Best Workout Headphones

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 23, 2024
There's nothing quite like a nice and productive workout session with your favorite music blasting in your ears. But to fully enjoy this experience, you'll need some of the best workout headphones that a modest amount of money can buy, so we made sure to choose a few of those out for you. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Connection Type
Frequency Range
Electrical Resistance
Sound Pressure
Water Resistance
Conveniences
Warranty
 
PROS

The specially designed StayHear + Sport soft silicone tips (3 pairs) fit snugly in the ears and do not fall out even when you're doing some sports. One other advantage is their sweat- and water-resistant design. 

CONS

Takes some time and effort to change the tips. 

OUR VERDICT

The Bose SoundSport earbuds are designed with the needs of active people in mind. They will set the rhythm of your life and come in handy when training or/and traveling. The included case is a nice bonus that will make transportation and storage of the earbuds safer and more convenient.

detailed parameters
Type

Earbuds

Connection Type

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.0), Up to 6 hours

Frequency Range

Not specified

Electrical Resistance

32 Ohm

Sound Pressure

Not specified

Water Resistance

IPx4 water protection

Conveniences

StayHear® tips (S, M, L sizes), Customization with Bose Connect APP, Active EQ technology, NFC compatibility, Storage pouch and charging cable included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The on-ear controls will allow you to do just about everything you would want to do while training, from accessing calls and adjusting the volume to skipping tracks and pausing the songs. The battery lasts for a whopping 18 hours. The model can also be used as a wired pair of headphones using a 3.5mm cable that comes with the package.

CONS

Some users find the mic's sensitivity a bit underwhelming.

OUR VERDICT

What we have here is easily one of the best workout headphones in their category. From the ridiculous battery life and military-grade nano-coating technology to the comfortable memory foam earcups and rather functional on-ear controls, the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 features just about everything you would want out of wireless headphones.

detailed parameters
Type

On-Ear

Connection Type

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.1) up to 18 hours or wired (3.5 mm cable included)

Frequency Range

50 – 20000 Hz

Electrical Resistance

32 Ohm

Sound Pressure

92 dB

Water Resistance

P2i nano-coating technology with IPx2 water protection

Conveniences

Passive Noise Cancelation (memory foam earcup padding), Advanced acoustic technology, On-ear controls, Storage pouch and charging cable included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The Jaybird MySound app will allow you to customize just about every aspect of your sound. Using the incredibly user-friendly interface, you can make your headphones deliver the raddest highs or the most grumbling lows. The new and improved 6mm driver offers subtle lows and a truly booming bass. 

CONS

The quality of the storage pouch is relatively poor. 

OUR VERDICT

Are JayBird X3 the best cycling headphones? Maybe. Is this the best sounding model on the wireless headphones market? Who knows. But we could certainly make the argument that this is one of the better pairs of headphones for people who are as enthusiastic about working out as they are about music in general.

detailed parameters
Type

Earbuds

Connection Type

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.0), Up to 8 hours

Frequency Range

Not specified

Electrical Resistance

32 Ohm

Sound Pressure

90+ dB

Water Resistance

IPx4 water protection

Conveniences

Customization with Jaybird MySound App, Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and Comply™ Isolation Ear Tips (S, M, L), Cord clips, Storage pouch and charging cable included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The earbuds magnetically attach together when you don't use them, so you're unlikely to lose them even if you forget to throw the buds in the pouch. The IPx4 water protection will shield the headphones against sweat as well as rain, so you can enjoy a nice jog outside without worrying about the weather.

CONS

The charging cable is short. 

OUR VERDICT

We'd say that the model from Anker is probably the best Bluetooth earbuds for running if you happen to be on a tight budget but would still like to acquire a pair of headphones for all kinds of fitness purposes. Despite an affordable price tag, these headphones deliver a surprisingly crisp sound.

detailed parameters
Type

Earbuds

Connection Type

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.1), Up to 7 hours

Frequency Range

20 - 20000 Hz

Electrical Resistance

32 Ohm

Sound Pressure

Not specified

Water Resistance

IPx4 water protection

Conveniences

Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and In-Ear Hooks (S, M, L), Magnetic connection, aptX™ and CVC™ 6.0 technology support, Storage pouch and charging cable included

Warranty

18 months

PROS

In addition to the latest iteration of Bluetooth, the EDR and TWS technologies ensure faster pairing, stable connection, and a reliable signal transmission. The noise cancellation technology does a great job nullifying the effects of ambient noise as well as echo, allowing you to experience clear and crisp sound regardless of the environment around you.

CONS

Does not include channel indicators. 

OUR VERDICT

We would recommend the XIAOWU K5s Red to just about anybody who is interested in a pair of truly cordless headphones but doesn't feel like dropping a few hundred bucks on Apple's AirPods. Though they don't offer the same battery life as other products in this review, the comfort alone makes them well worth it.

detailed parameters
Type

Earbuds

Connection Type

Wireless (Bluetooth 4.1), Up to 3 hours

Frequency Range

Not specified

Electrical Resistance

32 Ohm

Sound Pressure

Not specified

Water Resistance

N/A

Conveniences

Noise cancellation technology, Mono Mode, Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and In-Ear Hooks (S, L), Charging case (450 mah) and charging cable included

Warranty

18 months

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Bose SoundSport

On the Go

The Bose company strives to make its products as close to perfect as possible and constantly improves technologies and devices themselves. The company creates unique sound solutions for any acoustics. Their specialists design sound equipment of different sizes and complexity, including technological products for the automotive and aviation industries. 

