Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Teeeebone

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 27, 2018
8
1
I want to be able to go outside for a run without my phone and just cellular on my watch. I have tried the Jabra Active Elite 65T and the Jabra Elite 65T but both have the same issue - once I get outside off of wireless and onto cellular any music I am playing is constantly static, breaking up, skipping, etc. Impossible to listen to. Once I step back in the house (even with my Iphone X turned off) they work fine. I asked Jabra and one tech walked me through some troubleshooting steps (did not work) which the other flat out said good luck - we can't guarantee they will work (even though their site lists Apple Watch 4 as compatible I guess that means some things may or not may work). Does anyone know of a good true wireless earbud that will work for music using the with Apple Watch 4/No Iphone/oustide/cellular combination? I have a set up Plantronic backbeat fit from a few years ago that works flawlessly but I would like a true wireless connection.
 
The best option is AirPods. As long as they fit your ears the are IMO the best choice for wireless headphones, especially for working out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattopotamus
I'm guessing the problem is the same issue I had with the apple watch 4 and Jaybird Run. The watch is on the left wrist, and the receiver for the headphones is the right ear. Normal arm swing causes cut outs in the connection. Even putting the watch on my right wrist causes cut outs, although not as many. Seems to be an issue with most headphones and the watch while running outdoors. They work indoors cause the bluetooth signal bounces off walls and such, but outdoors it need to be almost a direct line of sight connection.

The only solution I've found is what others have said; airpods. I didn't want to use them to run because of sweat. I made the switch a few months ago and it seems they can take a fair amount of sweat and outdoor elements. No more cut outs either. I've read online that other people say they may be sweat proof and apple doesn't want to advertise it as such just in case they get damaged. Airpods move in my left ear and fall out with small movements, so I bought these to put on during runs and have had no fallout issues.

https://www.amazon.com/EarBuddyz-Ac...8&qid=1545945789&sr=8-3&keywords=airpod+hooks
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Have you considered the AirPods? They will work without your phone and just your watch.

I am no big fan of AirPods but some really like them.

I should have mentioned that I just do not like the look of the AirPods. The kid working the Apple Section told me they are the only ones that will really work well because of some M3 (I think that was it?) chip in them. As I explained to him I hate the look he turned and had one in his right ear.
 
What’s your priority? Looks or function? The AirPods will do what you want. They are an amazing, and for me, indispensable, companion to the Watch.

The reason for my post was I wanted to ask if looks AND function was an option (I didn't want to take the Best Buy kid's comment as Gospel). I am sure I can get used to the look but at first glance I just do not like them (to each his own - I know many do).
 
  • Like
Reactions: artfossil
If you're not a fan of AirPods (I personally don't have them because they would fall out of my ear if I was running or exercising) the BeatsX also have the same W1 chip that is in the AirPods which, as I understand it, is what makes the bluetooth connection so stable. I use the BeatsX with just my Apple Watch all the time when working out (including occasionally running outside) and have never had an issue with static, breaking up or skipping and they stay firmly planted in my ears.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SDColorado
What’s your priority? Looks or function? The AirPods will do what you want. They are an amazing, and for me, indispensable, companion to the Watch.

Definitely. My AirPods are the best thing to happen since the Apple Watch, and with the direct control from the Apple Watch, it’s such a seamless experience where you don’t even need your iPhone. (And in my case, I don’t carry my iPhone with me when working out, as it’s simply too large.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: artfossil
You can try the Bose Soundsport Free. Good sound quality but a little more bulky. The connection isn’t going to be as seamless as the AirPods but it’s still good.
 
If you're not a fan of AirPods (I personally don't have them because they would fall out of my ear if I was running or exercising) the BeatsX also have the same W1 chip that is in the AirPods which, as I understand it, is what makes the bluetooth connection so stable. I use the BeatsX with just my Apple Watch all the time when working out (including occasionally running outside) and have never had an issue with static, breaking up or skipping and they stay firmly planted in my ears.

I wanted to try something that was true wireless - I already have a Plantronics wireless that works great but I am looking for something with no wires whatsoever (I believe the X are connected to each other aren't they?).
[doublepost=1545961048][/doublepost]
You can try the Bose Soundsport Free. Good sound quality but a little more bulky. The connection isn’t going to be as seamless as the AirPods but it’s still good.

I almost bought them today but I was reading some reviews which had the exact same music streaming (without a phone on only cellular). Even with the bulk I may prefer the look of them over the AirPods (not sure I never saw anyone in person wearing them).
[doublepost=1545961540][/doublepost]
They will grow on you. :)

I just hate to lay out the money for something I don't like the look of at the time of purchase - my decision may come to do I stick with the Plantronics Backbeat Fit (which work great and are wireless but not true wireless) and fore sake the true wireless experience or do I bite the bullet and and get the AirPods and hope the grow on me.
 
The reason for my post was I wanted to ask if looks AND function was an option (I didn't want to take the Best Buy kid's comment as Gospel). I am sure I can get used to the look but at first glance I just do not like them (to each his own - I know many do).

I still don’t really like the look of them but they are honestly fantastic and will do exactly what you’re asking. So I got over/used to the look. So many people have them now, no one even gives them a second thought. And if you’re response is “I don’t care what other people think” then what does it matter anyway if they will provide the function you’re looking for? The antenna is in the part that hangs down, which is what makes the range on them so great.

