JVC Fitness Series Fitness Series True Wireless Sport Review

Elite for sports, mediocre for music. The ANC and IP57 waterproofing are best-in-class, and the hooks won't budge. But the sound quality is a letdown. Worth a buy only if you find them under $100 and your workout is the priority.

The JVC Fitness Series earbuds are built for one thing: staying put. With fully adjustable hooks and a top-tier IP57 rating, they're practically glued to your ears and laugh at sweat and rain. That's the good news. The bad news is that the audio quality, according to our scoring, is a clear weak spot, landing in the middle of the pack and dragging down their overall appeal for pure music listening.

These buds are a study in extremes. Their active noise cancellation is one of the best we've seen, blocking out gym noise with ease, and the build quality is absolutely top of the charts. The mic is also a standout for clear calls. But the sound profile is just solid, not special, and the 10-hour battery life per charge is about average. They connect reliably, but you won't get the rock-solid stability of pricier options.

Here's the tricky part. These list for up to $1895 at some retailers, which is frankly insane for what you get. Ignore that. Look for them around the $80 mark, which is where they make sense. At that price, you're paying for elite sweatproofing and ANC in a sport package. If you find them for more than $150, you're better off looking at competitors that offer better sound.

Stacked up, they're a niche player. They destroy the Bose Ultra Open for secure fit and the AirPods for waterproofing, but both those options sound much better. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers similar ANC and better sound for less money, but it can't touch the JVC's IP57 rating or secure hooks. The Technics AZ80 and Sennheiser Momentum 4 are in a different league for audio fidelity, but they're not built for a muddy trail run. It's all about priorities.

Skip these if you're an audiophile or just want great-sounding everyday earbuds. The sound quality is the compromise, and there are much better options at similar prices, like the Soundcore Liberty series, if music is your focus. Also, avoid if you hate fussy touch controls.

Buy these if you're a serious athlete or outdoor enthusiast who needs buds that will never, ever fall out and can survive a monsoon. The fit and durability are that good. But if your main goal is enjoying rich, detailed music, you'll be disappointed. These are tools for a job, not audiophile gear.