Are these the headphones people recommend? I am currently using my AirPod pros but they start falling out towards the end of my long runs bc I’m sweaty lol I’m looking to try shokz but wanted to see if these are it?
Videos
Hello guys, in this post i'm going to present you the top five best running headphones available on the market. I made this list in our personal preference and sorted it based on their prices, quality, durability, and reputation of the manufacturers.
Let's go!
#1: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Even relatively unknown vendors can make it onto a best headphones for running and workouts review if they have a product capable of impressing sporty types. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones fall into this category, promoting best-in- category audio performance and powerhouse bone conduction technology. Now pushing 10th generation bone cheek mids and air-delivered bass through dual- driver speakers, a nuanced listening experience is promised.
The wraparound form factor felt a little awkward at first, but the narrow rear band rested comfortably on the back of our staffers scalp. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones task an air driver with the delivery of crunchy bass, leaving mids and highs to the care of the bone conduction driver. While different from other operating principles explored in this review, this novel approach really does work very well indeed, producing outstanding musical tones.
Gym audiophile insights –Rich audio reproduction was one thing , but what about their sweat absorbing talents?Not to worry, sweat-busting IP55 rated materials earned them a workout badge of honor. Call quality, letting the gym fade into the background while a call to remember the milk on the way home, was also crisp and detailed. Wind reduction microphones even kept voice whine to a minimum as our reviewer took a call while whizzing by on her bicycle.
Review concluded, we could see how these headphones have become a part of gym culture. There’s no in-ear pressure to contend with, no sweating into silicone tips while adjusting a rubberized seal that messes with traffic awareness, either. The air conduction and bone conduction drivers just gently hug the scalp, conducting sound through a listener’s cheek bones via that colorful unibody frame.
Connected by wireless Bluetooth 5. 3, the Shokz headphones can last a full 12 hours on a single charge. Granted , made bigger to accommodate the unibody enclosure, the included case is large and not exactly pocket-sized, but it does a fine job of cradling these devices when they’re not in use.
#2: Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
Still thinking about comfort, Beats Fit Pro earbuds showcase their comfort-fit wingtips. On testing, their secure grip locked tight but without hampering comfort. The experience while our reviewer was active was very pleasant. As for sound quality, the design engineers for Beats seem to have placed a great deal of emphasis on sports endurance, yet the earbuds still provided a remarkably crisp and balanced sound.
Active noise cancelling and a good transparency mode are both ably taken care of in the design as well. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to spot a workout buddy when he was calling for help on the bench press. But it was the IPX4 rating that brought most comfort, as did the sweat proof S/M/L tips included with the lozenge-shaped charging box. Tips are more important than ever here, working with the wingtip flexible fins to make sure the buds stay put.
Gym audiophile insights – The fins work well when engaged in jogs and bench presses, although a little effort was needed to get them to sit well in different ear profiles. We also enjoyed the spatial audio, which uses head tracking, a wonderful feature when pushing through on a tough leg of a jog. An Apple H1 processor is inside the earbuds, actively cancelling outside sound and channeling the 3D audio.
The multi-function buttons were also a joy to work with, triggering transparency mode or taking a call. By the way,two beamforming mics and a wind cancelling feature are in-built, keeping voice calls crystal clear, even if the athlete in question is fighting against a tough breeze.
With built-in voice assistant control and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, we instantly felt like giving the Beats Fit Pro earbuds a positive review. A 6 hour noise cancelling battery life, 18 hours when the case is pocketed, was also borderline satisfactory, as was iOS and android compatibility.
#3: Apple AirPods Pro 2
With IP54 splash and sweat resistance, AirPods Pro 2 earbuds aren’t quite waterproof, so we asked our tester not to shower with them after their sweaty workout session was over. They do, however, hit a performance sweet spot, making them ideal for indoor gym workouts and rainy jogs. Two big features hit hard at this point, and these were the powerful adaptive noise cancellation and user tailored spatial audio, creating an immersive music listening experience, no matter the activity.
Other than the under-thehood H2 processor boosting noise cancelling performance and 3D sound reproduction, we were smitten with the deep, booming bass, which arrived with crunch and low-frequency resonance thanks to the Apple engineered signature vented earbud design. Pressure equalization vents are a fine feature, one that exists to eliminate that ‘plugged ear’ feeling that can cause in-ear listener fatigue.
