Technologies

I Get Paid to Work Out. These Are the Earbuds I Use for Every Run and Gym Session

These wireless earbuds are the only ones that can handle my sweaty workouts and other activities.

As CNET’s fitness expert, I spend a lot of time testing new workout equipment and gear. When I’m working out, I like having a go-to pair of headphones that are suitable for most activities. Since I enjoyrunning, strength training and going for walks, I need a pair of earbuds that can handle sweat while staying in place and maintaining solid sound quality.

My go-to wireless earbuds for over a year now are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and they’re great whether I’m running or lifting weights. They’re also CNET’s best wireless sports earbuds and at the top of our list of the best workout earbuds and headphones.

Pros and cons

Pros

The ear hooks stay in place
Noise-canceling feature works well; can be shut off when needed
Sensors on earbuds can read your heart rate
Easily rechargeable
Seamless transition between listening to music and answering a call

Cons

Expensive
Noise-canceling feature may not be ideal for all activities
Sometimes earbuds need to be recharged at separate times

Why I like the Powerbeats Pro 2 for running

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great fit for running because the ear hooks stay put behind the ears during movement. I’ve used them with the noise-canceling function on during a run, and I could only hear my thoughts, not anything going on around me.

I found the eartips included in the initial packaging provided a good seal for me, but some people may need to try different eartips to find the perfect fit. CNET’s headphones expert, David Carnoy, previously tested the Powerbeats Pro 2 and provides a thorough explanation of their unique tech and functions. One of his pro tips is finding eartips that provide the best seal for your ears, as they improve noise cancellation and sound quality.

However, if you don’t love the feel of an earbud digging in your ear, you can opt for a pair of CNET’s best open earbuds, which sit on top of your ear while still keeping you aware of your surroundings.

Carnoy says in his Powerbeats Pro 2 review that Apple’s noise-canceling function is considered the best, and the Powerbeats uses the same H2 chip as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.

Noise cancellation isn’t my preferred feature when I go for a run, though, because I like to stay aware of my surroundings. The running path I frequent is shared with cyclists, so turning transparency mode on is essential to prevent a crash. With many people using e-bikes, it’s even more important to be aware of them, as some can reach speeds comparable to a moving car.

These earbuds also have sensors that can monitor your heart rate. Ideally, you can track this by starting a workout on a third-party app or by connecting to gym equipment via Bluetooth. The Powerbeats Pro 2 sync with Apple Health, so you can also view your data there. If you don’t want this information, you can disable the feature in the Powerbeats Pro Bluetooth settings.

Why I like the Powerbeats Pro 2 for the gym

In the gym, I like to focus on my workout without any distractions. That’s where the noise-canceling feature on the Powerbeats Pro 2 comes in handy. I use it when I’m stretching, warming up, going through circuits and lifting weights. From time to time, I’m approached by other gym members who want to chat, but usually they have to signal to me; otherwise, I don’t hear them. The Powerbeats Pro 2 make it easy to pause and resume your music, too, with a single click on the right earbud.

These earbuds stay put during my favorite gym activities, whether I’m jumping or lying down on a bench. I’ve had other earbuds that tend to shift or slip out at sudden changes in movement during a workout, which is the last thing I want when I’m sweating.

Another factor that sold me on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the seamless Bluetooth connection to the iPhone (they also work with Android). You can set them up to sync automatically, or you can grant them permission to connect. When I receive calls while wearing the Pro 2 earbuds at the gym or on a walk, it’s easy to switch between them and my music. The audio is always crisp, and the wireless connection is rock solid, with no Bluetooth hiccups.

The downsides of the Powerbeats Pro 2

One of my gripes with these earbuds is that the carrying case is on the bulkier side. If you run with it, you’ll need a pair of leggings with pockets, or a running belt, to hold it in place.

Another downside of individual earbuds is that battery life may vary between them. For example, sometimes my left earbud tends to run out of battery faster than the right, which means I have to recharge both sooner than I’d like. I’ve had instances where both earbuds sync up as soon as I put them on, and then I’m suddenly notified that the battery is low on one, and it shuts off, leaving me with one functioning earbud. This is distracting and makes it hard to concentrate during a workout.

