Against the abundance of headphones on the market to choose a good model for sports is not an easy task. Manufacturers, wanting to reach as large an audience as possible, issue a lot of original solutions. Our review will help you decide on the choice.
Contents:
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The best headphones for sports
Everyone has different requirements for sports headphones. It depends on the intensity of the workout, the anatomy of the ears and the budget. We've selected the best models among in-canal and over-the-ear devices for different types of activities.
Bose Sport Earbuds
Comfortable hybrids.
Thanks to the firm fit these headphones will not fall out of your ears even during active sports activities. The model is known for quality construction and interesting design.
Reasons to buy:
- Practical design;
- Traditionally cool sound;
- Quality speaking microphone;
- Convenient touch control;
- Application with necessary settings;
- Fast charging mode.
Wireless Bose Sport Earbuds are paired with a smartphone or other sound source via Bluetooth (up to version 5.1). Of the codecs, SBC and AAC are supported. The system of 4 microphones transmits the voice well, making it stand out against the background noise. The sound in this gadget is quite even and accurate: universal pitch, good detail, well worked out scenes.
The headphones absolutely do not put pressure on the earshell. For the most secure fit, it is recommended to choose the right size of ear cushions (the set comes with 3 pieces). To insert the Bose Earbuds correctly, you need to twist them a little bit so that the whole earpiece lies inside your ear.
IPX4 moisture protection is claimed: against sweat and drizzle is not the greatest indicator, but it is acceptable.
Bose Sport Earbuds work autonomously for 5 hours after full charge. From the case they can be fully charged 2 more times. As a result, the gadget works for 15 hours without a power source. This is more than enough for the mainstream use during sports activities. A quick recharge in 15 minutes guarantees 2 hours of use.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Comfort and sound quality
Momentum 2 has an improved fit and due to its moisture protection it is quite suitable for regular workouts and jogging outdoors. Overall, these are pretty versatile headphones.
Reasons to buy:
- Active noise cancellation;
- Good autonomy;
- Unmatched stereo sound;
- Ergonomic design;
- Intuitive controls.
Momentum TWS2 headphones feature a proprietary dynamic driver with a 7mm diaphragm. It produces a perfectly accurate and well-balanced sound. The model with Bluetooth chip version 5.1 supports aptX and AAC codecs. The device gives a good passive isolation, which is complemented by ANC (active noise suppression system).
The cases are made of ABS plastic with a round front touch panel decorated with the company logo. They are not very small, but the fit is quite comfortable for most. This allows you to wear the headphones for a long time without feeling uncomfortable. And the fully wireless format does not restrict the freedom of movement during sports activities.
The device has customizable controls, with an intuitive equalizer in the mobile app the sound of the headphones can be adjusted to your taste.
Of the additional features, it is worth noting the support of voice assistants and smart pause. With all this, Momentum2 promises up to 7 hours of battery life and can get 3 more full charges from the case. Total listening time is 28 hours.
Jabra Elite Active 75t
Compact headphones for intense workouts
Jabra headsets sit securely in your ear with their special anti-slip layer. At the same time, the device itself is sweat and moisture resistant.
Reasons to buy:
- Perfect fit;
- Clear voice quality on calls;
- Excellent sound quality;
- Many customizable features;
- Good battery life;
- High moisture protection.
The speaker size in Elite Active 75t is 6 mm. There is passive and active noise cancellation, as well as noise reduction when talking. Plus - it uses 4-microphone speech technology.
The connection to the sound source is made via Bluetooth 5.0 without noticeable audio lag. Available codecs: SBC and AAC - that is, the "ears" can be used freely with both iPhones and Android devices. Jabra has push-button controls, which in wet hands are often more convenient than sensors.
It comes with three sizes of EarGels, which guarantee the most comfortable fit for most people. The gadget also has a frequency-adjustable vent to relieve pressure from the ear canal. This keeps the lower frequencies in your ear and the ambient noise out of your ear.
IP57 protection protects the headphones from dust and sweat during intensive sports activities and even allows you to bathe in the shower while wearing them. However, you should not deliberately "drown" them in water.
If active noise cancellation is enabled, the headphones will work continuously for about 5.5 hours, and with the charging case - 24 hours. The case itself is compact and convenient, and supports fast charging.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
For the busiest activity.
Powerbeats Pro have a great fit in the ear thanks to their in-ear earmolds. The headphones won't fall out even with active movement and still produce great sound.
