Running headphones. Whenever I am either running marathons or just around the town, I always like to play some music MP3s to help speed up the time and make my jogging a bit more enjoyable.
I have used several different sets of earphones when running and thought that this would be a great way to recommend some of the best for the money. My place of choice to buy them is Amazon just because it is quick and easy and they have amazing customer service. They also will deliver all over the USA, the UK and Canada.
Table of Contents
What Do I Look For In A Good Pair of Phones To Use While Running?
I have several different requirements that I would consider to be important when you want to choose the right set of sports stereo earphones. Here is what I mean:
- I like them small – this means that I prefer mainly earbuds because they are fairly sweatproof (who wants ear sweat?). I have fairly small ears too which I believe helps them to be more comfortable, especially for long-distance running.
- Compatible with lots of different devices – whether you have an Android like a Galaxy S4, iPhone, iPod Nano with Shuffle, or other mp3 player, it should work with it. Luckily, this is fairly standard and most, if not all, fit this.
- Cordless – I don’t like cables, especially when jogging!
- Durable – there are chances that I will be running in the rain, on a treadmill inside, or wherever else. I sometimes drop them, step on them and other horrible things happen at times. I like it when they survive my punishment!
- Great audio quality! Good bass especially – love to hear the loud deep tones!
- Noise-canceling – well, only for treadmill running. I think if you are out running in public, these might not be the best since you want to hear your surroundings too – just in case.
- Affordable – not necessarily cheap.
My Most Favorite Ever!
These “headphones” are set up to be like a headband – you wouldn’t even know that you are using headphones! They sound and work great and I love them!
Types:
I took some time and picked out some of my favorites of different models that have different features. Take a look at my picks below and click any of the pictures to read the reviews on them and learn more.
- In-Ear Earbuds:
- Closed Over Ear:
- Behind The Head / Neck:
- Ear Clip or Hook:
With a Microphone and Remove Volume Controls:
- Under $100:
- Under $50:
- Under $30:
- Under $20:
Out Top Picks
Top 8 Rated Headphones for Running
1. Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
Specs:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- NFC pairing
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
- Sweat and weather-resistant design
- Inline remote and microphone for phone calls and music control
- Available in three colors
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear mids and highs
- Comfortable and secure fit with the StayHear+ Sport tips
- Sweat and weather-resistant design makes them perfect for workouts and outdoor activities
- Easy-to-use controls for music and phone calls
- The quick charging feature provides an hour of playback time with just 15 minutes of charging
Cons:
- The neckband design may not be for everyone
- Only 6 hours of battery life may not be enough for some users
The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones are perfect for runners who want high-quality sound and a secure fit. These headphones are sweat and weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged during your run. They come with StayHear+ Sport tips that provide a comfortable and secure fit, and the earbuds are designed to stay in place even during intense workouts.
2. Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earbuds
- SECURE ACTIVE FIT – We scanned thousands of ears to create the best-fitting earbuds for a sport that we’ve ever created, with a special grip coating to make sure they stay in while you move; Plus, they’re sweat proof and waterproof with IP57-rated protection.Specific uses for product : Sports and Exercise
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: With these noise cancelling earbuds, you can filter out the world and focus on your music; Use the Jabra Sound plus App to activate ANC the first time you use it and enable toggling between ANC and Hear Through via your Earbud button
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 7.5 hours of battery life
- IP57-rated water and dust resistance
- HearThrough technology for ambient noise control
- Compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant
- Available in six colors
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with good bass and clear highs
- Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes to choose from
- IP57 rating makes them resistant to water and dust
- HearThrough technology allows you to control ambient noise levels
- Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant compatibility for hands-free operation
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- The charging case is bulkier compared to some other models
- Only 7.5 hours of battery life may not be enough for some users
The Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless earbuds are designed for runners who want a truly wireless experience. These earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also come with a customizable equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound according to your preferences.
3. Apple AirPods Pro
- Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
- Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 4.5 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled
- Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
- Sweat and water-resistant design
- Compatible with Siri
- Available in white
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
- Comfortable fit with customizable ear tips
- Sweat and water-resistant design
- Hands-free operation with Siri
- The quick charging feature provides an hour of playback time with just 5 minutes of charging
- Wireless charging case included
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other models
- Only 4.5 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled
The Apple AirPods Pro is perfect for runners who want premium sound quality and noise cancellation. These earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also come with three sizes of ear tips that provide a customizable fit.
4. Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones
- Totally wireless high-performance earphones
- Up to 9 hours of listening time (more than 24 hours with charging case)
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
- Sweat and water-resistant design
- Adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit
- Available in six colors
Pros:
- Powerful and bass-heavy sound quality
- Secure fit with adjustable ear hooks
- Sweat and water-resistant design makes them perfect for workouts and outdoor activities
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
- Hands-free operation with Siri and Google Assistant
- Available in a range of colors
Cons:
- The large size and weight of the earbuds may not be comfortable for everyone
- The charging case is quite large and bulky
The Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones are perfect for runners who want a comfortable and secure fit. These earphones have ear hooks that provide a secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also offer excellent sound quality and come with a charging case that provides up to 24 hours of battery life.
