Site icon Oregon Half & Full Marathon Series

Best Running Headphones For Outdoors and Indoors 2023

Table of Contents

Toggle

Best Headphones For Running Outdoors and Indoors:

Music can be an effective tool that applies to runners of all levels and conditions during a run. A good beat can be a huge help in times of struggle. Keep one foot ahead of the other during training or in a race.

A pair of running headphones could make or break your run. If they’re flimsy, uncomfortable, don’t fit, or cannot keep up with your demands before breaking a sweat, they could make your stress levels go up and cause your run to come to a sudden slow, angry halt.

However, if you get them right, they’ll be equipped to give you the beats and feedback you need to propel your running and serve as a vital tool to keep you motivated.

Our current top pick for the best running headphones includes the Jabra Active 75t. The set of wireless earbuds is extremely lightweight, and, despite its absence of ear hooks or wingtips, it manages to keep the sturdiness and reliability of its fit.

You can also add a long-lasting battery, high-quality audio, and waterproofing to the max, and you will be a reliable companion on any adventure.

Best Wireless Headphones For Running:

1. Jabra Elite Active 75t – Best For Marathon

The sound is great, the design is sleek, compact, and stylish, and it is a great headset for ears generally However, there’s more to make it a perfect pair of headphones for running.

The first thing to consider comes the design: It’s rare to find genuine wireless earbuds without wings or ear hooks that can remain with such a secure fit in the ear.

There’s also the weatherproofing that has an IP57 rating. This is sufficient to fully protect against dust and even complete submersion into shallow water.

A little sweat or rain, in this case, is not a danger. Battery life is better than AirPods Pro, and Jabra’s buds also offer ANC at a lower price.

2. Powerbeats Pro Earphones Amazon

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that can be easily connected to all of your Apple devices. Check out the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless.

Although they’re not like those of the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless, they have the H1 chipset that lets you seamlessly pair with devices such as your iPhone.

They feature an ear hook design that ensures they don’t move around when you’re running. They’re also certified IPX4 to protect you from rain splashes.

Their balanced sound profile will ensure that the vocals and instruments of the lead are clear and precise, even though they do not have options for sound customization that let you customize them to your preference.

They can playback continuously for a time of about 11 hours. The carrying case can hold around one additional charge if you require it. However, you might not fit the hooks on your ears if wearing glasses.

3. Bose Soundsport Wireless In Ear Earphones With Mic Aqua

These are among the most powerful, best-sounding, and reliable headphones for running you can find at this price.

They’re not a wireless pair since they come with a unidirectional cable connecting the two buds to one they’re respective. However, each earbud’s hooks that hold them in place make them more likely not to be lost.

The remote that comes with it will not weigh you down because it’s very light. It also has a benefit over a wireless pair.

If you’re looking for performance, they’re capable of the job with their sweat-proof and IPX4 splashproof. They’re not designed to be submerged in water; however, it’s a breeze if you want to run in the rain.

NFC can be used to allow one-touch pairing with mobile devices, and the earbuds have strong, loud bass that could make you run a bit quicker.

The battery’s life could be as short as six hours, but most people can use it for a few miles or circuits. If you can beat them, you’re due an award.

4. Shokz Openrun Pro For Running And Workouts

Shokz is the largest brand in bone conduction headphones, and OpenRun Pro is its best set. They were released in the early 2021s; they come with new bass transducers that offer a rich, full sound. There is no need to decide between an open-ear design or premium audio. The OpenRun Pro gives you both.

The overall style is like the original OpenRun featuring a lightweight and springy titanium band that holds the earpieces of the headphones comfortably but securely. Regardless of the weather, they are firmly held and will never rub or pinch.

There are a few tiny differences. Shokz has relocated the charging port to make it accessible, and the volume buttons are slightly bigger, making it easier to use them while you’re wearing the buttons.

The bass can result in a mild twitching sensation when listening to particular heavy tracks, but it was not enough to make it unsettling during our testing.

They are among the top bone conduction headphones on the market and, for us, the most comfortable running headphones too.

5. Jaybird Vista 2 Earthproof Wireless Headphones

The durability and durability of Jaybird Vista 2 buds is one of the main reasons for their appeal. However, they also have a strong claim as the best all-around headphones for running.

However, Jaybird insists on highlighting the “earth proof” design, so we’ll start with this. In addition to being IP68 rating, which makes the case dustproof and waterproof, they’re also strong enough to stand up to being stomped on.

In addition, the case is IP54 certified, which means it won’t crack if you keep it in the sweaty belt of a running shoe or backpack for the entire day.

