6 hours Case battery: 24 hours Charge time: 2 hours Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: JBL App
The JBL Endurance Peak II are our top pick for this category due to their high-quality and functional rubber ear hooks. Choosing which to go for depends highly on the type of activity you’ll use them with and your lifestyle. For example, having a neckband connecting both earbuds can prevent you from losing one when they accidentally fall out. Plus, when you’re not using them or want to take a break, you can simply let them hang around your neck. Yet, the cord in a neckband earbuds can sometimes get tangled up or caught up with your clothes, necklace, or hair. The scrubbing against your shirt or skin can also affect the sound coming from the speakers. True wireless earbuds, on the other hand, are more compact and pocketable. They come with a charging case to safely store the earbuds in your pocket when you’re not using them. The absence of any cord in true wireless earbuds also eliminates tangling and other cable-related issues. The ear hooks’ materials and flexibility determine your overall comfort and durability. Most ear hook materials are usually rubber, plastic, or silicone. Plastic ones are often stiff and prone to breaking on impact – plus, they’re not very comfortable. They can slide around on your ears, especially when you’re sweating. For quality, durability, and comfort, your best route is to get high-quality silicone or rubber like the JBL Endurance Peak II ones. Rubber and silicone ear hooks are super flexible and comfortable for the ear. They also have a matte texture that prevents them from sliding around – even during rigorous workouts. The bouncy nature of rubber and silicone also adds to their endurance when you accidentally drop or flex them too much. Usually, most earbuds come with a few pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, but some also come with foam ear tips. Foam tips generally have better fit, comfort, and seal than silicone tips since they can adjust to fit the shape of your ear canals. But they also absorb moisture, which means they are not as water-resistant as silicone tips and are more prone to damage, especially if you sweat a lot. Silicone tips, on the other hand, tend to get slippery when exposed to moisture or sweat, which can cause the earbuds to fall out. Choosing between the two depends on whether you’re willing to spend a bit on foam earbud replacements when they get damaged from moisture. Or, if you can tolerate having to readjust the silicone tips when they start to slip out from sweat. There are probably a few things more annoying than hearing your workout jam stutter when you’re on a good run. After all, excellent sound quality doesn’t mean anything if your music cuts off every few seconds on repeat. Here are several factors that you can use to gauge the connection stability of Bluetooth wireless earbuds:
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth has different versions, each containing periodic updates and new features. You should get at least Bluetooth 5.0 or later. The later the Bluetooth version (e.g., Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2), the better. Range: Different earbuds have different effective connection ranges – which are mostly affected by the Bluetooth versions. The typical range for Bluetooth earbuds is 10 m. or 32 ft. – so anything around that range is acceptable. Bluetooth codec: The Bluetooth audio codecs determine the quality of audio transmitted to your earbuds. If you want the best quality, go for either LDAC or AptX codecs, which are mostly in higher-end models. But otherwise, AAC can also deliver decent quality.
Earbud build quality can be hard to assess when shopping online. However, several things can help you decide whether they’re good or not: In today’s Bluetooth earbuds market, you should expect anywhere between 5-10 hours for mid-range earbuds. Some earbuds like the Master & Dynamic MW08 can even last up to 12 hours on a single charge. For power users or if you spend a lot of time away from the power outlet, minimizing downtime between uses will benefit you. Some earbuds, like the JBuds Air Sport, also have quick charging features and can give you 2 hours of service in 15 minutes. Quick charging refers to a sped-up charging process that fills up empty battery space as quickly as possible. This feature is often enabled only up to a certain point (e.g., 50% or 80%) to prevent battery overload. There are at least three other factors that can also influence the sound quality of wireless earbuds:
Drivers: There are many types of headphone drivers available. The overall sound quality of the earbuds may vary depending on the size and number of drivers they have. Most earbuds have balanced drivers. However, manufacturers have different fine-tuning methods that significantly affect their sound signature. Sound signature: Different pairs of earbuds often have their unique signature sound. The most common one is the V-shaped sound signature, which emphasizes the lows and highs while being moderate on the mids. In addition, other sound signatures like bright, flat, balanced, and warm might also suit your ears better. Companion app: Some earbuds have companion app compatibility that provides a customizable EQ profile. Having customizable EQ allows you to fine-tune the sound of your earbuds to your liking.
