A look at the latest generation of Bluetooth headphones and earphones.
Shokz – Openfit Pro – £219.00
The open-ear concept of wireless audio continues to fascinate, and Shokz has refined it beautifully with the OpenFit Pro. Instead of sitting in your ear canal, they rest just outside it, allowing you to be fully aware of your surroundings; ideal for road runners and city commuters.
Comfort stands out here. With a lightweight construction and flexible ear hook, they’re not just for workouts, but all day wear. Sound quality is surprisingly full for an open design, with improved bass presence and great ring clarity.
They’re not built for deep noise isolation, but that’s the point. OpenFit Pro is all about balance, delivering performance sound without cutting you off from the world around you.
Dolby Atmos sound quality and active head tracking ensure sound moves with you, making listening to your tunes or speaking on a call crystal clear. AI noise cancellation also enhances your listening and call experience by separating background noise from your voice and the sound source.
The wireless charging case means 50 hours of power (12 hours per charge), or if you’re in a hurry, just a short 10-minute charge will give you four hours of use.
NANK – Clip Super – £29.94
The NANK Clip Super embodies simplicity and affordability. These clip-on headphones fit securely to the ear, offering an ultra-light and barely-there feel that’s perfect for casual runners or gym users.
They excel in ease of use. The open design prioritizes awareness, and the minimal form factor makes them a convenient grab-and-go option. Weighing just 5.1g, the buds are ultra-lightweight made from soft materials for all-day comfort.
Functional and very affordable, these premium headphones are surprisingly capable for everyday workouts.
Beats – Powerbeats Fit – £199.95
Beats Powerbeats Fit is packed with safety and performance. With a classic in-ear hook design and an in-ear seal, they’re built to stay in place during high-intensity workouts.
Sound is where Beats shines. strong bass, strong sound and a deeper listening experience than open-ear alternatives. They’re ideal for gym sessions, breaks, or anyone looking to block out distractions and focus.
Active noise cancellation means a great listening experience, while transparency mode allows you to be fully aware of your surroundings while hearing the source of your sound.
Being sweat and water resistant means they can handle any conditions, and with up to 30 hours of battery life, the Beats keep going.
H2O Audio – Tri Run – £76.00
Tri Run is a stripped down, highly concentrated product designed specifically for runners and cyclists. It focuses on simplicity, comfort and situational awareness – three factors that matter most when logging miles outdoors.
Using bone conduction technology, the Tri Run transmits sound through the cheekbones, leaving the ears completely open. This is an important advantage for road running, allowing athletes to stay aware of traffic and surroundings without sacrificing a motivational soundtrack.
It should also be noted that such bone-communicating headsets are notably the only type permitted by England Athletics in road racing.
Adaptation is another important point. The lightweight wraparound frame keeps the headphones stable even during faster efforts or longer sessions. There’s no feeling of intrusion or pressure in the ear, making it an especially strong choice for runners who struggle with traditional headphones.
Battery life is solid with around six hours of playback, enough for most workouts, but they charge quickly and stay light. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and the physical controls are well placed for mid-range performance adjustments, which is a real bonus.
Sound quality, as with most bone conduction devices, prioritizes clarity over richness. Bass is present but limited, and the overall depth won’t rival in-ear alternatives. But that’s not really the point. Tri Run is about safe, consistent performance.
H2O Audio – Tri 2 – £114.00
Where the Tri Run focuses, the Tri 2 expands. Designed for triathletes and multi-sport users, it presents a level of versatility that few competitors can match.
The defining feature is dual mode functionalityBluetooth for everyday workouts and a built-in 8GB MP3 player for the phone-free listening you need for swimming.
This makes the Tri 2 one of the few audio solutions that really does it all. It transitions seamlessly from pool to bike to run, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
Waterproofing is the main strength. With an IPX8 rating, it’s designed for complete submersion, and the underwater audio performance is surprisingly effective when paired with headphones.
