Videos
Which Wireless Earbuds Have the Best Battery Life?
Battery life is a weakness in the wireless category. The best pairs can last up to 10 hours on a full charge, though the worst last only a few hours. This is why charging cases with internal batteries are critical to the equation.
That said, I don't see many runners carrying a charging case and docking earpieces for extra battery life on their long runs. But this is also because—again, ultra-marathoners, this excludes you—most of these battery life ratings are sufficient for runs. If you run a full marathon, your wireless in-ears can likely last most of, if not the entire race. If you run a half marathon, you almost certainly don't need to worry about running out of juice. Of course, the battery life depends heavily on volume levels, so one way to get a longer result is by listening at lower levels.
Which Wireless Earbuds Are Waterproof?
If you're going to wear wireless earphones for running or other types of exercise, some level of water resistance is vital. You can check how protected your earbuds are against the elements by looking at their IP rating, the standard that describes how well a device handles dust and water.
The last number in an IP rating indicates a device's water resistance; earphones with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating are safe even if you submerge them completely in water, for example. For handling sweat, a rating of at least IPX5 is generally sufficient. Earphones with an IPX4 rating can handle moisture, but you shouldn't rinse them off under a faucet.
The first number in an IP rating refers to dust resistance, but sometimes manufacturers don't officially certify products against dust. If a product has an IP rating that starts with IPX and then a number (e.g., IPX6), the device is technically rated only against water.
Most runners—except for, perhaps, ultra-marathoners doing desert runs—don't need to worry too much about dust protection ratings, but water and sweat resistance are crucial. Beware of manufacturers that claim a product is "waterproof" even if it has a low IP rating and can't withstand substantial water pressure.
Which Wireless Earphones Fit the Best?
Let's move on to something nearly all wireless headphones are good at—staying in place. Earpieces must be lightweight and notably larger than those for wired earphones. This larger contour typically rests against various areas of the ear for stability. Eartips that seal off the canal are also crucial for keeping the earpieces in place and ensuring solid ear-to-ear audio balance and bass depth. That's why models like Apple's AirPods don't make this list: They lack a secure in-ear fit.
Many sports-focused models include additional fit accessories like earfins or even bands that wrap around the earpiece to increase its width slightly. Nearly all the materials involved are some form of rubber or silicone, which aids the secure fit.
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
Running headphones are for people who prefer their jogging outside and thus need to be able to hear their surroundings to stay safe.
Choosing the best ones for your needs should let you zone out to your favorite playlist or podcast without bouncing around, cutting out, or getting in your way.
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
-
A design that allows some external noise to get in‚ which is of important for safety when running outside.
-
Sweat and water resistance is a must. so their warranties likely won’t cover moisture damage.
-
Comfort is always important, but If they fall out, chafe, or snag, you won’t want to use them.
-
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!
-
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
-
Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
-
Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
-
Apple AirPods Pro 2
-
Sony WF-SP800 Sports Wireless Earbuds
-
Sennheiser Momentum Sport Wireless Earbuds
-
JBL Reflect Aero TWS Earbuds
-
Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
I have JBLs that fall out all the time. Same with apple airpods. Looking into over the ear options. For running, i am thinking that 'open ear' is safer, esp bc i am running in the city. What ear buds do people like?