Covered in a high-quality silicone exterior, the overall earbuds and ear hooks feel rugged to the touch. But one thing that helped them stand out is that JBL designed the hooks to also function as power switches for the earbuds. Connection is also highly commendable with this pair. The Endurance Peak II earbuds use a reliable Bluetooth 5.0 that even goes through several layers of drywall. That said, using it in a typical indoor gym scenario shouldn’t be an issue at all. Aside from that, they also feature a solid 6-hour battery life on a single charge, with additional 24 hours of battery life in the charging case. These earbuds also have IPX7 water resistance to add extra protection when you’re out in the rain or drenched in sweat. JBL even claims that you can submerge them as deep as 3 feet (1 meter) for up to 30 minutes. Volume on the Endurance Peak II also goes loud – which is always suitable for public gyms or noisy places. Even so, they don’t give you any distortion at max volume. Sound-wise, the overall sound signature is V-shaped with an overall balanced sound. The lows are a little louder, but the mids and highs really stand out. Unfortunately, the Endurance Peak II has no fast or wireless charging. It takes 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds, which could be a dealbreaker for power users. Also, despite being compatible with the JBL app, these earbuds don’t have customizable EQ. So, you’re stuck with either the factory sound profile or using third-party apps. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
JBuds Air Sport
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IP66 Battery: 6 hours Case battery: 34 hours Charge time: 1 hour of use in 15 mins. Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: N/A
From the outside, the JBuds Air Sport looks like any other ear hook-style earbuds. But once worn, it becomes apparent that JLab has put real effort into developing the flexibility of their silicone ear hooks. Upon our testing, the ear hooks fit comfortably with most of our team’s ear shapes. There’s enough clamping force to secure the earbuds, but not strong enough to cause discomfort. The earbuds are made of plastic, making them very light on the ear. But the ear hooks are made of flexible silicone – although not as rugged or functional as JBL Endurance Peak II’s. A single charge of the JBuds Air Sport gives about 6 hours and change, and the charging case has an additional 34 hours of battery. Additionally, expect 1 hour of playback for a 15-minute charge – making them great for power users. You’ll also get a full range of touch control with these earbuds. The control includes volume adjustment, track skips, voice assistant, and Be Aware mode toggle. The listening experience is also very smooth with this pair, thanks to the stability of Bluetooth 5.0. Not to mention, phone calls with the JBuds Air Sport are also quite clear, thanks to Qualcomm’s CVC 8.0 noise cancellation technology. But there’s a rather unusual design choice from the JBuds Air Sport. The charging case has a built-in USB cable, which is nice since you will have one fewer cable. But if it breaks, you can’t easily replace it with another cable. Fortunately, in case it snaps or malfunctions, JLabs offers a 2-year warranty. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Avantree Breeze
Key features:
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IPX3 Battery: 7 hours Case battery: 35 hours Charge time: 2 hours Bluetooth version: 5.2 Companion app: None
The Avantree Breeze are a pair of open-ear Bluetooth earbuds that packs a lot of features and quality for their price. If you’re looking for a pair of well-rounded workout earbuds on a tight budget without too much concern about audio quality – get this pair. Their ear hooks are made of soft matte silicone with enough flexibility to adjust to most ear shapes and sizes. Despite not having ear tips to secure the earbuds inside ear canals, we didn’t have any issue with them falling out or wobbling around. The Avantree Breeze comes at a max volume of 107 dB, which is loud enough to compensate for the lack of isolation. This means that your music won’t get drowned out by the ambient noise around you. If you like long workout or hiking sessions, you’d be glad to know that the Avantree Breeze have 7 hours of use on a single charge. In addition, the charging case has another 35 hours’ worth of playtime stored. But it’s worth noting that it takes about 2 hours to get a full charge. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for high-quality audio with crisp details, you might have to look elsewhere. The Avantree Breeze only supports the SBC codec, which is the lowest quality of all the Bluetooth codecs. Another thing – if you’re a bass head, these earbuds aren’t the one for you. Due to the lack of isolation, you can’t really hear any bass from them. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Skullcandy Push Ultra
