Best Sports Headphones

Best Sports Headphones

Headphones and earbuds find their place in every household today, be it for work, business, casual listening, or when you are hitting the gym. Speaking of which, the workout sessions can be long and monotonous if not for some good beats to play along. They are incomplete these days without a good soundtrack that can keep your energy level high constantly. In this article, we will take a look at the best sports headphones and earbuds for an extreme workout session.

Best Sports Headphones

Everyone prefers to have their playlist to keep themselves motivated, and those days are gone when the gyms used to play songs in their central speakers. As a result, while people focus on hitting their fitness goals, they find a need to gear themselves up with a good pair of headphones that will play their favorite numbers to finish their exercise routine. Other than working as an energy booster, the headphones provide convenience in several ways when you are exercising, practicing sports, or running. They make the sessions more exciting and enjoyable, help you manage your calls without having to reach out for your mobile, and many more.

There are innumerable options out there when it comes to a good pair of headphones or earbuds that are capable of delivering excellent results. However, the best sports headphones are specially designed to outlive your lengthy and sudorific workout sessions. Using these sports-oriented headphones can make a huge difference in the user experience of your active lifestyle. Therefore, before you start looking for the best active headphones that will suit your style and budget, there are certain qualities that these types of headphones possess that you should know of.

With this, let’s move on to the next section where we have compiled some of the best sports headphones, their key features, and other details. 

List of Best Sports Headphones

If you are looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds or headphones and are not sure which one to go for, then this article has got you covered. We have selected and compiled here some of the best wireless sport headphones with different styles and designs across a varied price range right from budget-friendly options to a few high-end ones. With this narrowed-down list of best sports headphones, you should be able to pick up exactly what you are looking for. 

Power Beats Pro by Beats (Best Sport Earbuds for Apple Owners)

Power Beats Pro by Beats (Best Sport Earbuds for Apple Owners)

As an Airpod alternative, then this pair is one of the best sport earbuds that are durable as well as high performing. These earbuds are ergonomically designed with around-the-ear hooks. With the different sets of ear tips provided with the earbuds, you will be able to get the exact size that fits into your ears perfectly. 

The headphone is IPX4 rated for sweat resistance. It is the best sports headphones suitable for your extended workout sessions. As for connectivity, it uses the Apple H1 chip along with Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity that allows effortless pairing with mobile devices. The first-class Bluetooth also gives a connectivity range of 30 feet that allows you to move around inside the gym without carrying the phone along. 

The earbuds deliver an incredibly well-balanced and splendid sound quality that has good bass, clean and accurate trebles. With a battery backup of up to 9 hours combined with 18 hours back up in the charging case, you do not have to worry about the earbuds shutting off in between your session. Aside from this, with just 5 minutes of power charge, you can also achieve 1.5 hours of additional run time. 

The price of these earbuds will vary between $123.00 to $230.00 depending on the color you choose. 

Pros: 
  • Compatible with both Android and iOS.
  • Stellar sound profile.
  • Audio controls, voice control feature (Siri), call management options on both the earbuds add to more convenient use.
  • Incredible battery life.
  • Perfect for work out sessions.
  • Built in microphone 
Cons: 
  • The charging case is slightly heavy.
  • Some of the color variations have an expensive price tag. 

Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless Earbuds: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones-Compact Earbuds)

Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless Earbuds: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones-Compact Earbuds)

The best sport headphones, Vista 2 from Jaybird is a solid option in terms of both performance and endurance. Perfect for runners and fitness professionals, this pair of earbuds designed with an IP68 rating, can sustain under any weather conditions. Be it dust/ dirt, sweat, or water, it can hold up pretty well. Other than that, the charging case has an IP54 rating for splash protection as well.

The earbuds perfectly seal into the ear canal when worn with the right-sized ear tips. These tiny audio gears are packed with some really powerful features like active noise-canceling technology, solid passive noise isolation, and superior sound quality. Speaking of the sound quality, you might also like the sound profile on the JBL Duet BT. It has a decent battery life of about 6 to 8 hours when charged once (depending on ANC on or off). Though the battery life could have been better, especially when the other competitors have done pretty well in this department.

The sound performance of the headphone is great with bass-heavy output, enough to boost up your energy level as your crush on your fitness goals. Vista 2 is retailed at $179.99 which is slightly on the higher side of the pricing scale. 

Pros: 
  • Option to switch between ANC mode and SurroundSense modes (surrounding sound passthrough) making it perfect for running in the streets while staying alert.
  • Excellent sound quality.
  • IP68 waterproof rating, perfect for any type of weather.
  • You can adjust the EQ setting as per your listening preference.
Cons: 
  • Battery life could have been better.
  • Some reviews stated that the overall build allows the noise of the breeze to pass through, so, you may want to seal it tightly to avoid this.