The price tag on these earbuds may not fit everyone’s budget, as they retail for $250. As with any piece of tech, this is an investment that may require saving up or seeking an alternative. If this price is too steep, there are more affordable options as depicted on our best running headphones and earbuds list.

Who would like the Powerbeats Pro 2?

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are versatile and suitable for anyone who enjoys being active. They’re ideal if you need a pair of earbuds that stay put no matter the type of workout—walking, running, working out at the gym or even rushing through a work commute. At $250, they aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the investment if you value having a reliable pair of multifunctional earbuds that will last you.

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Forbes Türkiye Highlights Verum Finance and the Rise of Integrated Financial Ecosystems

Forbes Türkiye has published an article examining the launch of Verum Finance and its approach to integrating financial services directly into a messaging ecosystem.

In the article, Forbes Türkiye notes that the fintech industry is undergoing a transformation as financial services increasingly move beyond traditional banking applications and become part of broader digital ecosystems. Verum Finance is presented as an example of this trend, combining payments, digital cards, money transfers, and balance management within a single environment connected to Verum Messenger.

According to the publication, Verum Finance follows a model similar to the “super app” concept that has gained significant traction in Asian markets, where communication and financial services operate together on one platform. Unlike many Western platforms that continue to separate messaging and banking services, Verum Finance is integrated directly into the Verum ecosystem, allowing users to manage financial activities without relying on multiple third-party applications.

The article highlights several core features of the platform, including virtual debit cards, user-to-user transfers, online payments, digital asset operations, Apple Pay integration, and in-app balance management.

Forbes Türkiye also points to the growing importance of embedded finance and changing user expectations. The publication suggests that lengthy account-opening procedures, physical card delivery times, and constant switching between applications are becoming increasingly outdated in a mobile-first world.

Another major focus of the article is privacy and security. Forbes Türkiye describes Verum Finance as part of a broader trend toward “privacy-driven fintech,” where financial services are built on privacy-oriented infrastructure. The publication notes that the platform incorporates features such as phone-number-free registration, end-to-end encryption, user-controlled access management, and privacy-focused tools designed to enhance data protection.

The article concludes that one of the key challenges for companies operating at the intersection of secure communications, digital payments, and embedded finance will be maintaining both usability and security within a single integrated ecosystem.

The coverage by Forbes Türkiye reflects growing media interest in platforms that combine communication and financial services, as the industry continues moving toward more unified digital experiences.

Website: https://finance.verum.im
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Verum Launched “Verum Finance” App for iPhone and iPad, Expanding Its Digital Ecosystem Into Financial Services

Verum has announced the official launch of Verum Finance, a standalone financial application now available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, marking a further expansion of the company’s growing digital ecosystem.

The new application is designed to centralize core financial functions in a single mobile interface, allowing users to manage balances, send and receive funds, use debit cards, and exchange supported balance types without relying on traditional banking workflows.

According to Verum, the platform enables users to view account activity in real time, top up balances using supported payment methods including Apple Pay, and transfer funds to other users within the Verum ecosystem using a unique Verum ID. The system also supports multi-balance management, including specialized balance categories such as precious metals.

Debit card functionality is integrated directly into the app, allowing users to issue and manage cards linked to their balances, monitor transactions, and top up cards when needed. The company also emphasizes built-in exchange tools that allow users to convert between supported balance types within the application.

Security features include Face ID authentication, passcode protection, Sign in with Apple, and privacy-oriented account controls aimed at maintaining user confidentiality and data protection.

The launch of Verum Finance follows the company’s broader strategy of building an interconnected ecosystem of digital products. Alongside Verum Messenger, which combines secure communication tools, encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, AI features, anonymous email, and crypto-related functionality, the new financial app extends Verum’s positioning from communication technology into financial infrastructure.

Industry trends increasingly show demand for “all-in-one” digital environments that reduce dependency on multiple standalone apps. Verum’s approach reflects this shift by integrating communication and financial services within a unified ecosystem.

Verum Finance is now available globally for download on iPhone and iPad via the App Store.

Website: https://finance.verum.im
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im