The global headphones market is predicted to grow at a rate of 7.3% between 2017 and 2023. Finding the best headphones for working out from among the many models will be like an uphill task. As headphones become more affordable, more brands will be introduced into the market.
Workout headphones can be nagging because they get wet and slip off the ears. Whether training for the Olympics or working out to keep fit, you need a great pair of headphones. They should stay put and produce high-quality sound.
With this understanding, we set out to test a few brands. We aimed to analyze some of the models we thought are the best headphones for working out. We believe that this guide will make your search easier since it only considers the best brands.
Read along to see the recommended options and the features you should be looking for in your headphones.
1. Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
Bose headphones rank among the best headphones for working out because of their unique design. The tiny, curved tip resembles a fin and keeps the earbuds well positioned. The only thing for you to do is adjust the sound, and you’re good to go.
The speakers of the headphones are of high quality, and the battery lasts long. You’ll enjoy up to five hours of play time. You can boost this time range using the enclosed charging case to get up to ten more hours.
Pros
- Unique design
- Good quality sound
- Long battery life
Cons
- Shorter battery life than other models
More interestingly, losing your earphones is almost impossible. You can keep track of them using Bose Connect apps to find them whenever they’re missing.
2. Sony WF-SP700N Wireless In-Ear Sports Headphones
Sony wireless headphones are among those that have revolutionized the industry and they are a must-have in your man cave. They have successfully competed with most of well-known Apple’s Airpods. Sony WF-SP700N comes with a noise-canceling feature that is missing from Apple’s models.
The design is sweat resistant, courtesy of “splashproof” rating. Besides, the headphone is light and feels comfortable on your ears. The included sports fins serve to help the earphones remain firmly in place.
Their sound quality is excellent and works reliably, only with minimal dropouts. Each earbud features a single power button that doubles up as a control button. You can use it to pause, play, forward, rewind, or stop the music.
It also comes in handy for answering and ending calls. Although a bit too small, the button provides a lot of conveniences. Inclusive in the set are charging case that delivers two additional charges.
Pros
- Sweat resistant
- Control button
- Ear fins
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Noise canceling is a safety issue
For a price of $180, the earphones are worth every penny. Their only downside is that they may have some audio delay when in use with certain video apps. The battery only lasts for three hours on a single charge.
3. AfterShoks Trekz Air
AfterShoks Trekz Air comes with outstanding design and technology. It’s a compelling wireless headset that operates through bone-conduction. This means that sound is delivered through the cheekbones.
Instead of you wearing them over your ears, it sits directly in front, positioned on the cheeks to keep you focused on your weight loss efforts. This technology has proved useful in that you can still listen to what is going on around you. You can listen to music while talking on the phone through the headphone.
If your race coordinator is among those who don’t allow the use of headphones, Trekz Air will have you sorted. Wearing it over your cheeks won’t violate any rules of not having your ears covered.
The right side of the headphones has some buttons that let control playback and volume. Although very small, they are very effective in their function.
Unfortunately, compared to other headphones, TrekZ Air won’t deliver the best sound quality. However, it sounds much better than the previous AfterShokz models. It will take a while before you feel the sound vibrate on your cheekbone.
Pros
- Durable
- OpenFit design
- Sweat resistant
- Six hours of battery life
- Noise cancellation
- Bone-conduction technology
Cons
- Poor sound quality
- Slightly expensive
You can get these headphones for approximately $170. Apart from the sound quality issue, you’ll enjoy everything else about these headphones.
4. V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless
This neckband-style headphone is rated among the best headphones for working out. The sound quality is top-notch, and the build is solid. The Bluetooth connectivity option makes the headphone a comfortable and secure fit for your workout sessions.
The headphone comes with four ear tips to provide a secure fit. The patent-pending sports fins help keep the tips in place while locking out ambient noise. It’s not necessary for you to use the fins, but it’s wise to keep them around.
This sweat-resistant set caters for long distance workouts. Unfortunately, it’s not designed for noise isolation; hence you may not be very aware of your surroundings.
