Here’s a little secret about me: I’m trying to fall in love with running.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy lacing up and jogging through my Brooklyn neighborhood, or reaping the many health benefits associated with the sport. And truthfully, I love the feeling of running once I hit a stride, where my body is engaged in a flow state and I’m floating on endorphins (aka, that runner’s high).
But I have a few speed bumps in the road when it comes to making my running habit a regular thing. When it comes to running outdoors, I’m a seasonal runner and you’ll definitely catch me outside from spring to fall. Winter? Not so much. (I tend to stick to running on a treadmill December through March).
The next issue is a bit two fold. Truthfully, I tend to run too fast. I run as if I’m a supporting player on The Walking Dead who's trying to get more prominent screen time and not meet a grisly demise. While I need to work on my pacing, running too fast or too slow also seems to mess with my music and my earbuds—wired or Bluetooth—and inevitably one falls out. And just like that, my running flow is ruined.
For me, music is essential on my runs. I can’t really explain it, but having a good playlist gets my legs moving faster and my mind wanders off into a faraway place that helps me reduce stress.
It seems like a small nuisance but when a lost earbud happens on every run, it becomes a bigger issue. Which leads me to my next mission: finding the best headphones for running.
What to Consider in Running Headphones
- Fit: Look for a secure fit that stays in place during movement, especially if you run on varied terrain or at high speeds.
- Comfort: Comfort is key for longer runs, so consider lightweight designs and materials that won't cause irritation, or pressure.
- IPX Rating: Choose a pair with a high IPX rating for water and sweat resistance to withstand intense workouts or rainy conditions.
- Price: Set a budget that balances quality with affordability, considering any extra features you find essential, like enhanced battery life or noise cancellation.
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These are our 5 favorite running headphones for fit, comfort and price. 👇
Apple AirPods Pro
Customer Review | “I use them for running and they surprisingly stay in place, although I still need to tighten its fit from time to time.” - Dom & MartyTo start off this list, many folks might be curious about Apple AirPods. Odds are, some people might already own these or are considering a pair for daily use, including fitness usage. With a rich audio experience and a customizable fit, these earbuds might just be a great starting point for runners. With cushy silicone tips for a customizable fit (available in XS, S, M, and L), the tips create an acoustic seal to keep the earbuds in place. And if you’re worried about the AirPods getting loose or falling out on the trail, give these ear hooks a try for a little extra security.
The AirPods (3rd Generation) have won the hearts of many users, praised for their outstanding audio quality, comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Reviewers highlight their impressive sound performance, particularly the spatial audio feature, which enhances the listening experience. While some users note that they may not fit securely for everyone and lack noise-canceling capabilities, many appreciate the open-ear design that allows for awareness of surroundings, making them great for activities like running or working out. Several reviews emphasize the AirPods' light weight, making them easy to wear for long periods, and their impressive battery life, with users often able to extend usage beyond the advertised times. Overall, these AirPods are seen as a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of comfort and sound quality, with a few minor suggestions for improvement regarding fit options.
Sound quality, noise cancellation
Mixed reviews on earbuds staying secure
Cleer ARC Sport II
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight, ergonomic fit ensures comfort during extended use.
- Sound Quality: Provides clear, balanced audio, perfect for vocals and podcasts.
- Device Connectivity: Supports multipoint connection, allowing seamless switching between devices.
- Battery Performance: Delivers up to 35 hours of playtime, reducing the need for frequent charging.
The Cleer ARC II Sport offers a balanced mix of comfort, advanced audio features, and connectivity, ideal for active users.
- Ultra-Light and Ergonomic Design: These open-ear Bluetooth headphones provide exceptional comfort with their lightweight build and ergonomic fit, making them suitable for long workdays or intense workout sessions while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
- Advanced Audio and Connectivity: Equipped with multi-point connection and Snapdragon sound support, these headphones allow seamless switching between devices and high-resolution music streaming. The EQ control lets users customize their sound experience, enhancing the overall listening quality.
Overall, the Cleer ARC II Sport are a practical choice for those seeking reliable sound quality and comfort during activities, catering to both fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals.
