Wildfires destroy thousands of homes in the U.S. every year. According to the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC), in 2022 alone, these outdoor blazes destroyed 1,261 residences nationwide. As this trend continues to increase, more homes are at risk, and firefighting technologies are evolving to keep pace.

Sonic Fire Tech is exactly such a system. This futuristic home fire defense technology utilizes inaudible sound waves to suppress fires, rather than relying on water, foam, or chemicals. It was designed by former NASA acoustics engineers to mitigate the risk of fire damage fast, and without causing unnecessary damage to your home with water, foam, or chemical suppressants.

“Designed for homes in high-risk wildfire areas, this acoustic fire suppression system creates a non-ignition zone around your property, preventing embers from sparking destruction,” the website claims.

For anyone living in an area where wildfires pose a threat, or for those who own off-grid properties, this system provides an additional layer of protection. Its sensors monitor your home 24/7, and, according to the brand, it can run on its own backup batteries for days if there’s a power outage.

Sonic Fire Tech: How It Works

There are three essential elements that fire needs to sustain a flame: heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you starve a fire of oxygen, it goes out.

That’s the general concept behind Sonic Fire Tech. The system emits sound waves that vibrate the air (read: oxygen) faster than the fire can use it. That suffocates the flame “within milliseconds,” the site claims, and without flooding your home, covering it in foam, or releasing potentially harmful chemical suppressants, all of which cause additional damage.

According to the website, 90% of home fires started by wildfires are attributed to embers. Embers can travel long distances, and when they start to accumulate on a roof or against a wall, that’s when fires start. Sonic Fire Tech uses sensors to detect those embers, then deploys its sonic barrier — like a cone of protection — to suppress fires both outside and inside a building. It then automatically alerts fire services.

The system will never run out of suppressant. It’s autonomous so it monitors for fire threats around the clock, and is concealed along a structure’s rain gutters.

If you want an even more detailed explanation of how the system works, check out the Sonic Fire Tech video demo below.

Sonic Fire Tech custom designs every system. The company evaluates the property it’s installing on, and designs each system for the specific floor plan.

How much does it cost? The website doesn’t list pricing, but does provide an inquiry link to learn more. The brand had not responded to GearJunkie’s inquiry at the time of publishing, but we will update this story if they do.

As Residents Scramble, State Parks & Historic Landmarks Burn in LA Wildfires

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As I shivered in the predawn darkness, the need for a caffeine hit was overwhelming. I was groggy and tired from back-to-back days of whitetail hunting, and prime time was fast approaching. My head wasn’t in the game, and it needed to be.

Twenty feet in the air, I shifted in my tree saddle and started digging through my pack, searching for the energy drink I foolishly placed at the bottom on the night prior. I pulled all sorts of junk from the pack, using one arm to keep everything from falling out of the tree while the other frantically searched the clutter in the bottom of my bag. The magic juice was nowhere to be found.

In my easily frustrated state, I caved and decided to use the Coast FL97R headlamp, despite the haunting suspicion that a shooter buck was only 100 yards away in the darkness. “Coast, Red,” I whispered, arms laden with extra layers and gear. A subtle, red light glistened off the top of the can, buried beneath two trail cameras. Thank God, sweet relief.

“Coast, off,” I whispered, enveloping myself back into darkness. I stuffed everything back in the pack, and then sat back and woke up with the woods, enjoying my drink on high alert.

In short: Voice activation is a relatively new technology in headlamps. The Coast FL97R ($60) is the most budget-friendly headlamp in the brand’s lineup that you can talk to. After over a month of use, I’ve found it to be useful in way more situations than I expected. Throw in the ability to spit out 1,250 lumens, four different lights, and an intuitive user interface, and you have a stellar torch for under 70 bucks. It’s impressive, and the price is only reflected in the battery life.

See how the Coast FL97R stacks up against other headlamps in our Best Headlamps of 2025 Buyer’s Guide.

Coast FL97R

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Coast

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Lumen output: 1,250 lumens (Max), 110 lumens (low)
• Rechargeable: Yes, USB-C. Can also take AAA
• Burn time: 9.5 hours (low), 2 hours (high)
• Weight: 4.21 oz.
• Red light: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IP54

Pros

• Intuitive button setup
• Voice control
• Lightweight
• Easy-to-adjust beam distance
• Warm light for camp

Cons

• Battery life
• Not the best waterproof rating
• Have to be sure to use lockout mode

Morgan Nowels

Voice Activation in a Budget-Friendly Torch

If you’re not familiar with voice activation from Coast, think of it like Siri. You give the headlamp instructions by saying, “Coast, *insert command*.” The brand launched the RL35R flagship headlamp in 2024. Now the lineup is expanding to include the FL97R reviewed here.

There are nine different commands the light knows. Before using it, press the small button at the bottom of the headlamp to activate it. The voice activation will stay on, but automatically turns off after the light is powered off and has been inactive for 15 minutes.

I thought it was a cool concept when I first looked at it, but I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it. In fact, when my mom was in town visiting, I showed it to her, and she mocked me. “That’s ridiculous. What’s wrong with your two hands?” OK, Boomer.

After using it, I can say that it is way handier than I anticipated. And really, when you think about it, that should be obvious. I’m opting for a headlamp rather than a flashlight so I can keep my hands free. It makes sense to have a completely hands-free operation.

When I’m hunting, I operate in complete darkness as much as I can. However, some tasks need light, and I’ve occasionally run into hiccups while placing climbing sticks on a tree halfway up in the dark. While keeping my lineman’s belt tight, holding a stick steady, and trying to run a rope around a trunk, I don’t have free hands. It’s so nice to say, “Coast, red” to get the little bit of light I need.

It’s useful when doing boat repairs with tool-laden hands, while cooking in hunting camps, and really, everywhere.

Does It Work Well?

The voice activation is pretty much glitch-free. I’ve had a bunch of people test it, including children, and some southern rednecks with thick accents. It works for all of us.

Since I’m a hunter, I’ve also tested how quietly I can speak to it. It will pick up whispers — although not perfectly. I usually have to whisper the command a few times, but it does eventually get it.

The nine commands are excessive because I can’t remember them all between uses. I use “Coast, Red,” “Coast, On,” and “Coast, Off” the most, which gives me red light and the standard LED light set at medium. I occasionally use “Coast, Warm” for a less blinding, more camp-friendly light.

The Coast FL97R: Four Different Lights in One

There are four different lighting modes on this headlamp. For 60 bucks, you get a red and green light to preserve night vision, a “warm” light on the outer edges of the lamp, and a four-setting LED light capable of cranking out 1250 lumens on turbo, which is a very high output for a lamp at this price point.

You have options, and I regularly use all the lights except the green. The warm light is one of my favorites. It’s perfect for working around camp, and it provides a working glow that envelopes you, rather than a bright beam that blinds everyone you look at.

While the 1,250 lumens on turbo is impressive, it is a bit much for most uses outside of sending a glaring beam into the woods to check for the Sasquatch you’re certain is coming to eat you. Outside of its excessive brightness, it’ll also drain the battery at a much faster rate than the lower levels.

I usually use the LED light set to medium, which emits a sufficient 420 lumens and keeps the battery alive for 5 hours of runtime. If that’s not enough runtime for you, you can preserve battery by switching to low (110 lumens), which boosts the runtime to 15 hours.

Easy-to-Use Interface

The button layout and interface of the Coast FL97R are among the most intuitive I’ve ever used. I am the king of forgetting button sequences. Press and hold for one light, three clicks for another, hold to dim, etc., doesn’t work for me. I end up turning the woods into a disco just trying to get a red light on, which isn’t exactly ideal for hunting.

This headlamp packs quite a few features, but fortunately, everything has its own button, eliminating all confusion. The middle button controls the main LED; the left button controls the colored lights; and the right button controls the warm light. You press the associated button multiple times to toggle through brightness. It’s simple and impossible to forget.

Changing from a floodlight to a spot beam is equally as simple. You just turn the “GLIDE FOCUS” lever on the light itself to adjust the constriction of light.

The FL97R can reach 4 m with the dial set wide open and the light set to low, and up to 225 m with the dial zoomed in and the light set to turbo. It has the perfect reach for most, if not all, situations where you need a light, and adjusting it is very straightforward.

Where the Coast FL97R Headlamp Could Improve

For the first 2 weeks that I used this headlamp, I despised it. The battery was dying on me at an unreal rate. On three separate hunts, I was rolling in the dark.

Warning: User Error Is a Thing

That problem came down to me, well, being an idiot.

I will admit I work too quickly in the woods. Small details go by the wayside, and I’m often hurrying to move on to the next task or objective. An example of a small detail I often forget is utilizing a headlamp’s lockout function, which the FL97R has.

Now, for my entire life, not using a lockout function has only bitten me in the butt a handful of times. With this headlamp, it seemed to happen dang near every time.

That easy-to-use, multi-button interface proved to be the culprit. The buttons on the top of the headlamp aren’t recessed. They stick out, and that design all but guarantees the FL97R will get turned on in a backpack or pocket. I started stuffing it in and out of a pack without using the lockout, and lo and behold, it was almost impossible to keep it turned off.

So, I did something truly groundbreaking: I started using the lockout function Coast provides. Voilà. Problem solved. Ultimately, my issue didn’t stem from the product. It was my fault. I’m providing a warning, though: use your brain and use the lockout function, or you will have a dead headlamp.

The Battery Life Is Still Less Than Impressive, Though

Even though I solved my problem, it is worth noting that the burn time is, in fact, worse than that of other, more expensive headlamps. However, it’s not so poor that you can’t rely on it in the field. But you may have to recharge it more than you’d think. I’ve started recharging after every three uses, depending on how heavy that use is.

I’ve also started packing spare AAA batteries, which the headlamp also takes, a detail I appreciate on a rechargeable headlamp with a shorter-than-average battery life. Since the lockout debacle, I haven’t had to break into them in the field, though. However, if you’re headed on an extended trip without the ability to recharge, the AAAs make this headlamp a serviceable choice.

Final Thoughts on the Coast FL97R

I have dropped what many would consider an irresponsible amount of money on a headlamp before. At that stage in my life, I was spending excessive time outdoors, and a good headlamp was indispensable. I needed ridiculous run times and massive amounts of power.

