Bluetooth Earbuds for Gym Rats

Are you a gym rat?

If you spend a lot of time working out, you're probably familiar with The Beats X ($149.95, beatsbydre.com) earbuds and the Powerbeats 3 Wireless ($199.95) from Beats by Dr. Dre. These are among the most popular Bluetooth earbuds in the fitness crowd.

While these devices are ubiquitous, there’s now a better option to help motivate you through your workout—the Optoma NuForce BE6i. These are better than the Beats X and the Powerbeats 3 Wireless in build quality, aesthetics, and sound quality - and they cost less. The BE6i is built to last from machined aluminum which gives it a feeling of durability and solidity, and it's pleasant to the touch. It feels satisfying in both your palm and while perched inside your ears and it's available in both stylish grey and gold, which pairs well with the premium feel of the iPhone7. The Beats X and the Powerbeats 3 Wireless are both made from shiny plastic and are not offered even in matte black. They feel cheap and fragile in comparison to the BE6i and do not go well with Apple’s high end look and feel.

The BE6i uses a Bluetooth technology called Apt X that neither the X or Powerbeats 3 have. As a result, the BE6i sounds dramatically better and delivers a more lifelike, balanced, and dynamic sound than the muddy and bass-heavy experience that Beats delivers.

The BE6i also offers passive noise isolation—they fit like ear plugs and block out most of the traffic noise that can plague city dwellers. They are ideal in just about any situation that Buffalo presents. Wear them while studying and writing papers inside Spot Coffee; they make it easier to focus. Or, wear them while bench-pressing at Catalyst Fitness and LA Fitness; they won’t fall out of your ears.

Even if you struggle to make it to the gym, you may still want to look into the BE6. They're a good value for couch potatoes, too.

Optoma NuForce BE6i ($129.00, optomausa.com)