Apart from their rugged appearance and rugged design, these Jaybird Vista 2 buds have numerous other impressive features.

These include superb sound quality, ANC, an awareness mode, and an excellent fit, thanks to the Jaybird’s “eargels” combining in-ear tips with wings to give you added security.

Its battery lifespan is adequate at 8 hours on the earbuds and sixteen in the case. However, you can expect these numbers to go down if you decide to use the ANC.

Best Bluetooth Headphones For Running

1. Aftershokz Aeropex Wireless Headphones

It’s not much more secure for cyclists and runners than wearing bone-conducting headphones like those from Aftershokz Aeropex.

If you’ve not previously tried bone-conducting headphones, the devices wrap through the ear and vibrate the cheekbones to produce sound and leave your ears unprotected.

To explain the result, the music you listen to with The Aftershokz Aeropex is like playing music in the background using speakers. In essence, you’ll be able to enjoy music without losing spatial perception.

Let’s look at the figures and see: The Aftershokz Aeropex weighs 30 percent smaller and 13 percent heavier than the previous model and weighs just 26 grams. Its battery life can last up to 8 hours, with a charge time (from 0-100%) of 2 hours.

The Bluetooth headphones come with 10 meters of range (or 33 feet) and have an IP67 water rating. This means that the Aftershokz Aeropex headphones are completely sweat-proof and water-proof. The headphones even have an alert for moisture to inform you if the headphones are not dry enough to be charged.

In terms of audio clarity, I am amazed by how it was clear that the Aftershokz Aeropex sound. It is likely because of its PremiumPitch 2.0+ Technology coupled with angled transducers which “ensure optimal placement on the cheekbones, delivering deeper bass, less vibration, and louder volume”. This is it.

However, once the levels of sound rise around you, it will rapidly surpass that of the Aeropex regardless of volume. It could be louder than earlier models, but it’s not loud enough to completely shut out the world outside.

However, it was never designed for this purpose; however, you won’t be able to hear anything on the tube.

If you’re a safety concerned runner or cyclist and love listening to music while you exercise, you’ll be awed by Aftershokz Aeropex.

2. Bose Sport True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Bose’s latest Sport Earbuds launched in late 2020. They are slimmer and more elegant versions of the previous SoundSport Free earbuds. Each earbud can last an average of five hours battery time.

It also comes, and a charging case can last up to 10 hours. They’re available in three shades: Triple Black, Baltic Blue, and Glacier White.

3. Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

With a commitment to a year-long update of the popular mid-range model, Jaybird X4 outdo the earlier Jaybird X2 and Jaybird X3 wireless Bluetooth headphones, which come with upgraded IPX7 water resistance.

If you’re sweating buckets of sweat or pounding in the rain, the X4 will be equipped to handle the conditions.

The Jaybird X4 running headphones also sound amazing. The excellent Jaybird app offers simple EQ adjustments and the capability to design your custom sound profiles, with different ear tip dimensions to boot.

It’s a great option for runners who don’t wish to sacrifice sound quality – or be concerned about the weather.

4. Aftershokz Trekz Air Bluetooth Headphones

If you’re not looking to pay a premium price for their OpenRun running headphones, the Shokz Trekz Air offers many of the same features and audio quality but for a much lower cost.

Although they aren’t as light or compact in terms of appearance, they’re not as compact or light in terms of their design; the Trekz Air does come with an IP55 rating, making them suitable for sweaty workouts.

Their signature aluminum frame that wraps around the Trekz Air weighs 30g and is evenly distributed so that they’re comfortable and stay put.

Connecting to devices via Bluetooth and running headphones have controls for adjusting the volume and a mute button to make it fast and simple to cut music in noisy environments or when you want to engage in conversation.

The sound quality is as excellent as the ones you’ll find in bone conduction headphones, but they’ll be unable to amplify in louder environments.

When you turn up the volume to full, there’s a chance that you’ll feel a little of the tingling sensation that’s associated with bone conduction, which is why they are recommended for use at moderate volume.

With up to six hours of battery life, The Trekz Air also comes with an instant-charge feature that can provide one hour of listening in only fifteen minutes after charging.

5. Earfun Air True Wireless Earbuds

The little-known Hong Kong audio company doesn’t have many products on its shelves. However, it has done things that larger brands haven’t and come up with an affordable pair of running headphones worth the money.

The Earfun Air gives a very enjoyable listening experience, but they’re also feature-packed. Although you don’t get active noise cancellation for this cost, the noise cancellation of these comfy-fitting earphones can do well at the same task.