Jabra Elite Active 75t: (Best Sport Earbuds With All the Features at a Moderate Price)

Jabra Elite Active 75t: (Best Sport Earbuds With All the Features at a Moderate Price)

Elite Active 75t offers you all the sports-oriented attributes that you can expect in the best sports headphones but at a reasonable price. One of the popular choices of several fitness enthusiasts across the globe, this pair of earbuds come with a decent battery life that can last for the entire workout session plus several hours during the day. Additionally, the charging case has a backup of close to 20 hours (that is 2 full charges). 

The sound quality of the headphones is incredible and undistorted even at high volumes and booming enough to keep you motivated with your favorite tracks. With a dual mic on each earbud, your voice can be heard loud and clear making it a great option if you want to take a work call in between your fitness sessions. 

The IP57 rating makes the audio gears strong enough to withstand water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you also get a seamless pairing with your mobile devices along with a long-range of about 33 feet allowing you free movement keeping your phone aside. With all the features and a price tag of $149.99, this is one of the best sport headphones currently available in the market.

Pros: 
  • Good battery life (7.5 hours when played at moderate volumes).
  • Superior mic for clear calls.
  • Amazing bass enhanced sound quality.
  • ANC feature with HearThrough mode for quick transitioning to let the surrounding sound in.
  • Earbuds have all the navigation controls so you wouldn’t need your phone. 
Cons: 
  • The sound transparency mode isn’t that effective when there is too much wind. 
  • ANC is good but not like some of the best ones in that market. 

Jlab Epic Air Sport Anc Earbuds: (Best Wireless Headphones Sports/ Earbuds With Incredible Battery Life)

Jlab Epic Air Sport Anc Earbuds: (Best Wireless Headphones Sports/ Earbuds With Incredible Battery Life)

Here’s a great pair of sports-oriented earbuds for an active lifestyle that gives you more than what you expect without breaking your bank. The main highlight of this product that makes it one of the best sport earbuds is its enormous battery life. 

The earbud is backed by 15+ hours of battery per earbud and over 55 hours of battery back up in the case. If you use these with the ANC feature on throughout and at higher volume, then you might end up having a playback time of 10 hours or so which is also pretty good. 

The earbuds are loaded with features like smart ANC with different modes like ANC On or Off and the Be Aware mode that lets in the surround sound. You can also use each earbud independently to save more battery or use both, it will give you the same efficiency and seamless Bluetooth connection (with a range of 30 feet). You will get this at $97.99 in Walmart.

Pros:
  • Outstanding payback time/ battery life.
  • Affordable 
  • Great ANC modes
  • Good sound
  • Comfortable and stable fit with ear-hoops and 6 sets of different ear tips to suit different needs.
Cons: 
  • Reviews reported that call quality was average.

Ultimate Ears Fits Custom Fit Earbuds: (Best Wireless Headphones Sports With Custom Molded Fit)

Ultimate Ears Fits Custom Fit Earbuds: (Best Wireless Headphones Sports With Custom Molded Fit)

You can never go wrong with this pair of sports buds when it comes to fitting. These earbuds let you achieve just the right fit as per the size and the shape of your ears. This is all done with the help of the company’s patented Lightform technology through the native app. These earbuds, therefore, make a great option for those who have relatively smaller or bigger ear canal that makes them struggle with the regular-sized earbuds. 

Not only in the comfort department, but these earbuds are also a solid contender in the best sport earbuds list when it comes to sound quality as well. They deliver a high-quality fully immersive sound, with an in-depth bass response. The double-microphone in each earbud picks up your voice with superior clarity. 

The earbud’s passive noise isolation is perfect owing to the custom fitting technology which is why there is no need for an ANC at all. With a battery life of 8 hours and 20 hours as a backup in the charging, you have your motivational track ready. These earbuds have a price tag of $189.00, but they are a little higher for the other color option available. 

Pros: 
  • Solid battery life.
  • Customizable ear tips allow a comfortable and snug fit.
  • Options to personalize the sound through the app’s EQ settings.
  • Good quality dual mic system for clearer communication. 
Cons: 
  • Eartips once molded into your ears cannot be changed, this means the earbuds cannot be used by others. 
  • Sweat resistant but do not have water protection. 

Anker Life A1 by Soundcore- True Wireless Earbuds: (Best Wireless Sports Headphones/ Earbuds Under $60)

Anker Life A1 by Soundcore- True Wireless Earbuds: (Best Wireless Sports Headphones/ Earbuds Under $60)

A wonderful pair of earbuds, this one from Anker is best for people who are on a tight budget. The earbuds will only cost you $49.99 but wait! don’t judge them based on their price tag.  

