Don't Sweat Good Sound

Premium sport earphones are required to deliver on multiple fronts. We test the latest models from two audio giants to see how they stack up

- Evigan Xiao

No doubt, premium sport earphones must deliver on their primary function of allowing unimpeded physical activity. But they should also be able to address the concerns of comfort and stability. We put Klipsch’s T5 II True Wireless Sport and Sony’s WF-SP800N True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones through the paces to see how well they take these issues into account.

The Look

While earphones and visual prominence make for strange bedfellows, design does contribute to the overall experience. And when it concerns premium sports earphones, a functional approach does hold merit. For instance, a matte finish not only looks good but provides improved tactility for handling. Considering that there is a fair chance of sweaty hands, being able to minimise the risk of slippage and subsequent drop-related damage to the earphones comes as a huge plus.

In consideration of this, the T5 II True Wireless Sport’s edges offer a superior grip thanks to the (removable) silicone ear wings. Meanwhile, the WF-SP800N displays a satin-textured plastic housing that’s smooth to the touch. While dry handling didn’t result in any complications, dampened hands proved otherwise. Combined with its small form factor, the smoothness of Sony’s earphones forces handling to be a more deliberate affair when wet fingers are involved. While the charging case is similarly textured, its larger elliptical shape allows it to sit more comfortably in hand and is easier to grip.