If you want a simple, rugged pair of earbuds with a long-lasting case for daily commutes and light workouts, choose Motorola Sound Buds 135; if you need immersive HiFi sound with active noise cancellation and superior battery life for focused study or travel, choose 21X Earbuds. This isn't a tie between two identical options. One is built for durability and straightforward utility, while the other is engineered for audio fidelity and advanced features that actually change how you experience your music. When I think about the specific use case of finding the best open ear earbuds for swimming, neither of these is technically designed as a submersible device, but their water resistance ratings tell a very different story about what they can handle in wet environments. The Motorola option leans into the IPX5 standard, which handles sweat and heavy rain better than the IPX4 rating found on the 21X model. However, for anyone looking for over ear headphones for swimming, these are truly in-ear solutions, so the real question becomes whether you prioritize water resilience or the clarity of your audio experience above all else.
• Motorola Sound Buds 135: Strengths include an IPX5 water-resistance rating for heavy sweat protection and a reliable 6-hour single charge supported by a compact case. Trade-off: It lacks Active Noise Cancellation and relies on passive isolation, making it less ideal for noisy offices. Best for commuters who need durable, no-fuss audio that withstands the elements.
• 21X Earbuds: Strengths feature powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, and a massive 40-hour total playtime with an LED display case. Trade-off: The IPX4 rating offers only basic splash protection compared to the Motorola's more robust seal. Best for students and travelers who need to block out distractions and hear every detail in their music.
The Motorola Moto Buds 135 feels like a tool built for reliability rather than a gadget built for show. If you are someone who wants the best bluetooth headset for swimming in terms of getting through a sweaty lap session or a rainy run without worrying about the electronics failing, this unit stands out due to its IPX5 certification. This rating means it is designed to resist water jets from any direction, which is a significant step up from standard sweat-proofing. In my view, this makes it the safer bet for anyone whose workout routine involves high humidity or unpredictable weather conditions. The design philosophy here is clearly "comfort-fit" and "lightweight," utilizing three sizes of rubber ear tips to ensure a secure seal. While it doesn't have the active technology to cancel out the world, the rounded tip shape and ergonomic design suggest it is meant to stay put during vigorous movement.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-28 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
You should buy these if your priority is simplicity and physical durability. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity might be slightly older than the bleeding edge, but it provides a stable connection that works well for calls and media. The environmental noise cancellation (ENC) focuses on making your voice clear to others on the phone, which is excellent for taking calls while walking down a busy street or working in a coffee shop. However, you must skip this product if you are a purist who demands deep bass and studio-quality sound separation. The frequency range covers the standard 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is adequate, but without active noise cancellation, you will still hear the background hum of a train or the chatter of a cafe. It is a solid choice for the average user who wants good sound, a comfortable fit, and a device that can take a beating from sweat and rain.
The 21X Earbuds enter the conversation with a focus on immersion and modern connectivity. These are not just earbuds; they are a complete audio ecosystem designed for the multitasking generation. The standout feature here is undoubtedly the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Unlike the passive isolation of the Motorola, the 21X actively analyzes external sounds and generates opposing waves to silence them. This is a game-changer for anyone trying to focus in a chaotic environment, whether it is a university library, a loud gym, or a plane cabin. Combined with the Transparency Mode, you get full control over your auditory environment. You can block out the noise when you need to concentrate and instantly switch to hearing your surroundings when you need to walk safely across a street. This flexibility is something the Motorola simply cannot offer.
If you are a student or a professional who spends hours studying or working on laptops, these are the superior choice. The claim of up to 40 hours of total playback time is not just a marketing fluff; it comes from a combination of a 10-hour battery life per charge and a charging case that adds another 30 hours. The inclusion of an LED smart display case allows you to see exactly how much power remains, eliminating the guesswork that plagues many wireless earbud users. Furthermore, the Bluetooth 5.3 chip ensures lower latency and faster pairing, which is crucial for gaming or watching videos where audio sync matters. The HiFi sound profile, with its rich bass and detailed mids, suggests these are tuned for music lovers who want to feel the rhythm, not just hear the melody. However, you must consider the trade-off: the IPX4 rating means they are protected against splashes and light rain, but they are not as robust against heavy water exposure as the Motorola. If your primary activity involves intense sweating or heavy rain, the 21X requires a bit more caution.
• Best for water resistance and sweat protection → Motorola Sound Buds 135 with its IPX5 rating, offering better defense against water jets and heavy moisture.
• Best for noise isolation and focus → 21X Earbuds thanks to its Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, creating a quiet bubble wherever you go.
• Best for battery longevity → 21X Earbuds, delivering a massive 40-hour total playtime compared to the 18-hour total of the Motorola.
• Best for call clarity in wind/noise → Both offer ENC, but the Motorola is simpler and often more reliable for basic voice transmission without complex processing.
• Best for modern connectivity → 21X Earbuds, utilizing Bluetooth 5.3 for a more stable, lower-latency connection across iOS and Android devices.
• Best for visual battery tracking → 21X Earbuds, featuring a digital LED display on the case that shows exact percentage levels.
• Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking value → Motorola Sound Buds 135, offering essential features and strong build quality without the premium cost of ANC tech.
• Best for audiophiles on a budget → 21X Earbuds, providing a HiFi sound signature with deeper bass and clearer highs than the standard tuning of the Motorola.
After weighing the specs and potential use cases, I would personally choose the 21X Earbuds for my daily life. The ability to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode gives me a level of control that transforms how I interact with my environment, whether I am trying to ignore a noisy roommate or stay aware of traffic. The 40-hour battery life also removes the anxiety of running out of power mid-day, and the LED display is a small feature that makes a huge difference in convenience. While the Motorola Sound Buds 135 is a fantastic, rugged option with better water resistance, the lack of ANC holds it back for general entertainment and productivity. However, if your primary goal is finding the best open ear earbuds for swimming or you anticipate extreme water exposure, the Motorola's IPX5 rating makes it the only logical choice for that specific wet environment. Ultimately, the 21X wins on versatility and audio performance, making it the better all-around companion for most people.
Neither model is rated as fully waterproof for submersion in a pool. The Motorola has an IPX5 rating for sweat and rain, while the 21X has an IPX4 rating for splashes. For actual swimming, you would need a dedicated swim-specific device.
The 21X Earbuds significantly outperform the Motorola in battery duration, offering up to 40 hours of total playback with the case, whereas the Motorola provides 18 hours.
No, the Motorola Sound Buds 135 rely on passive noise cancellation through the physical seal of the ear tips. Only the 21X Earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to electronically block external sounds.
Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster pairing, lower latency for video games, and a more stable connection in crowded areas compared to the Bluetooth 5.0 found in the Motorola model.
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