These earbuds are well designed for maximum comfort with user-friendly touch controls so you do not have to struggle with navigation when you are running. It has an amazing battery life of 9 hours on a single charge plus a solid battery backup in the charging case adding up to 30+ hours. Anker Life A1 has proven to be incredibly strong in the sound department as well. 

With 8 mm drivers that are larger than several other earbuds from reputed brands, this audio piece delivers superior sound quality with wide frequency response. The solid punchy bass and crisp treble will give you an enjoyable listening irrespective of the music genre. If you prefer your music to have a harder bass, then there is a bass-boosted mode to add to the punch. 

With an IPX7 rating for being fully waterproof and the solid competitive features under a price so low, this is sure one of the best sport earbuds you cannot afford to overlook. 

Pros: 
  • Stellar sound quality
  • Three sound adjustment modes.
  • Solid battery life.
  • Fully waterproof, perfect for sports and fitness goals.
  • Extremely affordable
  • Reliable microphone for clear voice call.
Cons: 
  • Nothing specific.

Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones: (Best Active Headphones)

Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones: (Best Active Headphones)

Over-ear headphones aren’t always a great option when you are working out for several reasons, they are bigger and there is always a chance of them coming out of the head due to movement. But, that said, here are the best sports headphones from the well-known sports brand, Adidas, that sits securely on your head and ears. The headphone has a study built with IPX4 rating sweat and splash resistance. 

The earcups have removable and washable ear cushions that make them perfect for your sweaty workout sessions. The inner detachable headband that comes bundled with the headphone protects the headband’s fabric from getting soaked up. The headband has an on-ear design but it is tight enough to stay in place while you are running. With Bluetooth 5.0, you can pair it with the devices seamlessly. 

What makes it one of the best wireless sport headphones is the 40 hours of playback time and its washable fabric-finished ear cup covers. You will get these headphones at $169.00. 

Pros: 
  • Incredible battery life of up to 40 hours 
  • Instant Bluetooth pairing.
  • Washable headband and ear cup fabric.
  • Steady fit.
Cons: 
  • The on-ear style may not be comfortable for everyone.

JLab Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones Under $100)

JLab Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones Under $100)

If you are looking for the best active headphones for running, then here’s another one from JLabs, that offers some top-rated sports audio pieces. With Flex Sport you will get a good 20 hours of playback time when charged fully once, which is close to three gym sessions.

The headband’s custom fit options with loose, normal, and tight are the main highlight along with the removable and machine washable earcups. This is a great option from a hygiene standpoint. Headphones deliver high-quality, full, and clear sound with heavy bass, great for keeping your momentum going. The price tag of $99 and all the features packed in this product make it one of the best sports headphones worth considering. 

Pros: 
  • Comes with all the controls for ease of use like the playback controls, call management, skipping tracks etc. 
  • Superior build.
  • Great battery life.
  • Bluetooth long range of 30 feet allowing free movement.
  • Washable ear cup fabric.
Cons: 
  • The on-ear headphone style may not be comfortable for everyone.

JBL Under Armour FLASH X Earbuds: (Best Sport Earbuds With Stylish Charging Case With Up to 40 Hours Back Up Charge)

JBL Under Armour FLASH X Earbuds: (Best Sport Earbuds With Stylish Charging Case With Up to 40 Hours Back Up Charge)

Under Armour Flash is a stylish pair of earbuds that is a complete package of premium comfort, sturdy, durable build, and high-level performance. Earbuds have an IPX7 waterproof rating as they can hold up well against any weather conditions…

It has a lengthy battery life of 10 hours on a single full charge that is ideal for extended workout sessions and can go for a couple of days without needing to be charged. Its aluminum finish charging case features a chic look and an interesting sliding design with an LED indicator to show the status of the battery. It has the capacity of holding a charge worth 40 hours which can last for several days. 

So, with all the features and a mid-range price tag of $169.00, these are some of the coolest and the best sport earbuds you will never regret owning.   

Pros: 
  • Fully waterproof and weatherproof.
  • Outstanding battery life.
  • Aesthetic look.
  • Different eartips for secure fit.
  • Great sound.
Cons: 
  • Uses Micro USB for charging which is outdated.

 Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds: (Best Sports Headphones With Active Noise Cancelling)

 Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds: (Best Sports Headphones With Active Noise Cancelling)

One of the best sports headphones, Bose’s Quiet Comfort wireless earbuds are pretty popular for their versatile applications including fitness sessions. These earbuds are particularly known for their exceptional industry-leading noise cancellation feature and incredible bass-rich sound. 

