Why open-ear sport headphones are a runner’s secret weapon

STORIES

Learn how the latest tech can help you find freedom and focus on the pavement.

If you’re already about this life, you know that the road to runner’s high is filled with peaks, hills, valleys, and strollers. Your headphones should help you smooth out those kinks and get after your goal—whether that’s making it one extra block or placing in a marathon.

You’ve probably tried earbuds for running or earhook options—and those have their place. But today, we’re here to talk about the (relatively) new kid on the block: open-ear sport headphones. They’re specially designed to prioritize fit and safety, so you can focus on the endorphins.

If you’re new to running, you’ve come at the perfect time. Check out this guide to see how our open-ear sport headphones can help you crush your next—or first—run.

Let’s start with what open-ear headphones do—and what they don’t.

Unlike in-ear buds that seal off your ear canal, JBL open-ear sport headphones keep your ears open to the world around you while still delivering powerful, balanced sound.

They’re not built for total isolation, though. So if zoning all the way out to “Eye of the Tiger” is your thing, noise-cancelling headphones may be a better fit. But for awareness, comfort, and freedom—open-ear sport headphones are the way to go.

OpenSound technology because safety first (and second, and third)

To get all technical on you for a second, our OpenSound tech uses a sensitive 18x11mm dynamic driver to deliver crisp, clear highs and round, rich mids, while our adaptive bass boost algorithm pushes the beat that propels you forward. It’s what keeps your ears open without letting your “YOLO 2012” playlist leak everywhere. But most importantly, you stay 100% aware of your surroundings—traffic, running partners, that dog—while your playlist stays private.

What their fit means for your form

We run how we run. And there’s no shame in T. rex arms.

Thankfully, both the Endurance Pace and Endurance Zone use a lightweight earhook design to stay put, no matter how bouncy your stride gets. The Endurance Pace leans on a titanium memory wire neckband that keeps them securely in place while you move, while the Endurance Zone offers customizable fit options to stay snug—even in long-distance training. Less fidgeting with your gear = more energy for your legs.

What if you’re drenched in rain—or sweat?

Ah, the elements. Sometimes a motivator, sometimes a foe. But fortunately (or unfortunately), since the Endurance Pace and Endurance Zone are IP68 water- and dust-proof and built from ultra-durable materials, they’re never an excuse. You can put them through rain, sweat, and whatever else and know they won’t quit before you do.

Speaking of not quitting

If you’re just starting out, a simple way to make your run last longer is to slow down your starting pace. Easing in helps you conserve energy so you can actually enjoy the miles. And your headphones can take you the rest of the way.

The JBL Endurance Pace powers you through up to 10 hours on a single charge. For all our marathon warriors out there, Endurance Zone has eight hours of playtime with 24 hours total in the case.

And for all of you who can somehow talk when you run

First of all, we’re impressed. Second of all, our open-ear sport headphones are built with beamforming mics that clearly transmit your voice while cancelling out ambient noise. That means whoever you’re on the phone with will hear every word you say—instead of just static and wind.

The rundown

Open-ear sport headphones are a true running partner. They can help you run safer, freer, and with more joy. Whether you go for the all-day secure fit of the Endurance Pace or the lightweight stability of the Endurance Zone, you’re on your way to a run that feels like a challenge—and a reward.

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