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Not all running headphones are created equal. Although Bluetooth technology has eliminated the inevitable nuisance of tangled headphone cords, some of the best headphones for running are better equipped than others to stay securely lodged in your ears while logging miles on the pavement, trail, or treadmill. Similarly, some boast audio quality far superior to their competition.
Comparison Table
[amazon box=”B01L7PSJFO, B00BOTPPL0, B01M8M4R7K, B01M8OFIX3, B07582VVJR, B072ZH4NTR, B071VP44QK, B01DA5QYWE, B071YFBXKZ” template=”table”]
Because headphones that don’t stay put have no business killing your runner’s high, we compiled this handy list of the best headphones for running so you can focus on more important things, like your pace or your playlist. With countless options, we sifted through the available offerings to determine which are the leaders of the pack.
Product FAQs:
How do The Best Headphones For Running Differ From Standard Headphones?
Ideal for runners, the best headphones for running use wireless Bluetooth technology, withstand sweat and offer long battery life so they can endure runs from short to long distances.
Are There Over-The-Ear Options?
For the earbud averse, there are over-the-ear options that provide the same features as the smaller designs.
What Are The Special Features That These Products Offer?
The state-of-the-art best headphones for running include features like heart rate monitors and personal trainers, and can even allow runners to take phone calls on the go. Some boast noise-canceling and sound-isolating technology, providing a superior audio experience.
What Are The Different Types?
While all use Bluetooth technology, there are variations in this technology, including completely wireless options and others that include some wires.
Are They Waterproof?
Because they are sport-headphones, they are water resistant and equipped to handle sweat and harsh weather. However, these options aren’t for triathletes or swimmers who want headphones to wear underwater. There are specific waterproof headphones designed for that purpose.
How we Reviewed The Headphones
Image via Amazon
To determine which products stood out among the stiff competition for the best headphones for running, we researched a variety of running headphones across a wide range of price points to develop a thorough and unbiased list.
Our list encompasses the headphones that combine the latest-and-greatest technology, yet remain user-friendly, and best serve their intended function of delivering quality sound while comfortably staying put and enduring through long runs in all weather. Because this is our Top 10 list, we omitted models that didn’t measure up to the stiff competition. Simply put, we did the legwork, so you don’t have to.
Who We Reviewed
[amazon link=”B01L7PSJFO” title=”Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B01L7PSJFO”]
Features
Bose is a trusted brand in sound technology, so it is no surprise that the company produces quality wireless headphones equipped to please even the most discerning runner. More serious athletes can opt for the SoundSport Pulse edition headphones, which come with a heart rate monitor praised for accuracy and ideal for those who measure heart rates to gauge their fitness goals. The lightweight 17.9g headphones feature on-ear controls on the neckband, making it easy to control the sound.
Pros
- Not surprisingly, the Bose SoundSport wireless headphones have superb sound quality
- Instantaneous pairing ability with smartphones and music players
- StayHear+ tips ensure that they stay in your ear and provide a comfortable fit
- Battery life can be preserved through its accompanying Bose Connect app which automatically powers them down when they are not in use
Cons
- It has a slightly awkward design that protrudes out of the ear.
- Mediocre battery life can present an obstacle for those who have long workouts and don’t want to charge between every use.
Warranty
1-year warranty
[amazon link=”B00BOTPPL0″ title=”Monster iSport Victory In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B00BOTPPL0″]
Features
Aptly named, the iSport Victory headphones are a worthy contender in the crowded field of running headphones. They are water-resistant and provide impressive sound quality while offering 10 hours of battery life.
Pros
- At just 15g, they are the lightest headphones on our list
- Stay secure in your ear thanks to their expertly engineered rubber “wings.”
- They boast an impressive 10 hours of battery life, allowing for more activity in between charges
- Water-resistant technology powers you through wet and sweaty workouts
Cons
- These headphones could be dangerous for urban runners due to their ability to shut off noises from the outside world.
- The control buttons are small and not ideal for those with less-than-dainty hands.
Warranty
1-year warranty
[amazon link=”B01M8M4R7K” title=”BTS Pro Wireless Sports Headphone” /]
[amazon box=”B01M8M4R7K”]
Features
While earbuds offer the sleekest design, they are not for everyone. For the in-ear averse, BTS Pro earphones provide an on-ear option sure to impress. These headphones boast over 40 hours of battery life from a single charge and have an equally impressive wireless range of 100 feet, which is nearly three times that of competitors. The new “Motion Control” mobile app features audio controls designed to elevate the listening experience. The BTS Pro Wireless Sports Headphones are sure to delight both endorphin and audio junkies.
Pros
- On-ear option for in-ear averse
- Stay put on ears
- Offer a mystifying 40-hour battery life
- Wireless range of 100 feet
- Impressive sound quality
- Handy “Find My Headphones” feature if misplaced
Cons
- Heavier than most alternatives
- Can be hot and uncomfortable on long runs
Warranty
18-month warranty
[amazon link=”B01M8OFIX3″ title=”V-Moda Forza Metallo” /]
[amazon box=”B01M8OFIX3″]
Features
With its modern angular design, the V-Moda Forza Metallo could be your perfect running companion. These earbuds come with a suite of sport fins and tips to help users find the perfect fit. And when they find it, the soft rubber material provides unmatched comfort while delivering impressive sound quality.
