When working out, having the right pair of headphones can make all the difference in your motivation, focus, and performance. The best headphones for working out provide excellent sound quality for your music or audiobooks and fit, comfort, stability, and sweat resistance during intense exercise. Key features to look for include:
- Wireless connectivity to avoid cords getting in the way.
- Over-ear designs that stay put on your head.
- Cushioned ear cups that block out ambient noise.
- Waterproof materials that can withstand sweat and moisture.
Choosing headphones designed specifically for fitness and activity ensures they will meet your needs whether you are doing weight training, running, cycling, or other high-intensity workouts. Overall, workout headphones enhance your exercise experience while enduring strenuous use and minimizing distractions.
This guide will highlight the top headphones based on wireless connectivity, over-ear fit, comfort, sound quality, and durability. We’ll also provide tips on headphone care and alternatives like bone-conduction headphones or earbuds. You can take your training to the next level with the right workout headphones.
Benefits of Workout Headphones
Having the right workout headphones can significantly improve your exercise experience and performance. Here are some of the critical benefits that good workout headphones provide:
Improved Focus and Motivation
Workout headphones allow you to listen to your favorite high-energy music or podcasts without external distractions. This helps you zone in on your workout and block out any ambient noise in the gym. The motivational factor of listening to music that pumps you up can give you the drive needed to push through challenging sets or runs.
Blocks Ambient Noise
Gyms and fitness classes can be boisterous environments. Workout headphones with sound noise isolation or cancellation allow you to immerse yourself in your audio without the distraction of loud ambient sounds. This helps you maintain focus on your workout.
Customizable Comfort
Choosing workout headphones that fit your ears properly is crucial for comfort, Over-ear and around-ear options with soft padding block out external noise while preventing audio leakage. Secure earbud options like sports buds with ear hooks stay put during rigorous activities. Look for headphones with adjustable/bendable parts to get the most comfortable personalized fit.
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Key Features to Look For
When searching for the best headphones to use for working out, there are some key features to consider:
Wireless/Bluetooth
Wireless or Bluetooth headphones allow you to connect wirelessly to your device, giving you freedom of movement without dealing with wires. This is especially useful for working out when wires get in the way or get snagged on equipment. Look for headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for the most stable and reliable wireless connection.
Sweat Resistance
You want headphones that can withstand sweat without getting damaged. Look for headphones marketed as sweatproof, waterproof, or having an IPX4 rating or higher, indicating they are resistant to water splashes from any direction.
Secure Fit
It would help if you had a very secure fit to keep your headphones in place during vigorous exercise. Over-ear headphones stay on better than earbuds. Earbuds explicitly designed for exercise provide features like ear hooks, fins, and extra ear tip sizes to keep them stabilized in your ears.
Battery Life
Long battery life allows you to get through lengthy workouts without your headphones dying. For workout headphones, 6-10 hours of battery life per charge is ideal. Some headphones offer high-speed charging (5 minutes for 1-2 hours of playtime), which can also be handy.
Sound Quality
Don’t sacrifice sound to get headphones that work for exercising. Seek out headphones that offer full sound and strong bass even with the demands of sports. Good workout headphones have sound quality on par with regular headphones from the same brand.
Best Wireless Workout Headphones
When it comes to wireless workout headphones, you want a comfortable and secure fit with long battery life, good audio quality, and sweat resistance. Here are some top recommendations:
Bose SoundSport Wireless
The Bose SoundSport Wireless earbuds are a top choice for wireless workout headphones.
Pros:
- Secure and comfortable fit with StayHear+ tips
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- 6-hour battery life per charge
- Sweat and weather resistance
Cons:
- Expensive at around $150
- Bulky charging case
With unmatched sound and fit, these are great wireless earbuds for exercising. The soft StayHear+ tips provide a secure fit that stays put. With an IPX4 rating, they can withstand sweat and extreme conditions during training. Battery life reaches up to 6 hours.
