Recommendations

I use the JLAB JBuds Air Sport. I've had them for several years, but they are similar to the $70 version. There is also a $30 version and a $100 version, but I haven't used them and don't know what the difference is. I also don't know what has changed in the newer version of the one I have, so my comments might not perfectly match the current offering.

What I love:

• Solid hooks to hang them from your ears. Earbuds without hooks never stay in my ears and I hate the floppy hooks on most sport earbuds that really only act as a safety catch. These are slightly harder to put on, but stay put even when doing strenuous exercise or yard work.

• The earpiece sits loosly in my ear because it doesn't need a tight fit to stay in place. Normal earbuds make my ears sore after a while, at least if I get a tight enough fit to keep them in place.

• They don't put pressure on my ears or head like headphones do. I have some decent Bose headphones (QC 35 II) that are pretty comfortable, but after a few hours the pressure starts to be annoying. I would recommend the Bose headphones, but they aren't cheap (to me) at $300ish

• I think I've had them about 5 years now and still get several hours of playtime between charges. I typically only listen for short periods of time while exercising, but will sometimes wear them for hours while doing work around the house.

What could be better:

• Audio quality is okay, I don't expect much at this price though

• The controls are hard to remember, I only know how to change volume or tracks

• Controls don't work with gloves on, which is mainly only an issue in winter. I've learned to use my wrist instead of my finger to control them during mild weather. When it is really cold I have to take off a glove to use the controls. I imagine with thick gloves, this would be a problem for any earbuds or headphones

• As they are getting older, they don't connect as well in the battery case; I have to clean the terminals frequently to make sure they charge

All that said, they are my second most used audio device. Most of my listening is with $15 Philips wired earbuds with ear hooks (no microphone). These give me decent sound quality, are practically weightless, and never need to be charged, so I can wear them as long as I want. I mainly use them with my laptop, phone, and xbox (connected to the controller).

The JBuds are my choice whenever doing something active. The Bose are my least used, even though they are the best quality. I use them when I want to enjoy better quality sound or if I want really good noise canceling (mainly when flying). Otherwise I prefer comfortable earbuds over quality sound.