Gym audiophile insights – There’s a real depth and presence of acoustic warmth when music streams out of Apple AirPods. Better yet, the refreshed Pro 2 series scores big when it comes to processing lossless audio in real time. Going deeper into their glossy white bodies, 11mm drivers add a heavy thrum during a session on an elliptical machine, with Bluetooth delivered streams using reliable AAC and SBC audio codecs to get the distortionless best out of gym playlists. Also, as expected, touch controls on either earbud were incredibly intuitive.
For Apple-designed features, expect plenty of sensors and touch responsiveness. The transparency mode cleverly fades out a music stream, isolating voices while keeping loud machines silenced. Dolby Atmos is present, as added by supported audio services, and head tracked spatial audio works quite well, using head tracking sensors to adjust audio dynamics. The only issue we found of concern was the 5.5 hour battery life, but this is possibly due to a trade-off caused by the densely packed sensors and super-advanced H2 chip.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds don’t pull a punch when it comes to performance. Four pairs of silicone tips are included in the box, as is the MagSafe charging case. Call quality, tested during a tester’s jog down a busy main street, was also stellar, using dual beamforming mics to establish crisp conversations or ‘Hey Siri’ queries.
#4: Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
One of the best sets of athletic wearables on the market right now, no one was surprised to see Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless earbuds make the this list. Their consummate all round, on-the-go audio performance, delivering punchy bass and driving mids, made the grade alongside a whole smorgasbord of sport-ready features. From IP55 rated sweat and splash resistance to adaptive noise cancelling, Sony engineers have your workout covered.
Some of the fins and fittings used to secure earbuds can be a bit hit and miss. With the Sony WF- SP800 earbuds, we didn’t experience any questionable comfort concerns. The pliable arc supporters contoured to our reviewer’s ear, never scratching, never causing pain or pressure. A fast-paced run around our office complex while taking perfectly audible calls served as an initial test, then it was time to turn up the volume with some Skrillex produced dubstep.
Gym audiophile insights – The deep bass rumbles of Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, a Skrillex favorite, boomed from both dome-type 6mm speakers without distortion, working in tandem with adaptive noise cancelling to create a bubble of on-the-move dubstep. The environment adjusted to traffic and gym noise, muting all ambient sound with great gusto. What’s more, thanks to Bluetooth improvements, the audio was arriving independently, creating a stable connection between the source—an Android smartphone...and the L and R buds.
Speaking of, the touch controls on both buds were responsive. Playback and track control to the right, noise cancelling modes on the left, our tester could hold a conversation then slip back into his music playlist without any effort whatsoever. Tests of 360° audio and the ambient sound mode, even attempts to push low frequency responses higher on the Sound Connect App (iOS), we really put these headphones through the proverbial wringer.
With an extra-long 9 hour battery life, these buds kept right on performing. Finally, two sizes of hook-shaped arc supports are included alongside five sets of sized silicone tips and that all-important charging case.
#5: JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
This trial by combat review placed two of our reviewers in contention, each wearing a pair of JBL Reflect Aero TWS headphones. Black and blue variants were not available, so they decided on the last remaining colors, mint and white. Opting for two different music genres, R&B and hip hop, it was Drake VS Usher, winner takes all. First up on the test schedule was adaptive noise cancelling, as aided by four inbuilt microphones.
It was a slam dunk for noise cancellation, making gym goers look like silent movie actors. The addition of six beamforming mics, three on either earbud, further rammed home their tech credentials, backing ANC quality with superb voice call fidelity. Hip hop or R&B, Drake or Usher, they both faded away as incoming calls were received. By the way, not necessarily as a treat, we took our reviewers to the beach for the day, and the IP68 enclosures didn’t have any trouble with the water or sand.
Gym audiophile insights – Large 6.8mm drivers reproduced every Drake bass note and richly delivered Usher lyric with authenticity, widening the sound stage to make both artists seem as if they were on the beach with our sunbathing reviewers. Also, having the aptly labelled ‘powerfins’ stabilizing both earbuds, there was no scrambling to find one if it became dislodged after a beach run. Points awarded to both reviewers, they downloaded the JBL Headphones App, taking time during the commute to the beach to adjust the EQ and select their preferred voice assistant.
