If you want dedicated underwater swimming performance with built-in storage for lap training, choose MARLALL Bone Conduction Swimming; if you need versatile open-ear headphones that excel at the gym, running, and daily calls, choose JBL Endurance Pace. These two devices solve completely different problems, and picking the wrong one means either buying a swim tool you can't use on land or an earbud that will fail when you hit the pool.
• MARLALL: The undisputed king of underwater MP3 playback with IPX8 sealing and zero reliance on Bluetooth while submerged, but it lacks real-time phone connectivity during water sports.
• JBL Endurance Pace: A robust, all-day wear companion featuring memory wire stability, superior call quality, and app customization, yet it is not designed to be worn underwater for swimming.
• Who needs MARLALL: Swimmers who need a secure, waterproof fit and don't care about streaming music from their phone while in the water.
• Who needs JBL: Gym-goers and runners who prioritize comfort, battery life, and environmental awareness over submersion capabilities.
The MARLALL X26 is engineered for a very specific environment: the water. If your primary goal is to listen to music or audiobooks while doing laps, this device is built to handle the immersion that would kill most other electronics. It carries an IPX8 waterproof rating, which means it is built to resist full water immersion. This isn't just splash resistance; it is a seal designed for snorkeling, surfing, and intense lap swimming where the device is fully submerged. The key here is the "MP3 Mode Only" feature for underwater use. Unlike standard Bluetooth headphones that lose signal once they hit the water, this unit stores your tracks directly onto its internal 32GB storage. You do not need to carry your phone into the pool to get your playlist.
The design focuses heavily on security and comfort during movement. It features an ergonomic ear-hook design that distributes pressure evenly across the ear structure. This is crucial because water creates drag, and loose earbuds become dangerous distractions. The unit uses ultra-soft liquid silicone materials that are skin-friendly and help keep the device locked in place even when you are turning your head rapidly or pushing off the wall. At just 22.68 grams, it is incredibly lightweight, ensuring you won't feel the weight pulling on your ears during long sessions. The magnetic charging cable simplifies power management, allowing you to charge the unit directly without dealing with complex ports, though you must remember to dry the microphone area after use to prevent audio issues.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-29 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this specialization comes with trade-offs. You cannot stream music from your phone via Bluetooth while you are actually swimming. Furthermore, while it works well for swimming, it is less optimized for the dynamic noise cancellation and call clarity required for busy street running or gym environments. It is a tool for the pool, not a general-purpose lifestyle earbud. If you buy this expecting to take it to a spin class or a treadmill run and expect the same versatility as a modern sport headphone, you will find it lacking in features like app integration or high-fidelity driver tuning for dry land acoustics.
The JBL Endurance Pace is designed for the terrestrial athlete who wants to stay connected to the world around them while getting a workout. Its defining feature is the titanium memory wire neckband. This material allows the headphones to flex and return to their shape no matter how much you move, ensuring a comfortable fit that stays put during high-intensity interval training or long-distance jogging. The "Open-Ear" design leaves your ear canal completely unblocked, which is essential for safety when you are outside or in a crowded gym. You can hear the coach, the traffic, or the music clearly without the isolation that leads to accidents.
Audio performance on the Pace is driven by JBL's OpenSound technology and a dynamic driver size of 11 millimeters. This setup delivers crisp highs and rich mids, with an adaptive bass boost algorithm designed to keep you moving. Because the ear canal is open, sound leakage is minimized through directional sound engineering, meaning your music stays private enough for public spaces. The inclusion of two beamforming microphones makes this a standout choice for clear call quality. Even if you are jogging through a breezy park or a noisy gym, these mics filter out ambient noise so your voice comes through clearly on the other end of the line. This is a massive advantage over many bone conduction options that struggle with wind noise or background chatter during calls.
Battery life is another area where the JBL shines for the active user. You get up to 10 hours of continuous music playback or talk time on a single charge, which easily covers a week's worth of workouts. The quick charge feature is particularly useful; a mere 10-minute charge gives you four more hours of use. The device also supports the JBL Headphones app, allowing you to customize equalizer settings or enable a "Relax Mode" for recovery after a session. While it has an IP68 rating for dust and water protection—handling sweat, rain, and salt spray—it is not intended for submersion. It is built to survive the elements, not to dive beneath them. If you are looking for the best comfortable bone conduction headphones for gym use that also double as reliable communication tools, this is the stronger contender.
• Best for underwater swimming → MARLALL Bone Conduction Swimming (It has the dedicated MP3 storage and IPX8 seal for total submersion).
• Best for gym and running → JBL Endurance Pace (Memory wire and open-ear design provide superior stability and situational awareness on land).
• Best for call quality → JBL Endurance Pace (Dual beamforming mics significantly outperform the MARLALL in noisy environments).
• Best battery longevity → JBL Endurance Pace (10 hours per charge vs. 7 hours, plus a rapid 10-minute quick charge option).
• Best for storage flexibility → MARLALL Bone Conduction Swimming (Built-in 32GB eliminates the need for a phone in the pool).
• Best for customization → JBL Endurance Pace (Offers EQ control and Relax Mode via the mobile app).
• Best for pure comfort during movement → JBL Endurance Pace (Titanium memory wire adapts to your head shape better than fixed hooks).
• Best value for versatility → JBL Endurance Pace (One device handles running, gym, calls, and commuting).
For my own gear collection, I would choose the JBL Endurance Pace. While the MARLALL is impressive for its niche, the reality is that most of us spend far more time at the gym, on the treadmill, or running outdoors than we do submerged in a pool. The JBL offers a level of versatility that fits a broader range of activities, especially since it excels as an open ear headphone for gym use where safety and communication matter. The memory wire neckband ensures it never slips, and the ability to take calls clearly while exercising adds a layer of utility the MARLALL simply cannot match. Unless you are a competitive swimmer who strictly needs to leave the phone behind, the JBL provides a more complete solution for the active lifestyle.
Yes, because the MARLALL has built-in 32GB storage. You can transfer your music files to the device using a computer, allowing you to swim without carrying your phone. Just remember that Bluetooth does not work underwater, so pre-loading your playlist is mandatory.
Absolutely. With an IP68 rating, the JBL Endurance Pace is both water and dust proof. It is designed to withstand sweat, rain, salt water, and high humidity without damage, making it ideal for intense indoor and outdoor workouts.
Both devices utilize open-ear designs to minimize leakage, but the JBL specifically mentions directional sound technology to ensure minimal sound leakage. This keeps your music private while still allowing you to hear your surroundings.
The JBL Endurance Pace lasts longer, offering up to 10 hours of playback compared to the 7 hours provided by the MARLALL. Additionally, the JBL features a quick charge capability that adds four hours of use in just ten minutes.
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