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

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, April 8

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 8.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Hint: It uses a lot of the letter Z for some reason. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: ___-Carlton (hotel chain)
Answer: RITZ

5A clue: Span of the alphabet
Answer: ATOZ

6A clue: Cable channel with an out-of-this-world name
Answer: STARZ

7A clue: Takes care of, as a squeaky wheel
Answer: OILS

8A clue: Toy on a string
Answer: YOYO

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: When a post receives far more negative comments than likes, in social media slang
Answer: RATIO

2D clue: World’s leading wine producer
Answer: ITALY

3D clue: Middle of the human body
Answer: TORSO

4D clue: Sleeping sound
Answer: ZZZ

6D clue: Tofu base
Answer: SOY

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for April 8, #562

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for April 8 No. 562.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition is a tough one. If you’re struggling with today’s puzzle but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by The Times. It doesn’t appear in the NYT Games app, but it does in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Working out.

Green group hint: Cover your face.

Blue group hint: NFL players.

Purple group hint: Leap.

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Exercises in singular form.

Green group: Sporting jobs that require masks.

Blue group: Hall of Fame defensive ends.

Purple group: ____ jump.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is exercises in singular form. The four answers are crunch, plank, situp and squat.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is sporting jobs that require masks. The four answers are catcher, fencer, football player and goaltender.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is Hall of Fame defensive ends. The four answers are Dent, Peppers, Strahan and Youngblood.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ jump. The four answers are broad, high, long and triple.

Technologies

The $135M Google Data Settlement Site Is Live — See If You’re Eligible

Use the settlement website to select your preferred payment method, and you may end up $100 richer.

You can now file a claim in the $135 million Google data settlement. The case centers on claims that Android devices transmitted user data without consent. Specifically, the class action lawsuit Taylor v. Google LLC contends that Google’s Android devices passively transferred cellular data to Google without user permission, even when the devices were idle. While not admitting fault, Google reached a preliminary settlement in January, agreeing to pay $135 million to about 100 million US Android phone users.

The official settlement website for the lawsuit is now live. The final approval hearing won’t occur until June 23, when the court will consider whether Google’s settlement is fair and listen to objections. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.

In the meantime, if you qualify and want to be paid as part of the settlement, you can select your preferred payment method on the official website. There, you can find information on speaking at the June 23 court hearing and on how to exclude yourself or write to the court to object by May 29.

As part of the settlement, Google will update its Google Play terms of service to clarify that certain data transfers do occur passively even when you’re not using your Android device, and that cellular data may be relied upon when not connected to Wi-Fi. This can’t always be disabled, but users will be asked to consent to it when setting up their device.

Google will also fully stop collecting data when its «allow background data usage» option is toggled off.

Who can be part of the settlement?

In order to join the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, you must meet four qualifications:

Be a living, individual human being in the US.
Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
Have used the aforementioned device at any time from Nov. 12, 2017, to the date when the settlement receives final approval.
You’re not a class member in the Csupo v. Google LLC lawsuit, which is similar but specifically for California residents.

The final approval hearing is on June 23, so you can add your payment method until then. The hearing’s date and time may change, and any updates will be posted on the settlement website.

If you choose to do nothing, you will still be issued a settlement payment, but you may not receive it if you don’t select a payment method.

How much will I get paid?

It’s not currently known exactly how much each settlement class member will receive, but the cap is $100. Payments will be distributed after final court approval and after any appeals are resolved.

After all administrative, tax and attorney costs are paid, the settlement administrator will attempt to pay each member an equal amount. If any funds remain after payments are sent, and it’s economically feasible, they will be redistributed to members who were previously and successfully paid. If it’s not economically feasible, the funds will go to an organization approved by the court.