Audio Technica ATH-CKP500 SonicSport (Black)

When you think of Audio-Technica headphones, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn't an in-ear sports model. Rather, the company is much better known for its full-size over-the-ear models, including the popular ATH-M50.

So it comes as a little bit of a surprise that with the waterproof ATH-CKP500 SonicSport, Audio-Technica has made a very good sounding -- and good fitting -- in-ear headphone that's sporty but also works just fine as a day-to-day earphone. I wish it had a in-line remote with a microphone for cell-phone calls, but otherwise I didn't find too much not to like about it.

Design and features
While it has an all-plastic design, the ATH-CKP500 -- available in black, red, white, and blue -- seems sturdily built and is certified as an IPX5 waterproof headphone. That means it can withstand a good dousing with a sustained "low-pressure" spray, but it can't hang out underwater too long (so, no, you can't take it swimming). That said, you can rinse it clean, and it's certainly sweat-resistant.

The ATH-CKP500s come in four different colors (black shown).

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

What I liked about it was the fit. Like with some competing sports models, you get a few different sets of "wings" (Audio-Technica refers to them as C-shaped eartips) that are designed to "nestle" inside the inner rim of your ear and create a secure fit. Monster's sports earphones have a similar design but I found the ATH-CKP500 slightly more comfortable.

Along with the typical silicone eartips, you also get three sets of ridged eartips that allow some sound to filter in from the outside world. This can be important for runners and bikers who want to be able to hear oncoming traffic. Without a tight seal, you do lose a little bass, but that's something some people can live with in exchange for a bit of extra safety.

The 'C-shaped' eartips along with the ridged eartips that allow some sound in for safety reasons.

The cord has a couple of design traits worth highlighting. For starters, the cable running to the right earpiece is longer than the one running to the left earpiece. This is called an "asymmetrical" cable and the reason for it is so that you can wear the cord behind your neck (the longer right cord wraps around the back of your neck).

Secondly, the base cord is relatively short and is designed for use with armbands. A 2-foot extension cable is included to add more length if you you keep your device in a pant pocket or clipped onto your belt.

As far as extra features go, the one big omission is an inline remote/microphone for making cell-phone calls. Audio Technica's $99.95 ATH-CP700BK offers this feature, but that model's design is quite different.

Also, no carrying case is included.