There is a problem with those headlamps, though: they tend to be very bulky, with the light at the front, a giant battery pack at the back, and wires everywhere. Yes, they’re awesome, but they’re incredibly uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

The real beauty of the Coast FL97R is that it’s highly feature-rich and kicks out a ton of light in a compact, easy-to-use package. And the asking price is more than fair, all things considered.

The headband is comfortable, and the lamp isn’t so heavy that it feels like it’s sagging on your noggin. Yes, the battery life could be better, but if you wanted an improvement in that department, you’d have to go to one of those clunky, obnoxious designs. It’s a tradeoff, and one I’m willing to make for a sleek design.

Is this the headlamp I would select if I were consistently going on multiweek expeditions? No. But for most people who need a headlamp for short camping trips, hunting, or general use, this is an excellent choice. You’ll probably be surprised at how much you use the voice control. I, for one, don’t want a headlamp without it.

The Best Headlamps for Hunting of 2025

Hunting presents unique challenges for even the best headlamps. Our team tested dozens through multiple hunting seasons to find the ideal headlamp for hunting. Read more…

Battery power is no doubt a necessity today, especially for folks like hunters, who are well separated from wall outlets while in the field. Smaller charging banks like the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro are great for keeping our phones up and running throughout a trip. But what about things like a laptop? Or even a fully functional workstation, for that matter?

That’s where the new Dark Energy Poseidon XL comes into play. If you need to work from the field or on the road, this is for you.

In short: Hunters looking to power up a mobile workstation while in the field or on the road between hunts will love the Poseidon XL. Just be ready to also purchase one of the Dark Energy solar panels, too.

Dark Energy Poseidon XL

check price at dark energy

8.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Battery: 27,000 mAh lithium ion
• Charging ports: 4

Pros

• Very durable
• Powers larger electronics like laptops and satellite internet
• IP68 waterproof

Cons

• To really get the full benefit of the Poseidon XL, you also need to get the 56W Spectre Solar Panel. Once the XL is drained, it’s quite useless and takes a while to recharge, which isn’t always possible, especially in the field.

Josh Kirchner

Dark Energy Poseidon XL Review

Overview

If you’re familiar with Dark Energy, you can think of the Poseidon XL as the well-built big brother of the Poseidon Pro. If you’re not familiar with Dark Energy, the company is basically the leader in power banks in the field. From small chargers like the Nano all the way up to Solar Panels, the brand has got you covered if you need battery life where outlets are nonexistent.

Made with rugged polycarbonate housing and diamond-texture grip, the Poseidon XL is a 2.5-pound drop-proof, crush-proof, and dust-proof battery bank made to withstand the toughest conditions. It’s even waterproof, with an IP68 rating, and fully submersible up to 6 feet for 45 minutes. In other words, the Poseidon XL can handle anything you throw at it, and then some, and charge your electronics without skipping a beat.

This is a 27,000 mAh lithium-ion battery. To compare, the smaller Poseidon Pro battery is 10,000 mAh. On the front of each unit, you’ll find five ports. One XT60 (Solar) input, two USB-A 18W outputs, one USB-C 20W output, and one USB-C 100W in and output.

You’ll also find an LED charge indicator on the right side of all of the ports. Lastly, there are four buttons. An on/battery indicator button, system reset, small device, and charging timer button.

In each box, you’ll find a 3-foot 100W USB-C to USB-C charging cable. No matter what you need to power for, be it camera equipment, satellite internet, etc., the ruggedly built Poseidon XL is more than capable.

Features

Charging Timer

One cool feature of this power bank is that it has a charging timer button located on the front of the unit. This is to ensure you conserve energy and don’t accidentally drain your battery altogether — a great feature for when charging things overnight. There is both a 1-hour and a 2-hour timer to choose from.

Charges Laptop

You heard that right! What would a mobile workstation be without a laptop? The Poseidon XL is rated to fully charge a 13-inch laptop 1.5 times. So, whether you’re catching up on emails or tapping away at a blog post after a long day of hunting, the Poseidon XL will keep you up and running so you don’t fall behind on pressing tasks from the field.

Solar Charging

Another key feature of the Poseidon XL is that you can pair it with the Dark Energy 56W Spectre Solar Panel via the XT60 input on the front of the XL. By doing this, you can almost indefinitely keep the XL powered up and running your devices, like satellite internet and your laptop. This combo is hard to beat and really makes the Poseidon XL shine.

My Experience

My experience with Dark Energy products is far from limited. I’ve been using Dark Energy gadgets for quite some time now, and they are a regular piece of my hunting kit.

Mainly, I’ve always run the Poseidon and Poseidon Pro. As a full-time outdoor writer/content creator, though, this new XL had my attention. Having the ability to work a bit during downtime on a hunt or while traveling is something I see great value in.

First impressions of the Poseidon XL pretty much reflected the name in all honesty. The Poseidon XL felt pretty identical to my familiar Poseidon Pro, but just bigger, obviously. I loved the rubberized corners and how durable everything felt. This is something Dark Energy is very well known for, and it shines in the Poseidon XL.

I actually didn’t even charge the Poseidon XL before trying to use it. I wanted to see if it came with a pre-charge, and I’m happy to announce that mine came with three out of four bars of a charge. So, immediately, right out of the box, I was able to charge up my phone, which the XL did with flying colors, of course. The real test would be my elk hunt, where multiple people would need a charging/workstation.

I spent 10 days on an Arizona archery elk hunt, and the Poseidon XL held its weight the entire time. Both my brother and I were shacked up in my camper. We used this power bank to charge everything from phones, smaller charging banks, and camera equipment to even my laptop.

With smaller devices, the charge was barely dented. It wasn’t until we plugged in more substantial devices like camera equipment that a bar would disappear after a bit. Temperatures ranged from the high 30s to the low 60s, and it was very wet on this trip.

What’s Wrong?

The biggest con I see with the Poseidon XL is the fact that once the charge is gone, it’s gone. At that point, the device is a very heavy paperweight at best. That is, unless you have a means to charge the XL, say with the 56W Spectre Solar Panel, which sounds like the ultimate combo.

At the end of my hunt, I indeed ran out of battery, and the XL just sat there taking up space. It did its job well, but ended up literally being dead weight at the end of everything.

Final Thoughts

As someone who appreciates being able to work on the go from truck-based hunting camps, the Poseidon XL is a welcome addition. I’m able to work on articles just like these right from my cozy camper or the tailgate of my truck, even.

Being able to do this, in fact, affords me more days in the field, because I don’t have to be at home to get certain things done, and I know I’m not alone there. Heck, I even use the XL at home.

All that to say, I don’t regret having one, one bit, and know I’m going to get much more use out of mine. I just need to get my hands on that 56W Spectre Solar Panel to round things out.

The Best Power Banks of 2025

We tested power banks from Nestout, Anker, BioLite, Goal Zero, and more, to help you find the best model for your budget and needs. Read more…

While foam rollers are great, it’s hard to beat the healing power of a massage. Over the past five or so years, percussive therapy has changed how gym-goers and physical therapists treat soreness and chronic pain and relieve the buildup of lactic acid. Best of all, quality percussion massagers (a.k.a. massage guns) are a portable, powerful, one-time investment.

Percussion massagers are a staple in the fitness world. They are designed to loosen muscle knots, improve blood flow, help alleviate soreness, and reduce inflammation. While scientific evidence of these claims is mixed at best, the anecdotal evidence from athletes of all stripes (skiers, runners, hikers, etc.) makes a good percussion massager worth consideration.

Our testers include personal trainers, competitive athletes, and generally, the kinds of folks whose activity levels result in being sore more often than not. Through hours of research and months of testing, we’ve narrowed down the best percussion massagers on the market. If you’ve yet to try one, this is a great place to start.

Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on December 8, 2025, by adding the super-comfortable Rally Orbital Massager.

The Best Percussion Massagers of 2025

Best Overall Percussion Massager

Theragun PRO Plus

$550 at AmazonCheck price at backcountry

9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power range: 1750-2400 PPMs
• Attachments: 7
• Battery life: 150 minutes
• Weight: 2.9 lbs.

Pros

• Quiet motor
• Customization
• Solo supported
• Bluetooth pairing
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Red light therapy’s efficacy requires further study

Austin Beck-Doss

Most massage guns on the market look like a power drill and sound about the same. The Therabody team set out to develop a powerful yet quiet option, and they s쳮ded with the G4 Pro and continued the evolution with the even quieter PRO Plus.

The Fifth generation Theragun PRO Plus ($599) employs a quieter motor than the previous model while still delivering high-quality power (it packs up to 60 pounds of force) and isn’t as loud as other massagers with comparable power. While it’s not silent, it’s the quietest high-powered percussion massager we’ve tested, second only to the Power Plate Pulse 3.0 (see below).

The PRO Plus comes with a multitude of options to personalize percussive therapy. It boasts a rotating arm paired with an ergonomic multi-grip and a customizable speed range between 1,750 and 2,400 ppm (percussions per minute). The rotating arm was a godsend during testing, helping us reach areas on our backs that we couldn’t hit with other massage guns.

In lay terms, this means you can confidently and easily massage any part of your own body with deep tissue force without the motor stalling out. Gone are the days of convincing someone to rub out your shoulders. The PRO Plus includes a Bluetooth connection for app-guided massage routines, and it also has a simple display on the back of the device to aid in your massage progression. 

In a first for Theragun, the PRO Plus also offers red light therapy, which lights up and heats the area being massaged with the press of a button. While its effects require more study, initial studies suggest that red light therapy may help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production. While we can’t confirm these benefits, the red light’s warmth did feel good and seemed to help our muscles loosen up during testing.

Six different head attachments deliver complete customization. The Theragun PRO Plus also pairs with the Therabody app, which offers extra support, including a force meter and personalized wellness routines.

The whole package comes with seven head attachments, a carrying case, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with charger, and the Theragun itself. While you’ll have to pay for the luxury the PRO Plus offers, it’s easily the best massage gun on the market today.

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Best Budget Percussion Massager

Turonic GM5 Massage Gun

$190 at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart

7.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: 1200 to 3200 rpm
• Attachments: 7
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.

