I'm overly hypervigilant after spending six years in the US Army AND having known peopel randomly attacked while on jogs, while walking around town, while getting into their cars. I need to be able to hear what's going on around me but also want great sound. My ears are small and traditional 'in-ear' devices never fit anyway. Lastly, I'm active and have long hair so anyting that can fall out, be pulled out easily is not for me, i.e Airpods. I love that I can wear hats, sun glasses, hoodies and the pearls stay in place. I haven't noticed any issue with charging time or length of charge because I store the pearls in the charging case when I'm not wearing them. These were an awesome buy!