Now, although it isn’t recommended for fitness professionals to use noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, especially, when you are running in a public place, the “transparency” mode of the Quiet Comfort earbuds allows you to control this. This lets you safely use the earbuds in a public place as well.  

Like any other Bose product, this one is also equipped with the company’s signature sound which is powerful, well balanced with punchy bass. The microphone picks up your voice efficiently by filtering out the unwanted noises for uninterrupted communication. 

Priced at the top end, this one may not be an option for all. But if you are looking for a pair of great-sounding earbuds that can keep you focussed on your daily fitness regime and that must come from a credible brand, without minding the price tag, then this is what you need.

Pros:
  • World class ANC feature.
  • Incredibly powerful yet well balanced sound.
  • IPX4 rated for sweat resistance ideal for fitness professionals.
  • 6 hours of battery with ANC on is good enough to complete your gym time.(charger has a back up capacity of 18 hours)
Cons: 
  • Battery life could have been better. 
  • Expensive.

Aftershokz Aeropex: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones With Bone Conduction Technology)

Aftershokz Aeropex: (Best Wireless Sport Headphones With Bone Conduction Technology)

Many people do not like to have their ears covered while hitting the gym or running as it interferes with their movements. If you are one of them then, you may be interested in this type of headphone that will neither go into your ears nor block your ears from outside. 

Aftershokz Aeropex uses revolutionary bone conduction technology that transmits sound through the cheekbone and transmits it directly into the inner ear. When it comes to the sound quality, it is excellent with powerful deep bass and wide frequency response with pretty little vibration. You will be able to get the most of it when you turn up the volume. The headphone gives the same feeling as though the songs are being played in the background on a speaker. 

These wireless Bluetooth headphones have a connection range of 33 feet and are fully water and sweatproof with an IP67 rating. It clamps behind your ear snugly enough to not fall off while maintaining comfort. For a runner or an athlete, none can be a safer option than this Bone conduction headphone which makes it one of the strongest contenders for the best wireless sport headphones list.

Pros:
  • Safer option than in-ear or over ear headphones as you are constantly aware of the surroundings.
  • Amazing battery life of 8 hours on a single charge.
  • Lightweight and fully waterproof.
  • Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with long range. 
  • Great for bespectacled people.
Cons: 
  • No noise isolation so the sound may be overpowered by loud ambient sound like the traffic or horn sound.
  • If the volume is turned up, it may bother other people who are around you. 

Alternatives to Best Sports Headphones

Some other sports-oriented earbuds worth mentioning: 

Attributes to Look for in the Best Sports Headphones

Some significant attributes of sports-oriented headphones or earbuds that you should look for:

Wireless Technology

The best sports headphones or the best sports earbuds are designed to be wireless. Some of them are truly wireless earbuds or headphones that have no wire in the scene at all.  Some earbuds may have a connecting cord between the two earpieces that goes from behind the neck while the earbuds rest in your ears while still maintaining the wireless concept.  If you are looking for a gaming headset, you might want to consider something with lower latency, something like the Xbox One headset.

Waterproof

One of the most important traits of the best wireless sport headphones is their waterproofing capabilities. Whether you need one for running, or, for your home gyming, the headphone should be able to hold up well against the sweat splashes. Where some of these audio gears are water-resistant, some are completely waterproof and dustproof with an IPX7 rating and above. This also makes them an ideal option if swimming is a part of your routine workout. 

Fitting and Comfort

Secure fitting and comfort are essential parts of the whole headphone concept. You do not want the earbuds to fall out of the ears or keep slipping off due to rigorous movements. This is why workout-oriented headphones are designed for a perfect ergonomic fit. Some of the best sport earbuds have around the ear hooks that clip with the ears offering a snug fit preventing them from falling irrespective of any amount of movement or jerks.

Sound Quality

Another major attribute that makes the best active headphones is the sound quality. The sports headphones are meant to power up the energy of fitness enthusiasts with their powerful and bright sound. That is why most of the headphones that are designed to suit an active lifestyle come with large drivers with solid engineering that deliver bass-boosted sound. Some people do have concerns about whether these wireless headphones will deliver a good sound performance or not. Well, technology is improving and these days you will hardly be able to make out any difference between the sound quality between wired and the wireless headphones.  If you are an audiophile, you have a way with our gaming and music headphones article.

Battery Life

To make your fitness sessions convenient, the best wireless sport headphones come with a superior battery for a break-free workout session. This means that you need to look for earbuds that can give you enough playback time and keep you entertained for as long as you want.  

