If you want a dedicated solution for running that stays cool and secure, choose TOOKS Gen3; if you need a premium, noise-canceling headset for stationary communication or office work, choose Plantronics 78712-101. These two devices live in completely different worlds, one built for the sweat of a workout and the other engineered for the precision of a call center environment. Trying to force them into each other's roles leads to frustration, so the decision really comes down to where you intend to use them most.
• TOOKS Gen3: The standout strength is its unique headband design with integrated speakers that keeps your ears open to the environment while providing audio, making it ideal for outdoor movement; the trade-off is that it lacks active noise cancellation and relies on a basic wired connection without advanced controls.
• Plantronics 78712-101: Its greatest asset is the professional-grade build quality featuring faux leather ear pads and active noise cancellation designed for deep focus and clear voice pickup; the significant trade-off is the over-ear form factor which traps heat and feels cumbersome during physical activity.
• Who it's for: Pick the TOOKS Gen3 if you are looking for the best comfortable gaming headset for running or simply need a lightweight way to listen to music while jogging without overheating. Choose the Plantronics 78712-101 if you require the best noise cancelling headphones for running environments that are actually quiet offices or busy call centers where silence is mandatory.
The TOOKS Gen3 Sportband represents a niche but highly effective approach to wearable audio. Instead of bulky ear cups that press against your skull, this device integrates ultra-thin speakers directly into a sleek, stretchable Dryfit headband. This design choice fundamentally changes how sound interacts with your body during movement. The material is described as keeping you cool from sports to sleep, which speaks directly to the primary pain point of many runners who find traditional headphones hot and sweaty. By using a fabric band rather than plastic or metal cups, the device breathes, allowing air to circulate around your ears rather than sealing them off.
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
This product is specifically engineered for the active user who values situational awareness. Because the speakers sit just outside the ear canal rather than inside it, you can hear your own footsteps, approaching traffic, or other people while still enjoying superior sound quality from the built-in drivers. The inclusion of a standard 3.5mm plug ensures compatibility with almost any mobile phone or audio device without needing complex pairing protocols or worrying about battery life draining mid-run. If you have ever struggled with earbuds falling out or headphones slipping during a sprint, the stretchy, secure fit of this headband offers a stable alternative that doesn't rely on friction or hooks.
However, this headset is not a universal tool. It lacks active noise cancellation, meaning it will not block out the roar of an engine or the chatter of a crowded room. It is also a wired solution, tethering you to your source device via a cable. For someone seeking the best headphone for running who wants to be fully wireless and isolated from the world, this won't be the right fit. But for those who prioritize cooling, comfort, and the ability to stay aware of their surroundings, the TOOKS Gen3 is a compelling choice. It is a single-purpose tool that executes its specific job—listening while moving—better than almost anything else on the market.
The Plantronics EncorePRO 710 is a powerhouse of professional audio engineering, designed from the ground up for high-volume communication environments like call centers or corporate offices. Unlike the sport-focused TOOKS, this headset features a robust over-ear design with soft leatherette ear pads and a satin finish that prioritizes luxury comfort and long-wearing capability. The materials used, including premium nylon composite, ensure the unit remains featherweight despite its sophisticated construction, weighing in at just 1.9 ounces. This balance allows representatives to wear it all day without fatigue, maintaining focus on conversations rather than the equipment on their heads.
What truly sets this device apart is its commitment to audio clarity and isolation. It incorporates active noise cancellation and a frequency response tailored for speech, reaching up to 6,800 Hz to capture the nuances of human voices. The pivoting boom microphone is curved and telescoping, positioning itself perfectly to pick up private conversations while staying clear of peripheral vision. For anyone working in a noisy office or needing to conduct confidential calls, this level of acoustic control is essential. The quick disconnect feature adds a layer of convenience, allowing users to walk away from their desk while remaining connected to their system, a workflow feature that simply does not exist in the TOOKS design.
Despite its excellence in communication, this headset is ill-suited for physical exertion. The over-ear style creates a seal that, while excellent for blocking noise, will trap heat rapidly during a run. The rigid structure and heavy reliance on a wired connection make it impractical for dynamic movement. It is not designed to withstand the vibrations of a jog or the sweat of a gym session. If you are looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for running, you might initially consider this due to the "noise cancelling" label, but the physical form factor makes it dangerous and uncomfortable for that purpose. It is a stationary tool for professionals who need to hear every word and be heard clearly, not an accessory for athletes.
• Best for battery life → Neither requires charging as both are wired, but the TOOKS Gen3 has no electronics to fail mid-session, offering infinite playtime limited only by your device's battery.
• Best for cooling during exercise → TOOKS Gen3 wins decisively with its breathable Dryfit material that keeps ears cool, whereas the Plantronics leather pads will cause sweating.
• Best for noise isolation → Plantronics 78712-101 is the clear winner with active noise cancellation and over-ear sealing, perfect for blocking out distractions.
• Best for situational awareness → TOOKS Gen3 allows you to hear ambient sounds, making it safer for road running or outdoor activities.
• Best for microphone quality → Plantronics 78712-101 features a specialized pivoting boom mic designed for crystal-clear voice transmission in professional settings.
• Best for portability → TOOKS Gen3 folds flat and fits easily in a pocket, while the Plantronics includes a carrying case but is bulkier due to its rigid structure.
• Best for multi-device connectivity → Both use wired connections, but the Plantronics offers USB and analog compatibility options for office systems, while TOOKS uses a standard 3.5mm jack.
• Best for durability during sweat → TOOKS Gen3 is made from sweat-resistant Dryfit fabric, while the Plantronics faux leather may degrade faster under heavy perspiration.
After analyzing the specifications and intended use cases, I would buy the TOOKS Gen3 if my primary goal was running. It is the only option here that respects the physics of movement, keeping you cool and safe while delivering audio. I recommend the TOOKS Gen3 for anyone who wants the best comfortable gaming headset for running or simply needs to stay active without feeling weighed down by equipment. Conversely, I would never recommend the Plantronics 78712-101 for running; it is a magnificent tool for the office, but placing it on a runner's head is a recipe for discomfort and safety hazards. If you need the best noise cancelling headphones for running, look elsewhere, because true isolation and athletic performance do not mix well with over-ear designs.
Only the TOOKS Gen3 is suitable for running due to its breathable headband design and lack of over-ear seals that trap heat. The Plantronics 78712-101 is an over-ear headset designed for stationary office use and will become uncomfortably hot during exercise.
The Plantronics 78712-101 features a dedicated, pivoting boom microphone designed for professional voice clarity and noise rejection. The TOOKS Gen3 does not appear to include a microphone based on its description as a headphone headband focused purely on audio output.
The Plantronics 78712-101 includes active noise cancellation and passive isolation from its over-ear design, making it far superior for blocking out external noise. The TOOKS Gen3 relies on an open design that allows ambient sound to pass through, offering no noise cancellation capabilities.
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