- Comfort & Fit:
Users find these headphones comfortable for long periods, appreciating their lightweight design that stays secure even during intense workouts. - Sound Quality:
The sound clarity is frequently praised, offering balanced audio that's especially effective for vocals and podcasts, though some desire more bass. - Awareness & Safety:
Many highlight the benefit of staying aware of surroundings, which enhances safety during activities like jogging or cycling. - Battery Life & Connectivity:
The long battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity are noted as strong points, making them convenient for extended use and stable pairing with devices. - Usability Concerns:
Some users experienced Bluetooth connection issues, but this issue doesn't appear to be widespread. - User Experience:
Overall, users appreciate the multipoint connection and customizable features via the Cleer+ app, enhancing their listening experience and convenience.
These headphones are well-regarded for their comfort, sound quality, and practicality, making them a solid choice for active lifestyles.
- Secure Fit: Stays in place during high-intensity workouts.
- Customizable Sound: Cleer+ app allows personalized EQ settings.
- Sweat Resistance: IPX5 rating ensures durability during exercise.
- Clear Call Quality: Enhanced voice clarity with cVc technology.
- Volume Limitation: Some users find maximum volume insufficient in noisy environments.
- Bass Performance: Bass may lack depth for those preferring heavier sound.
- Durability Concerns: Occasional reports of connection issues after extended use.
Bose Sport Earbuds
- Customizable fit with three sizes of StayHear Max tips for secure, comfortable wear during workouts
- IPX4-rated sweat and weather resistance for reliable performance in various conditions
- Touch interface controls for easy volume adjustment, playback, and call management
- Beam-forming microphone array for clear voice isolation during calls
The Bose Sport Earbuds combine high-quality sound with workout-friendly features, making them a solid choice for active users seeking reliable performance.
- Secure Fit for Active Use: The StayHear Max tips in three sizes offer a customizable fit, helping the earbuds stay in place during intense workouts or runs, addressing a common pain point for athletes.
- Workout-Ready Design: With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds resist sweat and light rain, while the touch controls allow for easy adjustments mid-exercise without fumbling for buttons.
Overall, the Bose Sport Earbuds provide a balance of sound quality, comfort, and durability that caters well to fitness enthusiasts who value both performance and practicality in their audio gear.
- Premium Sound Quality: Users consistently praise the lifelike audio and deep bass, delivering clear, balanced sound during workouts.
- Smart Touch Controls: The swipe-based volume control and tap functions work well, though some users mention a brief learning curve.
- Workout-Proof Design: Athletes highlight the reliable IPX4 sweat resistance and durability during intense sessions.
- Fit and Comfort Mix: The StayHear Max tips offer three size options, though users with smaller ears occasionally struggle to find their perfect match.
- Call Quality Features: The beam-forming microphone array provides clear calls in most environments, with some limitations in very noisy settings.
- Battery Performance: Initial battery life is strong, but some report capacity decline after months of use and occasional single-earbud connectivity issues.
Users generally agree these earbuds deliver signature Bose sound quality and reliable workout performance, making them a practical choice for active users.
- Secure fit designed to stay in place during intense activities
- Sweat and weather-resistant for outdoor use
- Intuitive touch controls for easy operation while exercising
- Quick charge feature provides 2 hours of use from a 15-minute charge
- Bose Music app allows for personalized settings and control
- Battery life limited to 5 hours per charge, which may not suffice for extended use
- Fit may not be ideal for users with smaller ear canals
- Touch controls may require a learning curve for some users
- Bluetooth range of 30 feet may be restrictive in larger workout spaces
Shokz Open Run Pro
- Open-Ear Comfort: Bud-free design keeps ears uncovered, offering comfort without in-ear pressure.
- Enhanced Safety: Allows users to stay aware of surroundings, ideal for outdoor exercise.
- Clear Sound Quality: TurboPitch technology delivers rich bass and clear audio for an immersive experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Provides up to 10 hours of continuous listening with quick charge for convenience.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro brings open-ear comfort and impressive sound quality to active lifestyles, making it an appealing choice for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
- The open-ear, bud-free design provides lasting comfort and keeps your ears uncovered, allowing full awareness of your surroundings—a key benefit for those prioritizing safety during outdoor activities.
- Featuring advanced Shokz TurboPitch technology, the OpenRun Pro delivers high-quality audio with clear sound, powerful volume, and deep bass, giving a premium listening experience without the isolation of traditional earbuds.
With its secure fit and long battery life, the Shokz OpenRun Pro is a practical option for those looking for a balanced blend of comfort, sound, and situational awareness.
- Clear Sound Quality: Users appreciate the balanced sound quality, highlighting clear audio and rich bass, even in outdoor settings.