Alternatively, you might want to look into something like the BeatsX. Not fully wireless but have that more traditional look.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: artfossil
AirPods are wonderful in terms of connectivity and convenience but for active use I am completely happy with my RHA MA 650's or 750's. The 650's are very similar to the Beats X in terms of the design but the sound quality is light years better Best $99 I've ever spent on headphones.
 
Ugh, when I run, fashion isn't a concern for me. I don't think AirPods are the greatest look, but they are the greatest when it comes to function imo. Apparently I have a weird head though because while the left ear fit perfectly, the right ear slipped. Someone posted about Earbuddyz wing thingies from Amazon. With those, I have a perfect, no slip fit. I put them on before a run and remove afterward to slip them in recharge case or use throughout day. Since this discovery, it's true love.
 
Ugh, when I run, fashion isn't a concern for me. I don't think AirPods are the greatest look, but they are the greatest when it comes to function imo. Apparently I have a weird head though because while the left ear fit perfectly, the right ear slipped. Someone posted about Earbuddyz wing thingies from Amazon. With those, I have a perfect, no slip fit. I put them on before a run and remove afterward to slip them in recharge case or use throughout day. Since this discovery, it's true love.

I don't think it really is about fashion or what others think, my only concern is do I like the way they look and perform? I think most would agree if there were X amount with equal functionality they would in fact choose one that they liked the way it looks. With that said the more I look into this the more I am starting to believe there is not another set which comes close to the functionality for the scenario I want to use them in.
 
I want to be able to go outside for a run without my phone and just cellular on my watch. I have tried the Jabra Active Elite 65T and the Jabra Elite 65T but both have the same issue - once I get outside off of wireless and onto cellular any music I am playing is constantly static, breaking up, skipping, etc. Impossible to listen to. Once I step back in the house (even with my Iphone X turned off) they work fine. I asked Jabra and one tech walked me through some troubleshooting steps (did not work) which the other flat out said good luck - we can't guarantee they will work (even though their site lists Apple Watch 4 as compatible I guess that means some things may or not may work). Does anyone know of a good true wireless earbud that will work for music using the with Apple Watch 4/No Iphone/oustide/cellular combination? I have a set up Plantronic backbeat fit from a few years ago that works flawlessly but I would like a true wireless connection.

I had the same earbuds but found them uncomfortable. Picked up the Bose Soundsport Free. Great earbuds. No issues at all. Sync fine with my Apple Watch 4. I am picky and have several pairs of high end headphones that I listen to at home. The Bose are pretty good for what they are. Headphones for an active lifestyle. Bass is pretty good, they stay in my ears, and the mids and highs are decent.

The only placed they faltered was when I tried to use them to edit some video in FCP. There is a delay. The audio did not sync with the video. Had to use another pair of headphones for editing.
 
I wanted to try something that was true wireless - I already have a Plantronics wireless that works great but I am looking for something with no wires whatsoever (I believe the X are connected to each other aren't they?).
Yes, you’re correct there is a wire connecting the two earbuds. I don’t mind having a wire running behind my head while working out, but I get that different people have different preferences.
 
If you don't really care what people think then why do you care how they look? When they are in your ears you cannot see them. Absolutely not trying to say your opinion of them is wrong or how you should spend your money. They are just the absolute best option for what you are looking for.
 
If you don't really care what people think then why do you care how they look? When they are in your ears you cannot see them. Absolutely not trying to say your opinion of them is wrong or how you should spend your money. They are just the absolute best option for what you are looking for.

It is very possible to care how something that is attached to you looks for yourself and not for others. When I go out and buy a winter hat I buy it for a couple reasons - #1 I want it to do the job and keep my head warm. # 2 I want to like the way it looks (for myself) since I will be wearing it alot (trust me when I say I wear some hats others would not be caught dead wearing). Same with these - I plan on having them in in/hanging out of my ears a lot and my personal preference is to like the way it looks (for myself). In the case of the Airpods the first thing I thought of when I saw them was Ben Stiller in There's Something About Mary (as he was preparing for his date). The entire point of my question was to see if anyone had experience with others that worked good or if in fact the Airpods are the absolute best option . I saw them in black and I thought they looked a lot better but I am not about to pay to get them painted (I guess I could try the $10 skins).
 
+1 for airpods but I see you don't like the look of them...not sure what else I can recommend
 
The best option is AirPods. As long as they fit your ears the are IMO the best choice for wireless headphones, especially for working out.
Agreed, although I tend to wear a headband when I run. This helps keep them in since I feel they are just a tad too small for my ears.

My series 4 and AirPods have finally allowed me to ditch the fanny/back packs!
 
I had the same earbuds but found them uncomfortable. Picked up the Bose Soundsport Free. Great earbuds. No issues at all. Sync fine with my Apple Watch 4. I am picky and have several pairs of high end headphones that I listen to at home. The Bose are pretty good for what they are. Headphones for an active lifestyle. Bass is pretty good, they stay in my ears, and the mids and highs are decent.

The only placed they faltered was when I tried to use them to edit some video in FCP. There is a delay. The audio did not sync with the video. Had to use another pair of headphones for editing.

Honestly the video sync thing was one of two things that prevented me from getting them. The other was that only one of the earpieces can be used as a microphone. With the AirPods you can use either one. Love the Bose sound though as well as the snug fit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OLDGUYWITHAHIFI
AirPods! Thy are amazing. The look has not changed much to the cable version so I don't bother. The recharge time is amazing too.
Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.
 
Another vote here for the AirPods, they are amazing at what they set out to do, small, decent battery and sound is good enough, give them a try, if you don’t like them return or sell them on.

Adam.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.