The JBL Endurance Race 2 Earbuds Are 25% Off Right Now

The JBL Endurance Race 2 is designed for a specific user, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. These are sports headphones first, and this focus is reflected in the design and trade-offs. Right now, they’re $59.95 on Amazon, down from $89.95, making them easier to consider if you want something challenging without paying high prices.

The earbuds themselves are large and stick out more than most, but the silicone wing design works. You put them in place and they lock. During runs, strength workouts, and sweaty workouts, they stay in place, unlike many smaller earbuds. If fit security has been your frustration with workout headphones, that alone may be enough to warrant a look.

The headphones carry a IP68 rating, which means they are dustproof and can handle heavy sweats and rain without worry. They’re not designed for swimming, but they’re tougher than almost anything near this price. The charging case is less impressive. It’s lightweight (around 1.4 ounces) but bulky, and the IPX2 rating means it fits well in a gym bag, but not in something you want to expose to the elements.

Battery life is a strong point, however. You get up to 12 hours with noise cancellation off, around 10 hours with it on, and up to 48 hours total with the case on. This is enough for a full week of training without having to think about recharging.

These aren’t high-end headphones, and that’s evident by the lack of sharpness in the higher frequencies. The bass is solid and punchy enough for workout playlists, but the details take a backseat. As for its ANC, it works well indoors, such as in a gym or when commuting, but it would not hold up well outdoors, where traffic and footfall are still felt. Ambient mode is also insufficient. It doesn’t let enough sound through to be confident near busy roads, and wind noise can become annoying. The controls are touch-sensitive and can be customized in the app, but they don’t always respond well to sweaty fingers or gloves.

These headphones are not intended for people looking for refined sound or Top-notch noise cancellation. They’re for people who want a secure fit, long battery life, and gear that can take a beating.