While these earbuds don’t offer a heart rate monitor or extra features, they excel for their simplicity and durability. Built to endure rain, they make an ideal running companion in any weather. The only minor drawback is their cable, which makes them less comfortable than their wireless competition.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Unmatched comfort of earbuds
- Water resistant
Cons
- No option for heart rate monitor
- Not completely wireless
Warranty
Two-year limited warranty
[amazon link=”B07582VVJR” title=”Jaybird Run True Wireless Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B07582VVJR”]
Features
At 17.9g, these lightweight earbuds are completely wireless and pack a powerful punch with their impressive sound quality. They are comfortable and easy to use while providing privacy via noise-canceling and sound-isolating technology. However, runners can also disable these features in environments that require them to be distraction free, such as urban areas and busy streets.
The headphones offer a one-touch control button enabling users to take calls, control audio, and interact with Siri or Google Assistant. The battery life is modest, allowing for four hours on a single charge, but the portable charging case provides two full extra charges for a total of 12 hours of usability.
Even if runners forget to charge, dead earbuds can charge for an hour of play time in just five minutes, providing a solution to the dreaded problem of discovering a dead battery just before leaving for a run. They are one of the more expensive items on the list, but they are well worth the cost for avid runners who wish to power their runs with high-quality audio.
Pros
- Provides a secure, comfortable fit for all ear shapes
- List Allows users to easily take calls
- Can provide an hour’s worth of charge in just five minutes
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Modest battery life on a single charge
Warranty
2-year limited warranty
[amazon link=”B072ZH4NTR” title=”Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds” /]
[amazon box=”B072ZH4NTR”]
Features
These high-end wireless headphones are the most expensive on our list, but they are worth the investment for runners who take both their sport and their sound quality with the utmost seriousness. These headphones feature “Hear Through” technology that provides customization for filtering out background noise. With the touch of a button, you can disable the noise-canceling feature and tune in to your surroundings for optimal safety.
The earbuds allow users to take calls and also offer a comfortable, secure fit. A charging case allows for 13.5 hours of battery life, but one charge without the case still provides 4.5 hours of listening. The Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds feature a built-in heart rate monitor with its app and an accelerometer to monitor reps during high-impact fitness activities.
Pros
- Customization for filtering out background noise
- Built-in heart monitor
- Provides assistance for cross-training activities with an accelerometer
- Superior sound quality
- Waterproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Modest battery life
Warranty
3-year limited warranty
[amazon link=”B071VP44QK” title=”KuaiFit Sport Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B071VP44QK”]
Features
The KuaiFitSport headphones multi-task as effectively as the athletes who use them. They feature 8GB of storage and user-friendly on-ear controls, eliminating the need for a music player or cell phone. They also function as a fitness tracker, a heart rate monitor, and a real-time running coach, all while delivering impressive sound quality.
A battery life of seven hours provides ample time to power your workout even if the product doesn’t stack up to some of its competitors. If you are looking for an option that coaches you on your runs while also providing the soundtrack, these are the headphones for you.
Pros
- User-friendly on-ear controls
- Long battery life
- Doubles as an MP3 player
- Impressive sound quality
- Provides fitness coaching
Cons
- Not the best fitting and can fall out
- Can’t take calls
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
[amazon link=”B01DA5QYWE” title=”Under Armour JBL Sport Wireless Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B01DA5QYWE”]
Features
Under Armour, a trusted name in fitness teamed with audio giant JBL for the brand’s first sport headphones. These headphones feature a built-in heart rate monitor while eliminating the technology’s characteristic chest strap. The over-the-ear buds deliver exceptional sound quality while providing a comfortable and secure fit thanks to JBL’s TwistLock tech.
While Under Armour JBL Sport Wireless Headphones provide only five hours of battery life, they compensate by offering voice updates on your progress with a tap on the right bud.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Sweatproof
Cons
- Modest battery life
- Expensive
- Not completely wireless with cable
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
[amazon link=”B071YFBXKZ” title=”LifeBEAM Vi Bluetooth Headphones” /]
[amazon box=”B071YFBXKZ”]
Features
The LifeBEAM Vi delivers superior audio quality while providing a state-of-the-art running coach. It uses AI to adapt to your fitness level and goals and to align with your heart rate and body temperature. The running coach feature motivates users by providing beats to improve their running cadence and drawing on past running history to help set goals.
It features two-way voice controls, allowing users to make requests for information like heart rate and pace. The earbuds are comfortable and stay put, extending from a durable neckband. At 37g, they aren’t the most light-weight option, and they boast a subpar battery life of four to six hours.
Pros
- Comfortable fit that stays put
- Offers virtual trainer
- Supports voice commands
Cons
- Subpar battery life
- Limited coaching capabilities
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
Our Final Thoughts
It isn’t easy making sense of the crowded marketplace to determine the best headphones for running, but this list breaks down the available technology while providing different options for different types of runners. Just as one size doesn’t fit all with earbuds, each runner has different needs that require different running headphones.
Bose SoundSport offers the latest and greatest technology without intimidating those who may not be technologically savvy while the LifeBeam Vi is ideal for runners who are trying to improve their fitness and need guidance along the way. The KuaiFitSport Headphones are ideal for multi-sport athletes, and Jabra Elite Sport is perfect for elite runners who can spare the added expense.
We are firm believers in headphones that work as hard as the runners who use them, and these versions are proven to do so. A run should never be interrupted by earbuds that fall out or made more challenging by failing audio technology. Happy running and happy listening!