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint connectivity were the last two ingredients in a device package that rose to our test challenges in the most dynamic manner. After a smartphone had run out of juice for the day, still beached, we used multipoint to hook up a second device. Then it was into the warm water, because we just had to test their 5 feet waterproofing. Spoilers, they performed without issue, although a quick rinse was used to wash of salty deposits.
Battery life sits around 7 hours, 8 when ANC is turned OFF. Then, for different ears, three differently sized tips are securely packed inside the JBL Reflect Aero AWS (True Wireless Stereo) box. Adding stability to that comfort-designed fit, three sets of Powerfins, each sized according to ear size, are also included. The compact pill-shaped charging case adds 14 more hours of sound canceled listening convenience, perfect for those long workout sessions that really push stamina.
PS: Go and check them out if you are looking for a new pair of headphones So let us know in the comments what are your favorite running headphones!
Thanks!!
Posting this because for the last three months I have been looking for headphones for running and did some intense digging on reddit and other resources to make my choice and now I want to pay it forward with my honest opinion to hopefully help someone else looking.
These headphones seriously kick ass! They are the best thing you could buy for running. The bone conducting tech takes a minute to get used to because of the vibrations at higher volumes, BUT the comfortability is SO WORTH IT. They stay in place all day and don't hurt at all. The open headphone style mitigates the issue of internal ear pain like normal headphones after prolonged use. The sound quality is way better than I was anticipating being honest. Your audio will get drowned out much easier because the open ear design, but the tradeoff of being able to hear your surroundings is so worth it. I liked them so much for running I bought a second pair to wear while working in the construction field simply to be able to hear my surroundings better. I will go all day on half volume and can hear audiobooks/podcasts just fine. I really truly cannot express how nice they actually are. Although a little expensive compared to others, I promise you they are worth their weight in gold. I have no doubt you will make the switch and never go back to conventional earphones! The ones I chose are the Shokz Open Run Minis. (Apparently the "normal" size is pretty big, so I decided to get the minis and it was well worth it. The "normal" must be massive because I have a normal sized head and the minis fit perfectly. Just food for thought thought.)
This is the link to the mini's on amazon but they have a couple different options as well on their website I believe!
https://amzn.to/44qcnKT
I'm hunting a new pair of headphones for running. The ones i'm using now feela bit loose and like they are going to pop out. I prefer sound quality headphones that doesnt fall out while running.
I'm not too picky so recommend any options you're satisfied with and find it worth it.
Any replies would much appreciated.
Before looking at the list of the top options widely loved now, consider these key things:
Firstly, avoid any that have a 'super-bass' gimmick or additional ports to allow air venting. I have found that at velocity, the ensuing wind passing over the vents causes too much interference/whistling/whoosing
So then you think, ah ha, sealed in-ear ear buds? These are the best solution I've been happy with. However, be careful in traffic and public places, because the more you seal out external sounds, the more dangerous it becomes. It's the balance of tuning out the world around you to focus on your exercise, versus staying in touch with your surroundings for safety's sake.
Make sure that whichever pair you choose stay in your ear if you start to sweat or move around a lot, that they don't fall out.
For the running earbuds, sometimes the super-sealed off ones aren't so great, because the thud of the foot-to-pavement translates through the earbuds.
Be cognizant of the cord/wire. Some manufacturers out there have replaced the TPU coatings with woven fabric/nylon. The cord brushing against clothes (in the case of running / motion activity) sometimes can translate interference up through ear buds. That's super annoying.
If you are a beginner then a song with beats similar to your cadence can help in maintaining a proper rythem in running. Interesting songs may kill boredom which may come if you are running on a monotonous circular route.
Here are top 5 best RUNNING HEADPHONES on the market in my opinion.
Best RUNNING HEADPHONES To Buy Now
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
However, I ll caution you about few issues:
Hearing music by earphones on a busy road is a health hazard. You have risk of getting hit be the vehicles coming from behind. Those drivers would presume that you have heard the horn and would more to side, while, you will be oblivious of a fast approaching vehicle.
Risk of hearing loss is a real issue on prolonged headphone use, while running or otherwise.
If you are planning to be a serious runner and participate in races. Then you may have to learn to alter your candence in a controlled way. Now, if you play a song with a low tempo then it may naturally slow you down. There is a reason that none of the advance runners use headphone music. But you can find a lots of amateur runners doing so.