Dangers of Wearing Headphones While Working Out or While Running

While headphones today have proven to be a great convenience in every way for a fitness enthusiast, there are certain ill effects that we cannot ignore. So, here is a rundown on some of them that will help you make up your mind completely whether you should go ahead buying one or not. 

Unawareness of the Surroundings:

When you use headphones to listen to the music or the podcast while running on the road or cycling, you get completely immersed into it. You do not hear other pedestrians passing by or the vehicle approaching. This is extremely dangerous as it exposes you to higher risks of accidents. 

You May Lose Your Balance or Hearing:

While headphones or earbuds may not directly affect the balance of your body or aid hearing issues, listening to music for long hours and at high volumes may do. You may be wanting to get motivated during your extended workout sessions with your favorite tune. However, listening for several hours gradually damages the vestibular system that causes a condition called “Vertigo” to affect your balance. It may also lead to loss of hearing. 

Cause of Distraction:

In many cases, we have seen that music and headphones shift your mind from workout to the mobile screen for changing the songs, etc. You need solid focus when lifting weights or in cases where you need to count your steps. Without the headphones, you can channelize your thoughts and focus better on your practice. 

Restricts Free Movement:

If your headphones or earbuds do not fit well or have cords attached, they can interfere with your free body movements. If you work out without such limitations, you may end up injuring yourself with sprains, etc. 

Higher Exposure to Ear Infections:

It is a known fact that the use of in-ear buds for long hours leads to the growth of microbes and the heat produced inside only multiplies them causing ear infections. If you use them during exercise, there is a higher risk of ear infections because of the sweat.

Safety Precautions

Now, some people cannot jog or exercise without a soundtrack to keep them going. If you are going to wear the headphones anyway, then below are some safety precautions and safe listening habits that they should adhere to: 

Avoid ANS

The first and the most crucial safety habit is to avoid active noise-canceling headphones, as they completely seclude you from the external environment. Noise isolation in the headphones should be okay because there is transparency in the listening in the case of the latter. Headphones these days come with different modes that allow you to set them as per your convenience. When you are on the road, switch to the mode that lets the ambient sound in.

Low Volume

Turn the volume of your headphones low. This will save your ears from potential damage and let the surrounding sound in so you are aware of what is happening around you. Try to keep the volume to 60% or below as per the expert recommendations.

Switch to on-ear Sports-oriented Headphones:

We have listed some of the best wireless sport headphones with on-ear designs that have changeable and machine washable ear paddings. They are a perfect way to maintain hygiene and prevent infection-causing microbes. The on-ear design is also beneficial for the surround sound to let in than the in-ear ones. 

Avoid Wired Headsets

  • Using headphones or earphones with reflective material can help other people see you in the dark. This will prevent you from being exposed to road hazards.
  • Try to use apps that let you listen to the music without blocking out the ambient sound. This will help you stay aware of the surroundings. 
  • It is best to go running in a group of two or more than going alone so you are visible to everyone. If there are co-joggers, you may not sometimes find a need to use headphones or earbuds at all. 
  • Last but not the least, avoid using wired headsets and switch to wireless ones as this would allow free movement of the body. 

Conclusion

Sports-oriented headphones are ideal for people who love listening to music, podcasts, etc. while working out, cycling, running, etc. to beat the time and keep themselves motivated. These headphones are instrumental in delivering amazing bass-heavy sound with lengthy battery life and show superior durability to withstand the active lifestyle of the fitness enthusiast. However, using them when you are exercising can have negative effects as well. If you still choose to go with one, then make sure to use it in a way and choose the right pair that can reduce some amount of potential risks if not all.

With that in mind, it is always recommended to go for one with better ambient awareness that will not shut you out from the entire world completely. This article featuring the best sports headphones has covered active headphones that the buyers, users, and technical experts have spoken highly of. Sure you will get one from here that best fits your requirement. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s): 

Are all sports headphones and earbuds waterproof?

All the sports headphones may not be waterproof. While some are fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating and above, some are water-resistant. The degree of water resistance varies from product to product and brand to brand. You need to check the IPX rating and see what works best for you. 

Can we use active noise-canceling earbuds and headphones for workouts

Headphones or earbuds are a personal preference and not everyone’s requirements are the same. But, that said, it is recommended not to use headphones with active noise-canceling headphones while working out due to several reasons that have been listed above. 

Which are the best sports headphones brands available in the market today? 

There are many choices when it comes to headphones being the best and everyone prefers different products. So it is hard to name one or two brands or particular products. That said, we have listed in this article some of the best active headphones and earbuds recommended by several users and which have proven to be extremely suitable for an active lifestyle. 

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