In-Depth Reviews of the Best Running Headphones & Earbuds
Running is a fantastic way to keep your body and mind healthy. But, to make the most out of your runs, you’ll need an outstanding pair of running headphones. Whether you want to listen to your favorite tunes or engage in an audiobook, you’ll want headphones that provide quality sound, a comfortable fit, and durability against sweat and the elements. In this review, we’ll cover six of the best running headphones on the market, delving deep into their features, pros, and cons. Let’s get started!
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is a set of truly wireless earbuds designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind. With a comfortable ear hook design and impressive battery life, these headphones are perfect for long runs and intense workouts.
Features & Specifications
- Apple H1 headphone chip for seamless connectivity
- Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range
- 9 hours of listening time (24 hours with charging case)
- Sweat and water-resistant design
- Built-in microphone for hands-free calling
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit for all ear sizes
- Impressive battery life for extended use
- Seamless pairing with Apple devices
- Quality sound with deep bass
- Reliable connection with minimal dropouts
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options
- Bulky charging case
- May not be ideal for non-Apple users
2. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro headphones use bone conduction technology to transmit sound through your cheekbones, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings during your runs. With a sweat-resistant design and premium deep bass, these headphones are an excellent choice for outdoor runners.
Features & Specifications
- Open-ear bone conduction technology
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Sweat-resistant design
- Premium deep bass
- Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants
- Included hair band for added comfort and stability
Pros
- Allows for situational awareness while running
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Great sound quality with deep bass
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Reliable battery life (up to 10 hours)
Cons
- Sound leakage at high volumes
- Bone conduction may not be suitable for all users
- Slightly expensive
3. JLab Go Air Sport
The JLab Go Air Sport is a budget-friendly option for those looking for wireless workout earbuds. These earbuds offer secure earhook sport design, a long battery life, and three EQ sound settings to customize your listening experience.
Features & Specifications
- C3 clear calling technology for better call quality
- Secure earhook sport design
- 32+ hour Bluetooth playtime (8 hours per charge)
- 3 EQ sound settings (JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost)
- IP66 sweat resistance rating
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable and secure fit during workouts
- Long battery life
- Customizable sound settings
- Easy-to-use touch controls
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as rich as more expensive options
- Limited water resistance compared to other models
- Micro-USB charging instead of USB-C
4. Bose Sport Open Earbuds
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are true wireless open-ear headphones designed specifically for running, walking, and workouts. They feature a unique design that sits above your ears, leaving your ear canals open for situational awareness while providing powerful audio performance.
Features & Specifications
- Open-ear design for comfort and situational awareness
- True wireless technology
- Sweat and weather-resistant (IPX4 rating)
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- Custom-designed Bose transducer for detailed sound
Pros
- Innovative open-ear design for comfort and safety
- Excellent sound quality
- Good battery life
- Secure fit during activities
- Easy pairing and reliable connection
Cons
- Expensive
- Sound leakage at higher volumes
- Bulky design may not suit all users
5. Cleer Goal Sport True Wireless Earbuds
The Cleer Goal Sport True Wireless Earbuds offer a sleek design and impressive audio quality, making them an excellent option for workouts and exercise. With a 20-hour battery life, water and sweat resistance, and intuitive touch controls, these earbuds are designed for an active lifestyle.
Features & Specifications
- 20-hour battery life (6 hours per charge + 14 hours from charging case)
- Water and sweat-resistant (IPX4 rating)
- Touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistants
- High audio quality and bass performance
- Ergonomic design for comfort and stability
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Good battery life
- Impressive audio quality
- Intuitive touch controls
- Sleek design
Cons
- Moderate water resistance compared to other models
- Sound isolation may not be ideal for outdoor runs
- No customization options for sound settings
6. JBL Reflect Aero TWS
The JBL Reflect Aero TWS are true wireless earbuds designed for runners and fitness enthusiasts. With a secure fit, water resistance, and JBL’s signature sound, these earbuds are perfect for those who demand quality audio and a reliable connection during their workouts.
Features & Specifications
- JBL’s signature sound with powerful bass
- Secure and comfortable fit with Freebit™ enhancers
- Water-resistant (IPX7 rating)
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Up to 30 hours of battery life (6 hours per charge + 24 hours from charging case)
- Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with powerful bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Long battery life
- High water resistance rating
- Easy to use touch controls
Cons
- Bulky charging case
- No EQ customization options
- Limited color options
Comparison
| Feature/Model | Beats Powerbeats Pro | SHOKZ OpenRun Pro | JLab Go Air Sport | Bose Sport Open Earbuds | Cleer Goal Sport | JBL Reflect Aero TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort and Fit | Ear Hooks | Open-Ear | Ear Hooks | Open Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water and Sweat Resistance (IPX) | 4 | Not Specified | 6 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| Battery Life (Hours) | 9 + 15 (case) | 10 | 8 + 24 (case) | 8 | 6 + 14 (case) | 6 + 24 (case) |
| Wireless Connectivity (Bluetooth) | Class 1 (v5.0) | 5.1 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Situational Awareness | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Controls and Voice Assistants | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Durability and Build Quality | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Price Range | High | High | Low | High | Mid | Mid |
This comparison table provides an overview of the six best running headphones covered in the review, comparing key features such as comfort, sound quality, water resistance, battery life, and more. It can help you quickly identify the most suitable option for your needs and preferences.
Key Features Before Buying Running Headphones
When shopping for the best running headphones, it’s essential to consider several key features to ensure you find the perfect pair to suit your needs. Here’s a list of factors to keep in mind:
- Comfort and Fit: Look for headphones that offer a comfortable and secure fit, especially during intense workouts or long runs. Options such as ear hooks, adjustable headbands, or customizable ear tips can help provide stability and prevent them from falling out during activity.
- Sound Quality: Consider the overall sound quality, including bass response, clarity, and volume levels. Depending on your preferences, you may want headphones with customizable EQ settings to tailor the audio to your liking.
- Water and Sweat Resistance: Since you’ll be using the headphones during physical activity, it’s crucial to find a pair that is sweat and water-resistant. Look for headphones with at least an IPX4 rating or higher to ensure they can withstand moisture during your workouts.
- Battery Life: Pay attention to the battery life of the headphones, especially if you plan on using them for long runs or extended workouts. Look for models with at least 6-8 hours of playback time per charge and additional battery life provided by a charging case for true wireless earbuds.
- Wireless Connectivity: Opt for wireless or true wireless headphones with a stable Bluetooth connection to avoid the hassle of tangled cords during your runs. Check for Bluetooth range, version, and compatibility with your devices.
- Situational Awareness: If you run outdoors, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings for safety. Open-ear or bone conduction headphones can provide situational awareness by not blocking your ear canals, allowing you to hear ambient sounds while enjoying your music.
- Controls and Voice Assistants: User-friendly controls, such as touch or button controls, allow you to manage music playback, volume, and calls without pulling out your device. Some headphones also support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free convenience.
- Durability and Build Quality: Look for headphones made from high-quality materials to ensure they can withstand the rigors of regular workouts and runs. A solid build quality can help extend the lifespan of your headphones.
- Price: Finally, consider your budget and the overall value of the headphones. While some premium models offer additional features or better sound quality, there are also more affordable options that still provide an excellent experience for runners.
By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find the best running headphones that match your preferences, needs, and budget.