Hey,

Welcome to this week’s Experiments in Progress (by Pete Matheson) issue!

I’ve tested way too many headphones — from $50 gym buds to luxury cans that cost more than a flight.

Here are my go-to picks for every situation — the ones that stay put, travel well, and make Netflix sound like a private cinema.

In this issue, I’m breaking down:

Let’s dive in👇

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After years of testing everything from budget buds to flagship cans, I’ve finally narrowed down my go-tos for every scenario — whether you’re lifting weights, stuck on a flight, or just trying not to wake the baby during a late-night movie.

Here’s the line-up 👇

Best for the gym

Orange (obviously). These have the perfect ear tips for staying put through squats and sprints. Noise cancellation and sound quality aren’t top-tier — but when you’re sweating it out, comfort and stability win.

Best for running and outdoor workouts

With the over-ear hooks, these don’t budge — even on a run. The sound is better than the Fit Pros, noise cancellation steps up, but they’re bulkier. Worth it if you want serious staying power.

Best everyday carry

The new AirPods Pro 3s are my “walk-around” headphones. Compact, reliable, great ANC, and perfect for calls. Apple nailed the blend of sound and usability here.

Best for travel (if you’re in the Apple ecosystem)

Still unbeatable for plane rides — smooth handoff across Apple devices, and cinematic spatial audio when you connect to Apple TV. It’s basically your personal sound bubble.

Best all-rounder for noise cancellation

Industry-leading ANC, full soundstage, and super comfortable for long sessions. If I had to pick one over-ear headset for everyone, this would be it.

Best for design nerds

Transparent design, clicky tactile buttons, and a surprisingly balanced sound. A fun alternative if you’re over the Apple/Sony duopoly.

Best for home use

If you’ve got a Sonos soundbar, these are a dream — seamless audio handoff for late-night movies without waking the house.

📱 Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend who’s as obsessed with tech as you are:

This week’s episode of Aspiring Creator goes behind the scenes of building a creator business — from turning down big sponsorship deals to finding the right people to grow with.

Inside this episode:

If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to grow a creator business — the trade-offs, the experiments, and the mindset shifts — this one’s packed with lessons learned the honest way.

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

We’re testing the tools that make virtual meetings actually look and sound professional — from compact lighting rigs to smart microphones that cut out the chaos.

In the next issue you’ll get:

🗓️ See you Saturday.