SMS Audio Biosport Review | 93 Data compared

SMS Audio Biosport headphones deliver a stable fit and a highly specialized feature set tailored specifically for runners and fitness enthusiasts. On the positive side, these headphones utilize an in-built biometric sensor that tracks pulses and oxygen levels accurately through the ear without requiring an external battery. They feature an anti-tangle cable equipped with an in-line remote that easily switches between the heartbeat monitor and phone calls. Visually, they offer standout color options like bright blue, and they stay locked firmly in place during intense workouts once a secure angle is established. Additionally, they come packaged with a convenient soft storage pouch for effortless transport. However, several drawbacks prevent them from being a universally ideal choice. A major limitation is that the heart rate monitor exclusively works with the Runkeeper app, leaving users of other popular fitness ecosystems completely locked out. Finding the right fit can also be a complex struggle, and even the smallest included silicon earbud tips may feel too large or fail to seal the ear canal completely. This incomplete seal heavily degrades the audio performance, making...

The SMS BioSport heart rate-sensing earbuds are a specialized $150 audio accessory tailored for hardcore athletes who want to track their pulse without using an uncomfortable chest strap. Created in partnership with Intel, these wired earbuds feature embedded optical sensors that accurately measure heartbeats within 2–3 beats per minute compared to commercial treadmills. On the positive side, they are incredibly comfortable, come with three sizes of secure-fit ear gels that keep them locked in place during intense workouts, and feature an IPX4 water-resistance rating to handle sweat and rain. Additionally, because they draw power directly from the phone's 3.5mm headphone jack, they never need to be recharged.

The SMS Audio BioSport earbuds ($149 MSRP) are a specialized pair of workout headphones featuring a built-in optical heart-rate monitor inside the right earbud. A major benefit of this device is that it requires absolutely no charging, as it draws its power directly through the headphone jack from your connected phone. The earbuds are IPX4 water and sweat-resistant, making them durable for intense workouts, and they feature a tangle-resistant flat cord. In performance testing, the continuous heart-rate tracking proved highly accurate and consistent, closely matching the readings of gym equipment and chest straps. Audio-wise, they deliver plenty of volume and punchy, boisterous bass that excels with high-energy tracks like pop and hip-hop to get your pulse racing. However, the earbuds come with several distinct limitations. On the fitness tracking side, they currently only sync with the RunKeeper application, lacking the broader third-party app compatibility found in rival models. A significant functional drawback is that users must completely turn off the heart-rate monitor toggle on the inline remote if they want to use the built-in microphone to make or receive phone...

Overview of the SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds The SMS Audio BioSport earbuds, developed in collaboration with Intel, are a biometric sports headphone priced originally at $150 but later discounted to around $40. The product stands out for its unique, comfortable ergonomic design available in three sizes, flat tangle-free wiring, and powerful, rich sound quality delivered via 12.4mm drivers. Additionally, they offer IPX4-rated sweat and water durability and include a 30-day trial of the Runkeeper Elite app. A major highlight is the built-in heart rate monitor that conveniently draws power directly from the phone, eliminating the need for extra batteries or chest straps. Pros and Cons Pros Superb Audio: Delivers powerful, deep, and surrounding sound even at lower volumes. Battery-Free Biometrics: Tracks heart rate through the right earbud without needing external charging. Smart Design: Features an original, secure fit and a flat cable that successfully prevents knotting. App Integration: Voices real-time audio updates regarding workout intensity and average heart rate. Cons Inconsistent Connectivity: The heart monitor occasionally stumbles, takes time to activate, or fails to sync data. Bulky Inline Hub: The...

The SMS Audio BioSport In-Ear headphones offer a battery-free, convenient solution for fitness tracking by utilizing a built-in Intel optical sensor to monitor heart rate directly from the ear. They draw power directly from a connected smartphone and sync data via the RunKeeper app, eliminating the need for a separate physical battery or charging routine. Key advantages include a highly secure, sweatproof, and comfortable fit aided by three included sizes of flexible rubber ear gels. Additionally, the heart rate monitoring system proves to be highly accurate when compared directly against gym treadmill readings. However, the earbuds compromise heavily on overall audio performance and basic functional usability. The sound quality is underwhelming, noticeably lacking both a strong bass punch and high-resolution treble detail compared to similarly priced competitors. From a design standpoint, the device completely lacks a dedicated inline volume control. Furthermore, a physical slider forces users to choose between the microphone or biometric tracking, meaning taking a phone call mid-workout will completely break your tracking data. Handset compatibility is also strictly limited, functioning well with iPhones but supporting only a...

SMS Audio Biosport Review Summary The SMS Audio Biosport biometric headphones, developed in collaboration with Intel, offer a wired solution for fitness enthusiasts looking to track their heart rate directly from their ears without charging an extra device. A major benefit of this design is the 3.5mm flat, anti-tangle cable, which draws power directly from the phone and eliminates the battery-charging hassle found in wireless competitors like Jabra. The headphones provide an incredibly comfortable and secure fit due to their uniquely shaped ear tips and upward-pointing wings, ensuring the heart-rate sensor in the right earbud stays stable during intense workouts. Additionally, they feature IPX4 sweat and rain resistance, decent audio quality with minimal wind interference, an inline microphone, and a significantly lower price point (£129) than wireless options. However, the headphones suffer from severe compatibility, software, and hardware design limitations. The heart-rate monitoring feature is strictly limited to RunKeeper and only works with a small, outdated list of specific iOS and Android smartphones. There is no dedicated software, and setting up the heart-rate tracking on the iOS app can be...

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the SMS Audio BioSport in-ear headphones highlights a problematic design that is difficult to recommend, despite featuring an integrated, wire-free biometric heart-rate monitor. Pros include the competitive pricing compared to wireless alternatives and the convenience of a wired connection that eliminates the need for battery charging. However, the product suffers from a troublesome, uncomfortable fit and underwhelming, bass-light audio performance that fails to effectively block out environmental noise. Furthermore, the headphones have limited software support, functioning primarily with only one fitness application, leading to a recommendation for superior, though pricier, alternatives.

The SMS Audio BioSport headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item., reviewed by Wareable, offer a unique, battery-free solution for fitness tracking, boasting a highly comfortable and snug fit that stays secure during intense, sweaty workouts. They effectively combine heart rate monitoring with music playback, producing sound that is powerful enough to block out environmental noise. However, the earbuds feature an extremely bulky and angular design, which may not suit all users. While the audio is acceptable for sports, the sound quality lacks high-end detail and fails to deliver deep bass, resulting in an occasionally echoey, basic listening experience. Wareable

The Consumer Reports review of the SMS Audio BioSport headphones highlights excellent physical stability and biometric accuracy, with testers praising the flawless, secure fit during exercise. While the built-in heart rate monitor proved highly accurate, the overall audio performance was rated only "fair," failing to impress for music listening. Consumer ReportsThe primary drawbacks are a "bass-shy, lean, and congested" acoustic profile characterized by a lack of depth and a thin, nasal midrange. Additionally, the treble is described as subdued and smeared, resulting in a restricted, "closed-in" sound that makes them a poor choice for audiophiles.