And the earbuds from this company are a great example. These sports wireless headphones were made with productivity and reliability in mind so you can use them almost anywhere. This set will become your helpful assistant for workouts, walks, runs, and active jobs. Bose wireless headphones come with improved silicone StayHear+ Sport tips which will ensure maximum comfort.

The manufacturer made this set of earbuds producing the most advisable frequency range (20Hz - 20kHz). It is the optimal index, considering that a human ear typically can hear in this particular range.

The Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones are fitted with a lithium-ion battery. It provides 6-hour operation, which is less than some other models can offer, but still more than enough for doing sports. In addition, the charging time takes just 2 hours, so you can recharge your headphones while you are getting ready to go out.

Review of Bose SoundSport (761529-0020) Wireless Headphones, Aqua

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01L7PSJFO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Initially there seemed to be little bass, but turning up the volume increases the overall frequency range and dynamics.

Size & Weight

Needless worry, they are very light weight and have the same type of soft yet durable wing that fits comfortably in your ear that the wired ones have. Very happy with this purchase.

Features

Bluetooth connection very good and the range is huge. I often forget my phone on the treadmill and realize only much later. No disconnection.

Power

Charge time is quick and lasts about 6-7 hours.
 

Plantronics Backbeat Fit 500 (210701-99)

That's Some Battery Life

Wireless headphones that rely on the Bluetooth technology to pick up the sound from a smartphone or any type of audio player aren't just a great solution for the fitness purposes but also for a variety of different scenarios. But, as some of you may know, one of the biggest downsides of this type of headphones is their battery life. Where wired headphones can work for as long as needed, drawing power from the device they're connected to, wireless models often fail to deliver more than a few hours of service per charge. Well, without further ado, meet the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500, one of the very few exceptions to this rule.

In case we haven't made ourselves clear, the strongest suit of this headset is, without a doubt, its battery life. The rechargeable battery will be able to deliver 18 hours of power, making the model more than just a pair of good workout headphones but one of the most flexible wireless models out there. And even if you somehow manage to run out of the charge (or, a bit more likely, simply forget to recharge the battery) before getting tired of listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts, the headphones also come with a 3.5 mm cable included in the package. That's right, what we have here isn't just a wireless Bluetooth device but also a wired headset.

Though we clearly decided to focus on a previous couple of aspects for obvious reasons, it isn't like these workout headphones don't have anything to offer other than their versatility and battery life. All of the usual technologies and solutions you would expect to find in a model like that are still there. The P2i military-grade nano-coating technology makes them sweatproof. The memory foam headband and earcups will allow you to exercise with an exceptional level of comfort. The aforementioned earcups also do a great job when it comes to noise cancellation. The on-ear controls will allow you to do just about everything you would want to do while training, from accessing calls and adjusting the volume to skipping tracks and pausing the songs.

All things considered, what we have here is easily one of the best workout headphones in their category. From the ridiculous battery life and military-grade nano-coating technology to the comfortable memory foam earcups and rather functional on-ear controls, the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 features just about everything you would want out of wireless headphones.

Review of Plantronics Backbeat Fit 500 (210701-99) Headset - Teal

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075ZD5Q1D

What customers say about this product

Features

They work with every Bluetooth device I've tried, pairing is also pretty reliable.

Power

They are comfortable to wear, have a long battery life (I can use these every day for a week and it still says the battery life is high), sound great.

Size & Weight

These headphones are very light, very comfortable, and sound great.
 

JayBird X3

Music Lovers Unite

All right, who said that top workout headphones should have next to nothing in common with headphones for audiophiles and real music enthusiasts? Nobody? Well, in case someone out there shares the latter sentiment, Jaybird X3 is here to prove them wrong.

If you ask us, what makes this model different compared to the majority of headphones designed with athletic applications in mind is the Jaybird MySound application. With the help of this app, you'll have the opportunity to customize just about every aspect of your sound. Using the incredibly user-friendly interface, you can make your headphones deliver the raddest highs or the most grumbling lows. Customize your own presets and save them directly onto the headphones or borrow somebody else's settings if you'd like to discover the way that some of your favorite athletes prefer to listen to their music.

And even if you don't care for all of that jazz, this is still a great pair of workout earbuds due to a couple of reasons. For starters, the battery offers up to 8 hours of service per charge, which isn't necessarily a revolutionary number but that's still more than the majority of Bluetooth headphones are capable of offering. The buds themselves have been reduced by 20% in size compared to the previous iteration of this model. Nevertheless, the new and improved 6mm driver offers subtle lows and a truly booming bass. Keeping in mind the said change in size, the patented silicone ear fins will ensure a snug fit regardless of your preferences or your ear structure.

