For $42, these Belkin earbuds are surprisingly impressive for exercise sessions.
Wireless earbuds aren’t universally suitable, especially when it comes to workouts, which present a distinct challenge for standard models like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. These aren’t built to remain secure and resist sweat or moisture like specialized fitness earbuds. Enthusiasts for fitness typically seek alternatives, which can be pricey.
Our top pick for fitness earbuds includes the in-ear Powerbeats Pro 2 priced at $250 and the open-air Shokz OpenFit 2 at $180. Although both are excellent, their cost may be difficult to justify for those who already possess one of the best wireless earbud options. The real question becomes: is it necessary to spend that much for a pair of Android earbuds that can handle the gym, the track, and everything in between?
To uncover the answer, I evaluated Belkin’s new SoundForm ActiveFit earbuds — an intriguing pair of fitness earbuds available for just $42. That’s a fraction of the price of the Powerbeats Pro 2. Even as a fan of the Powerbeats, I was not convinced that my preferred running earbuds were over five times superior to the SoundForm ActiveFit.
After using both the SoundForm ActiveFit and the Powerbeats Pro 2 side by side, Belkin’s option astonished me. There are evident limitations, as anticipated, but the value offered by the SoundForm ActiveFit is clearly noticeable.
How the Belkin SoundForm ActiveFit addresses the essentials
Typically, I’d find it challenging to endorse purchasing a pair of earbuds at such a low price. You tend to get what you pay for in audio quality; however, the gap between affordable and high-end earbuds appears to be narrowing daily. This situation changes when it comes to workout earbuds — sound quality ranks lower among key features.
While clear vocals and deep bass are always welcomed, they aren’t essentials for fitness earbuds. Instead, attributes like sweat and water resistance, battery life, comfort, fit, and awareness become crucial. The latter is particularly important. Awareness is vital for safety while running, walking, or cycling in public spaces, which is why many opt for earbuds equipped with ANC and transparency modes.
Allowing ambient sounds in is crucial for a runner or cyclist to stay aware of their environment. The challenge? ANC and transparency features are hard to come by in affordable earbuds. That’s why I was taken aback to find “Hear-Thru Mode” on the SoundForm ActiveFit, utilizing onboard microphones for passthrough sound.
This feature is vital for outdoor workouts, even if it doesn’t conform to traditional ANC or transparency standards.
Next on my checklist for workout earbuds is a comfortable and secure fit. Belkin fulfills this criterion with a silicone ear hook that secures around the ear for optimal stability. The Powerbeats Pro 2 also offer this feature, though they don’t feel as secure — likely due to their smaller size and different insertion angle.
Durability and sweat protection are ensured with an IP54 rating, which matches the Beats’ IPX4 liquid rating while adding dust resistance. You’ll get nine hours of playback from the earbuds, plus an additional 27 hours from the charging case. The case features USB-C and a lanyard loop for convenient storage in your gym bag.
How the Powerbeats Pro 2 justify their higher price
The SoundForm ActiveFit earbuds deliver respectable volume, even if they do tend to sound tinny at high levels. The default EQ profile is Belkin Signature Sound, with options to switch to Bass Boost and Balanced if desired.
However, I wouldn’t suggest these alternatives, as the sound profile seems off in those modes. One emphasizes bass while compromising other frequencies, and the other nearly eliminates it entirely.
This is where the Powerbeats Pro 2 excel comparatively. They provide better sound quality with a balanced profile derived from the renowned AirPods Pro 2. Furthermore, their on-earbud controls outperform others, with Beats offering physical buttons on each bud along with a volume rocker.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 also include active noise-canceling, transparency mode, and an Adaptive EQ feature. Battery life is somewhat longer, providing 10 hours from the earbuds on a single charge. They also tend to have more microphones and sensors; however, the SoundForm ActiveFit supports a more advanced version of Bluetooth.
A major factor to consider is the Powerbeats Pro 2’s capability for heart-rate monitoring through an integrated optical sensor. Additionally, there’s an accelerometer and gyroscope as well; the Powerbeats Pro 2 exemplify the fitness aspect of fitness earbuds.
Ultimately, all these enhancements belong to the “nice-to-have” category rather than the “essential” category.
Is spending a fortune necessary for workout earbuds?
Given this information, I can confidently assert that you would likely do well with the $42 earbuds over the $250 option.