Pros

• Good value
• High-quality case and massage heads
• Long-lasting battery
• Quiet

Cons

• Not the most powerful for deep tissue needs

Austin Beck-Doss

This percussion massager isn’t the absolute cheapest on the market, but we think it offers the best overall value. For less than half the price of many leading models, the Turonic GM5 Massage Gun ($160) offers excellent battery life, quiet yet powerful operation, and a high-quality set of seven interchangeable massage heads.

We’ve been using this massage gun daily for several weeks. It’s been a major asset in speeding up recovery after rock-climbing and weight-lifting sessions. Turonic claims that the GM5 can offer up to 8 hours of use on the lowest setting.

We tend to use it for about 15 minutes at a time in a mid-range setting, and it dies after about 3 total hours of use. The GM5’s battery is better than most massage guns on the market, which is impressive given its price tag.

With five power modes up to 3,200 rpm, the GM5 offers decent intensity, though it is noticeably weaker than the Theragun. Still, the GM5 has plenty of power for most users and uses.

We appreciate that the Turonic GM5 Massage Gun comes with a high-quality carrying case plus seven varied massage heads. For the price, this is a highly effective option.

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Quietest Percussion Massager

Power Plate Pulse 3.0

Check price at Amazon

8.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power range: 1,300-2,800 PPM
• Attachments: 4
• Battery life: 2.5 hours
• Weight: 2.9 lbs.

Pros

• Good value
• High-quality case and massage heads
• Long-lasting battery
• Extremely quiet

Cons

• Not the most powerful for deep tissue needs

Austin Beck-Doss

The main complaint that many people have with massage guns is how loud they are. And while many massage guns claim to have quiet motors, the bar for noise pollution is set very low for these products. The Power Plate Pulse 3.0 ($250) is the exception to this rule. 

The third-generation Pulse offers six vibration intensity levels, a 6-hour battery life, and six different massage heads. Most importantly for this category, it’s the quietest massage gun we’ve ever tested. 

To test the noise, we used our patented “Subtitle Test,” where we tried to watch TV while using a massage gun to recover from the day’s workout. So far, the Pulse is the only one that allowed us to watch Yellowstone without having to put on subtitles. At the gun’s highest power level (2,800 PPM, or percussions per minute), Rip Wheeler’s quiet determination was drowned out, but we could hear his gravelly mumbles at levels four (2,100 PPM) and below. 

But it’s not all about decibels here. The Pulse comes with a speed range between 1,300 and 2,800 ppm. The shutoff timer kills the gun after the recommended 10 minutes of run time, and at level one, you get a full six hours of use. We primarily used the gun at levels four, six, and one, and we got several weeks of use with each charge. 

It also has a stall force of 50 pounds, so you can dig into your muscles for a deep-tissue massage. We would advise not testing the limit, as pushing too hard can increase soreness, cause bruising, and will hurt like hell. The six head attachments deliver different stimuli to different muscle groups. We especially loved the large ball attachment for massaging larger muscles like the quads and glutes.

For travel, the Power Plate Pulse 3.0 has a padded carrying case with organizational slots for the gun and its attachments and accessories. It’s a small perk, but when you’re traveling, it’s far better than the random sack that some massage guns come with.

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Most Comfortable Massager

Rally Orbital Massager

Check Price at Rally

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Power
  8.1
• Comfort
  9.0
• Battery Life
  7.0
• Ease of Use
  7.5

Specifications

• Speed range: 1,600, 2,400, 3,200 rpm
• Attachments: 3
• Battery life: 90 min.
• Weight: 2.4 lbs.

Pros

• Comfortable enough for daily use
• A high-speed setting for deeper knots
• Three speed settings
• Quiet

Cons

• One of the heavier options
• Pricey

Austin Beck-Doss

Read Review: Rally Orbital Massager Review: A Gentle Massager for Daily Use

In lieu of the usual handle-and-barrel style, the Rally Orbital Massager ($499) is shaped like a Maglite flashlight, featuring a handle and a thicker section at the end. And instead of the pounding percussion massage, the Rally Orbital Massager uses a gentler circular (orbital) motion to massage muscles. 

Unlike the percussion massagers on this list, Rally’s motion feels more like a gentle, relaxing massage than a deep tissue sports massage. The circular motion is a lot more gentle on sore muscles than the repeated punch-punch-punch of percussion. Instead of bracing yourself to use it, you might end up looking forward to using the Rally every day. I feel like that new consistency helped my muscles more than if I had just used it whenever my muscles were super sore. 

The three attachments also enhance Rally’s versatility. The Flat is perfect for achieving that gentle daily massage, while the Peak attachment adds a bit more “oomph” when you need higher impact on specific areas. 

Some high-end massagers offer attachments that have a heating feature, but Rally’s heating just comes from the friction the circular motion creates. At the high setting, the attachment would begin to warm up within the first few seconds.

There are a few quibbles to be had with the Rally. First, while the minimalist torch shape looks cool, it’s not the most practical for reaching certain spots. It’s great on the legs, chest, arms, and anterior delts, but the traps are awkward to reach, especially for more than a few seconds at a time. 

That gentle, yet effective massage makes it something you look forward to using on a daily basis, and its higher settings and use-specific attachments can handle deeper knots. If you’re someone who needs a good recovery tool but rarely uses massage guns because they’re uncomfortable, the Rally Orbital Massager is a great option.

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Most Portable Percussion Massager

Theragun Mini

Check price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: 1,750-2,400 PPM
• Attachments: 2
• Battery life: 2.5 hours
• Weight: 1.43 lbs.

Pros

• Compact size
• Ergonomic grip
• Speed range
• Price
• Quiet

Cons

• No additional head attachments included
• Lower no-stall threshold

Austin Beck-Doss

This extremely compact and portable device is one of the smallest massage guns on the market, coming in at 6 x 5.3 inches and only 1.43 pounds. Regardless of its size, the Theragun Mini ($199) still packs quite the punch.

The Mini has three options for speed — 1,750, 2,100, or 2,400 ppm — placing it in the same power class as Therabody’s other fourth-generation products. While not as beefy as other massage guns, the Mini’s compact size made it easy to pack on trips to CrossFit competitions, especially compared to the huge Theragun PRO Plus.

Where the Mini comes up short is its ability to put up only 20 pounds of no-stall force. This means the massager will stop moving if you press it into your muscles with more than 2 pounds of force. If you want a deep-tissue massage, other options on this list will suit you better. But for most people, this is plenty of force, and considering its minuscule size, it definitely punches above its weight.

It comes with a protective carrying case, and the rechargeable battery lasts 2.5 hours. While none are included, additional head attachments can be purchased separately. All of this brand’s offerings meet the industry standard for percussion massagers, and the Theragun Mini is no exception.

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Best Percussion Massage Roller

Chirp RPM

$199 at AmazonCheck Price at Chirp

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: N/A
• Attachments: N/A
• Battery life: 4 hours
• Weight: 3 lbs., 11 oz.

Pros

• Handheld and stationary use opens up massage possibilities
• 5 different speeds to dial in force
• Extended battery life compared to many other massagers
• Simple on/off button use — just press and go

Cons

• Bit spendier than other percussive massagers
• Tough to really pinpoint areas

Austin Beck-Doss

And now for something completely different: The Chirp RPM ($250) — that’s Rolling Percussive Massager, by the way — takes an absolute left turn on the traditional idea and fuses the foam roller with a rolling impact technique. The result? A truly novel experience that does things other percussion massages dream of.

Employing eight independent rollers and five different speeds, the RPM literally rolls away muscle soreness and fatigue, much in the same way that foam rolling does. Going handheld allows you to target tough-to-reach areas (hello, glutes) and moderate your pressure.

Then there’s the included cradle, where you can station the massager and go hands-free to massage feet, legs, hips, and more. One of our testers used the RPM in this way to go after a nagging hamstring injury that had been dogging him for years — and to great success. Used like a stationary foam roller, the RPM works away for as long as you can bear.

Because the Chirp RPM goes wide with its massage (its rollers are about 7″ long), this massager is better for targeting broad and large muscle groups, rather than pinpointing knots. Paired with a massage ball, there’s little it can’t loosen up. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it — this is the second most expensive roller in our review — but for the versatility, it’s well worth it.

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Best of the Rest

Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Check Price at REI$199 at Amazon

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: Not listed
• Attachments: 4
• Battery life: 3 hours
• Weight: 1.8 lbs.

Pros

• Sleek, stylish design
• Excellent price point
• 5 different attachment photos
• Quiet operation
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Not as powerful as other options

Austin Beck-Doss

We jumped on an opportunity to test out this updated, already popular Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ($199). Lighter, quieter, and more ergonomic than the last model, the Hypervolt 2 offers excellent features in an affordable package.

The Hypervolt 2 has five unique attachments for various situations. The tool also offers soft, medium, and hard speeds and pressures via its 60W brushless motor. While this massage gun is not as powerful as some others on the list (looking at you, Theragun PRO Plus), it’s significantly quieter.

During the testing period, the Hypervolt 2 rarely, if ever, stalled out — even under the most intense pressure. Battery life is 3 hours, and users can accurately gauge the charge level via a vibrant light ring at the bottom of the handle which glows and transitions from green to yellow to red, letting you know it’s time to plug it in. Our tester clocked recharge time at right around 1 hour.

At 1.8 pounds, the new Hypervolt is lighter than the previous model, and its small footprint and weight make it easy to travel with. But for those seeking ultimate portability, the smaller and lighter Hypervolt Go 2 might be a better option.

Folks who aren’t sure about how to best use their Hypervolt can follow along with guided routines in the Hyperice App which includes activation, flush, and recovery routines. These routines last anywhere from 3-25 minutes, and guide you through different muscle groups and even tell you which attachment is best for the muscles you’re working on. Our tester particularly liked the forearm and hand modules after a day of rock climbing, as well as the quad and hamstring release modules. 

Hyperice has done an excellent job with the Hypervolt 2, making it lighter and sleeker while keeping functionality at the top of its class. For those of you looking for a high-quality, well-made massage gun with top-of-class performance — look no further than the Hyperice Hypervolt 2. 

As a bonus, it works with Hyperice’s new Heated Head attachment ($59, sold separately), which offers 3 heat levels topping out at 113 degrees. During testing, the Heated Head attachment heated up in less than a minute, adding another layer of comfort to our massages. The heated head was a nice touch during testing — it heated up quickly and provided a hot rock spa vibe to our massages.

