JBL Endurance Run 2

These are indestructible ear hooks that play a muffled version of your music. Buy them for the unbeatable workout fit, but don't expect to enjoy what you're hearing.

The biggest surprise, and not a good one, is just how rough the sound is. The 8.2mm drivers pump out what JBL calls 'Pure Bass,' but in our database, it's a muddy mess that sits at the 7th percentile for sound. It's one of the worst audio performances we've seen. On the flip side, the build quality is a standout, ranking in the 92nd percentile. These things feel like they could survive being thrown in a gym bag, run over by a treadmill, and then drenched in a rainstorm thanks to the IPX5 rating. The battery life is also disappointing at 10 hours, putting it in the bottom 14th percentile.

The JBL Endurance Run 2 exists in a weird space. The Soundcore P31i is a direct competitor that offers a similar secure fit but with far better sound and battery life for a comparable price. If you want to step up, the Sony WF-C700N are in a different league for audio quality and have active noise cancellation, though they lack the rugged, gym-rat build of the JBLs. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the absolute best in class right now, but they cost significantly more. For pure fitness durability on a budget, the JBLs are tough to beat, but the trade-offs are massive.

For around $50, you're paying entirely for the build and fit, not the sound. If your only goal is a pair of beater earbuds that will survive a marathon and stay glued to your ears, the price is fair. But if you care even a little about audio quality or battery life, this is a bad deal. You can get much better all-around wireless earbuds for the same money.

The JBL Endurance Run 2 is a workout buddy that won't quit on you mid-sprint, but it's definitely not for music lovers. The standout feature here is the build. The FlipHook and TwistLock design is genuinely clever, letting you wear these either in-ear or hooked behind the ear, and they stay put no matter how much you move. But let's be real: the sound quality is a letdown, landing in the bottom 10% of all earbuds we've tested. If your playlist is just background noise for a run, you'll be fine. If you actually want to enjoy your music, keep scrolling.

If you're looking for great sound or long battery life, this isn't it. Go get the Soundcore P31i instead. You'll get a similar secure fit for workouts without sacrificing your music. Anyone who wants to use these for commuting or casual listening should absolutely look elsewhere.

Buy the JBL Endurance Run 2 if, and only if, you need a pair of earbuds that can take a physical beating and won't fall out during a HIIT workout. They are fitness equipment that happens to play sound. For everyone else, there are simply better options that don't force you to choose between a secure fit and listenable music. The terrible sound quality is a dealbreaker for daily use.