Beats Powerbeats Fit ME2K4LL/A

The most secure workout earbuds we've tested, with killer ANC and a bass-heavy sound that pushes you through sets. Absolutely worth it if you find them under $100—at full retail, they're overpriced for what you get.

The Beats Powerbeats Fit are the most secure true wireless earbuds you can buy for the gym right now. The updated wingtip design locks them into your upper ear canal so they don't budge during burpees, sprints, or heavy lifts, and I mean zero readjusting. Sound is punchy and energetic with enough bass to keep you moving, and the active noise cancelling is so good it nearly silences gym clatter and treadmill noise. If you've ever had an earbud fall out mid-set, this is the fix.

We were genuinely surprised by the ANC. At 97th percentile in our database, it's best-in-class, beating plenty of earbuds that cost more and aren't built for sweat. Sound quality sits at 84th percentile—well above average, but it's tuned for motivation, not critical listening. You get clear mids and a bass bump that makes workout playlists thump, though the music score in our lab tests was just 63.4/100 because it lacks the detail and soundstage you'd want for acoustic or classical recordings. Call quality is solid with two beamforming mics and background noise reduction, placing 80th percentile—good enough for a quick call between sets.

The price jumps around wildly from $98 to $272 across retailers, so you have to shop smart. At $100 or below, these are a steal—I'd pick them over anything else for the gym. At $150 they're still competitive against workout-focused rivals. But if you're staring at a $250+ listing, walk away. You can grab the Technics EAH-AZ100-K or Sony WF-1000XM5 for that kind of money and get far better all-around sound. Check for deals regularly; the low end pops up often enough.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen both beat the Powerbeats Fit on sound quality and music detail, no question. But neither will stay in place through a HIIT class like the Beats do. The Technics EAH-AZ100-K offers a more refined, neutral tuning with LDAC support, making it the pick for audiophiles who also want to work out. For pure gym performance, where a locked-in fit and solid ANC are everything, the Powerbeats Fit edge out Sennheiser's MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, which slips more easily during lateral movements. If you only care about music, skip the Beats. If you prioritize stay-put reliability, these win.

If you're after top-tier music fidelity with a wide soundstage and neutral tuning, this isn't it. Head straight for the Technics EAH-AZ100-K or Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4. Also, if you hated the old Powerbeats wingtip that wrapped around your ear, these use a shorter version that still sits in the ear canal—some find it less secure than the classic hook, so try before you buy if you can.

Buy these if your main listening happens while you're sweating. The fit is unshakeable, the ANC drowns out the gym, and the sound is purposely tuned to keep your energy up. Just don't expect the sonic finesse of a dedicated music earbud. For under $100 when you find a deal, they're a no-brainer for athletes and gym rats.