The battery lasts approximately 10 hours and works well when you want to make phone calls. The battery and other electronic settings are stored in a casing designed to sit at the back of your neck.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Sweat resistant
- Secure ear fins and tips
Cons
- Lacks noise isolation features
- The cords are a little too long
V-Moda Forza Metallo is a great wireless set of in-ear headphones for working out. You can get them for approximately $170.
5. JBL Reflect Mini 2
JBL reflect mini 2 is a lightweight Bluetooth headphone for working out. It fits comfortably and feels snug on your ears. The design is sweat proof, allowing you to work for long without them falling off.
This is one set of headphones that are available in a variety of colors. You can get them in lime green, black, blue, and teal. Part of the package is a compact runner carrying case. To charge the headphones, there’s a USB cable included.
The battery can last for ten hours which is ideal for many users. As a noise-isolating headphone, it comes with a tight seal that maximizing sound quality.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Snug fit
- Decent battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Reflective cable for enhanced night visibility
Cons
- Not the best sound quality
For a price of $100, this set of headphones will give you value for your money. However, the sound can be a little better for that price.
6. Anker SoundsBuds Slim
The Anker headphone has made a name for itself because of its high quality and affordability. The design has an elegance to it because Anker is a company that avoids looking cheap. The metal housings and fairly thick cord give the headphones a sturdy build.
They are sweat-resistant hence will allow you to work out for long without slipping off. The batter can last up to seven hours at moderate volumes, which is a decent span for the price you pay.
The Bluetooth connectivity works with minimal hiccups. The ear tips are available in three different sizes to help keep the buds locked in place. The larger tips and hooks provide a better grip and seal, which is a factor that enhances sound quality.
The cable is a little short for some users but could be the right length for others. The buds are magnetic hence stick together when you wear them around the neck to keep them safe. If you’re looking for a decent choice of the best headphones for working out, SoundBuds Slim is a good choice.
Pros
- Comes with 18-month warranty
- Water-resistant
- Battery life of up to seven hours
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Bass not well tuned
- Treble is harsh
- Identical products from other companies hitting the market
The Anker headphone at approximately $30 and has a lot to offer for this great price. However, if you like playing loud music, you won’t like the sound quality of this set.
7. Jaybird X3
Jaybird X3 is the company’s third generation wireless headphones for working out. It’s among Jaybird’s best production. Although smaller than X2, its inline remote is better designed and the battery has a better model.
It delivers up to eight hours of performance at moderate volume levels. The fins serve to secure the buds more securely, and a clip to attach them at the back of the shirt. The earphones are noise-isolating, sealing out a lot of ambient noise.
Pros
- Smaller than its predecessor
- Improved battery life
- Costs less
- Excellent sound
Cons
- Charging accessory not replaceable
- Noise isolation is a safety issue
For a cost of $130, the headphones are ideal for long work out sessions. Remember that the price is $30 than the Jaybird X2 model.
8. ActionPie VJJB-V1S
This is one of the headphones for working out that sell for less than $20. If you’re looking for a set but are on a shoestring budget, consider this model. It’s durable, ideal for everyday use, and its sound quality is better than its appearance.
Pros
- Durable
- Can be worn over or under-ear
- Comes with an in-line remote
- Microphone compatible with iPhones and Android
Cons
- Microphone not very clear
- Right and left ear buds not distinguishable
Don’t despise this set because of its low price. It’ll give you value for money. You can read more here to get the details about the ActionPie VJJB-V1S.
Best Headphones for Working Out – Take Away
Getting a good pair of headphones for working out can help you focus on keeping yourself healthy. We have simplified the process for you by choosing among the best available in the market. One essential factor to consider is sound quality.
Remember that using poor-quality earphones can cause ear damage. Besides, you need to consider whether you want wired or wireless headphones. We’ve also incorporated the price range factor to help you identify the best headphones for working out.
Do you want to learn more? Be sure to browse our men’s health and fitness section.