Jaybird Vista 2
The Jaybird Vista 2 is a lightweight option perfect for intense workouts.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- 8-hour battery life
- Fully waterproof IP68 rating
- Customizable sound with EQ settings
Cons:
- Bass could be better
- Bulky charging case
Weighing in at just 6 grams per bud, you’ll barely feel these during your most challenging workouts. They’re fully waterproof with an IP68 rating. Battery life is an impressive 8 hours. While bass isn’t the strongest, you can customize the sound using the app.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Powerbeats Pro offers a secure over-ear hook design and long battery life.
Pros:
- Over-ear hooks keep them secure
- 9-hour battery life
- Sweat and water resistance
- Dynamic sound with punchy bass
Cons:
- Bulkier than other options
- Pricey at around $200
With adjustable ear hooks, the Powerbeats Pro stays put through high-intensity training. They’re sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. You’ll get up to 9 hours of playback per charge. The sound delivers powerful bass and crisp highs. Just be aware the charging case is relatively large.
Best Over Ear Workout Headphones
Many workout enthusiasts prefer over-ear headphones for their ability to stay securely in place during intense activity. Their around-the-ear design blocks out external noise and allows you to immerse yourself in your music or audiobooks. Here are some top choices to consider:
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a top choice for its excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort.
Pros:
- Excellent noise canceling blocks out gym background noise
- Comfortable even during long workouts
- Crisp, balanced sound quality
- Work great for phone calls
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not fully waterproof
Key Features:
- Wireless Bluetooth and NFC pairing
- Volume-optimized EQ for balanced audio
- Dual microphones for clear calls
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music
Jabra Elite 85h.
The Jabra Elite 85h offers substantial noise cancellation and good battery life at a more affordable price.
Pros:
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Customizable sound with EQ in the app
- Up to 36 hours of battery life
- Rainproof design
Cons:
- It is less comfortable than Bose for some
- Touch controls can be finicky
Key Features:
- Powerful 40mm drivers
- Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri support
- Eight microphones for calls and ANC
- Fast charging: 5 hours from 15 minutes
Sony WH-1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM3s are a top choice with excellent noise cancellation and audio quality.
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancelling
- Excellent audio quality with a touch of warmth
- 30 hours battery life
- Quick charging: 5 hours from 10 minutes
Cons:
- Earcups may get warm during extended use
- Not sweat resistant
Key Features:
- HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
- Touch sensor controls
- Adaptive Sound Control
- Speak-to-chat technology
Other Notable Mentions
While the top picks outlined above are some of the best headphones for working out, there are a few other good options worth mentioning:
Bose SoundSport Wireless – The Bose SoundSport Wireless earbuds are sweat and weather-resistant with up to 6 hours of battery life. They feature StayHear tips that provide a secure fit. The sound quality is excellent, with deep, clear audio.
Jabra Elite Active 75t – The Jabra Elite Active 75t is an excellent option for fully wireless earbuds. They are comfortable, customizable, and provide 7.5 hours of battery life with punchy bass. The sweat and dust resistance also makes them ideal for workouts.
Anker Soundcore Spirit X – The Anker Soundcore Spirit X headphones offer an affordable option with good sound and 12 hours of battery life. They have an IP68 rating, making them fully waterproof and sweat-resistant. The ear tips ensure a secure fit during workouts.
Plantronics BackBeat Fit – With a comfortable and stable fit, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit headphones are ideal for exercise and sports. They connect quickly, are fully sweatproof, and provide up to 8 hours of battery life. The sound quality is excellent, especially for the price point.
While you can go right with all the headphones mentioned in this guide, consider your budget, fit, battery life, sound quality, and other preferences to find the best workout headphones. With all the great options available today, you can enjoy high-quality audio and a secure fit to power you through any workout.
Headphone Care Tips
Taking care of your workout headphones properly will help them last longer. Here are some tips for cleaning, storage, and maximizing the durability of your headphones:
Cleaning
- Use a damp cloth to gently wipe down the ear pads and headband to remove sweat and oils. Avoid getting moisture in any openings.