I’m on the hunt for headphones that are built for running—something that’ll stay put during intense movement, has good sweat resistance, and delivers solid sound without being bulky. My budget is around $150, and I’d prefer wireless (truly wireless if possible), with good battery life (at least 6 hours + a decent charging case), and either ambient mode so I can hear traffic or a solid balance of isolation and safety. Bonus: strong app controls and comfortable earpieces for longer runs. If you’ve been using a pair for months and still love them, what are you wearing? How’s the fit when sprinting or on bumpy trails, how’s sound clarity and bass while running, and was there anything that annoyed you (slipping, reconnecting, glaring battery indicator)?
Appreciate the insights!
What do you find are the best headphones for running with? I’ve only ever used AirPods and they aren’t great in rain etc
There are so many amazing headphones out there, so which ones do you use for your daily running? Here are some of my honest reviews of the best headphones available today.
#1: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Even relatively unknown vendors can make it onto a best headphones for running and workouts review if they have a product capable of impressing sporty types. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones fall into this category, promoting best-in- category audio performance and powerhouse bone conduction technology. Now pushing 10th generation bone cheek mids and air-delivered bass through dual- driver speakers, a nuanced listening experience is promised.
The wraparound form factor felt a little awkward at first, but the narrow rear band rested comfortably on the back of our staffers scalp. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones task an air driver with the delivery of crunchy bass, leaving mids and highs to the care of the bone conduction driver. While different from other operating principles explored in this review, this novel approach really does work very well indeed, producing outstanding musical tones.
Gym audiophile insights –Rich audio reproduction was one thing , but what about their sweat absorbing talents?Not to worry, sweat-busting IP55 rated materials earned them a workout badge of honor. Call quality, letting the gym fade into the background while a call to remember the milk on the way home, was also crisp and detailed. Wind reduction microphones even kept voice whine to a minimum as our reviewer took a call while whizzing by on her bicycle.
Review concluded, we could see how these headphones have become a part of gym culture. There’s no in-ear pressure to contend with, no sweating into silicone tips while adjusting a rubberized seal that messes with traffic awareness, either. The air conduction and bone conduction drivers just gently hug the scalp, conducting sound through a listener’s cheek bones via that colorful unibody frame.
Connected by wireless Bluetooth 5. 3, the Shokz headphones can last a full 12 hours on a single charge. Granted , made bigger to accommodate the unibody enclosure, the included case is large and not exactly pocket-sized, but it does a fine job of cradling these devices when they’re not in use.
#2: Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
Still thinking about comfort, Beats Fit Pro earbuds showcase their comfort-fit wingtips. On testing, their secure grip locked tight but without hampering comfort. The experience while our reviewer was active was very pleasant. As for sound quality, the design engineers for Beats seem to have placed a great deal of emphasis on sports endurance, yet the earbuds still provided a remarkably crisp and balanced sound.
Active noise cancelling and a good transparency mode are both ably taken care of in the design as well. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to spot a workout buddy when he was calling for help on the bench press. But it was the IPX4 rating that brought most comfort, as did the sweat proof S/M/L tips included with the lozenge-shaped charging box. Tips are more important than ever here, working with the wingtip flexible fins to make sure the buds stay put.
Gym audiophile insights – The fins work well when engaged in jogs and bench presses, although a little effort was needed to get them to sit well in different ear profiles. We also enjoyed the spatial audio, which uses head tracking, a wonderful feature when pushing through on a tough leg of a jog. An Apple H1 processor is inside the earbuds, actively cancelling outside sound and channeling the 3D audio.
The multi-function buttons were also a joy to work with, triggering transparency mode or taking a call. By the way,two beamforming mics and a wind cancelling feature are in-built, keeping voice calls crystal clear, even if the athlete in question is fighting against a tough breeze.
With built-in voice assistant control and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, we instantly felt like giving the Beats Fit Pro earbuds a positive review. A 6 hour noise cancelling battery life, 18 hours when the case is pocketed, was also borderline satisfactory, as was iOS and android compatibility.
#3: Apple AirPods Pro 2
With IP54 splash and sweat resistance, AirPods Pro 2 earbuds aren’t quite waterproof, so we asked our tester not to shower with them after their sweaty workout session was over. They do, however, hit a performance sweet spot, making them ideal for indoor gym workouts and rainy jogs. Two big features hit hard at this point, and these were the powerful adaptive noise cancellation and user tailored spatial audio, creating an immersive music listening experience, no matter the activity.