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IP67 Battery: 6 hours Case battery: 34 hours Charge time: 4 hours of use in 10 mins. Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: Tile & Skullcandy App
The Skullcandy Push Ultra are an excellent pair of earbuds with a find-your-earbuds feature. This feature allows you to locate them accurately through the Tile app integration. So, if your goal in looking for earbuds with ear hooks is to avoid losing wireless earbuds, this pair is the perfect choice for you. The ear hooks are made of flexible silicone material, which provides a decent clamp around your ears. Although they are slightly stiffer than others on this list, they won’t cause any soreness. Skullcandy chose a unique design with the charging case. It comes with a zipper instead of a magnetic clasp like most other true wireless earbuds. It also has a matte plastic finish and robust build quality, making it feel premium to the touch. The Push Ultra use Bluetooth 5.0 and are also certified with IP67 dust, sweat, and waterproof. However, there are a few notable drawbacks to the Push Ultra. The first one is the lack of proper sound isolation since the ear tips only rest on the ear lobes, not the ear canal. Skullcandy designed these ear tips to let you hear your surroundings when using the earbuds. However, the lack of proper sealing can lower the overall sound dynamic and make the earbuds more prone to sound leakage. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Powerbeats Wireless 4
Key features
Type: Wireless with neckband IP Rating: IPX7 Battery: 15 hours Charge time: 2 hours of use in 5 mins. Companion app: Beats app
If you often take out your earbuds during your morning run or workout, the Powerbeats 4 are the best choice for you. The neckband allows you to rest the earbuds around your neck when you take a break or want to start a conversation. It has a rounder shape that doesn’t snag in your hair or shirt as it moves around. The silicone sleeve also doesn’t carry too much noise as it bumps or scrubs against you. Their ear hooks are made of matte silicone with tremendous flexibility to help secure the earbuds around your ears when you’re running or working out. The Powerbeats 4 have built-in Lightning charging port with a quick-charging feature that can give 2 hours of playback time in 5 minutes. Apple doesn’t specify the Bluetooth version of the Powerbeats 4, but they claim to have class-1 Bluetooth, which has the most range. You can also connect the Powerbeats 4 with up to two devices simultaneously. Their touch controls are also quite intuitive. The Beats logo on the right earbud can pause/play, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants. There’s also a volume rocker for a more effortless and tactile volume adjustment without picking up your phone. It’s worth noting that the Powerbeats 4 don’t have active noise canceling even at their somewhat premium price tag. The lack of ambient mode is also something to consider if you spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Back Bay Audio Runner 60
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IPX7 Battery: 8 hours Case battery: 72 hours Charge time: 1.5 hours Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: N/A
If you’re a bass head who loves working out, the Back Bay Audio Runner 60 are the perfect pair for you. These earbuds come with bass boost mode that can make the already punchy bass even punchier to add even more energy boost to your workout playlist. The silicone ear hooks are very comfortable. They have the right flexibility and clamping force, meaning you won’t get sore even when wearing them for a while. These earbuds also come with six pairs of ear tips with two different rigidity. The different sizes and rigidity on the ear tips affect the earbuds’ fit to your ears, which will also affect comfort. In addition, their IPX7 certification provides added durability for outdoor activities or sweaty workouts. Right off the bat, the Audio Runner 60 have a positive first impression with the 8 hours of battery life. It’s more than enough for a full day of use. They also have USB-C charging for better compatibility with today’s devices. That said, the earbuds support wireless charging and can store a whopping 72 hours of battery for the earbuds. The Runner 60 use Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX codec to ensure high audio quality. They also have a warm sound with punchy bass, but it doesn’t bleed to the mids and highs. However, if the stock bass isn’t enough, the bass boost mode will give you even more oomph to the sound. The touch controls cover almost everything you’d like answering calls, playing/pausing audio, skipping tracks, adjusting volume, activating voice assistant, and turning the bass boost on/off. One notable drawback of the Runner 60 is their lack of ambient mode, which is important to keep you aware during outdoor activities. They also take 1.5 hours to fully charge since there’s no quick charging support, which isn’t ideal for power users. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3200