- Comfortable, Bud-Free Fit: The open-ear design is often praised for its comfort, especially during long workouts, with no ear fatigue from buds.
- Secure During Activity: With a snug fit and lightweight frame, users report these headphones stay in place, even during intense movement.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Many users value being able to hear ambient sounds, a feature noted as ideal for running or cycling in busy areas.
- Reliable Battery Life: Feedback commonly mentions the extended battery life, lasting up to ten hours, which users find convenient for day-long wear.
- Minor Bluetooth Limitations: A few users mention occasional Bluetooth reconnection issues, but generally, connectivity is seen as fast and easy.
Overall, users find the Shokz OpenRun Pro an excellent choice for active, outdoor listeners looking for quality sound without compromising situational awareness.
- Lightweight titanium frame offers a stable, secure fit, even during intense movement.
- A 5-minute charge provides up to 1.5 hours of playback, convenient for last-minute needs.
- TurboPitch technology delivers clear, powerful audio with deep bass.
- Open-ear design helps users stay aware of their environment, enhancing safety.
- Some users report occasional reconnection issues after pauses or extended inactivity.
- Open-ear design may allow ambient noise, which may be distracting in loud settings.
- Audio quality may differ slightly from traditional headphones, depending on preferences.
JLab Go Air Sport
- Sweat-Resistant Design: Built with IP55 sweat resistance, making them reliable for workouts and outdoor use.
- Long Battery Life: Provides 8+ hours in each earbud, with 32+ hours total using the case.
- Customizable Sound Modes: Choose from Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes for a tailored listening experience.
- Dual Connect Feature: Use either earbud independently, convenient for calls or situational awareness.
The JLab Go Air Sport offers a well-rounded mix of comfort, durability, and audio options, designed for active users at a reasonable price.
- Secure, Sweat-Resistant Fit: With an IP55 sweat resistance rating and ergonomic earhooks, these earbuds are built to stay comfortably in place, even during intense workouts, making them ideal for outdoor or gym use.
- Customizable Listening Experience: Featuring EQ3 sound modes, users can choose between JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost without needing an app, catering to varied listening preferences.
Summary: For those seeking reliable, sweatproof earbuds with versatile sound settings, the JLab Go Air Sport provides a solid option at an accessible price point.
- Great for Active Use: Users love the secure fit of the earhooks, which keeps the earbuds comfortably in place during workouts and outdoor activities.
- Reliable Battery Life: With over 32 hours of total battery life, many find these earbuds perfect for extended use without frequent recharging.
- Simple Pairing & Controls: Easy pairing and intuitive touch controls make these earbuds convenient, especially when switching between music and calls.
- Sound Customization Options: The EQ3 sound modes allow users to adjust audio to their preference, with options for Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost.
- Minor Fit Adjustments Needed: Some users mention that adjusting the gel tips can be necessary to avoid ear fatigue, particularly during longer listening sessions.
- Good Value for Everyday Use: While not as isolating as premium options, many find these earbuds comfortable and reliable for everyday needs at a budget-friendly price.
- Secure, Comfortable Fit: Earhooks keep the earbuds firmly in place during movement.
- Extended Battery Life: Total of 32+ hours of playtime, ideal for longer use without frequent charging.
- Sweatproof: IP55 rating protects against sweat and dust, suitable for outdoor activities.
- Customizable Sound: Three EQ modes to match user preferences, enhancing audio experience.
- Minimal Noise Isolation: Limited noise-blocking capability compared to higher-end models.
- Audio Delay: Some users report slight delays, particularly noticeable in video streaming.
- Fit Adjustments May Be Needed: Certain users find they need to try different gel tips to avoid ear fatigue.
Why is an IPX rating important?
Water damage may not seem like an immediate concern on daily runs, especially if you hit up the treadmill. However, sweat happens. Or, your morning run might include a surprise rainstorm. Those two reasons are enough to pick up a pair of headphones that include an IPX rating of 4 or higher.
And if swimming is a part of your exercise routine, you might want to invest in a pair for some laps (aka, splashing and water submersion).
⭐ FYI: IP stands for Ingress Protection Marking, a system that rates the level of defense mechanical and electrical casings offer against intrusions like dust, water, and more.
From fit and comfort to sound quality and IPX ratings and ease of use, I ran the gamut for a pair of durable and stable headphones. The results? I was impressed—and surprised—with my findings. And my runs will hopefully be more frequent and more fun.
