Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro ($250)
I’ve long had issues with various headphones I’ve tried. I’m someone who loves to listen to rich-sounding music on my walks and runs throughout San Francisco, but I always deal with my headphones slipping out of my ears as I get sweaty. Or, I’ll resort to using just one side because I want to be aware of my surroundings running through intersections on steep hills, where it can be difficult for cars to see pedestrians.
I’ve been using the Buds4 Pro on my longer runs and so appreciate them staying put and also allowing me to choose the Ambient setting, which allows me to hear what’s going on around me while listening to my favorite running playlist. One morning, I ran from my apartment in the middle of the city down to the beach; while I was running through busy intersections, I kept my Ambient setting on, so I could hear cars approaching. Once I got to a safe path by the Bay, I put on my Active Noise Canceling setting because the wind was whipping past me. All I could hear was the smooth sound of Olivia Dean singing into my ears, encouraging me to keep going.
The buds themselves are comfy, and I haven’t dealt with them slipping out of my ears. I’ve also found I use the Active Noise Canceling setting (which you can adjust on a scale) most at home to drown out my cat, who meows incredibly loudly when it’s feeding time. Like Privacy Display, the buds give you total control of how you want to experience your tech in your surroundings, and I have to say, that authority feels good.
