I finally switched to clip-on earbuds — and I've never felt so motivated during workouts

SOundcore Aeroclip earbuds and H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

For me, the best part about working out is the soundtrack. Unless I have my favorite tunes to motivate me on a run or during a weights session, I don’t really want to be doing it. And in truth, I find it so much harder.

Without my carefully curated playlist coming along with me on my workout, every mile feels so much longer, and all of the weights become heavier somehow. But what’s the best way to listen to your tunes that will keep you motivated and safe at the same time? Well, I think I have the answer.

The choice mostly comes down to personal preference, but from where I’m standing, if the sound quality isn’t great, I won’t want to listen at all.

Sony Linkbuds Clip
Sony Linkbuds Clip : $228 at Amazon

The LinkBuds Clip are well-built and can be used for exercise and leisure. The total 37-hour battery life is impressive and they have a durability rating of IPX4 so they are resistant to water splashes.

Motivational music is a must

Soundcore AeroClip open-ear earbuds in champagne mist against a blue backdrop

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

I need music to motivate me, and I don’t mean exclusively listening to Eye of the Tiger or Don’t Stop Believing (the Glee version, obviously). What motivates me the most is having the music I’m listening to be the best quality possible, and for me, that means having drivers that can support booming bass.

Bone conduction headphones just won’t do that. Charli XCX is a serious no-go when I’m wearing bone conduction headphones, as all you’re able to hear is vocals, and not the intense driving bass.

If your personal workout playlist looks a little more like gentle country pop, you’ll have better luck with bone conduction. But since discovering clip-on earbuds, I’m not sure how you could work out any other way.

Soundcore Aeroclip
Soundcore Aeroclip: was $169 now $149 at Amazon

The Soundcore AeroClip earbuds are an essential for any fitness lovers who value comfort and audio quality during their workouts. They may have a budget price tag but they show no compromises in the comfort department.

While this sound quality isn’t as good as in-ear buds, they can let in all of the ambient sound around you while delivering great audio over the sound waves that are directed at your inner ear. When I use the Soundcore AeroClip earbuds, the sound is really great, and I can even make alterations to the EQ using the Soundcore app.

She’s a runner, she’s a track star

H2O Audio TRI 2 PRO headphones photographed in front of a blue background

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

When I’m out on a run, almost everyone that runs past me (I have little legs, I’m not overtaking anyone) has a bone conduction headset on, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, so these seem to be a firm favorite in the running community. And it’s for good reason.

Shokz  OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: $179 at Amazon

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 open design allows you to hear your surroundings and remain alert. The high price means there are better value alternatives, but the OpenRun Pro 2 are now some of our favorite bone conduction headphones available right now.

Since your ears are completely free, you can hear everything going on around you, including traffic and other runners. They’re especially great if you run as part of a group and want to keep up a conversation.

But clip-on earbuds let in all that extra sound too, and if you listen at lower volumes, you can easily keep up with all of the conversations going on around you.

Feeling secure

Soundcore AeroClip open-ear earbuds in champagne mist against a blue backdrop

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

This is obviously personal preference, but I think clip-on earbuds are far more secure than the traditional around-the-head design of bone conduction headphones. When I used the H2O Audio TRI 2 PRO headphones, the fit was far too bulky, and left me with some vibrations when I was finished listening.

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro
H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro : $199 at Amazon

The H2O Audio TRI 2 PRO headphones, with an IPX8 rating and MP3 player, are suitable for swimming, making them a decent choice for triathletes who need some audio motivation.

When I use clip earbuds, I genuinely forget they’re there. They are so comfortable. Since bone conduction headphones go around the back of my head, if my hair comes undone, it ends up tugging them off, but with clip-on buds, I don’t need to worry about my hair affecting their performance.

It’s a case of choosing which earbud and headphone design suits you best, and everyone will have different thoughts, but which ones are for you?


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Ashley Thieme
Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.

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