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Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

Check Price at REI$119 at Amazon

7.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: 2,300-3,200
• Attachments: 2
• Battery life: 3 hours
• Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Pros

• Sleek design
• Lightweight
• Highly portable
• TSA-approved

Cons

• Less powerful than other models
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• No carrying case

Austin Beck-Doss

The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 ($129) offers many of the same options and features as the Hypervolt 2 in a smaller and more portable package. The Hypervolt Go 2 weighs in at 1.5 pounds and comes with two basic attachments to meet your travel massage needs. Like the Hypervolt 2, the Go 2 offers three speeds via a 40W brushless motor.

Our tester found the Go 2 to be a little bit undergunned for more intense recovery sessions, but still plenty powerful for warming up and loosening tight muscles in the neck and shoulders before heading to the gym. The Hypervolt Go 2 has a 3-hour battery life and charges in about an hour. It features a transitioning light at the base of the handle to let users know how much charge is left and when to plug it in. 

The ergonomics of the Hypervolt Go 2 are top-notch. It’s comfortable in the hand and never felt clunky or unwieldy. At 1.5 pounds, it’s light enough to throw in the bag to take with you to the gym, the crag, or on trips. All of Hyperice’s massage guns are TSA-approved, which means there is one less thing to worry about while traveling. The lack of a carrying case makes it difficult to keep everything together in your luggage — the attachments are small and easy to lose. 

Unlike the full-sized Hypervolt 2, the Go 2 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity with the Hyperice App, though users are still able to follow along with different routines. At $129 the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a competitively priced travel massager with an excellent fit and finish. Though it’s less powerful than other models on the list, the Go 2 will certainly meet most folks’ needs. 

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ROLL Recovery R1

Check Price at Fleet Feet

7.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: 1,800-3,200
• Attachments: 4
• Battery: 7 hours
• Weight: 1.2 lbs.

Pros

• Quiet and effective at deep-tissue massage
• Compact
• Reliably long battery life
• Hefty, solid, ergonomic feel and refined aesthetic

Cons

• Minimal instructions
• A little heavy to bring to the crag

Austin Beck-Doss

Looking for a sleek, lightweight, packable recovery tool? The Roll Recovery R1 massage gun fits the bill. A runner-up for our “most portable” pick, and by far our favorite for those who frequently travel, the R1 uses the force of percussive therapy to improve performance and accelerate recovery. But the R1 is tiny.

Nonetheless, the R1 comes with four different attachment heads, has four different speeds, and has up to 7 hours of battery life — all at an accessible price of $129. 

Despite its small size, the R1’s traditional gun shape kept it from receiving our “most portable” award. For packability purposes, we found that the triangular Theragun Mini fit much better into into smaller spaces.

Also one of the most competitive price points for massage guns on this list, the Roll Recovery R1 massage gun is definitely worth looking into. 

Read review: Roll Recover R1 massage gun.

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TriggerPoint Performance Impact

Check price at tptherapy

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Power Range: 2,100-3,300
• Attachments: 1
• Battery: 2 hours
• Weight: 2.4 lbs.

Pros

• High ppm
• Quiet motor
• Price

Cons

• Only one head attachment
• Irritating seam on the handle
• No carrying case

Austin Beck-Doss

TriggerPoint’s first attempt at a massage gun is the Triggerpoint Performance Impact ($200). This compact gun falls into the mid-tier price range, and we think it’s a fair price for what it offers.

This gun’s positives include its capability to hit 3,300 ppm, along with three other lower-speed options, giving you the opportunity to warm your muscles up to more vigorous, deep-tissue massages.

Unlike other massage guns on the market, the Triggerpoint Performance Impact comes with only one head attachment that is not interchangeable. If this is an essential area for you, it may be worth looking into something like the Theragun PRO Plus or Power Plate Pulse 3.0.

Note: The seams on the handle can cause mild irritation when working for long periods of time.

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Percussion Massager Comparison Chart

How We Tested Percussion Massagers 

The GearJunkie team is full of mountain bikers, climbers, trail runners, and recreators of all types. We live our best moments in the outdoors, but we aren’t as young and spry as we used to be.

For us, the value of recovery tools is increasing with each passing season. As massage gun technology has improved over recent years, they have become a staple of our active lives.

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie Affiliate Managing Editor Billy Brown is a competitive fitness athlete and has spent countless hours recovering from long days in the gym and long adventures in the mountains. 

He’s spent decades looking for the best ways to prepare for his next event, and massage guns have always been on the vanguard of his recovery methods. In 2024, Billy tested various massage guns at CrossFit competitions like the Never Forgotten Games in Redding, CA and the Northern California Classic in Sacramento, CA. Over time, Billy settled on a few go-to’s that made the top of this list. 

Other testers include GearJunkie contributors Austin Beck-Doss, Paul Mandell, and Mallory Paige. 

Our Testing Process

For us, the value of recovery tools is increasing with each passing season. As massage gun technology has improved over recent years, they have become a staple of our active lives.

To identify the best massage guns on the market, we’ve tested dozens of models and carefully observed their long-term effectiveness. When testing, we pay careful attention to design, power, customizability, battery life, and more.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Percussion Massager

The best percussion massager for you depends on a variety of factors. Most importantly, start by thinking about how you plan to use it.

Is it for daily sports recovery? Or do you just need a shoulder massage every now and then? Once you understand how you’ll use it, you can easily prioritize the considerations outlined below.

Speed and Power

A percussion massage gun’s speed is normally measured in percussions, or strokes, per minute (ppm). Typically, these will range anywhere from 1,200 to 3,400 ppm.

In general, the speed will increase the intensity of the massage. Having a wide range available can also be a great benefit for different aims.

When using a percussion massage gun, it seems obvious that the harder you press, the deeper the massage will get.

Some massage guns will give up to 60 pounds of pressure without stalling, while others can only handle up to 20 pounds. If you’re looking for a more surface-level massage, lower power can suffice.

If you apply too much pressure with a low-power massage gun, the percussion will stall, which can be harmful to the motor over time.

Attachments

Different head attachments are designed for different muscle groups. Each massaging head delivers specific outcomes with each unique shape.

These attachments are just another factor that allows for customization and, if used correctly, can provide more relief to sore muscles. There are five baseline head attachments to choose from — though some products come with more options.

Cushioned

A cushioned head is recommended for those just starting to get the feel for their percussion massager. It doesn’t allow for very deep penetration and utilizes a lot more vibration therapy tactics for more sensitive areas such as the neck. This is a great option to warm up muscles before starting to get into deep tissue.

Round

For bigger muscle groups, grab the round head attachment. It has more give than other attachments but can still provide deeper penetration. The glutes or hamstrings are ideal candidates for this attachment.

This head is specifically designed to reach into smaller muscle groups and provide some precision pressure. It has a two-prong shape that applies pressure to both sides of the spine, targeting the muscles that wrap around your spinal cord.

It’s also great to use on forearms around the bone for providing deep relief after an intense forearm workout (specifically, climbing).

Flat

A flathead attachment mainly focuses on the vibration therapy aspect of massage guns. The contact area of the flathead allows you to cover a higher surface area, making this another great attachment for large muscle groups.

It still has the capacity to reach deep into those muscle groups, providing the power needed for serious relief and an increase in range of motion.

Bullet

Compared to a flathead attachment, a bullet is on the opposite end of the head attachment spectrum. It brings all the percussion and vibration into one specific point. The ability to target with immense precision gives it the most intense power.

There are several additional head attachments that a lot of percussion massagers will offer, while others come with only one head and don’t even allow you to switch it up. On our list, the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 and the Theragun PRO Plus both bring all of the basics in head attachments with no fluff.

Portability

Your percussion massager should be able to join you in all your travel plans. Many of the percussion guns on our list come with a handy carrying case that can make them incredibly easy to travel with. Most of the options here come in under 3 pounds, which won’t add too much to the gym bag or carry-on.

For the best portability, the Theragun Mini delivers all of the power most of the other products have but at a fraction of the weight. It’s easy to pack and bring wherever you may go.

Battery Life

Long workouts often lead to long massage sessions, so make sure you have the battery to handle it. The Theragun PRO Plus undoubtedly has the best battery options, with each of the two included batteries lasting up to 2.5 hours. When one runs out, popping the second in will save your session from an abrupt end.

Price & Value

Massage gun prices can range from under $100 to $500 and more. If you’re looking for the most powerful, full-featured massagers, expect to pay closer to that higher range. Fortunately, there are effective massage guns in every price range. Here’s what to expect in the budget, mid-tier, and premium price ranges. 

Budget

All of our picks under $100 sacrifice features like top-end power, long battery life, and some ergonomic comfort. But options like the VYBE Pro Muscle Massage Gun ($90) offer nine speed settings and enough power to work out tough knots. 

Mid-Tier

If you’re willing to spend $100 to $200, you can expect more power, lighter guns, multiple massage heads, and lower noise levels. Options like the Triggerpoint Performance Impact ($200) offer speeds of up to 3,300 PPM and a weighted head, so you don’t have to press down to dig into muscle fibers. 

Premium

Spending over $200 gets you into the top range of features, power, ergonomics, and battery life, as well as quieter operation. For $250, you can snag the Power Plate Pulse 3.0, which offers more power than most people need but is one of the quietest guns on our list. 

At the top end of the price range sits the Theragun PRO Plus ($599), which, in addition to a powerful, quiet motor and long battery life, comes with features like a red light therapy setting, plenty of power and speed settings, and an app that allows you to customize your recovery.

FAQ

When you think of $25 earbuds, you usually think of those cheap earbuds you see in gas stations. You know, the ones that you pick up when you left yours at home on a road trip, and plan on throwing away when you get home. Skullcandy’s EcoBuds ($25), however, are designed to stand out from the truck-stop detritus with some perks you don’t usually find in earbuds at this price range. 

When I first got the EcoBuds to test, I was skeptical. I’m a fan of noise-canceling earbuds that deliver excellent sound, helping me stay focused during long writing sessions or intense cardio workouts. That usually means spending over $100 for a solid pair of earbuds.

