We’re all pretty aware by now that running is one of the most accessible, affordable and amazing ways to live a healthy lifestyle. The best headphones for running can help you go that extra mile every day. The only investments that you should consider are the equipment you work with while running. Aside from a durable pair of sneakers, having a pair of wireless headphones, Bluetooth earbuds or some of the best headphones for running can make a huge difference for your experience.
Listening to music that pumps you up and motivates you to stay on track (literally) becomes even more rewarding and inspiring if you hear it through the best wireless headphones for running. However, can we really speak about the best headphone for running? It’s almost impossible to do so. Nevertheless, if you’re wondering ‘what are the best headphones for running?’, ‘what are the best wireless headphones for running?’ or ‘what are the best Bluetooth headphones for running?’ – we have the answers to all of your questions. Our team has made a selection of the finest choices on the market, regarded both by specialists and by customers are some of the best sports headphones for running available. Check all of them out in our Top 14 Best Headphones for Running list below!
Why Choose the Best Headphones for Running
But why are the best headphones for running worth the money? Well, headphones that are not designed for running tend to slip out, for one thing. Audio quality may be lacking while working out. And more than that, regular headphones are not built to withstand the stress. So the money you save not buying a pair of headphones for running you’ll end up wasting when your new headphones break.
Other advantages of purchasing dedicated headphones for running include:
- Audio Quality – as opposed to other kinds of listening gear, the best earbud headphones for running or the best over the ear headphones for running will prove that crystal-clear audio quality matters the most. You’ll want to actually hear the music you’re listening to over the heavy breathing you’ll be experiencing.
- Waterproof – if you’re planning on taking running seriously, believe us that you will sweat. A lot. This is why the best waterproof headphones for running should be at the top of your shopping list. This way you can stay stress-free and enjoy your run while eliminating all the toxins from your body.
- Movability – naturally, your arms will be all over the place when you hit the road; this explains why the best wireless headphone for running or the best cordless headphones for running are some of the most popular accessories on the market.
1. Trainer by Gibson TH100/27 Sports Headphones
If you’re want to find the best over the head headphones for running, you should consider the Trainer by Gibson TH100/27 Sports Headphones as a top choice. This product is impressive – from the sleek design (available in black and white varieties), to the top audio quality and the super hi-tech features like bass controls, Weather seal, SafeSound Aero Flex rail and more.
You should be prepared, though, as these Gibson Trainers do come at a price: $249.99 at the moment on Amazon (but you do get free shipping). They might not be the most affordable ones in the world, but they are certainly among the best sports headphones for running for those who want to ditch earbuds. These Gibson headphones are extremely sturdy and will not fall off.
2. Jabra SPORT PULSE Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds
Comfort, durability and innovation are just a few of the words that customers have to say about the Jabra SPORT PULSE Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds with Built-In Heart Rate Monitor.
Even though reviews are pretty different and it’s hard to make out a general direction for the opinions of customers, the Jabra Sport Pulse earbuds are widely regarded as some of the best Bluetooth headphones for running. Their incorporated heart rate monitor, in-line controls and extensive testing (the manufacturers actually claim that they reach US Military standards) are just a few of the reasons why they’re worth the investment. Right now they’re $159 on Amazon. Shipping is included.
3. MEE Audio Sport-Fi M6 Noise Isolating In-Ear Headphones with Memory Wire
Like we previously mentioned, not everyone can afford the price for super innovate best headphones for running. This is why the MEE Audio Sport-Fi M6 Noise Isolating In-Ear Headphones with Memory Wire are some of the best headphones for running for individuals on a really tight budget. When we say tight budget, we mean it: they’re just $21.55 on Amazon right now. In addition to this, you also get some pretty nice perks for the price, like ergonomic design, memory wire, resistance to sweat and six sets of ear tips. Did we mention the 1-year warranty?
4. Sennheiser PX 685i Adidas Headband In-Ear Sports Headphones
Another set of affordable yet quality best headphones for running are the Sennheiser PX 685i Adidas Headband In-Ear Sports Headphones. The black model is currently unavailable, but you can purchase the white model instead.
These ones are a little bit more expensive than the MEE headphones, at = $64.24 on Amazon. They won’t have all the advanced features that +$100 headphones will have, but they’re durable, secure and comfortable for running. The Sennheiser PX 685i headphones also feature iOS phone control (great for runners with iPhones) and are regarded as the lightest headphones under the form of a headband in their category.
5. Samsung EO-BG920BBEBUS Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Headphones
The black sapphire Samsung EO-BG920BBEBUS Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Headphones are the cheapest out of four similar models that Samsung offers on Amazon, at $34. In addition to being highly affordable these Samsung pieces are also an amazing value for their price. The batteries they run last no less than 500 hours in standby, 10 hours of playing music or 11 hours of talking. The magnetic buds are also a nice feature when you’re not using them and the noise and echo reduction definitely come in handy when running in a sound-polluted area. One small downside that one customer pointed out was that the design could use improvements, but you can’t expect premium quality for such a small price.
6. SOL Republic Relays Sport In-Ear Headphones
The SOL Republic Relays Sport In-Ear Headphones enjoy a pretty high customer rating average on Amazon (around 4 out of five stars) and still fall under the affordable category. They’re also in the under $50 selection, at $34.99 on Amazon at the moment. What makes the SOL headphones so great is that they’re easy to use, they fit securely and comfortably and even have four ear tip size options. Moreover, they have an i5 sound engine specifically designed by the manufacturers. The lightweight, sweat proof and one-button remote features are also nice if you don’t want to get lost with complicated buttons that you’ll never end up using throughout your run anyway.