Other than the under-thehood H2 processor boosting noise cancelling performance and 3D sound reproduction, we were smitten with the deep, booming bass, which arrived with crunch and low-frequency resonance thanks to the Apple engineered signature vented earbud design. Pressure equalization vents are a fine feature, one that exists to eliminate that ‘plugged ear’ feeling that can cause in-ear listener fatigue.
Gym audiophile insights – There’s a real depth and presence of acoustic warmth when music streams out of Apple AirPods. Better yet, the refreshed Pro 2 series scores big when it comes to processing lossless audio in real time. Going deeper into their glossy white bodies, 11mm drivers add a heavy thrum during a session on an elliptical machine, with Bluetooth delivered streams using reliable AAC and SBC audio codecs to get the distortionless best out of gym playlists. Also, as expected, touch controls on either earbud were incredibly intuitive.
For Apple-designed features, expect plenty of sensors and touch responsiveness. The transparency mode cleverly fades out a music stream, isolating voices while keeping loud machines silenced. Dolby Atmos is present, as added by supported audio services, and head tracked spatial audio works quite well, using head tracking sensors to adjust audio dynamics. The only issue we found of concern was the 5.5 hour battery life, but this is possibly due to a trade-off caused by the densely packed sensors and super-advanced H2 chip.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds don’t pull a punch when it comes to performance. Four pairs of silicone tips are included in the box, as is the MagSafe charging case. Call quality, tested during a tester’s jog down a busy main street, was also stellar, using dual beamforming mics to establish crisp conversations or ‘Hey Siri’ queries.
#4: Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
One of the best sets of athletic wearables on the market right now, no one was surprised to see Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless earbuds make the this list. Their consummate all round, on-the-go audio performance, delivering punchy bass and driving mids, made the grade alongside a whole smorgasbord of sport-ready features. From IP55 rated sweat and splash resistance to adaptive noise cancelling, Sony engineers have your workout covered.
Some of the fins and fittings used to secure earbuds can be a bit hit and miss. With the Sony WF- SP800 earbuds, we didn’t experience any questionable comfort concerns. The pliable arc supporters contoured to our reviewer’s ear, never scratching, never causing pain or pressure. A fast-paced run around our office complex while taking perfectly audible calls served as an initial test, then it was time to turn up the volume with some Skrillex produced dubstep.
Gym audiophile insights – The deep bass rumbles of Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, a Skrillex favorite, boomed from both dome-type 6mm speakers without distortion, working in tandem with adaptive noise cancelling to create a bubble of on-the-move dubstep. The environment adjusted to traffic and gym noise, muting all ambient sound with great gusto. What’s more, thanks to Bluetooth improvements, the audio was arriving independently, creating a stable connection between the source—an Android smartphone...and the L and R buds.
Speaking of, the touch controls on both buds were responsive. Playback and track control to the right, noise cancelling modes on the left, our tester could hold a conversation then slip back into his music playlist without any effort whatsoever. Tests of 360° audio and the ambient sound mode, even attempts to push low frequency responses higher on the Sound Connect App (iOS), we really put these headphones through the proverbial wringer.
With an extra-long 9 hour battery life, these buds kept right on performing. Finally, two sizes of hook-shaped arc supports are included alongside five sets of sized silicone tips and that all-important charging case.
#5: JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
This trial by combat review placed two of our reviewers in contention, each wearing a pair of JBL Reflect Aero TWS headphones. Black and blue variants were not available, so they decided on the last remaining colors, mint and white. Opting for two different music genres, R&B and hip hop, it was Drake VS Usher, winner takes all. First up on the test schedule was adaptive noise cancelling, as aided by four inbuilt microphones.
It was a slam dunk for noise cancellation, making gym goers look like silent movie actors. The addition of six beamforming mics, three on either earbud, further rammed home their tech credentials, backing ANC quality with superb voice call fidelity. Hip hop or R&B, Drake or Usher, they both faded away as incoming calls were received. By the way, not necessarily as a treat, we took our reviewers to the beach for the day, and the IP68 enclosures didn’t have any trouble with the water or sand.