How could $25 earbuds hope to compete with my $180 Bose QuietComfort buds? After a few weeks of testing, it turned out that the EcoBuds actually punch well above their price range. 

In short: Made with 65% recycled plastics, the Skullcandy EcoBuds offer better sound quality, more features, and a cool rapid-charging feature that you wouldn’t expect to find in a pair of earbuds that cost $25. A comfortable fit, surprisingly good passive noise-cancelling, and some onboard controls round these out as earbuds in a much higher price range. 

Skullcandy EcoBuds

Check Price at Skullcandy

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  7.0
• Battery Life
  6.8
• Durability
  6.5
• Value
  8.0

Specifications

• Battery life: Up to 8 hours
• Charging case included: No
• Weight: 40 g
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IPX4

Pros

• Excellent sound for the price
• Good passive noise cancellation
• Rapid charging
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Water-resistant

Cons

• No battery dock
• Open dock design

Billy Brown

Skullcandy EcoBuds Review

Brand Background

Skullcandy started out in 2003 as a headphone brand primarily marketed toward action sports athletes. The Park City–based company appears to be maturing with its initial audience, expanding into the premium sound market with products like the Crusher line of headphones and environmentally friendly options, such as the budget-friendly EcoBuds. 

How I Tested the Skullcandy EcoBuds

I used the Skullcandy EcoBuds over a period of 4 months. I used them during CrossFit and powerlifting workouts, as well as on training runs. I also used them while working and puttering around the house. I tested the IPX4 water resistance by running in the rain and wearing them while submerging myself in a cold plunge. 

The Good 

When I first put in the EcoBuds, I was expecting to hear the tinny, hollow sound that I usually hear from buds in this price range. But I was pleasantly surprised by how clear the sound was. It’s not as rich and full as the high-end buds I’ve used, but they’re pretty damn good. 

While listening to Broken Window Serenade by Whiskey Myers, the vocals came in loud and clear, while more subtle instruments such as the harmonica and shaker provided depth. I did notice that the various elements in busier songs felt compressed, but for 25 bones, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

The battery life is reported as 8 hours. During testing, I accumulated just over 7 hours of listening time, which places it in the mid-to-high range of the other sub-$50 earbuds we’ve tried. The EcoBud case doesn’t have a battery for on-the-go charging, but it does feature a rapid-charging capability that claims to deliver 2 hours of listening time on a 10-minute charge. I tested the claim and hit the 2-hour mark. 

The touch controls are responsive and offer a little sound notification to signal that the touch has registered. They’re located on the logo, which is positioned right above the ear canal, and can be uncomfortable if you press too hard. Luckily, they only require a light tap. 

The lack of active noise canceling (ANC) is usually a deal breaker for me, but the EcoBuds have a nice, snug fit that actually blocks out noise fairly well. If you’re outside, you’ll be able to hear the sounds of traffic and other people, but they’re fairly tamped down. When I’m working in my office with music or a podcast on, they effectively block out the sounds of the landscapers outside, or my cats sprinting around the house or shredding our couch. 

In lieu of a full case, the EcoBuds magnetically attach to an open dock. The dock doesn’t have a battery, so it doesn’t charge the earbuds on its own (more on that later), but it has a short USB-C charging cord. I was actually able to charge it from my iPhone’s charging port, which is a handy feature when you’re in a pinch. 

The Bad

Charging from your phone aside, there are some quibbles with the dock. First, there’s no cover. This keeps the weight down to a featherlight 40 g, but it’s not ideal for throwing in a bag. The magnets are strong enough to keep the buds in under normal circumstances, but they came off in my gym bag. I’ve also dropped the dock before, and the buds went flying off. Not the best situation when you’re walking out in public.

The dock not having a cover allows random detritus from my bag to get in the buds, which can be gross if your gym bag is anything like mine. The dock also doesn’t have a battery in it, so you’ll need an external power source to charge it up (which is where the phone charging comes in handy). 

Skullcandy EcoBuds: Final Thoughts

At GearJunkie, we’ve reviewed a host of earbuds under $50 (check out our buyer’s guide), and the EcoBuds were impressive for the price. The open dock isn’t very protective, and I wish it could charge the buds independently, but the 10-minute rapid charge and the ability to charge from my phone were very cool features. 

The sound quality is great for $25, the passive noise cancelling is solid, and the touch controls are responsive and easy to use. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that sound great and won’t break the bank if you lose them, the Skullcandy EcoBuds are a great option.

The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2024

Wireless earbuds are tiny keys, unlocking a world of mobile music. We compared tons of the leading wireless earbuds to determine the best of 2024. Read more…

We like to think we’re fairly easy on our electronics. But when it comes to reviews, there’s a certain perverse pleasure in seeing just how much abuse a piece of gear can take. Especially cheaper items, which can be pushed to the limits without sweating your wallet.

And speaking of sweat and punishment, perhaps no tool in our kits has a more thankless job than earbuds. Rather than suffering in silence, we expect Bluetooth earbuds to perform on command. Whether it’s phone calls and voice chats for work, a bicycle session, or a gym trip, we rely on these little marvels to keep the world out and our sanity in.

And with so many options available, we could think of no better way to honor these lifesavers than with an old-fashioned budget battle.

Editor’s Note: For our December 8, 2025, update, we added our new favorite value earbuds, the Skullcandy Ecobuds.  

Best Overall Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Life A3i Earbuds

Check price at amazon

8.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  8.0
• Battery Life
  8.5
• Durability
  7.0
• Value
  8.0

Specifications

• Battery life: 9 hours per charge, 36 hours total with case
• Charging case: Yes
• Weight: 4.5 g per bud, 48 g total with case
• Microphone: Yes, 4 mics
• Waterproof rating: IPX5

Pros

• Active noise cancelling works, and not often included at this price point
• 10 mm drivers move a good amount of sound
• Lightweight and little ear-fatigue
• Soundcore app allows for different EQ profiles

Cons

• No wireless charging through the case
• Button-press menus a bit complicated

Tim Newcomb

The addition of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC) in the Anker Soundcore Life A3i Earbuds ($50) was easily the deciding factor in landing these quality headphones at the top of the heap. There are simply few sub-$50 earbuds that can tout the technology, and the A3i buds have the audio quality and fit to back it up. 

Anker built upon their successes with the Life A1 and A2 NC earbuds to churn out the A3i, and it appears they took lessons from both those models to refine the A3i. The buds themselves are minimal units that fit well in our ears, and like the rest of our Anker audio kit, also connect to the Anker Soundcore app, which offers up additional audio EQ settings.

The drivers are 10 mm units that provide a surprising amount of bass, and we heard little complaints from testers who used them for everything from working out to commuting. And when not in use, they nest into a compact charging case that gets its power from a USB-C port. Smart.

Two buttons on both buds can be used to control your tunes, although it can be a bit much to remember all of the button press patterns at first. Thankfully for those who are sensitive to pushing anything into their ears, the buttons are along the top edges, meaning you instead press down instead of in to activate them. 

These buds also boast “AI-enhanced” calling functionality, which while we’re not exactly sure how that might work, did yield clear audio during phone calls.

In order to get here, the A3i buds have had to shed some functionality in the process, and compared to their Life A1 counterparts that comes in the form of lesser water resistance (IPX5 from IPX7), and the loss of wireless charging. The A3i earbuds have also done away with the small rubber wings that help to lock them in place, and while for some this won’t amount to much, for others it may mean the difference between fitting and not.

For the money, the Anker Soundcore Life A3i Earbuds impressed us at just how un-budget these budget earbuds could be. For anyone looking for the most for their dollars, the A3i buds are it.

Read Review: $50 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds: Soundcore Life A3i Review

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Best Value Earbuds

Skullcandy EcoBuds

Check Price at Skullcandy

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  7.0
• Battery Life
  6.8
• Durability
  6.5
• Value
  8.0

Specifications

• Battery life: Up to 8 hours
• Charging case included: No
• Weight: 40 g
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IPX4

Pros

• Excellent sound for the price
• Good passive noise cancellation
• Rapid charging
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Water-resistant

Cons

• No battery dock
• Open dock design

Tim Newcomb

Read Review: Skullcandy EcoBuds Review: Small Price, Big Sound

When you think of $25 earbuds, you usually think of those cheap earbuds you see in gas stations. You know, the ones you pick up when you left yours at home on a road trip, and plan on throwing away when you get home. Skullcandy’s EcoBuds ($25), however, are designed to stand out from the truck-stop detritus with some perks you don’t usually find in earbuds at this price range. 

While listening to “Broken Window Serenade” from Whiskey Myers, the vocals came in loud and clear, while more subtle instruments, such as the harmonica and shaker, provided depth. I did notice that the various elements in busier songs felt compressed, but for 25 bones, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

The battery life is reported as eight hours. During testing, I pulled just over seven hours of listening time, which puts it in the mid to high range of the other sub-$50 earbuds that we’ve tried. The Ecobud case doesn’t have a battery for on-the-go charging, but there is a rapid charging feature that claims to deliver two hours of listening on a 10-minute charge. I tested the claim and hit the two-hour mark. 

The touch controls are responsive and offer a little sound notification to signal that the touch has registered. They’re located on the logo, which is positioned right above the ear canal, and can be uncomfortable if you press too hard. Luckily, they only require a light tap. 

The sound quality is great for $25, the passive noise cancelling is solid, and the touch controls are responsive and easy to use. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that sound great and won’t break you if you lose them, the Skullcandy Ecobuds are a great way to go. 

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Best Audio Quality Earbuds

SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS

check price at amazon

8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  8.3
• Battery Life
  5.0
• Durability
  7.0
• Value
  7.9

Specifications

• Battery life: 5 hours per charge, 20 hours total with case
• Charging case included: Yes
• Weight: 4.1 g per bud, 36.9 g total with case
• Microphone: Yes, dual mics
• Waterproof rating: IPX4

Pros

• Simple user interface
• Effective on-ear detection technology
• Good value
• Game mode

Cons

• Not the best bass response

Tim Newcomb

SoundPEATS makes numerous models of affordable wireless earbuds, but the Air3 Deluxe HS for $50 is a personal favorite of ours. These buds are simple, comfortable, and easy to control through a straightforward user-touch interface.

