Let me start by saying these O8 Open Ear Earbuds have completely changed my workout routine. The open-ear design is a game-changer - I can finally hear my surroundings while running in the park without sacrificing sound quality. No more almost getting hit by bikes because I couldn't hear them coming!
The 16.4mm drivers deliver surprisingly rich bass for open-ear buds. I was skeptical at first, but when I played my workout playlist, the punchy beats kept me motivated through every squat and sprint. The sound isn't as immersive as noise-canceling buds, but that's exactly what I want when I'm outdoors.
Battery life is insane - I charged them once last week and they're still going strong after five gym sessions. The LED display on the case is super handy for battery anxiety sufferers like me. Though fair warning, the 90-hour claim includes multiple case charges - the buds themselves last about 9 hours per charge.
What really surprised me was how well they stay put during intense workouts. Even when I'm doing burpees or boxing drills, these buds don't budge. The earhooks distribute weight perfectly - no more constantly adjusting slipping earbuds mid-workout.
The Bluetooth 5.3 connection has been rock solid so far, with no annoying dropouts during my runs around the neighborhood. And when my mom calls to check in (because moms always call at workout time), the mic clarity actually impressed her - though she did mention she could hear some gym background noise.
My only minor gripe? The touch controls take some getting used to - I've accidentally paused my music a few times when adjusting the fit. But after a week of use, muscle memory kicked in.
If you're active and hate that 'plugged ear' feeling of traditional earbuds, these are absolutely worth trying. They've become my go-to for everything from marathon training sessions to walking the dog.