Gym audiophile insights – Large 6.8mm drivers reproduced every Drake bass note and richly delivered Usher lyric with authenticity, widening the sound stage to make both artists seem as if they were on the beach with our sunbathing reviewers. Also, having the aptly labelled ‘powerfins’ stabilizing both earbuds, there was no scrambling to find one if it became dislodged after a beach run. Points awarded to both reviewers, they downloaded the JBL Headphones App, taking time during the commute to the beach to adjust the EQ and select their preferred voice assistant.
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint connectivity were the last two ingredients in a device package that rose to our test challenges in the most dynamic manner. After a smartphone had run out of juice for the day, still beached, we used multipoint to hook up a second device. Then it was into the warm water, because we just had to test their 5 feet waterproofing. Spoilers, they performed without issue, although a quick rinse was used to wash of salty deposits.
Battery life sits around 7 hours, 8 when ANC is turned OFF. Then, for different ears, three differently sized tips are securely packed inside the JBL Reflect Aero AWS (True Wireless Stereo) box. Adding stability to that comfort-designed fit, three sets of Powerfins, each sized according to ear size, are also included. The compact pill-shaped charging case adds 14 more hours of sound canceled listening convenience, perfect for those long workout sessions that really push stamina.
PS: Go and check them out if you are looking for a new pair of headphones So let us know in the comments what are your favorite running headphones!
Thanks!!
Subject sorta says it. Shokz really the best option for also being able to hear the world? I have AirPods Pro and even with transparency mode, don’t feel like I hear the streets well. I currently run with just one of them in to keep the other ear open, but I don’t love that.
For headphones, price is never an object. After shoes, they’re the most important thing for me as a runner.
I've searched the sub and don't see anything recent on this topic, so I hope this post is okay.
I'm aware that the Shokz Openrun pro is the best pure running earphones but I need something that's a bit more all round. Details below.
Been using the Jabra elite active 75 for the last 3.5 years but the right side earbud no longer produces sound. These earbuds were generally awesome, except for massively amplified wind noise on hearthrough mode. I looked at the latest model (elite active 8) and while it looks great, I want to know what else is out there.
I travel a lot, so something that's comfortable on short flights with ANC is preferred. Especially if I can also use it for virtual meetings and calls. Small form factor case makes it convenient in laptop bag, rather than my full size headset.
My gym is super loud, so open profile or bone conduction headphones are a problem since I often can't hear my own music over gym noise
I'd like hearthrough/environment sounds so that I can hear cars when running on the roads, but without the massively amplified wind noise.
ETA: I don't have an iPhone
Hey everyone! Looking into buying a pair of Shokz headphones and was wondering what version to get? I know some people hate them but I have bone conduction hearing loss so I figured these would work better for my circumstance than AirPods or in the ear headphones. Thanks :)
Hello all! This is my first post here and my first time on the sub, so I apologize for any posting rules/regulations not being followed.
As I said in the title, I just bought some BCH's for the first time and was wondering what the community has to say about them?
My first impression is that they're nice, light-weight, and yet secure. I bought these with the intention of using them for running/fitness activities mostly. They seem to offer great balance between music and being aware of your surroundings. They don't seem to be too loud, and it's a bit hard to pick up in noisy environments.
One of my questions for the community, specifically anyone else who owns BCH's, is what music sounds best to y'all through them? They don't seem to be terribly effective for the bass side of a song, but middle and trebble sound good enough.
Running headphones are for people who prefer their jogging outside and thus need to be able to hear their surroundings to stay safe.
A Lexicon of Listening Language for Active Listeners
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are going to be important. Ingress Protection is directly related to how well or poorly headphones work when impacted by sweat or rain, after all.
Other terms to familiarize yourself with would be ‘wingtips’ and noise cancelling technology. For the tips, allowances are made to the physical design so that they’ll stay put, no matter the workout or the user’s ear shape. Noise cancelling is self-explanatory, with the devices muting ambient sounds so runners and gym rats can stay focused on their fitness playlist, not the sounds of traffic or your gym buddy’s grunting.
Activity-specific material durability is arguably an even greater headache when shopping for sports oriented gear; no one wants a material that’ll crumble after being exposed to salty perspiration for hours on end. Battery life, Bluetooth stability and reliability, all of these factors and more need to line up and be accounted for when researching the best headphones for running and workouts.
Key Points You Need To Know Before Buying
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A design that allows some external noise to get in‚ which is of important for safety when running outside.
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Sweat and water resistance is a must. so their warranties likely won’t cover moisture damage.
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Comfort is always important, but If they fall out, chafe, or snag, you won’t want to use them.