When one of the Air3 Deluxe HS buds is removed, the connected media automatically pauses. On phone calls, sound quality is loud and clear for all parties. The 14.2 mm audio drivers lead the pack when compared to the field of earbuds we tested, and pump out the high-quality sound to prove it.

Most impressive of all, however, may be the inclusion of LDAC technology in these budget buds. Without diving too far into the weeds, know that Bluetooth headphones typically suffer from audio-quality loss due to the limit of data transfer the wireless tech has baked in. LDAC is a technology that jams much more ‘information’ into the available bandwidth, which makes for a much more high-fidelity sound compared to lesser Bluetooth ‘codecs’. This may make more sense to the audiophiles among us, but it’s music to everyone’s ears.

Gamers will also appreciate the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS’s “Game Mode,” which minimizes delay to ensure real-time synchronization between the audio and what’s happening on your screen. These earbuds put up a strong front against our overall award winner the Soundcore Life A3i’s, and only the absence of noise cancellation kept them from the top spot. If the loss isn’t anything to cry over for you, these are some killer earbuds.

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Best App Functionality

Jabra Elite 3

check price at amazon

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  7.9
• Battery Life
  7.0
• Durability
  6.9
• Value
  7.8

Specifications

• Battery life: 7 hours per charge, 28 hours total with case
• Charging case: Yes
• Weight: 4.6 g per bud, 33.4 g total with case
• Microphone: Yes, 4 mics
• Waterproof rating: IP55

Pros

• Quality sound
• Impressive options within app
• Easy-to-navigate controls
• Variety of audio options

Cons

• App is essential for full use

Tim Newcomb

You may need to check your Jabra Elite 3 ($50) earbuds against some much more spendy varieties to make sure it’s a budget option. One of the best sound quality options in the under-$50 list, the Jabra Elite 3 not only powers with impressive sound quality, but also customizes the experience for users and offers ways to both block out the outside and let it in. 

With six audio EQ presets built into the app, users can really choose what fits their listening needs by cycling through them — we recommend the “bass boost” when listening to music. The 6 mm drivers push the audio well. 

The Jabra design fits nicely in the ear and is relatively comfortable and intuitive to wear. We also like that they come in four color options for the buds. When playing music, the buds easily cancel the outside noise, while the Hear Through option also removes the noise canceling with a simple touch if you want to be more aware of your surroundings. With four mics, the buds were ideal for switching between calls, audio, and noise canceling. 

The physical button on both buds allows for easy movement through the features, whether activating the voice assistant on the phone, playing and pausing music, handling calls, or skipping tracks. Much easier than the touch controls of some buds, such as the Tozo T6, users can quickly adjust volume up and down in short increments or rapidly by simply holding the button down. We liked this feature better than quite a few on the list. 

Requiring the app to pair the buds and get started was a small hurdle, but once going the earbuds continually paired quickly — we appreciated the simple chime to let us know we were connected — and the app proved useful to show everything from charge percentage of each bud to cycling through audio presets. 

The case is compact and has a nice feel. Included in the box is also a charging cord and three earpiece fits. The seven hours of charge in the buds and a total of 28 hours with the case isn’t the longest you’ll find in this guide but was plenty strong for our needs. 

The Jabra Elite 3 offers easy-to-use features without having to reach for the app that gives an even more robust suite of options. And it all comes in a comfortable Danish design that impresses with audio.

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Best Customization

JBL Vibe Buds

CHECK PRICE AT REI$30 at Amazon

Specifications

• Battery life: 8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with case
• Charging case: Yes
• Weight: 4.5 g per bud, 34 g total with case
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IP54

Pros

• Easy to pair
• Good sound quality
• Customization within the app

Cons

• Open-style case not ideal
• Touch buttons can be tricky to master

Tim Newcomb

When taken for its audio value alone, the JBL Vibe Buds ($50) were in the upper echelon of budget earbuds, right up with the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe and Jabra Elite 3. The 8 mm dynamic drivers help deliver a bass that is powerful, helping create a full sound.

Out of the box, the JBL Vibes are easy to pair immediately and the optional use of the app offers the ability to activate Ambient Aware and Talk Thru modes. Within the app you can also riffle through the four EQ options for personalization. 

Where the personalization really shines in the app is with the customization of the touch buttons. While we found the buttons tricky to master, that may be a personal preference. We didn’t love how the volume was one tap for up and two taps for down, sometimes confusing the two if trying to adjust the volume more than one notch. But customization of gestures in the app amplifies the touch-feel options on the buds. 

The JBL Vibe Buds don’t have a strong noise-canceling option, which can make them less desirable than buds like the Jabra buds in a more crowded environment. Lasting eight hours on a charge with a total of 24 hours of battery life with the case — we did like the 10-minute charge boosting an extra two hours — was on par with what is expected from earbuds in this range. 

Within the box comes a charging cord and three earpiece options, but our biggest concern was with the topless charging case that doesn’t fully enclose the buds. And while removing the lid does speed entry to the buds, it also leaves them susceptible when not in use. And despite the lack of a lid, the case was still bulky for what you’d expect from a streamlined effort. 

Overall, we had a few qualms with the JBL Vibe Buds in small areas, from the charging case to the buttons, but were impressed with the sound quality. 

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Best Budget Audio Quality

Skullcandy Dime 3

check price at rei$25 at Amazon

7.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  7.5
• Battery Life
  8.1
• Durability
  6.5
• Value
  6.9

Specifications

• Battery life: 8 hours per charge, 20 hours total with case
• Charging case: Yes
• Weight: 34 g with case
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IPX4

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Comfortable streamlined design
• Unique charging case may be attractive for some

Cons

• No app can make navigation clunky
• Pairing was not always streamlined

Tim Newcomb

You may not find better sound quality for $30 than the Skullcandy Dime 3 Earbuds ($30). While not at the same level as the top-flight options on this list, it sits near the top with them and impresses for the money spent. 

The 6 mm drivers help push the bass and the three preset EQ modes help give a slight personalization of sound coming through some of the more comfortable earbuds on this list. 

When it comes to navigation, we enjoy the physical buttons on the Skullcandy Dime 3, making it easy to tell what you’re doing when you’re changing the volume or activating the voice assistant. You better like the buttons, though, because without an app to dive into to make basic changes, sometimes it can get a bit cumbersome to change many settings at once with all the button press-and-hold combinations needed to make it happen. 

The Dime 3 has arguably the most unique charging case on this list, and we found quite a bit to like there. Compact and with a closed lid, the lid has openings to reveal if the buds are inside — a nice feature to remind yourself if you’ve put them away properly. It does take two hands to unclip the lid, however. On the plus side, the case does come with a unique lanyard attachment, which could be a pro or con, depending on how you use your earbuds.

One of the biggest issues we found with the Skullcandy Dime 3 was the inability to pair and stay connected for repeated uses. We routinely had to re-pair the buds after they’d been charging, and not only did we have trouble with just one of the buds pairing and not the other (come on, left bud, what’s your issue?) we didn’t love having to open the Bluetooth app as much as we did just to listen to Spotify. 

Issues with pairing and button navigation aside, the inexpensive Skullcandy Dime 3s offered up truly impressive sound for the money.

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Best Battery/Charging Options

Tozo T6

check price at amazon

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  6.5
• Battery Life
  9.5
• Durability
  7.0
• Value
  8.0

Specifications

• Battery life: 10 hours per charge, 50 hours total with case
• Charging case: Yes
• Weight: 4.4 g per bud, 53 g total with case
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IPX8

Pros

• Quality battery life
• Impressive waterproof rating
• Comes in six colors
• Wireless charging available

Cons

• Touch control can be tricky to use
• Sound quality isn’t top-shelf

Tim Newcomb

If you want to cut away the outside environment and focus just on your audio, the Tozo T6 ($50) does a commendable job of noise canceling. But we can’t say it is in the upper crust of sound quality across the range of budget earbuds. 

The audio range from the 6 mm drivers has a slightly emptier bass sound than we are used to with drivers of that size and the entire sound quality has a somewhat hollow sound compared to some of the best audio options on the list. That said, the noise canceling is impressive and a definite plus for the earbuds. 

The 10 hours of battery life is also impressive, which hits a total of 50 hours when paired with the easy-to-use charging case. We liked the feel of the case, with a simple snap-close lid akin to some popular expensive bud models. Along with the buds and case, the Tozo T6 comes with five earpiece sizes — although we found the fit of the bud to be less than desirable — and a charging cord. A nice feature of the case is that it also includes the option for wireless charging, a bonus not often found at this price point. 

The buttons on the buds are touch control, a pro for some and a negative for others. We found them difficult to adjust, especially when we simply wanted to tweak the sound. That said, some of the functions were easier to use and the controls allowed users to skip songs, play and pause, take calls, and quite easily activate voice assistant. Keep in mind that with no app, you’ll need to master the touch controls. 

While we struggled with the sound quality, bud fit, and button navigation, we appreciated the battery life, noise canceling, and impressive IPX8 waterproofing rating on the Tozo T6 buds.

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Best of the Rest

Tribit FlyBuds 3 Wireless Earbuds

$30 at Amazon

6.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

• Sound
  6.5
• Battery Life
  6.0
• Durability
  7.0
• Value
  7.4

Specifications

• Battery life: 5 hours per charge, 90 hours total with case
• Charging case included: Yes
• Weight: 4 g per bud, 82.2 g with case
• Microphone: Yes
• Waterproof rating: 8

Pros

• The case doubles as a power bank for your phone
• Excellent sweatproofing

Cons

• Larger case size

Tim Newcomb

The Tribit FlyBuds 3 Wireless Earbuds ($40) seem quiet at first, but they really come to life once the volume is pumped up. There’s only one sound mode to be had on this model, but it’s a good one.

Unlike most wireless earbuds, these come with a power bank case that can be used to charge a phone or other devices. They also boast the most reliable tap-touch setup and controls of any model we tested. They ride close in the ear and are almost effortless to wear.

The FlyBuds 3’s comfort and audio (once they’re cranked up) are excellent, and they’re onto something with the highly useful power bank case. We’d love to check out some of Tribit’s other options, and recommend you do the same.

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Wireless Earbuds Comparison Table

How We Tested Earbuds

Our Expert Testers

The GearJunkie testing system uses a mix of staffers and contributors to put the buds through their paces. Before we select which buds make our list to try, we sift through the industry to explore any newcomers into the space, watch for trends from key manufacturers, and then gather the latest in the world of budget wireless earbuds. Once all the buds are gathered, we get to the real work. 