They’re water-resistant up to IPX7 standards (1m submersible for 30 minutes). They also have voice assistance and allow Qi wireless charging.

The call handling is quick and clear. Also, the battery life is an impressive 35 hours when you use the charging case. Amazingly, it all feels luxurious too.

Bluetooth 5.0 is a great connection. Bluetooth 5.0 connection will not let us down. Even though the sound quality isn’t up to par with headphones that cost twice the cost, they give you lively, grippy listening and a great perception of space.

If you’re looking for a low-cost option that will sound great during your commute, the Earfun Air buds could be your ideal choice.

Best Over Ear Headphones For Running

1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

If you have the money to invest in top-of-the-line headphones, they’re the top headphones you can purchase. The sound quality is unbeatable, and they can cushion your ears with ease.

They can block out noise to allow you to enjoy your music fully. There are ten different levels of sound. It’s simple to change your three favorite songs by pressing the button on the earcup, and pressing the button for a long time pauses music, allowing any outside noise to be heard, perfect for road running.

The battery life is remarkable, offering 20 hours of uninterrupted listening and a cord to recharge it when it’s empty.

2. JBL Live 660NC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The JBL Live 660NC Wireless is the top over-ear headphones for running. While over-ears aren’t the ideal option for running because they absorb heat and aren’t water-resistant.

It is possible to prefer this style if you find earbuds or in-ears uncomfortable. The well-constructed headphones will remain in place while running in parks and have a comfortable fitting.

From the start, the headphones have a bass-driven sound profile that gives some extra sound thump and punch that will keep you feeling energized during your run.

With the companion app’s parametric EQ and presets, you can alter the audio to your preference. They also provide just under 26 hours of uninterrupted battery life and an auto-off timer that helps save battery power when not making use of them.

While they feature ANC, however, they cannot block out the noise of plane and bus engines, which could be a hassle if you prefer to run in the open air.

They also cling very tightly to your head, and you might feel uncomfortable wearing them for prolonged periods. But, their design is strong enough to jog at the parks. These are worth taking into consideration if earbuds aren’t your style.

3. SENNHEISER PXC 550-II Headphones

The Sennheiser PXC550-II Wireless are among the top over-ear headphones to work out in we’ve tried. These stylish and high-end headphones are stable, comfortable, comfortable, and airy fit, ideal for long training sessions.

Because of their wireless style, you aren’t worried about them being snagged by the equipment you use for workouts accidentally.

The sound is a bright and well-balanced sound profile in the initial setup, perfect for all audio files. If you’d like alternative audio, their companion application comes with a variety of EQ presets that can allow you to adjust the sound profile according to your preference.

They come with active noise cancellation (ANC) system that can be useful when you exercise in the gym with lots of noise. Because of this, they completely block out the sound in the background sound.

They can even provide more than 21 hours of uninterrupted battery life and have an option to standby to save battery power when not making use of these devices.

They’re also quite bulky in design. They are also susceptible to inconsistencies in sound delivery, which means you might have to adjust the fit, seal, and placement to ensure a more uniform sound every time you utilize them.

But the Bluetooth headphones offer a secure airy fit, comfortable, and the longest battery life in continuous use, making them the most reliable wireless headphones for working out that we’ve tested.

4. Bose SoundLink Around Ear Headphones II

Some runners prefer elegant and sleek in-ear Bluetooth headphones over the heavy over-ear models; the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless headphones are lightweight and compact enough for running and are great for those who aren’t a fan of headphones with earbuds.

The lightweight, cord-free headphones will stay on when exercising and offer high-quality sound and clear, powerful sound that can be heard at any level.

The comfortable earcup controls enable you to effortlessly switch between music and calls on your phone and adjust the volume, among other features.

Distance runners will appreciate the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can provide approximately 15 hours of music listening with a full charge.

5. Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

If you’re looking for headphones with physical controls rather than touch-sensitive surfaces, you can try these headphones: Beats Studio3 Wireless.

Although their sound isn’t as neutral as that of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless and doesn’t have sound specification features, they come with physical buttons that give decent feedback.

They also come with a more comfortable design. They feel solid, and their battery provides around 23 hours of uninterrupted playback time.

Because of the W1 processor, they can effortlessly pair them with other devices that are part of the Apple ecosystem.

The dark sound profile enhances your mix that can keep you motivated during your workout. But, some users might discover that their mixes sound slightly fuzzy.

Look into the Sennheiser If you’re looking for an over-ear with superior noise isolation and an easier-to-change sound profile.