5. JBL Reflect Flow Wireless Earbuds
- TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS: Discover the freedom of true wireless earbuds for a life on the go. Workout, listen to music, and manage your calls using these wireless waterproof sport headphones with microphone.
- Product Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Ambient awareness and TalkThru modes for situational awareness
- Hands-free calling and voice assistant support
- Available in four colors
Pros:
- Powerful bass-heavy sound quality
- Secure and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes and wing sizes to choose from
- IPX7 waterproof rating makes them suitable for outdoor activities
- Ambient awareness and TalkThru modes allow you to hear your surroundings while listening to music
- Long battery life and quick charging feature
- Voice assistant support for hands-free operation
Cons:
- The earbuds may not be suitable for users who prefer a balanced sound
- The large size and weight of the earbuds may not be comfortable for everyone
The JBL Reflect Flow Wireless Earbuds are perfect for runners who want a comfortable and secure fit. These earbuds have a customizable fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also offer excellent sound quality and come with a charging case that provides up to 30 hours of battery life.
6. Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earbuds
- EARTHPROOF Fully waterproof crushproof dropproof and sweatproof IPX7 construction ensures Vista can withstand any workout running or weather conditions (Meets MIL-SPEC STD810G standards) Response Bandwidth 20Hz - 20kHz
- Product Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Customizable EQ with the Jaybird app
- Secure and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes and wing sizes to choose from
- Available in three colors
Pros:
- Good sound quality with customizable EQ settings
- Secure and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes and wing sizes to choose from
- IPX7 waterproof rating makes them suitable for outdoor activities
- Long battery life and quick charging feature
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- The earbuds may not be suitable for users who prefer a bass-heavy sound
- Limited battery life compared to some other models
The Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earbuds are perfect for runners who want a truly wireless experience. These earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also offer excellent sound quality and come with a charging case that provides up to 16 hours of battery life.
7. Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Sports Headphones
- Truly wireless earbuds with soft cushioned arc supporter
- Effective Range : Line of sight approx. 10 meters and Get deep in the zone with digital noise cancellation
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 9 hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned off
- IP55 sweat and splash-proof rating
- Active noise cancellation and ambient sound mode
- Touch controls for music playback and phone calls
- Available in four colors
Pros:
- Good sound quality with active noise cancellation and ambient sound mode
- Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes and wing sizes to choose from
- IP55 sweat and splash-proof rating makes them suitable for outdoor activities
- Long battery life and quick charging feature
- Touch controls for music playback and phone calls
Cons:
- The earbuds may not be suitable for users who prefer a bass-heavy sound
- The touch controls may take some time to get used to
The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Sports Headphones are perfect for runners who want premium sound quality and noise cancellation. These earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also come with a customizable equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound according to your preferences.
8. Aftershokz Aeropex
- Open-Ear Design - Patented bone conduction headphones deliver premium audio through the cheekbone. Unlike over ear headphones, Aeropex keeps you connected and aware of your surroundings.
- Lightweight & Comfortable - Experience unmatched comfort with our most lightweight and comfortable sport headset, featuring a bud-free, pain-free design for all-day listening.
Specs:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Bone conduction technology for situational awareness
- OpenFit design for comfort and stability
- Available in four colors
Pros:
- Good sound quality with bone conduction technology
- OpenFit design allows for a comfortable and stable fit
- IP67 waterproof rating makes them suitable for outdoor activities
- Long battery life and quick charging feature
- Bone conduction technology allows you to hear your surroundings while listening to music
Cons:
- The sound quality may not be as good as traditional earbuds
- The earbuds may not be suitable for users who prefer a bass-heavy sound
The Aftershokz Aeropex is a great choice for runners who want an open-ear design that allows them to be aware of their surroundings. These headphones have a comfortable and secure fit and are sweat and water-resistant. They also offer excellent sound quality and come with a charging case that provides up to 8 hours of battery life.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer wireless or wired headphones, noise cancellation, or open-ear design, there is a perfect pair of headphones for you on this list. So, go ahead and pick the one that suits your running needs the best.
FAQs
Can I use regular headphones for running?
Ans: While regular headphones may work for running, they may not provide a comfortable and secure fit or withstand sweat and water damage. It’s better to choose headphones specifically designed for running.
Are wireless headphones good for running?
Ans: Yes, wireless headphones are a great choice for running as they provide a tangle-free experience and can connect to your phone or device via Bluetooth.
How do I choose the right size ear tips for my headphones?
Ans: Most headphones come with different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Try each size and choose the one that provides the best fit and sound quality.
Are noise-canceling headphones good for running?
Ans: Noise-canceling headphones can provide a distraction-free workout experience but may not be safe for outdoor running as they block out surrounding sounds. It’s better to choose open-ear or noise-canceling headphones with a transparency mode.
How often should I replace my running headphones?
Ans: It’s recommended to replace your headphones every 1-2 years or when they start to show signs of wear and tear. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also prolong their lifespan.
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