NEW YORK — JBL, the audio brand known for its durable and performance-oriented gear, unveiled four new additions to its Endurance workout earbuds line at CES 2026, catering to a broad spectrum of fitness enthusiasts with options ranging from high-end wireless models to budget-friendly wired ones. The announcements, made during the annual tech showcase in Las Vegas, highlight JBL's push to diversify its offerings in the growing market for exercise-friendly audio devices. Prices for the new earbuds span from $24.95 to $179.95, with availability set to begin in the United States next month.
At the premium end of the lineup is the Endurance Zone, JBL's inaugural foray into open-ear sports earbuds designed for users who need to stay aware of their surroundings during activities like running or cycling. According to details shared at the event, the Zone employs JBL's OpenSound technology—previously featured in the company's Sense product line—to deliver sound while minimizing leakage. The earbuds feature a flexible earhook design for secure fit, an 18x11mm driver, and two beam-forming microphones per bud for clear calls. They boast an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and support for multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, Google Finder, and Google Audio Switch.
Battery life on the Endurance Zone is rated for up to eight hours per charge, with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge yielding three hours of playback. Available in black with gray or white colorways, the Zone is priced at $179.95. "JBL offers a variety of form factors and functionality to fit different workout styles and budgets," the company emphasized in its product overview, underscoring the earbuds' versatility for outdoor workouts.
Complementing the Zone is the Endurance Peak 4, an update to JBL's existing Peak series that introduces adaptive noise canceling (ANC) in a sealed design, paired with smart ambient mode for situational awareness. These earbuds stand out as the only ones in the new batch to support spatial sound from their 10mm drivers, enhancing immersion for users during intense sessions. Like the Zone, the Peak 4 includes earhooks for stability and carries an IP68 rating, but it steps up with Bluetooth 5.4 and six microphones—three per bud—for improved call clarity and wind noise suppression.
The Peak 4 promises up to 48 hours of total playtime including the case, along with multipoint connectivity and the full suite of Google integrations. It will launch in black with gray, purple, or white options for $129.95. JBL representatives highlighted the model's suitability for activities like biking or running outdoors, where blocking distractions while occasionally tuning into the environment is key.
For those preferring a more traditional connected design, the Endurance Pace offers open-ear audio via a neckband style rather than true wireless buds. This model also leverages OpenSound technology for ambient awareness, with two beam-forming microphones for calls and Bluetooth 5.4 support. The Pace is IP68-rated and includes the Google features seen across the lineup, providing up to 10 hours of music listening or eight hours for calls, with a 10-minute quick charge delivering four more hours.
Priced at $89.95 and available exclusively in black with gray, the Pace targets users who value the security of a neckband during workouts without the hassle of managing separate earpieces. As JBL noted, this design expands options for "a wide range of workout earbuds" in the Endurance series, blending affordability with robust features.
Rounding out the releases are the Endurance Run 3, a pair of magnetic wired earbuds aimed at cost-conscious consumers or those who prefer a tangle-free, no-battery alternative. Equipped with 8mm dynamic drivers, the Run 3 comes in two variants: one with a USB-C connector that supports hi-res audio and includes a 3-button remote with microphone, and another with a 3.5mm jack featuring a simpler one-button remote without hi-res capability. Both versions are IP65-rated for protection against dust and water, making them viable for sweaty gym sessions or outdoor jogs.
The USB-C model retails for $34.95, while the 3.5mm version is more affordable at $24.95, both in black with gray. This wired option reflects JBL's commitment to inclusivity across budgets, as the company stated that the Endurance line now "include[s] open-style, sealed with ANC, and some inexpensive wired options."
The expansions come amid a booming market for fitness audio gear, where consumers increasingly seek devices that withstand sweat, stay put during movement, and integrate seamlessly with smartphones. JBL, a subsidiary of Harman International—which is owned by Samsung—has long been a staple in the sports audio category, with its Endurance series gaining traction since its inception for reliable performance in demanding conditions. The new models build on predecessors like the original Peak and Run earbuds, incorporating advancements in connectivity and battery tech.
CES 2026, held this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, has been a hub for such innovations, with major players unveiling gear tailored to health and wellness trends post-pandemic. JBL's announcements align with broader industry shifts toward open-ear designs, driven by safety concerns for runners and cyclists who need to hear traffic or instructions. Analysts have noted that the global wireless earbuds market, valued at over $20 billion last year, is projected to grow by 15% annually, fueled by integrations with ecosystems like Google's.
While the new Endurance earbuds emphasize compatibility with Android devices through features like Fast Pair and Audio Switch, JBL has not detailed iOS-specific optimizations, though the multipoint Bluetooth should ensure broad usability. No official statements from competitors like Sony or Bose were available at press time, but industry observers expect similar pushes in adaptive audio and durability at upcoming events.
Availability begins next month across major U.S. retailers, including JBL's website and partners like Best Buy and Amazon. Early adopters may find the higher-end models like the Zone and Peak 4 appealing for their premium features, while the Pace and Run 3 offer entry points for casual users. JBL's strategy appears to democratize access to quality workout audio, potentially capturing a larger share of the fitness market as wearable tech evolves.
Looking ahead, these releases could signal JBL's deeper integration with Samsung's ecosystem, given Harman's ownership, possibly leading to enhanced features in future Galaxy device pairings. For now, the Endurance expansions reinforce JBL's position as a go-to brand for active lifestyles, blending cutting-edge tech with practical design. As one tech reviewer put it in coverage of the event, the lineup "covers a wide range of prices and form factors," ensuring something for every runner, gym-goer, or hiker.
In the context of CES's whirlwind of announcements—from AI-driven fitness trackers to immersive VR workouts—JBL's focus on earbuds underscores the enduring demand for personal audio that keeps pace with physical exertion. Whether sealing out noise for focused training or opening up to the world, these new Endurance models aim to soundtrack the next era of fitness.