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IP57 Battery: 8 hours Case battery: 16 hours Charge time: 1.5 hours Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: Backbeat app (Android/iOS)
The Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200 are an excellent pair of all-rounded true wireless earbuds. But they’re particularly well-fitted for outdoor activities thanks to the mono audio option and ambient mode. But the awareness-oriented features aren’t the only good things about BackBeat Fit 3200. These earbuds have an IP57 waterproof rating, making them an even better fit for outdoor activities. You’ll also get three pairs of winged silicone ear tips that will give a better fit during heavy movements compared to regular ear tips. Plus, the ear hooks are made of flexible silicone with great flex and adjustability, making them comfortable for most ear sizes. Also, on the outer side of each earbud, there’s a touch sensor that gives you plenty of customizable control over the earbuds. A single charge on the BackBeat 3200 can last about 8 hours, with an additional 16 hours of battery on their semi-hardshell charging case. Putting the earbuds in the case will get you 1.5 hours of playback time in 15 minutes and a full charge in 2 hours. Plantronics equipped the BackBeat Fit 3200 with Bluetooth 5.0, which provides decent sound quality with their 13.5mm drivers. There is also a BackBeat app support that’s required to toggle the ambient mode and lets you choose from the three EQ settings. The BackBeat app also allows you to re-assign the touch control, update firmware, and find information about the earbuds. You can also assign which earbud will be the main connection point to your phone, so you can use either one independently. Unfortunately, the BackBeat 3200 still uses Micro-USB to charge the case – which is slightly inconvenient since most of today’s phones and tablets use USB-C or Lightning. Like the Skullcandy Push Ultra, the charging case also uses a zipper, which is more prone to daily wear and tear than a magnet clasp. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Tiksounds Q25
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IPX7 Battery: 6 hours Case battery: 150 hours Charge time: 1 hour Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: N/A
The Tiksounds Q25 are a pair of under-the-radar true wireless earbuds with solid all-around quality. A single charge on the comfortable earbuds can get you about 6 hours of battery life, which isn’t anything extraordinary. However, the case has a mind-boggling 150 hours of battery life on board. Opening the box, you’ll get an elegant-looking charging case with a transparent top cover. You’ll also get two extra pairs of ear tips and a USB-C charging cable. Moreover, the case comes fully charged with a nice LED display battery indicator that shines through the top cover. And it even comes with a small lanyard for better portability! The ear hooks are thinner than others on this list but built well enough that you don’t need to worry about snapping off. They’re also IPX7 waterproof certified, which means they can withstand sweat, rain, or total submersion. The Tiksounds Q25 use Bluetooth 5.0, so the connection is super stable with most of today’s phones and laptops. Overall, they have a dynamic sound with punchy bass and crisp detail from the 10mm drivers. On the outer side of each earbud, you’ll get a touch sensor that you can use to control pretty much everything you’d need, like play/pause, volume adjustment, pair/reset, and activate voice assistant. However, the charging case is quite large – even for sports earbuds. Depending on your lifestyle, it may be a factor to consider. There’s also no companion app or customizable EQ, so you’re pretty much stuck with the V-shaped sound signature of the Q25. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Talk 65
Key features
Type: True wireless monoaural earbuds IP Rating: IP54 Battery: 14 hours Charge time: 1 hour Bluetooth version: 5.1 Companion app: None
If you take a lot of calls on the go, look no further than the Jabra Talk 65. It’s a single-ear headphone with excellent mics for crystal-clear calls. The Talk 65’s call quality comes from its two noise-canceling microphones. The mics are so good that they can cancel out loud noises like dog barks or passing cars without severely affecting your voice. Unlike other earbuds on this list, the Talk 65 has a beefier silicone-finish ear hook. It’s a necessary design choice to facilitate the controls and the battery built into it. The controls include volume up/down, answer/end call, voice assistant, and mute. But even with all that, the earbud only weighs about 91 grams – which is still barely noticeable to wear even for more extended periods. As a side note, the Talk 65 doesn’t come with a charging case – you just plug it in directly with a USB-C cable. For maximum call quality, the Talk 65 also comes with three sizes of Jabra’s specially designed ear tips called EarGels. They have a direct channel in the middle so that sounds go directly to your ears. The Talk 65 also has an IP54 rating, which means exposure to light rain, sweat, and dust shouldn’t be an issue. As for sound quality, there’s really no selling point from the Jabra Talk 65. It sounds alright for phone calls, but definitely lacking for music. It’s a single-ear earbud, meaning it doesn’t have stereo capability or noise isolation on the other ear. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Shure AONIC 215 TW2