National journalist Tim Newcomb is on the wireless earbuds beat, having covered sports gear for over two decades for the likes of Sports Illustrated, TIME, Wired, Popular Mechanics and Forbes. His testing scenarios included everything from a ride down a Pacific Northwest singletrack and a running trail to plowing through an urban city street and a crowded gym. 

GearJunkie Managing Editor Billy Brown has broken or lost hundreds of earbuds through the years, all in the name of journalism (and his absentmindedness). He tested earbuds at the gym, on the trail, and drowning out crying babies on countless airplanes.

Our Testing Process

We hit varying weather — Newcomb living in the Pacific Northwest ensures there’s ample time to test gear in the rain — and will even create scenarios to ensure the buds do what they say they do. We’ve been known to drop buds from second-story windows, hit the showers with them, and even toss them in the freezer for hours. All of these have real-world applications, especially if you live in a harsher climate. Over several days’ worth of ear time across a range of activities, we got a pretty clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses.

But since these are earbuds, sound quality matters too. We run them all through the same series of audio files gauging their clarity, bass response, and general audio quality. Armed with a range of songs recommended by Spotify for testing sound on headphones, we put every headphone through the paces to ensure the audio discussion comes from the same starting point. 

Testing the best budget wireless earbuds is a combination of all these metrics. How does the audio perform? How do the materials hold up? What’s the fit and comfort like? How easy are they to use? They all add up to give us our range of the best options available.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Affordable Earbuds

If you’re searching for a pair of reliable headphones for less than $50, there are a handful of key variables to keep in mind. Ultimately, you aren’t going to find high-performance options in this price range. Still, if you understand the basics of sound quality, battery life, and waterproofing, you can make an informed purchase and get the best bang for your buck.

Sound Quality

Like full-size speakers, earbuds distort different parts of the audio spectrum. No two pairs of earbuds will sound the same. While there are several objective factors that separate high-quality and low-quality sound, personal preference is perhaps the most important consideration. Some folks like a bassy sound balance, while others prefer a heavier treble.

Most of the earbuds on this list aren’t truly noise-canceling, save for the Anker Soundcore Life A3i Earbuds, which are certainly an outlier at this price point, and effective noise cancellation is typically a feature of more expensive options. Still, many users prefer to be able to hear their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. Some earbuds on this list will simply muffle — but not cancel — outside noise, which comes in handy — especially in loud environments.

Ultimately, many users find that they do not need everyday earbuds with elite sound quality. For most users, a few sonic flaws are reasonable — especially if you want to spend $50 or less.

Understanding Driver Types

You’ll want to get to know coils when understanding the types of drivers used, especially in earbuds. A driver is basically the component that drives air. Listeners need the air to create pressure waves that can be heard by the human ear. Basically, a driver is the speaker function of a headphone or earbud. And like most technology, drivers come in different shapes, sizes, and styles. 

The most common driver type is the dynamic driver. This style uses a coil and a magnet to turn electric current into air through a diaphragm. The idea is that as the electric current flows, the magnet allows the coil to regulate the diaphragm and move the air toward the ear. A dynamic driver is the most basic design, so it is often the least expensive, and does a good job of moving quite a bit of air, which can help produce good bass. It may distort at higher volumes, but choosing quality materials in construction can limit that downside. 

A balanced armature driver is also sometimes used in small devices, most commonly hearing aids, but also earbuds. The armature is basically a tiny arm positioned between two magnets. When the electric current charges the magnets it moves the arm toward the diaphragm. That, in turn, produces the air movement and sound. The big advantage of this type of driver is the small size, but that also limits bass abilities, so isn’t as popular in earbuds as it is in hearing aids. 

What Are EQ Profiles?

An EQ profile — EQ really just stands for equalization — offers up a way to personalize the way you hear your music. Equalization gives each user the chance to tweak the frequency ranges of the audio output, allowing the user to adjust these ranges to fit their personal desires. 

Typically found within the app functionality of a Bluetooth earbud, companies tout the EQ options to better individualize the sound experience. You’ll want to personalize your EQ settings based on the type of music you enjoy — or if you just like certain ranges of sound. Each app will have its own way of allowing you to adjust, but typically you can bolster the low end to accentuate bass, the high end for the melody, and the mid-range for the vocals. You may want to think about if you’re heavy on techno music — boost the low and high ends for a good balance — or typically are listening to movies or other audio heavy on vocals — for that you’ll want a heavy dose of the mid-range.

Bluetooth Codecs

You can’t listen to music if your wireless earbuds can’t connect. Not only does the driver control the sound quality and the EQ profile differentiate your listening preferences, but Bluetooth codecs define how well your earbuds perform. 

Bluetooth is the way your wireless earbuds receive data from your mobile device. The better the Bluetooth quality, the quicker the earbud receives and processes data for a fuller audio experience. Typically, the SBC is the basic version of a codec, with the lowest rate of data transfer. That translates into basic sound quality. AAC for Apple and AptX on Android offer more data transferred, which equates to better sound quality. 

Battery Life and Charging

Like all wireless devices, earbuds need to be charged from time to time. When you’re in the middle of a flight or bike ride, you certainly don’t want your headphones to suddenly die. For this reason, it’s worth seeking headphones with reasonable battery life and a quality charging case.

The battery life of headphones depends on various factors including surrounding air temperature and audio volume. To get the maximum life out of your fully charged headphones, keep the volume in the low to mid-range.

In 2025, a good pair of affordable earbuds may last up to 5 or 6 hours on a single charge. In our experience, earbuds tend to die a little sooner than the manufacturer claims. Most pairs come with a nifty charging case that allows you to juice up the headphones on the go. Most fully charged cases will charge the earbuds 2-5 times before they need to be plugged into an outlet.

Button Navigation

Buttons matter. But it can be a touchy subject. Earbuds have limited real estate in which to work, forcing companies to think about how much functionality they want multi-function buttons to play on an earbud. But first, they must decide if they are going to include a physical button or a capacitive touch-only button. 

The physical button is more basic and offers key elements, such as a clear response on whether it has been pressed and the ability to press it with gloves on or if hands are sweaty, dirty, or wet. Some folks may not like the force a physical button on an earbud requires as it may press the bud deeper into the ear. Plus, the mechanical clicking noise a pressed button makes isn’t for everyone. But on the upside, you know what you’re getting each time. 

The touch-style button generally brings in more features, allowing users to swipe for differing actions. For example, users may swipe in varying directions to control volume and then in another direction to enable other features. But the touch-style button has a learning curve and does require a clean finger. 

Deciding on the type of button may dictate what features are available via the earbud without having to reach for the phone. Even with the physical touch button, you can get differing actions by adding multiple button presses, whether on the same earbud or having buttons on the right and the left. Companies also tend to make the buttons multi-functional, meaning the number of rapid clicks each serves a different function. 

How much control you want from your earbud alone is dictated by how the manufacturer approaches button navigation.

Call Quality

Most high-quality workout headphones are able to accept and manage quick phone calls. A built-in microphone, user-friendly controls, and decent sound quality are essential for taking calls via your headphones.

These days, dual and quad mic technology has dramatically improved call quality — even on cheap earbuds.

However, if you plan to use your ‘buds for long work calls, a $20 pair might not be the best choice.

Waterproofing and Durability

If you’re going to be wearing earbuds while working out, durability and a reasonable degree of water resistance are crucial. If your exercise regimen includes outdoor activities such as running, cycling, or rowing, we recommend earbuds with a solid waterproof rating. Even if you don’t plan on being out in the rain, it’s wise to be prepared.

Though all of the headphones on this list are fairly durable, some will withstand wear and tear better than others. Though cheap earbuds are easy on the wallet, there is certainly a relationship between price and build quality.

In order to handle the inevitable perspiration that occurs during exercise, earbuds need to be reasonably water-resistant. Many options come with a water resistance IP rating that serves as a helpful guide.

Basically, headphones exist on a spectrum from IPX1 to IPX9. IPX1 headphones should be able to handle sweat and occasional small drops of light rain. IPX9 headphones can withstand a direct stream of hot water from a pressure nozzle. The IPX rating system can feel a little confusing, and we recommend you don’t think too hard about it.

Simply put, headphones with any IPX rating should be able to handle the demands of any dry-land form of exercise. If you plan to use your earbuds in wet environments — like a scullboat or a paddleboard — we recommend a higher IPX rating.

Price & Value

Budget

When your price point for wireless earbuds is under $50, it’s safe to say that you’re shopping entirely in the budget category. But as we tested, we found that wireless earbuds below $50 do have some differences. The least expensive buds that we could find that were worth a damn were the JLab Go Air True Wireless Earbuds ($30) and the Skullcandy Dime 3 Earbuds ($30). These buds both put out respectable sound quality, came with their own charging cases, and the Go Air even has different EQ Modes.

These don’t have the sound quality of $40 or $50 earbuds, and they occasionally had trouble connecting to our phones’ Bluetooth, but for $30, you could do a lot worse.

Mid-Tier

For an extra $10, you can Tribit FlyBuds 3 Wireless Earbuds ($40), which offers excellent audio when you crank up the volume and comes with the most reliable tap-touch setup that we tested. As a bonus, the case doubles as a power bank, which is a fun feature that we didn’t expect to see in this price range.

Premium

Most of the earbuds we tested sat at the very top of our price range with $50 price tags. For the extra money, you get consistently good sound, a more secure and comfortable fit, and, in the case of the Anker Soundcore Life A3i Earbuds ($50), functional active noise canceling, which was a very pleasant surprise in a $50 pair of earbuds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Outdoor communication keeps getting smarter, smaller, and, like all thing, more expensive. Garmin’s new inReach Mini 3 Plus ($499) adds a touchscreen, voice messaging, and photo sharing to a device that once prided itself on being almost stubbornly simple.

The new version jumps from a tiny grayscale screen and a handful of buttons to something closer to a stripped-down phone. It sends voice messages, supports photo viewing, allows photo sharing when paired with the Messenger app, and uses a touchscreen for faster navigation. It’s a sharp turn for a device best known for blunt practicality.