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Ease of use matters more than anything. You don’t want to have to stop to skip a track or adjust the volume.
Top 8 Best Running Headphones/Earbuds To Buy Right Now!
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
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Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
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Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
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Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
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Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
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JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
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Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
Scores of Hi-Fi listeners, especially those with prestige-earning iPhones, are going to pick AirPods. And why not? They have great spatial audio and superb adaptive noise cancellation technology, too. Consider JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds, assuming you’re going to be in a shower after your workout and want uninterrupted listening. We’ve referred to the IP (Ingress Protection) standard when reviewing most of these headphones, so do know what these numbers mean. A click over to this link will help you out. Basically, the higher the number, the better.
For every top-notch adaptive noise cancelling mode, adjusting audio dynamics on-the-fly as you enter different environments, there’s a similarly advanced transparency mode to learn about. At the most basic level, this mode restores all ambient sound, returning the sound of a busy gym or outdoor traffic. Other models, equipped with advanced algorithms and AI features, pull out voices, leaving loud machinery and traffic muted.
Battery life is the other important feature no one can afford to ignore. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 has a lower lifespan, the Bose set, at 8.5 hours, is firmly in the middle, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds keep right on working for 12 whole hours.
The above figures assume you’re using ANC, which is as it should be. No one wants to hear the grunts and groans of a nearby fitness enthusiast when they’re caught up in their exercise routine, right? Without active noise cancelling turned on, these best headphones for running and working out activities automatically gain a lifespan boost, streaming rich, audiophile grade music through their wingtip stabilized forms, straight into your ear for several extra hours.
Blocking out packed gym grunts or cranking up the tunes on a jog, these headphones all let you focus on your workout—no distractions, just comfort-fit, high-quality listening on-the-go.
If you've found this buying guide useful, please drop us 1 upvote and comments below. Thanks so much for your interest!
Goodluck!
To boost motivation and excitement during workouts, many people turn to music as the perfect companion. Choosing a high-quality pair of sports headphones allows you to enjoy your music while maintaining peak performance.
Most of the best headphones for running available are dedicated pairs of lightweight, comfortable headphones that will sit securely on your head while you're running.
Our top priorities are comfort, fit, battery life, and weight. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sound quality every model we’ve tested offers all of this while still delivering great audio.
Best running headphones widely loved by most runners today
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds - The G.O.A.T
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Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
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Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
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Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
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Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
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Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
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JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
Hi-Fi listeners, especially iPhone users, often choose AirPods for their spatial audio and adaptive noise cancellation. But if you want to listen through post-workout showers, consider the JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds. IP ratings matter – the higher the number, the better the protection against water and dust.
Adaptive noise cancelling adjusts to environments, while transparency modes restore ambient sound or filter voices, muting background noise.
Battery life is key. AirPods Pro 2 offer less playtime, Bose earbuds last 8.5 hours, and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 hit 12 hours. ANC reduces lifespan, but turning it off extends playback, delivering high-quality audio during workouts.
Whether blocking gym noise or fueling a run, these headphones keep you focused – distraction-free, comfortable, and immersed in sound.
Running headphones are for people who prefer their jogging outside and thus need to be able to hear their surroundings to stay safe.
The best headphones for running can do a whole lot more than simply play music. Of course, that’s not to understate the motivational value of having a workout playlist blasting as you push yourself through a tough run — all the headphones and earbuds on this list will help you with that, no problem.
To be a truly great pair of running headphones, though, requires more of a specific fitness focus. That can mean a canny design that will stay firmly in your ears even as you jog along, or IP-rated protection against water and sweat. Of all the headphones we’ve tested extensively, then, these are the models best suited for hitting the pavement: The best running headphones overall!
Top 7 Best Headphones for Running – Our Top Recommendations Today!
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
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Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
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Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
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Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
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JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
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Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
Scores of Hi-Fi listeners, especially those with prestige-earning iPhones, are going to pick AirPods. And why not? They have great spatial audio and superb adaptive noise cancellation technology, too. Consider JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds, assuming you’re going to be in a shower after your workout and want uninterrupted listening. We’ve referred to the IP (Ingress Protection) standard when reviewing most of these headphones, so do know what these numbers mean. Basically, the higher the number, the better.