- For a deeper clean, use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to sanitize the ear pads and wipe away grime.
- Don’t submerge your headphones or use harsh cleaners. This can damage the drivers or internal components.
Storage
- Store your headphones in a protective case or pouch when not in use. This prevents damage from drops or other impacts.
- Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures for storage, which can degrade materials over time.
- If storing for an extended period, charge wireless headphones to around 50% battery level. This prolongs the battery lifespan.
Maximizing Durability
- When exercising, secure headphones firmly so they don’t fall off. Sudden drops can break headbands.
- Wipe off sweat as soon as you’re done working out. Don’t let moisture sit on components.
- Replace ear pads periodically. Worn pads reduce sound isolation and comfort.
- Use caution and avoid pulling hard on cables. Fraying or detached cables are a common issue.
- Consider warranty options to protect against manufacturing defects.
By following these care tips, your workout headphones will perform better for longer. Let me know if you would like me to further expand on any part of this section.
Workout Headphone Alternatives
While over-ear and wireless headphones dominate the workout headphone market, other options are also to consider.
Earbuds
Earbuds are slight in-ear headphones that fit directly into the ear canal. They are more low profile and lightweight than over-ear models. Popular options like Apple AirPods or Beats Fit Pro offer sweat resistance and stay put during workouts. The downside is that they isolate sound and block ambient noise so that outdoor runners will lose spatial awareness. Noise-canceling also drains the battery faster.
Bone Conduction
Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through cheek and jaw vibrations rather than the eardrum. Aftershokz is the most recognized brand. Their open-ear design allows situational awareness while working out. However, sound quality could be more dynamic, and some users complain of jaw discomfort or headaches during more prolonged use.
Hearing Aids
Surprisingly, some advanced hearing aids like the Olive Pro can double as wireless workout headphones. They stream audio and take calls while amplifying ambient sounds for safety. The innovative tech comes at a premium price, so they only make sense for those needing hearing assistance.
Limitations
While the alternatives have unique advantages, over-ear and wireless headphones still lead to workout use. Their active noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and fit aren’t matched. Unless requiring specific benefits like ambient awareness or hearing assistance, most athletes are best served with traditional sports headphones.
Final Takeaways
A few key factors stand out when selecting the best headphones for working out. First and foremost, look for wireless and sweatproof models that will stay securely in your ears through intense exercise. Noise isolation is also essential to help block out ambient noise at the gym.
The Bose SoundSport Wireless is hard to beat for the best overall wireless workout headphones. They offer excellent sound quality, a comfortable and stable fit, sweat resistance, and up to 6 hours of battery life per charge.
The Jabra Elite 85h is a top choice if you prefer over-ear headphones. With their active noise canceling, customizable sound, and weather resistance, they are ideal for tuning out distractions during any workout.
While pricier options exist, the models highlighted here provide a winning blend of comfort, stability, sound, and intelligent features for exercise. Care for your headphones properly, and consider headphone straps or clips if needed. You can take your training to the next level with the right workout headphones.
References
To provide comprehensive, well-researched content on the best headphones for working out, information and recommendations were gathered from diverse expert sources:
- Consumer Reports tests workout headphones like Beats, Jaybird, and Skullcandy to evaluate audio quality, fit, controls, and other vital criteria.
- CNET’s hands-on testing and reviews of top models from Sony, JBL, and others for sound, battery life, sweat resistance, and overall quality.
- Runner’s World evaluates headphones optimized for running and sports based on comfort, stability, audio, and other essential factors.
- Expert perspectives from sites like SoundGuys on using headphones for exercise effectively, including specialized recommendations.
- Advice from professionals like audiologists on safely and effectively using headphones during physical activity.
- Trusted resources on headphone technology and performance like RTings for detailed, unbiased testing data.
The synthesis of insights from these authoritative sources provided the basis for an informed, well-rounded look at the top headphones to consider for working out. The content aims to provide readers with a comprehensive perspective and expert recommendations they can rely on when selecting headphones for fitness and sports.