Key features
Type: True wireless earbuds IP Rating: IPx4 Battery: 8 hours Case battery: 32 hours Charge time: 1 hour Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: ShurePlus PLAY
If you’re an audiophile who works out a lot, our clear-cut recommendation is the Shure AONIC 215 TW2. Coming from a brand known for professional audio equipment, the AONIC 215 feature a flat and neutral sound signature. Shure equipped these earbuds with supports for AptX and AAC codec. So the emphasis on sound quality is evident here. Regardless of the genre, the AONIC 215 TW2 delivers accurate recording representation. Our test tracks are never sibilant or boomy – it’s like listening to songs the way the artists intended them to be. But if you prefer different sounds, the ShurePlus PLAY app offers EQ presets you can use. You can customize the EQ down to the exact frequency and gain. It’s hands-down the most tweakable first-party app from a headphones company in our books. As for the ear hooks, they’re made of plastic that feels robust to the touch. They’re very flexible without any creaking, even with the rigorous flexing test we ran on them. Since they’re designed for outdoor use, the AONIC 215 TW2 come with a hard zipper case. It also provides additional 32 hours’ worth of charge on top of the 8 hours on the earbuds. The AONIC 215 TW2 are also IPX4 certified, meaning they’re resistant to splashes of rain or sweat. You can safely wear them for your workouts or hikes under light drizzles. In addition, Shure also included both silicone and foam ear tips in the package. From our tests, the foam ear tips take the cake since they’re comfortable and have better noise isolation. While the audio quality is top-notch, the AONIC’s charging case is massive. If pocket portability is a concern, you probably should look elsewhere. Considering their price, the AONIC 215 TW2 also lack expected features like active noise canceling, wireless charging, or in-ear detection. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Notable Mentions
Anker Soundcore Spirit X2
Key features
Type: True wireless IP Rating: IP68 Battery: up to 9 hours Case battery: 27 hours Charge time: 90 mins of use in 10 mins. Bluetooth version: 5.0 Companion app: N/A
The Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 offer robust build quality, a 9-hour battery, excellent sound, and the highest IP on this list. This combo makes them our best pick. So, if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that can withstand all sorts of environmental exposure, look no further than the Spirit X2. The Spirit X2 have a robust polycarbonate body with silicone ear hooks that will ensure they stay put even during the most rigorous activities. Since the material is silicone, the ear hooks have generous flexibility but still stick to your ears very well due to the grippier material, unlike plastic ear hooks in lower-end earbuds. Their charging case has a USB-C charging port with a silicone flap to protect it from dust and moisture. It provides around 27 hours of battery on board, making the total battery life of the Spirit X2 around 36 hours. The Spirit X2 also support quick charging, giving you 90 minutes of use with a quick 10-minute charge. Anker packages the Spirit X2 with four pairs of silicone ear tips and winged silicone ear tips. You won’t have any problem finding the ones suitable for you. The Spirit X2 also have a button control on the top part of the earbuds, so it won’t feel like you’re jamming the earbuds further into your ears when pressing it. These earbuds also have an IP68 rating, which means they are completely dustproof and can withstand being submerged in water. Theoretically, you can take them swimming – but unfortunately, Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, so you won’t be able to listen to music. Bluetooth 5.0 also provides a stable and reliable connection with most modern playback devices. With the AptX codec support, the sound quality of the Spirit X2 is excellent, with punchy bass, clear vocals, and defined treble. All in all, these earbuds have dynamic sound with punchy bass by default. There’s also the bass-up mode that allows you to kick the bass up a notch. Unfortunately, the Spirit X2 aren’t compatible with the Soundcore app – so you’ll have to get by with the default sound and the bass-up mode. Also, while they can get quite loud, they can’t go as loud as other earbuds in the same price range. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
