Review: The Pump X Fitness Headphones Handle Sweat Like a Champ

---

Finding headphones that can handle serious workouts while delivering great sound has been my personal fitness quest for years. The Pump X Fitness Headphones caught my attention by promising to solve my biggest workout audio frustrations: sweat damage, slipping fit, and compromised sound quality.

I’ve destroyed more “regular” headphones with sweat than I care to admit, and I was skeptical that any over-ear option could truly handle my workouts. But the Pump X doesn’t just talk the talk—it offers innovations like cooling gel ear pads and workout-optimized sound profiles that intrigued me enough to put them through their paces. I tested these headphones in both controlled gym environments and unpredictable outdoor conditions to find out if the performance justifies the cost. After logging some miles both in a packed-out Blink Fitness and on outdoor runs, I’ve got some thoughts.

Design and quality

The Pump X headphones look sleek enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing obvious “gym gear” when commuting with them. The matte finish with subtle “X” branding feels premium, and I particularly appreciate the sweat-wicking material on the headband that actually keeps my head dry—a rarity in the over-ear fitness headphone market.

These feel substantially built, with hinges that seem like they’ll last through being tossed in gym bags daily. (Again, I really do throw my belongings around in an irresponsible way.) I’ve been comparing them to my faithful Soundcore headphones, and the Pump X matches their quality while adding those fitness-specific touches that make a difference during workouts. At $169.99 (currently on sale for $129.99), they’re twice the price of my usual headphones, but they’re undeniably sleeker and better suited for working out. I’ve included a photo of them on my MacBook Air and next to my Soundcores for scale.

Comfort and fit

The Pump X’s standout feature is its interchangeable ear pad system. Switching to those cooling gel pads before hitting the treadmill is a game changer. The cooling effect is immediately noticeable and prevents that gross sweaty ear feeling I typically get with over-ears.

I’ve got to be real though—the secure fit that’s amazing for keeping them in place during box jumps becomes a bit of a pain (literally) after about half an hour. I started feeling tension headaches similar to when I wear a too-tight headband. For short, intense workouts, they’re perfect, but for my longer weekend runs, I found myself taking quick breaks to relieve the pressure. And looking at my colleague Beth Skwarecki’s recent review of the RIPT Ultra Headphones, this trade-off—noise cancellation versus comfortable fit—seems to be a recurring issue in the market.

So sure, they don’t look as trendy or stylish as classic Beats, but it’s their fit that stops me from using them outside the gym. 

Sound quality

Where the Pump X truly shines is sound quality tailored specifically for workout environments. In the photo below, you can see the tactile controls. The left connected chunk of the “X” is play, while the separated right chunks turn the volume up and down. The button on the base (to the left of the charging port and power button) cycles through three different modes: Noise cancelling, X-mode, and transparency.

That “X-mode” bass boost feels like it was designed specifically for the moment when you’re struggling through that final mile. I hit that button during my high-intensity intervals, and the enhanced bass gave me that extra push without drowning out the rest of the mix.

What impressed me most was how they didn’t fall into the trap so many fitness headphones do—pumping up bass at the expense of everything else. I tested them against my Soundcores, and the Pump X delivered a noticeably wider soundstage that made my workout playlist feel more immersive. Of course, true audiophiles might still prefer dedicated music headphones for non-workout listening.

Noise cancellation (and awareness of your surroundings)

The active noise cancellation (ANC) system effectively blocks out typical gym distractions—grunting weightlifters, the constant chatter, and most importantly, my gym’s obsession with playing the same batch of Top 40 songs on repeat. I’d say it outperforms mid-tier options like my Soundcore pair, though it doesn’t quite reach the silence of premium Sony or Bose offerings. Then again, I don’t want to damage expensive Sony or Bose headphones with my sweaty, sweaty head.

On the flip side, I’ve had some scary moments with other headphones completely isolating me from my surroundings, so the transparency mode quickly became essential for my outdoor workouts. One tap on the right ear cup, and I could more clearly hear traffic approaching during my Brooklyn neighborhood runs, without sacrificing the quality of my music. 

Battery life and connectivity

I typically charged these once a week with my workout schedule, getting around 18 hours with ANC off and closer to 12 with it enabled. The quick-charge function saved me more than once—plugging them in while I changed into workout clothes gave me enough juice for a full session. The Bluetooth connection remained rock solid even in my packed gym where other wireless devices often struggle. 

Sweat resistance and durability

As someone who (embarrassingly) can soak through a headband in the first 10 minutes of a workout, sweat resistance is non-negotiable for me. After particularly brutal treadmill sessions, I’d inspect them expecting damage, but found no concerning moisture near any of the electronic components. The ear cushions could theoretically go in the washing machine, but I’d stick to hand washing out of an abundance of caution. After a month of regular use, they still look and smell relatively fresh. In the picture below, you can see some slight coloration from sweat—but what’s most important is how dry they look. That’s after using them on a run. Compared to traditional rubber ear pads, the cooling pads actually do work.

My take is the Pump X headphones are ideal for gym-goers who want sound quality and noise isolation during workouts, but are mostly concerned about damaging their premium everyday headphones with sweat. Compared to competitors like the RIPT Ultra at $249.99, Pump X’s $129.99 seems fair to me. If you can tolerate the slight discomfort during extended sessions and appreciate the ability to block out gym noise or stay aware of…