If you’re looking for convenience or physical controls, you might want to consider an alternative like the Beats instead.

Best Bone Conduction Headphones For Running

Since bone-conduction headphones do not transmit sound directly to your eardrums, they permit those with damaged ears or hearing impairments to enjoy audio differently, unlike conventional headphones. They’re useful for people with excellent hearing, too.

Their most attractive feature is that they let your ears open and allow you to stay conscious of the surroundings while listening to audio. This is particularly beneficial if you’re riding or running, where being aware of what’s happening is crucial.

Due to this, bone-conduction headphones are the only ones allowed for road races as per the UK Athletics Rules of Competition. Even if you’re only using them in your home, hearing the phone or doorbell ring is extremely beneficial.

There are also advantages to hygiene. Because there’s nothing in your ear, you’re lessening the chance of developing hearing infections resulting from bacteria build-up.

However, you’ll still have to clean your ears; however, the absence of earbuds in them for hours at a time can aid in maintaining your hearing hygiene.

1. AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Headphones

If you don’t wish to shell out a lot of money for its OpenRun headphones, The Shokz Trekz Air offers many of the same features and audio quality but is much cheaper.

While they aren’t as light or compact in terms of appearance, the Trekz Air does come with an IP55 rating, which makes them ideal for sweaty sports.

Utilizing the aluminum frame that wraps around, Their weight of 30g is evenly distributed to ensure they’re comfortable and remain in place.

When connected to devices via Bluetooth, The headphones come with controls for controlling volume and a mute button that makes it easy and quick to cut out music in noisy situations – or if you require an exchange.

The sound quality is as high as the ones you’ll find in bone conduction headphones, but it will be difficult to hear in more crowded environments.

If you play them at full volume, there’s a chance that you’ll feel a little similar sensation of tickling that is associated with bone conduction, which is why they are recommended for use at moderate volume.

With up to six hours of battery life, the Trekz Air also comes with the ability to quickly charge, which will give you one hour of listening within fifteen minutes after charging.

2. AfterShokz Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

AfterShokz Titanium AfterShokz Titanium brings many of the same features and benefits that the Aeropex and Air have but comes at a less expensive cost.

The Titanium can still use two of them, LeakSlayer and PremiumPitch technology, to enhance the sound while minimizing the loss of sound from natural sources.

They also come with IP55 ratings for dust and sweat-proofing, making them ideal for working out. Its Bluetooth V4.1 technology allows quick pairing, with no hassle pairing each time you connect them. It weighs just 36 grams, and it can run for six hours at an interval.

The Titanium is available in normal and slim sizes to accommodate different sizes and shapes of heads. It is safe, sturdy, long-lasting, and comfortable to wear.

However, it’s recommended to test them before buying. The various sizes could create a perfect fit for your head or create uncomfortable wear.

The major distinction between this product from the more expensive AfterShokz is the decreased sound quality and weight. The Titanium is a fantastic price if you’re not worried about the extra weight and slightly lower audio quality.

3. AfterShokz Xtrainerz Bone Conduction Headphones

The Xtrainerz provides a few distinctive features not available within the other Aftershokz headphones.

The first is that they come with 4GB of storage space for MP3s. This means that you can take your music stored on headphones.

You don’t have to carry your watch, phone, or another gadget to play music. Instead, you listen to the music stored within the Xtrainerz.

Another distinctive feature of the Xtrainerz is that they’re completely waterproof. They don’t have to be concerned about getting damp in rain and mud, but you can also submerge them into the water – they’ll work.

They’re perfect for swimmers and triathletes or any person who incorporates swimming in their training and who wants to enjoy music while swimming.

As with the other Aftershokz headphones we’ve reviewed, these Xtrainerz have wireless capabilities and have high-quality sound while allowing users to hear the ambient sounds.

They also have a long battery life as you’ll have approximately 8 hours of use before needing to recharge them.

The one thing we do not like about them is that they don’t come with Bluetooth. It means you’ll only be able to listen to the music you load into the 4GB of memory on the headphones.

It’s impossible to stream your music through a phone as it is possible with other wireless Aftershokz headphones.

What Are The Things To Look For Before Buying A Best Running Headphone?

Waterproofing Or Water Resilience.

A wide range of headphones can function great for running, provided they are sized correctly. You should choose special models because they’re designed to withstand heavy rain while running, or but more crucially sweat.

Whatever way you run, the rain or sweat will get into your headphones and cause them to die. The headphones on this list are sweat-proof.

A Comfortable Yet Secure Fit.

