We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones stack up.
Developed in collaboration with JBL, Under Armour, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the latest Project Rock headphones bring a ton of design and hardware improvements over the popular previous generation. Unique over-ear design, onboard noise cancellation, long battery life, and a companion mobile app are just a few features that make these headphones stand out from the rest.
With a $300 sticker, the new UA Project Rock training headphones cost $50 more than their predecessor — but the price bump is totally justified given the countless upgrades they pack.
I’ve been working out with the new UA Project Rock training headphones for weeks and enjoyed every session and rep with them on. Here’s why these are the hands-down the best wireless cans for exercising, and why they're worthy of a spot in your gym bag.
SCORES
• Sound: 9/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Battery Performance: 9/10
• Overall Score: 9/10
UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones at a Glance
• Quality sound and noise cancellation with many customization options
• Secure and comfy fit with convenient controls
• Up to 45 hours of battery life
• Water-resistant with IPX4 rating
SOUND: 9/10
Equipped with 40-millimeter audio drivers, the UA Project Rock wireless headphones deliver a high-quality sonic experience that’s ideal for powering you through any workout. Best of all, you can tune the sound to your exact liking via the JBL Headphones app by choosing from a number of equalizer presets. They include one that has been created by Dwayne Johnson himself.
There’s also an option to make and save your own sound profiles. I liked having quick and easy access to a bass-heavy setup for high-intensity workouts, a more mellow option for yoga and breathing sessions, as well as a balanced setting for daily use.
The product’s noise cancellation is as impressive as its sound quality. The UA Project Rock cans efficiently tuned out the never-ending traffic ruckus from the busy street underneath my apartment window, leaving no room for distractions between me and my dumbbells. In a gym setting, the headphones allowed me to focus on my favorite tunes, and my heartbeat during cardio-centric treadmill runs by reducing the noise around me to a barely perceptible hum.
You can adjust the noise cancellation via the companion app, too. There are two modes to pick from — everyday and active. The latter is optimized for outdoor use. An ambient sound control feature with settings to help you stay aware of your surroundings or have a short conversation without removing the cans is also available.
The Bluetooth 5.0-equipped headphones maintained a stellar connection with an iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 while I tested them. Their call quality is also solid, just in case you need to interrupt your workout session to connect with someone.
COMFORT: 9/10
The Project Rock training headphones offer a comfy and secure fit, so you won’t have to worry about them falling off during your workouts. I did hundreds of jumping jacks, squats, and pushups with them on, and they never fell out of place once. Thanks to their thick, breathable ear pads and a flexible headband, the lightweight cans didn’t cause any pesky fatigue either.
You won’t find a set of workout-friendly wireless headphones with better button controls than the UA Project Rock. Their generously sized and well-placed buttons have exceptional tactility, making every interaction — from adjusting the volume to toggling between the noise cancellation modes — as seamless as it can be. I found the ability to change between Bionic Hearing (ambient control) and noise cancellation by pressing a button on the right ear cup to be particularly convenient.
Plus, pairing the headphones with Android phones is effortless, courtesy of Google’s Fast Pair tech. The companion app allows you to customize the function button on the left ear cup, which can change noise cancellation modes or activate your preferred virtual assistant.
DESIGN: 9/10
The UA Project Rock headphones have an unquestionably utilitarian — yet instantly recognizable — design, headlined by the Brahma bull logo on each ear cup. They are crafted from high-quality materials like metal, rubber, polycarbonate, and perforated fabric, whose varying textures will leave little doubt that you are wearing a set of premium cans.
As expected from a pair of sports headphones and earbuds, the UA Project Rock cans are sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating. Best of all, the ear cushions are easily removable and washable — a feature that's sure to come in handy after intense training sessions.
Even the headphones’ storage case is amazing. Adorned by the Project Rock logo, it has solid features like a sturdy zipper closure, a removable carabiner, and built-in vents to help them dry faster.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 9/10
The Project Rock headphones can deliver up to 45 hours of wireless playback between charges — almost triple the 16-hour maximum battery life of the previous iteration. Enabling noise cancellation will reduce their battery life to 35 hours — still an excellent feat that’s worthy of their price point.
Recharging the headphones takes place via a fast and futureproof USB-C connector in the left ear cup, neatly covered by a protective flap. You can get 2 hours’ worth of playback — enough for a good workout — after only 5 minutes of charging.
OVERALL: 9/10
The UA Project Rock over-ear training headphones by JBL are not only the best for hitting the gym, but thanks to the infinitely customizable sound, dependable noise cancellation, and long battery life, great for everyday use. I’d recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a do-everything pair of wireless headphones.
The headset’s retail package, in addition to a storage case, includes charging and standard audio cables, as well as a free year of UA MapMyFitness premium membership. The last-mentioned bit costs $30 on its own.
When it comes to alternatives, the adidas RPT-01 Sport headphones have a more compact on-ear design and a lower price tag. However, they lack noise cancellation, wired audio connectivity, and A-list Hollywood cachet, among other cool features. Their retail package also lacks a carrying case and a free fitness program subscription.
Shop UA Project Rock Wireless Headphones