7. JLab Epic Bluetooth 4.0 Wireless Sports Earbuds
Extended battery life (over 10 hours!) is most likely one of the best features that the JLab Epic Bluetooth 4.0 Wireless Sports Earbuds have to offer. What also recommends them as some of the best headphones for running are the 6 sets of tips, resistance to water and the fact that they’re very lightweight (making them excellent for physical activities like running). They don’t have any ear hooks to make eyeglass wearers uncomfortable and they fit securely in your ears. What several customers have pointed out, unfortunately, is that they might not resist more than a few months, but you can expect limited life for a pair of headphones that is under $50 (the JLab Epic Bluetooth ones are currently $49.99 on Amazon).
8. JBL Reflect Mini Bluetooth In-ear Sport Headphones
If being lightweight is the main feature you’d consider when choosing the best headphones for running, you should know that the JBL Reflect Mini Bluetooth In-ear Sport Headphones are the lightest sport earphones JBL manufactures. They come with an incorporated microphone for answering calls, they are waterproof and have an ergonomic design. They’re a bit more expensive than a few other previous options we have presented, but their abundance of features makes them a pleasant purchase. The JBL Reflect Mini headphones can currently be bought for $99.99 on Amazon.
9. Veho USA ZS-2 Water Resistant Sports Earphones
The Veho USA ZS-2 Water Resistant Sports Earphones are some of the cheapest headphones for running we reviewed. They have great quality for their price ($39.99). However, unlike higher-end models, these Veho headphones might not be as durable. Sill, given how affordable they are, there are plenty of advantages you should consider. For example, even though they’re not wireless, the cords don’t tangle, thanks to their novel design.
Another advantage is that they fit in securely in your ears and that you can hear the music you listen to really well. However, like most wire headphones, they might stop functioning after a couple of months if the cord gets pushed around a lot. You will most likely have one headphone fail at a time. The Veho ZS-2s are perhaps better suited for those who enjoy lighter workouts and don’t want to invest too much in fitness accessories.
10. Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports Ear-Canal Ear Hook Headset
One of the best parts about the Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports Ear-Canal Ear Hook Headset is that it was built for Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy series. Most fitness accessories are usually compatible only with iPhones. Smartphone compatibility might not be a major issue for most. But it sure helps when you’ve got it. Naturally, there is also a Sennheiser OCX model that is compatible with Apple devices.
While they’re a bit on the expensive side (over $100 on Amazon), they have plenty of features that support the price. The Sennheiser OCX 686G headphones come with SteriTouch technology, meaning that they have ear adapters that are anti-bacterial. This really comes in handy, especially if you enjoy challenging workouts in which you tend to build up a sweat. They also have an appealing, ergonomic design and a delightful two-year warranty attached. They’re not wireless, however, so make sure you handle the cords with care.
11. Monster iSport Bluetooth Wireless SuperSlim In-Ear Headphones
Just like their name suggests, the Monster iSport Bluetooth Wireless SuperSlim In-Ear Headphones are super slim. It may not sound like much, but it’s a really convenient feature for running headphones. Not only are they sweat proof, but you can also wash the cushions so no bad odor will stick. You get the bass you need to remain motivated throughout your running session. However, you might have some issues with their sweat proof features.
One customer points out that it automatically turns off if too much sweat gets on them. But you can solve this problem by using some silicone glue. They’re currently $58 on Amazon, but you should always check back to see if the manufacturers have any new offers.
12. Pioneer SE-E721-R Fully Enclosed Sports Earphones
Some of the most inexpensive best headphones for running available are the Pioneer SE-E721-R Fully Enclosed Sports Earphones. They come in three colors on Amazon and the price is a bit different depending on your choice: red – $58.83, black – $69.84, white – $60.11. These headphones also come with boosted bass and four sizes of earphones (from XS to L). It would have been nice if they include a phone in the design.
Depending on your preferences, their dual curl cord might either be useful or distractive. But most customers are fine with this option. The Pioneer SE-E721 headphones also have a fine online reputation, with about 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. And they have Pioneer’s reputation to back them up.
13. Sony Active Sport In-Ear Headphones – XBA-S65-B
Sony is famous for manufacturing high-quality audio products; the Sony Active Sport In-Ear Headphones – XBA-S65-B falls under this category. They have all the features that you would need for a pair of best headphones for running. They are water and sweat resistant. And they feature adjustable ear loops, ergonomic design and great audio quality through their Sony Balanced Armature driver. These sports headphones are currently $66.99 on Amazon.
Android users will also enjoy this product, as it is compatible with their mobile devices. They also come with hybrid silicone earbuds (XS, S, M and 2 Ls), a wire adjuster with a clip and also a convenient pouch for transportation. For those who are passionate about listening to music through a quality medium, we would definitely consider the Sony Headphones XBA-S65-B some of the best headphones for running.
14. Monster iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones
The Monster iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones are somewhat in the middle when it comes to price. They are currently available on Amazon for $69.90. They’re definitely not cheap, however, the price is fair for what they offer. You can enjoy a quality run without being interrupted by noises. And you can use their in-line microphone that is compatible with Apple devices to talk on the phone without having to pause. Nevertheless, customers say that they’re not exclusive for iPhone, iPad or iPod use.
They also work for Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy product. The Monster iSport Victory headphones are also sweat proof and washable, as well as comfortable and ergonomically designed. You can clip the wires to your shirt so they won’t get in the way while you’re running. Some customers say that the controls might not last. However, they clearly state that their audio quality is awesome and that they fit perfectly into your ear (no adjustments required for long periods of time).
These were our top choices for best headphones for running. We tried to cover the widest possible range of needs and preferences. Is there anything we left out? Have you tried any of the products on this list? Let us know in the comments.