A variety of headphones can be snugly positioned over your head and over and over your ears, before going in your ear lobe.

However, based on my personal experiences, the most effective headphones for running are either wireless or light Bluetooth in-ears.

These have tips that fit directly into your ear, as you would expect, and with extra hooked ‘hooks’ that are curved and tapered are located beneath the cartilage crater above the earhole.

Decent Sound Quality.

I’m not trying to generalize, but honestly, I think this is the least important aspect of the world of sports headphones.

The majority of people want to be capable of hearing or feeling their music while exercising and be inspired by them while blocking out the gym or outside world.

However, it’s important to be cautious and block out any noises that could expose you to accidents on the road.

Situational Awareness.

This is vital for people like me who feel that deafening themselves puts them vulnerable to muggers or traffic while moving.

On-Ear Or Over-Ear Headphones?

On-ear headphones are lightweight and can blast music directly into the ear canal. Over-ear headphones weigh more (as they can cover your entire ear).

However, they also provide greater sound quality, provide more comfort, and are thought to be more secure on your ears. It’s a personal preference that typically boils down to size and audio quality.

Whichever type you pick, be sure to choose an adjustable headband. This is especially important in the case of larger or smaller than average heads.

The tight headbands can cause injury, and loose ones could slip, especially when running.

Noise-cancelling technology can be useful in blurring background noise to provide the best listening experience.

But be sure to modify it so that traffic sounds can be let through when necessary.

Check the battery duration, too, since the range can be wildly different from 8 hours to over 30 hours.

5 Running Tips for Beginners:

FAQs about Best Running Headphones:

What Are The Benefits Of Listening To Music Or Podcasts While Working Out?

Listening to music or podcasts while you perform certain kinds of exercise will keep you active for longer. Cardiovascular exercise that is low intensity can be performed best with music on.

Music can prolong the duration of your workout. Be sure to listen to sounds if you’re exercising outside for safety reasons.

Are Earbuds Or Headphones Better For Running?

Many runners will likely prefer on-ear headphones over in-ear headphones, especially for long-term use. Another benefit of wearing these headphones is that they don’t completely block out sound and let you listen to the sounds of traffic and the outside world while running.

How Often Should You Clean Your Headphones?

Cleaning your headphones often can prevent oil and bacteria from building up. It is recommended to clean your headphones after every exercise session to eliminate sweat or oil. If not, cleaning them every week is recommended at the very least.

What Type Of Headphones Are Best For Running?

If you’re running in a crowded place and need earbuds that bone conduction keeps your ear canals clear, will allow you to hear the traffic and pedestrians that are in the area, while earbuds with soft silicone “fins” can block out more sounds while remaining on the ground while you run.

Do Headphones Fall Off When Running?

Yes, many on-ear headphones can fall off, and you’ll need headphones specifically made for sports. They must be sweatproof to ensure that they don’t slip with an elastic band to secure them.

You can also try running earbuds as well as a headset with bone-conduction.

How Do You Keep Your Headphones In Place While Working Out?

A properly fitted pair of headphones will stay in place for longer. So, choose the right size for your head or an adjustable one.

If you’re having difficulty holding your current set in place, you can try wearing a headband around your ears.

Try threading the wire underneath your shirt to stop it from pulling or catching and then taking your headphones off your ears.

Can Bone-Conduction Headphones Damage My Hearing?

Since they do not bypass the eardrums, they aren’t likely to cause harm; however, this doesn’t mean they’re safe.

The ear’s inner ear could be damaged when you play lots of loud music for prolonged periods, so it’s important to wear them with the same care as normal headphones.

Can A Deaf Person Hear With Bone Conduction?

Certain deaf individuals can hear using bone conduction technologies. If the eardrums have been damaged and do not send sound waves inside the ear (Cochlea), A person may be able to use conduction technology to hear.

It’s not beneficial if the person has a hearing loss due to inner ear or has neural issues.

Why Are Bone Conduction Headphones Ideal For Runners?

Bone conduction headphones don’t interfere with your hearing when enjoying music. Since your ears are open, you’ll be capable of hearing traffic and other noises from the surrounding.

This makes it safer to run in crowded zones, where you’ll be able to hear the noises in the area.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Sweat And Moisture Resistant?

The majority of bone conduction headphones are waterproof and sweatproof. But, this is contingent on the model and the amount invested in the product.

Because bone conduction headphones were specially designed for active individuals, ensuring that even a small amount of water does not damage them is crucial.

How To Secure Headphones While Running?

See Also:

Spread the love
Exit mobile version