And that's about all we wanted to mention. Are the JayBird X3 the best cycling headphones? Maybe. Is this the best sounding model on the wireless headphones market? Who knows. But we could certainly make the argument that this is one of the better pairs of headphones for people who are as enthusiastic about working out as they are about music in general.

Review of JayBird X3 In-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Sports Headphones

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.25
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MECNLU5

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

From an audio quality point of view, I was initially disappointed with the flat sound, until I read the manual and realised there is an EQ app available that lets you configure the sounds as you prefer.

Size & Weight

The ear tips and fins come with different sizes so you can find the right fit.

Features

Something that I didn't even bother checking in the specs is the absence of aptx protocol, haven't decided if it's a good or bad thing yet but it's a feature that is standard in so many other rival headsets. Will have to get back to you.

Power

The battery life is very good though, can listen to music for hours without need to charge it and the microphone for phone calls is good. I haven't had any problem during a call and the other caller could clearly hear me.
 

Anker AK-A3235011

Cheap Price, Rich Sound

If you happen to be on a tight budget but would still like to acquire a pair of headphones for the gym, we'd suggest looking into these Anker soundbuds. Sure, this isn't the best option on the market, but what you're getting for about 25 bucks is nothing short of impressive.

First off, the model offers up to 7 hours of battery life, which will be enough for a week worth of workouts for even the most dedicated gym addicts. The majority of wireless Bluetooth headphones suffer from a poorer quality compared to their wired counterparts but with Bluetooth 4.1 on board and precision engineered 6mm drivers, the model in question is capable of delivering a sound of a pretty impressive quality. With a whole collection of customizable ear tips and in-ear hooks that come with the package, just about anybody will be able to find the one that will fit like a glove (a proverbial glove, in case someone feels like shoving a glove in their ear). Along with those ear tips and hooks, the headphones weigh no more than half an ounce, so you won't even feel like they're there at all. The earbuds also magnetically attach together when you don't use them, so you're unlikely to lose them even if you forget to throw them in the pouch. Finally, the IPx4 water protection is also present, which would be nothing to write home about if not for the fact that we're talking about a ridiculously inexpensive pair of Bluetooth headphones.

To rephrase our earlier point, we would say that the model from Anker is probably the best Bluetooth earbuds for running if you happen to be on a tight budget but would still like to acquire a pair of headphones for all kinds of fitness purposes. Despite the affordable price tag, the device delivers a surprisingly crisp sound.

Review of Anker AK-A3235011

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01N6DC2ZE

 

XIAOWU K5s Red

Truly Wireless

XIAOWU K5s Red is a bit of a different offer compared to other products in this review. When we say wireless headphones, what we usually mean is a model that works off Bluetooth so you do not have to connect it to a smartphone or an audio player via a cable. But, generally speaking, the earbuds or the earcups are still connected to each other via some sort of a cable or a headband. Well, the model in question is a pair of true wireless headphones. Of course, this isn't the only model out there that features a cordless design, but the majority of manufacturers behind those models generally prefer taking the page out of the Apple book, as in selling their products at an unreasonably high price.

Having said that, the cordless design and an affordable price tag aren't the only advantages of this device, though that alone makes them a pretty great pair of Bluetooth headphones for running thanks to the lack of annoying cords and cables that tend to get in the way. In addition to the latest iteration of Bluetooth, the EDR and TWS technologies ensure faster pairing, stable connection, and a reliable signal transmission. The noise cancellation technology does a great job nullifying the effects of ambient noise as well as echo, allowing you to experience clear and crisp sound regardless of the environment around you. Though the earbuds themselves last for about 3 hours, the charging case that comes with the package packs enough heat to power both earbuds for 15 hours. And, given the size of the latter, you can always take the case with you. And while we branded the model in question a pair of wireless earbuds for running, the mono mode will allow you to use one earbud to take phone calls while the other one is resting its power for a special occasion.

In conclusion, we would recommend the XIAOWU K5s Red to just about anybody who is interested in a pair of truly cordless headphones but doesn't feel like dropping a few hundred bucks on Apple's AirPods. Though they don't offer the same battery life as other products in this review, the comfort alone makes them well worth it.

Review of XIAOWU K5s Red Bluetooth Mini Sweatproof Sport Headsets
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07C2TZL3T

 

What Are Workout Headphones?

We assume that you already have a pretty good grasp on what headphones in general are and we do not have to explain the basics to you. With that in mind, what is it exactly that makes workout headphones different from the rest of them? Well, not much, to be entirely honest with you. Generally speaking, wireless models tend to make the best headphones for fitness and exercise since those wires and cables can really get in the way from to time. Other than that, a good pair of workout headphones should also offer some form of protection against liquid as sweat and rain can often interfere with the circuitry without proper water resistance properties. Other than that, it is all down to your personal preferences, from a number of additional features like on-ear controls or customization options through the app. All the technical stuff that adds up to the volume and quality of sound matters too, of course. And, as always, it is up to you to choose between earbuds or on-ear headphones since both of those types are perfectly suitable for workout purposes.

And while we're still on the gym subject, you might want to replace your old gym bag or sports water bottle with one of our picks.

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Publish Date: 2018-06-04 14:07:49