If you want a wired, sealed studio monitor for focused video calls and deep audio precision in quiet environments, choose Superlux HD661; if you need waterproof, bone-conduction earbuds that let you hear your surroundings while working out or swimming, choose RR SPORTS IP68.
These two devices occupy completely different worlds of audio engineering. One is a heavy-duty, closed-back tool for the mixing desk or the home office, designed to isolate sound with absolute authority. The other is a rugged, open-ear sports companion built to survive chlorine, sweat, and submersion without sacrificing situational awareness. Picking the right one depends entirely on whether your primary goal is best headphones for video calls in a controlled space or in ear earbuds for video calls (and everything else) where movement and water are involved.
• Superlux HD661: Its biggest strength is the sealed enclosure that blocks external noise for superior monitoring, but its trade-off is being a wired, over-ear device that offers no wireless freedom. This pick is for professionals needing deep sound fields in a studio or office setting.
• RR SPORTS IP68: Its biggest strength is the IP68 waterproof rating and bone conduction design that keeps ears open during intense activity, but its trade-off is the lack of physical isolation which makes it less ideal for noisy offices. This pick is for athletes, swimmers, and those who need situational awareness.
The Superlux HD661 is engineered as a sealed studio monitor headphone, and that distinction dictates exactly how it should be used. With a 40mm dynamic driver powered by a neodymium magnet, it delivers a frequency range spanning from 10Hz to 20,000Hz. This broad spectrum allows for high-resolution audio reproduction, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to hear every nuance in a recording or a voice call. The sensitivity of 102dB SPL ensures that even lower volume sources remain clear and detailed.
What sets this model apart is its "closed back" design. The plastic enclosure creates an airtight seal around the ears, providing natural sound isolation. In a practical sense, this means you can use these headphones comfortably in areas with high external noise without needing active electronic cancellation. The sealed nature traps the sound inside, preventing leakage and keeping distractions out. For a professional conducting video calls or editing audio, this isolation is critical. It allows you to focus entirely on the audio signal without the room noise bleeding in, ensuring that your microphone doesn't pick up background chatter from your own environment.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-27 · 8 min read · Independent comparison
However, this isolation comes with specific usage constraints. The HD661 is a wired unit with a 3.5mm jack connectivity technology. You will not find Bluetooth here. While it includes both a 3.3 ft (1 m) cable and a longer 9.8 ft (3 m) cable, along with a gold-plated conversion plug, you are tethered to your source device. The weight of the unit is 6.72 ounces, which is standard for over-ear monitors but might feel heavier than lightweight sport buds over very long periods. It is also designed for adults and fits over the ear rather than inside. If you are looking for the best noise cancelling earbuds for video calls because you are in a busy coffee shop or on a commute, this product is not the solution. It requires a quiet, stationary environment to perform its best function.
This product is ideal for the home office worker, the podcaster, or the audio engineer who values accuracy and isolation above all else. It is also perfect for someone who wants a reliable, durable pair of headphones that won't rely on batteries for basic operation, given its passive design. However, if you need to move around your house freely or take calls while walking the dog, the cable length and lack of wireless capability make it a poor fit.
In stark contrast, the RR SPORTS IP68 is built for the active life. This is not a studio monitor; it is a bone conduction headphone designed to keep your ears open to the world while you listen. The core feature here is the IP68 waterproof rating, which means the device can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water. This makes it uniquely capable for swimming, showering, or running in heavy rain where standard electronics would fail. The nano-hydrophobic coating protects the internal components from sweat and moisture, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions.
The audio delivery system uses advanced bone conduction technology. Instead of pushing sound into your ear canal like traditional in-ear buds, it vibrates against your cheekbones to transmit sound directly to the inner ear. This results in an "open-ear" experience where ambient noise remains audible. For safety-conscious users, this is a massive advantage. You can hear traffic, cyclists, or people talking to you while listening to music or taking a call. The device supports Bluetooth 6.0, offering a stable connection with a range of up to 10 meters and strong interference resistance. It also features a built-in 32GB MP3 player, allowing you to store up to 7,000 songs without needing a phone nearby.
The battery life averages 7 hours, which provides ample time for long workouts or full workdays. Weighing only 3.88 ounces, the ultra-soft silicone design ensures a secure fit that stays in place during marathons, cycling, or gym sessions. The ergonomic shape is crafted for all-day comfort, reducing the pressure points often felt with clamping over-ear headphones. Because it does not block the ear canal, it helps prevent hearing damage associated with high-volume in-ear usage and avoids the "plugged ear" feeling after extended wear.
However, this open design means there is no passive noise isolation. If you are trying to have a serious video call in a loud environment, the open-ear design might struggle to filter out background noise, and others might hear your side of the conversation more easily than they would with sealed cups. The device is specifically optimized for motion and water; it is not designed for the acoustic fidelity required in a professional recording booth. If your primary need is the best noise cancelling earbuds for video calls in a noisy office, the lack of physical isolation is a significant drawback. But if you need a device that doubles as a swim cap-compatible audio player and a safe running companion, this is the clear winner.
• Best for video calls in a quiet home office → Superlux HD661 (The sealed design blocks out room noise and focuses attention on the call).
• Best for swimming or showering → RR SPORTS IP68 (Only option with true IP68 submersion protection).
• Best for situational awareness → RR SPORTS IP68 (Bone conduction keeps ears open to surroundings).
• Best for long-distance mobility → RR SPORTS IP68 (Wireless Bluetooth 6.0 with 7-hour battery).
• Best for professional audio fidelity → Superlux HD661 (Wide frequency range and studio-grade drivers).
• Best for storage without a phone → RR SPORTS IP68 (Built-in 32GB memory holds thousands of tracks).
• Best for durability against sweat/rain → RR SPORTS IP68 (Sealed against moisture and impact).
• Best for static, seated listening → Superlux HD661 (Over-ear comfort for long sessions).
If I had to buy one device today specifically for my daily workflow involving video calls, I would choose the Superlux HD661. The sealed enclosure provides the isolation necessary to concentrate on conversations without distraction, and the high-resolution drivers ensure my voice and the voices of others are heard with crystal clarity. It is a dedicated tool for communication and audio work.
However, if my lifestyle involved frequent swimming, outdoor training, or a need to stay aware of my surroundings while moving, I would immediately switch to the RR SPORTS IP68. Its ability to function underwater and its open-ear safety design are unmatched. Ultimately, the Superlux HD661 wins for the professional, focused user, while the RR SPORTS IP68 dominates for the active, mobile user. Check the current price on Amazon for either, but remember that you are buying them for fundamentally different purposes.
Neither product uses active electronic noise cancellation. The Superlux HD661 relies on its sealed, closed-back design to passively block outside noise, making it better for quiet rooms. The RR SPORTS IP68 is an open-ear device that lets ambient sound in, so it is not suitable for noisy environments.
Yes, the IP68 rating allows it to be submerged in up to 2 meters of water. However, you must use the MP3 mode for swimming as Bluetooth does not work underwater. For calls, you would use the Bluetooth mode while on land.
With an impedance of 68Ω and a sensitivity of 102dB, the Superlux HD661 is relatively easy to drive and should work well with most modern laptops, phones, and desktops via the included 3.5mm jack without requiring a dedicated amplifier.
The RR SPORTS IP68 has a battery life of approximately 7 hours due to its wireless capabilities. The Superlux HD661 has no battery as it is a fully passive, wired headphone, meaning it will never run out of power as long as you have a cable connected.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.