For every top-notch adaptive noise cancelling mode, adjusting audio dynamics on-the-fly as you enter different environments, there’s a similarly advanced transparency mode to learn about. At the most basic level, this mode restores all ambient sound, returning the sound of a busy gym or outdoor traffic. Other models, equipped with advanced algorithms and AI features, pull out voices, leaving loud machinery and traffic muted.
Battery life is the other important feature no one can afford to ignore. The AirPods Pro 2 have a lower lifespan, the Bose set, at 8.5 hours, is firmly in the middle, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earbuds keep right on working for 12 whole hours.
The above figures assume you’re using ANC, which is as it should be. No one wants to hear the grunts and groans of a nearby fitness enthusiast when they’re caught up in their exercise routine, right? Without active noise cancelling turned on, these best headphones for running and working out activities automatically gain a lifespan boost, streaming rich, audiophile grade music through their wingtip stabilized forms, straight into your ear for several extra hours.
Blocking out packed gym grunts or cranking up the tunes on a jog, these headphones all let you focus on your workout—no distractions, just comfort-fit, high-quality listening on-the-go.
Hi all!
I am looking for a replacement for my Bose Soundsport. I saw that aftershockz could be an option, but i have no idea which model would be good for me? No special requirements from my side...
Those who use aftershockz - would you buy them again? Are there good bone-conduction alternatives?
Thanks for your help!!
Edit: thanks to all for your experiences you shared with me! The amount of messages and suggestions was overwhelming! 👏 I decided to order an OpenRun today. You really helped me a lot, this is a great sub! I hope somewhen i can share my experiences as well 😊👍
I use aftershokz aeropex. I love that the open ear allows me to maintain situational awareness during runs. Feels like music playing in the background rather than blocking everything else out.
The waterproofing helps with sweat, plus I love to run in the rain.
The minus is that you lose some sound fidelity in the highs and lows. Probably makes a difference for real audiophiles, but the sound quality is good enough for me.
I will be buying a new pair of these if/when they wear out. No hesitation.
I have the Aeropex model. Definitely not the best sound quality for music, but I mostly listen to books or podcasts when I run. I would 100% buy again. My wife and father both now have a pair after trying mine. They’re a game changer for sure.
I'm going to give you some advice when shopping and present you the top 7 best running headphones available on the market. I made this list in our personal preference and sorted it based on their prices, quality, durability, and reputation of the manufacturers.
Before looking at the list, remember these:
Firstly, avoid any that have a 'super-bass' gimmick or additional ports to allow air venting. I have found that at velocity, the ensuing wind passing over the vents causes too much interference/whistling/whoosing
So then you think, ah ha, sealed in-ear ear buds? These are the best solution I've been happy with. However, be careful in traffic and public places, because the more you seal out external sounds, the more dangerous it becomes. It's the balance of tuning out the world around you to focus on your exercise, versus staying in touch with your surroundings for safety's sake.
Make sure that whichever pair you choose stay in your ear if you start to sweat or move around a lot, that they don't fall out.
For the running earbuds, sometimes the super-sealed off ones aren't so great, because the thud of the foot-to-pavement translates through the earbuds.
Be cognizant of the cord/wire. Some manufacturers out there have replaced the TPU coatings with woven fabric/nylon. The cord brushing against clothes (in the case of running / motion activity) sometimes can translate interference up through ear buds. That's super annoying.
If you are a beginner then a song with beats similar to your cadence can help in maintaining a proper rythem in running. Interesting songs may kill boredom which may come if you are running on a monotonous circular route.
However, I ll caution you about few issues:
Hearing music by earphones on a busy road is a health hazard. You have risk of getting hit be the vehicles coming from behind. Those drivers would presume that you have heard the horn and would more to side, while, you will be oblivious of a fast approaching vehicle.
Risk of hearing loss is a real issue on prolonged headphone use, while running or otherwise.
If you are planning to be a serious runner and participate in races. Then you may have to learn to alter your candence in a controlled way. Now, if you play a song with a low tempo then it may naturally slow you down. There is a reason that none of the advance runners use headphone music. But you can find a lots of amateur runners doing so.
Here are top 8 best RUNNING HEADPHONES on the market in my opinion.
Best RUNNING HEADPHONES currently loved by Runners
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
I’m currently using beats fitness headphones but I’m not enjoying how much my ears hurt after long runs. The shokz bone conduction headphones are on sale at a local running store.
Would anybody recommend these?