JLab JBuds Open Sport 2

The JBuds Open Sport 2 are the open-ear sport buds to beat under $60. Great fit, monster battery, and Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint that punches way above its price.

The 14.2mm driver is bigger than what you'll find in most buds at this price, and it shows. Sound is surprisingly full for an open-ear design, and the SoundBoost plus four EQ modes in the JLab app give you real control. Battery life is the quiet hero here: 8 hours per bud and 45 with the case, plus a 10-minute quick charge that adds an hour. That's a standout for this category. The mic setup with two MEMS mics and ENC handles calls well, though it's not going to replace a dedicated headset. One thing that surprised us: Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint for three devices. That's the kind of feature you usually pay double for.

The Nothing Buds 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro both offer better sound isolation and ANC, but they seal your ear canal, which defeats the whole point of open-ear awareness. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the premium pick if you want silence and top-tier audio, but it costs way more and isn't built for sweaty workouts. The Soundcore P31i is closer in spirit, but the JLab's Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint and 45-hour battery put it ahead for fitness use. If you want open-ear specifically, the JLab is the one to beat at this price.

At $53 USD, this is an easy yes for anyone who wants open-ear sport buds without dropping $150 or more. You get best-in-class connectivity, a battery that outlasts most competitors, and a fit that actually works for running. The budget score in our database is weak, but that's more about the category than this product. For what you pay, you're getting a lot.

The JLab JBuds Open Sport 2 nails the one thing sport earbuds get wrong all the time: they let you hear your surroundings without sacrificing fit or battery. These are open-ear buds with a secure earhook, an IP55 rating, and a 14.2mm driver that sits in front of your ear instead of jamming into it. If you run, ride, or lift and hate the thud of your own footsteps, this design is a breath of fresh air. The connectivity is basically best-in-class right now, and the 45-hour total battery means you'll forget where the charging case is before it dies.

If you want noise cancellation or deep bass isolation, these aren't it. Go get the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro instead. And if you listen at high volume in quiet offices or libraries, the sound leakage will annoy everyone around you.

Buy these if you want open-ear sport buds that just work. The fit is secure, the battery is ridiculous, and the connectivity is better than buds costing twice as much. The sound leakage is the only real annoyance, and it's a fair trade for staying aware on a run. For $53, this is one of the easiest recommendations we've made this year.