Choosing the best running headphones is not as easy as most people perceive. Some people prefer running on a treadmill, while others prefer to run outdoors like in parks, roads, or any open area. Runners listen to music using headphones as it helps them run better and longer. Listening to music when running is the best distraction, but it is best to be aware of the surroundings and their happenings if running on the roads. Headphones such as ‘Truly wireless earbuds’ and ‘boss soundsport’ are a perfect companion for any runner.
Water Resistant vs. Wireless Headphones: Which Is the Best?
It doesn’t matter how often you run; there is nothing as good as getting the best headphones for running. Choosing the best headphones is essential, especially water- and sweat-resistant ones.
Non-water-resistant headphones spoil easily as they get mixed with sweat and sometimes rain. Wireless headphones are the best option; they have a long-lasting battery. This article will highlight the best headphones for running. Keep reading!
The Best 5 Running Headphones of All Time
1. Truly Wireless Earbuds
As the name suggests, Truly wireless earbuds do not have wires and ear hooks. Runners plug in the earbuds to listen to music. It is designed to make the fit snug in the ear canal and will not loosen mid-run. It is small, hence making it lightweight and easier to carry.
The earbuds’ battery is small, requiring it to charge often. However, the earbuds come with charging cases that runners can use to charge the earbuds while running. The earbuds are the most expensive and are available in black and white.
Four headphones are available in this category. The first is Linkbuds Truly Wireless Earbuds, which cost around $180 on Amazon. The second one is WF-1000XM4- industry-leading Noise-canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds, costing approximately $280 on Amazon.
The third type is WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear headphones, which cost $100 on Amazon. The last type is WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless in-Ear Noise Cancelling headphones with a microphone cost approximately $200 on Amazon.
Tip: Since these earphones are noise-canceling, they should be used when running on a treadmill or in a quiet, peaceful area where there isn’t much happening. All these earphones are water-resistant and have HI-RES audio.
2. Bose SoundSport Wireless
The name is wireless, but these headphones aren’t entirely wireless. There is a soft cable that connects the two earbuds. It has an in-ear hook that secures the earbuds, which is advantageous because it won’t get lost easily. The cable is lightweight, enabling you to run with ease. It is sweat-resistant and IPX4 splashproof, but it isn’t water-resistant.
Its performance is more than up to the mark, and the battery lasts six hours. It is not noise-canceling; hence runners can invest in them. It doesn’t have an in-line remote and mic and is supported by Android and IOS.
It connects via Bluetooth, is comfortable, has a fun sound, and has strong wireless performance. Its cost is approximately $130 on Amazon.
3. JBL Reflect Flow
These earbuds slip comfortably into the ear and have ergonomic silicone tips. The earbuds come in three different sizes and are heavy hitters. The sound features 5.8mm drivers meaning it gives high-quality audio when running. It comes with a charging case that lasts up to twenty hours when the portable case is used.
The battery life of the earbuds is thirty hours. The earbuds are noise-canceling but have an Ambient Awareness feature that adapts to the surrounding. It is safe to use these earbuds when running in public.
The earbuds allow hands-free calls and access to voice assistants. Runners can manage music and calls easily and get any info from their voice assistant at the touch of a button.
Its price is about $75 on Amazon and is teal in color. The earbuds are OS support; IOS and Android users can use them.
It is water and sweat-resistant and is entirely wireless. The earbuds’ disadvantage is that they have pressed buttons instead of touch, the product can be beaten for dynamics, and the carrying case is a bit big.
4. Jabra Elite Active 75T
Jabra Elite measures 0.8× 0.7× 0.6 inches, which is medium-sized and weighs about 2 ounces, making it lightweight. Its battery life is 7.5 hours and lasts up to 28 hours with the charging case. It comes with a Bluetooth range of 30 feet and is water and sweat-resistant, making it suitable for all weather types.
The earphones protect against dust and shallow water. Its sound is loud, doesn’t budge when running, and has in-app audio customization.
Both active and passive noise cancellation make the runner aware of the surroundings. The only reason to avoid these earphones is that their volume is too loud at max.
The earbuds look sleek, compact, and stylish. It has a great fit that stays planted securely in the ears. Its cost is around $165 on Amazon.
5. Adidas FWD-01 Sport In-Ear Headphones
These headphones are smart enabled and are compatible. They are sweat-resistant but not water-resistant; hence can’t be used when the weather isn’t favorable. Its battery lifespan is 16 hours, but unfortunately, they don’t come with a charging case, so they must be charged via USB.
However, the headphones are accompanied by three sets of interchangeable tips and wings, allowing them to get the best fit. It connects via Bluetooth and isn’t noise-canceling, so the runner knows the surroundings.
Since it is lightweight, you can easily store it in a bag. It has buttons on the cable so runners can switch songs while running. Its cost is about $96 on Amazon and has a 4.4/5 rating. Most of the reviews are positive but have a few negative reviews.
Some complain that the earbuds come small for those with more oversized heads, and their sound quality isn’t excellent. Also, the sound isn’t balanced as in other models.
Some of these products are available on Amazon, but you can order others directly from their respective websites.
Conclusion
It is debatable whether running while listening to your favorite music via headphones is suitable. Both the proponents and the opposite side use the term distraction to support their argument. Supporters claim that headphones distract you from everything else while you concentrate on your run, while the opposers argue that music is a distraction from focusing on your run. If you like listening to music while running, kindly sample any headphones from the ones discussed here, and you can’t regret it!
Reference 1: Best Earbuds for Runners 2022 | Best Running Headphones (runnersworld.com)
Reference 2: The 13 Best Running Headphones of 2022, According to Trainers | livestrong