The core inReach pieces are still here. Two-way messaging, SOS support, and LiveTrack all remain, now delivered through a color screen with built-in audio tools. Battery life stretches up to 330 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, which should get most people through long trips without rationing power.

Garmin inReach Mini 3 and Mini 3 Plus

Garmin released the new generation in two forms.

The inReach Mini 3 Plus ($499) (red antenna) includes all the high-end communication tools. It supports 30-second voice messages, offers voice-to-text transcription, displays photos, and allows photo sharing through the Messenger app. It also includes the new touchscreen. This is the fully loaded model for anyone who wants more than text-only check-ins.

The inReach Mini 3 ($449) (gray antenna) keeps things simple. It drops the voice and photo features but keeps the touchscreen, SOS function, LiveTrack, and standard inReach text messaging.

It presents a cleaner option for users who want essential communication without extra features or extra battery demands. It’s also the less expensive choice. Though, let’s be honest: the minimal cost savings seems silly. If you’re going to upgrade, might as well toss the extra $50 in to get all the features, right?

What’s New?

The original Mini (discontinued) and the Mini 2 (now $250) acted like digital pagers that just happened to talk to satellites. They were reliable, tough, and almost stubborn in their simplicity. The Mini 3 Plus feels like Garmin decided to make a big leap into modern tech with the line.

The touchscreen looks like the most noticeable change. Anyone who ever tried to thumb out a weather check on earlier Minis knows the button-based interface demanded near saintlike patience. The new screen aims to ease that frustration.

Voice messaging means fewer cold fingers fumbling around with tiny buttons. Voice-to-text transcription helps in spots where silence matters, a feature that likely matters to hunters more than most.

Photo viewing and sharing remains a wildcard. Some users might see it as fluff. Others will appreciate the ability to send a picture of a blown-in ridge or a gear failure instead of describing it in a block of text. It’s another step toward richer communication instead of the bare-bones check-in style the Mini line carried for years. I’m sure search and rescue teams will appreciate an image along with the “Here’s the ridge I’m stuck under” text.

Taken together, these upgrades mark the most dramatic functional jump the Mini lineup has ever seen. It moves the device from a simple emergency messenger to a more capable, modern communication tool.

How It Stacks Up Against GPSMAP H1i Plus

Garmin’s GPSMAP H1i Plus ($1,000), which I reviewed earlier this year, is still the navigation heavyweight. It has all the new-to-Garmin tech features discussed above, but offers stronger mapping capability, and more reliable route guidance when weather or daylight turns against you. It’s a navigation tool first, with communication features as backup.

The Mini 3 Plus flips that priority. This is a communication tool with basic navigation available when paired through the Explore app. It offers much of the same updated perks of the H1i, aside from that, at a fraction of the cost.

Initial Thoughts

The Mini line needed a fresh set of features, and this update delivers plenty of them. Faster messaging makes sense, and voice notes feel like a natural evolution. The color touchscreen could be a great addition, or it could be one more fragile thing to protect while side-hilling across shattered rock (hard to know until we beat it up). Durability will matter more now, since the original button-driven Minis could survive almost anything short of a truck tire.

Battery life looks solid. The ruggedness rating lines up with the expectation that this device should be clipped on, ignored, and ready when needed. The photo features will split the crowd, although they have real value in certain situations.

What stands out most is Garmin’s clear shift toward making satellite communication feel more normal and less like a last-resort tool. Whether that shift is good or bad depends on your tolerance for tiny touchscreens and extra features in the elements.

Right now, the Mini 3 Plus looks like a stronger, more capable communicator that pulls the inReach line firmly into the modern era. If the touchscreen and audio tools hold up under real abuse, it could be the biggest step forward the Mini family has taken.

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Arguably, time itself is a matter of form and function, but when it comes to reading time during outdoor ventures, the form of a proper field watch is the way to go. For more specialized use, there are tactical and dive builds, but we still lump them in with the general term “field watches.”

To withstand years of use, whether for work or recreation, a watch needs a rugged case, bold numbers you can read in the dark, and an overall aesthetic you’ll be happy to have on your wrist every day. For us, several Vaer watches check all those boxes and then some.

Below, introduce you to a few of our favorite, outdoor-ready watches from Vaer. We’ve reviewed several of them and been impressed by their durable build and feature-heavy takes on traditional styles. And then there’s the value which we always appreciate. You’ll find that several watches come with the option for quartz or automatic movements, as well as different colors and band styles.

Vaer Watches

Vaer’s founders, Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook, pored over different design elements of wristwatches before starting the company in 2015. Ten years later, the watches are largely assembled in Los Angeles, where craftsmen hand-place each component.

As you look through the watches selected below, you’ll notice subtle differences in the shape of the case, placement of the crown, or fabric used for the band. These choices help define the overall aesthetic of the watch, while the materials tell another story. In particular, the brand’s field watches draw from U.S. military history, from the choice of metals and glass that can withstand heavy use to the typeface and size of the numerals.

For the holidays, Vaer has a sale on several of its most popular styles with savings up to 25% off.

C5 Tactical Field Solar 40mm: $349

This solar-powered version of Vaer’s top-selling C5 Tactical Field Solar is no stranger to this website. It lives on the wrist of one editor who praises its value for combining “high-end features like solar charging, 10-atmosphere water resistance, excellent lume, two straps, sapphire crystal, and an accurate quartz movement. USA assembly and a lovely strap add to this nice watch that can dress up — or down — to match many occasions.”

The C5 Tactical is a military-inspired 10ATM watch featuring a “blacked-out” aesthetic, contrasted by its bright and long-lasting lume paint. Just 6 hours of sunlight will provide a 6-month power reserve, and it can also recharge from other sources of light.

As a Vaer C5 model, this 40mm case watch stands out for its ocean-readiness (100m depth rating), low-profile case design, and its accurate (and affordable) quartz movement. It draws inspiration from the A-11 field watch worn by the American military during World War II, with large numerals for the hours and more subtle 24-hour and 60-minute hatch markings on the inner and outer dial.

C4 Tactical Field 41.5mm: $479

The C4 Tactical Field Watch is a new addition to the Vaer lineup, with a larger and more waterproof build than the C5. It represents a more aggressive and field-ready design, boasting 200 m of water resistance, a 41.5mm diameter, the brand’s brightest lume, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to enhance its utility. Like all its solar models, the C4 can deliver 6 months of reserve from just 6 hours of light, and charge from any light source (even candlelight).

We see the C4 Tactical as a fit for anyone who wants a bold and rugged wristwatch and has a wrist sized for it. It honors the military watch tradition with matte surfaces to kill reflections, oversized hands, and bold numerals cribbed from U.S. Air Force stencils. It uses a reliable (and more affordable) quartz movement

“It’s an American-assembled tool watch through and through, but still looks good enough to wear every day,” one editor summarized. You can read more about the Vaer C4 Tactical in our full review.

G5 Pacific Steel GMT 39mm & G5 Pacific Polar 39mm Automatic: $935

The G5 Pacific Steel GMT is Vaer’s most premium, American-assembled automatic watch, inspired by the 1950s 20ATM. As a G-series model, this watch is part of the brand’s dual-timezone series, known for its ocean-ready function and self-winding movement.

Vaer makes a G5 with a quartz movement, but a more premium touch is the automatic setup for those seeking the timeless traditions of mechanical movements. For that, it uses the well-regarded Miyota 9075 movement, which includes a True GMT date function. It supports a -5/+15 second per day timing tolerance and holds a 42-hour power reserve.

One seeming nitpick among watch aficionados is the brightness and longevity of its glowing markers. Vaer painted the lume on thick for the G5 line, rating 9/10 on its own scale. That comes from 15 layers of Old Radium Super-LumiNova on the dial and Old Radium lume on all of the hands.

With its 39mm case diameter, Vaer hopes to hit the mark between ergonomics and proud visibility on the wrist. It also has a 20mm lug width and an 11.83mm depth without the crystal.

G2 Pacific Steel GMT 39mm: $399

The G2 Pacific is a value-minded take on the G5 Meridian GMT automatic, with the same vintage looks and Vaer’s trapezoidal markers and ultra-bright BGW9 Super-LumiNova markings. It has a 39mm brushed stainless steel case, a stainless steel GMT bezel, and a sapphire crystal. The big difference is the Swiss Ronda quartz GMT movement, which cuts down the cost and occasional maintenance.

This is a great watch for travelers who appreciate precision timekeeping across time zones, quality build, and attention to detail. Vaer likes the 39mm case size as a balance of ergonomics and prominence on most wrists. All told, we think it’s a reliable watch, with a modern style and Vaer’s attention to detail. Already versatile, it can change up its looks when paired with different bands.

DS2 Meridian Black, Navy, or Green 42mm: $259

Based on military dive watches of the 1970s, the DS2 Meridian 15ATM dive watch is an ocean-ready tool with a reliable, no-fuss Japanese Quartz movement and classic style for less than $300. It is made with 316L stainless steel and has a locking screw-down crown. The lightweight (70.6 g) case is slim for being water-resistant to 150 m, and it has rounded edges for a practical yet comfortable fit while surfing and diving.

The DS2 Meridian is available in several colors, which stand out on a classic steel band or contrast well against a khaki cloth band. (Vaer currently includes a free silicone dive band with orders.) The 42mm case is Vaer’s largest dive watch option and is recommended for someone with 7- to 9-inch wrists who likes a modern, prominent fit. There are 39mm case styles available as well.

D4 Meridian Black 39mm: $399

The D4 Meridian Solar dive watch boasts 20ATM water resistance with a high-lume display on its bezel and face, which sits behind a tough sapphire crystal glass. The coin-edge bezel grip and twisted lyre lugs were inspired by 1970s military watches from Rolex and Doxa. The case is a riff on the military issue Omega Seamaster.

This D4 Meridian Solar stands out in particular as one of Vaer’s first field watches able to charge by ambient light. That helps power the quartz movement, even at extreme depths, for near-perpetual timekeeping. Vaer delivers all this in a dive watch priced under $500. It’s available in 39mm and 42mm sizes, and it makes a great gift for someone who works or plays in the water and appreciates the modern features behind its classic looks.

This post is sponsored by Vaer watches. You can find more field, tactical, and dive watches on its website.