Respectfully, I'd consider another option. Ngl, those XM5 buds mentioned are kinda bulky for burpees... they might slip. I'm still new to this but I think these are decent options: * Sony LinkBuds S Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds - lighter, stay put
* Sony WF-C700N Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds - very secure fit Both have IPX4 for sweat, which works for HIIT sessions. Depends on your needs though! peace

Honestly, I feel u on wanting that Sony sound profile, but I'd be real careful with the over-ears. I've tested the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones and while the ANC is basically unmatched, they have zero IP rating... literally none. One heavy HIIT session and ur basically risking moisture damage to the internal electronics. Plus, they're definitely gonna slip during burpees cuz of the 250g weight distribution, right? For ur situation, I highkey suggest the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds instead. You get that IPX4 water resistance and the multi-sensor noise canceling is insane for buds. The foam tips really lock 'em in ur ear canal during high-movement stuff. The Sony LinkBuds S Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds are also an option if u want something ultra-light, but for that top-tier audio, the WF model is the best choice. Sticking to the buds is definitely safer, gl! 👍

I've been going down a total rabbit hole trying to compare Sony with other brands for my own gym sessions lately. I am still pretty new to all this tech stuff but honestly the market research is sooo confusing!! Like, I was looking at how Sony stacks up against brands like Jabra or Bose for sports specifically. I think I read somewhere that Sony focuses way more on the tech and sound processing while other brands might prioritize the actual ruggedness of the materials? Not sure but it feels like there is a bit of a gap in the market for a high-end Sony bud that is specifically made for like, reallyyy gross sweaty HIIT sessions. Someone told me that even if the specs look similar on paper, the way the different brands handle moisture can be totally different after 6 months of use. I really want that Sony sound profile too because nothing else sounds as good to me, but the whole durability thing has me second guessing everything. Has anyone else looked at the market trends for this? It basically feels like we are still waiting for that perfect gym-specific flagship from them.

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Just catching up on this thread and honestly, I am having the exact same problem. It is really disappointing that Sony has neglected the ruggedization side of their premium lineup lately. I have been analyzing the internal schematics and unfortunately, the lack of conformal coating on the circuitry makes them highly susceptible to corrosion from sweat vapor during high-intensity sessions. I have even looked into DIY solutions like applying my own hydrophobic coatings to the internal boards, but it is just not as reliable as factory sealing should be. To help narrow this down, I have a couple questions to clarify your technical needs:

• Are you looking for a specific decibel reduction level for the ANC, or is fit stability the absolute priority?
• Does your gym environment involve high humidity levels that would require a specific IPX rating higher than the standard IPX4?

ugh i have this exact same issue right now and honestly its driving me crazy. ive been going back and forth for like a month trying to figure out if sony is actually durable enough for heavy gym use or if i should just jump ship to another brand. i really want that signature sound but im so paranoid about the moisture protection compared to other sports-focused brands... still havent found any solid info that makes me feel safe dropping that kind of money yet. it feels like every review says something different and im just totally stuck.