Reasons to buy:
- Reliable pairing;
- Wide functionality;
- Long battery life;
- Sweat and moisture protection;
- Controls on both headphones.
The headphones function on the new Apple H1 chip - like the AirPods 2. Due to the optical sensors can easily detect the position of the device in the ear. The model also has an accelerometer.
The piston driver in conjunction with a chamber for ventilation, which reduces pressure on the ear, better balances the bass. The volume reserve of the gadget is enough to block out any noise around. The passive isolation also does a good job of shielding you from the sounds of your immediate surroundings.
The rubber overlay keeps the headset firmly in the ear canal, and the design includes a behind-the-ear earhook for greater reliability. With these headphones you can run, jump and perform any strenuous cardio-exercise. It comes with 4 sets of interchangeable ear cushions. Each set weighs 10g but can be worn with very little sensation.
Powerbeats Pro supports FastFuel charging. That means you can recharge the device in 5 minutes in the locker room before your workout. That's enough time for 1.5 hours of music. Once fully charged, the headset will run uninterruptedly for 9 hours, and if you use the case, the total time of autonomous play will be 24 hours.
AfterShokz Aeropex
Waterproof headset with bone conduction
The AfterShokz Aeropex headphones provide safety during outdoor sports. The device is fully waterproof and not at all afraid of sweat.
Reasons to buy:
- Ergonomic design;
- Can withstand being submerged under water;
- Powerful enough sound;
- Sound leakage is reduced by 50%;
- Lightweight for their form factor.
The sound vibrations in Aeropex headphones are directed towards the face at an angle of 30°. This visibly reduces vibration and widens the dynamic range. This device provides a good level of detail in playback - it is comfortable to listen to most music genres. The headphones have a small size, but powerful enough sound.
The rim made of titanium guarantees a secure and comfortable fit, while it literally can be tied with a knot. Such a frame is quite reliable and comfortable at the same time. Immediately after boarding there is a slight pressure in the snug fit, but 2-3 minutes later you get completely used to the sensation. The headphones do not fall off, do not move off during intensive sports activities.
The IP67 waterproof rating allows them to be submerged up to 1 meter deep for half an hour. But under water, the "ears" immediately lose the BT connection with the sound source. The battery life of the device reaches 8 hours if you listen to music at 50% volume.
JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train
Extremely durable design
UA Sport wireless headphones are specially designed for the gym. SuperVent ear cushions stay dry and cool for a long time.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful sound;
- Large controls;
- Long life;
- Quick recharging;
- The ear cushions are washable.
JBL UA Sport Wireless headphones have a 40 mm speaker size. There are no questions about the sound: the device has a huge volume reserve, good detailing, the most universal setting. TalkThru technology is activated by a simple touch. It allows you to maintain a conversation while staying in the headphones.
Thanks to the ear-cup finish, the headphones fit very securely on your head without any discomfort. After a workout, the ear cushions are easily removed so they can be washed and dried. The cups fold inside for portability in a special pouch.
At first, the headphones feel a little stiff. The ear cushions almost completely cover your ears - only the lobe and the top is visible. The device fits snugly, it does not fall off during sudden movements.
The JBL Sport Wireless has enough battery capacity for 16 hours of continuous use. Also supports fast charging (5 minutes of plugging in gives an additional hour of work). But since training usually takes 1-2 hours, it is enough to charge the sports device once every 2 weeks.
Adidas RPT-01
Withstand any movement during training
Comfortable earphones for sports and normal daily use have an excellent fit and reliable design.
Reasons to buy:
- Decent sound;
- Easy operation;
- Long battery life;
- Ergonomic design;
- Washable parts.
The control of the Adidas RPT-01 overhead headphones is mechanical and extremely simple: there is a single control lever on the right channel. Headband and drivers are covered with textile material, similar to that used on the brand name sneakers. Soft-touch plastic is present on the exposed areas.
The length of the headband is easily adjustable, so the headphones fit very securely on each head. You can dynamically do sports with them: running or jumping rope. The ear-cup twists in all directions - it is rather difficult to break or bend it.
The sound of the device is moderately deep. Bass is saturated enough, the midtones are expressed adequately, the highs are not bad. Although the headphones support Bluetooth 5.0, compatibility with advanced codecs is not provided.
The IPX4 design is a good protection against sweat and water droplets. The application for controlling the headphones is quite simple, it works with Android and iOS. To use it, simply connect the RPT-01 to your smartphone. The headset is designed for 40 hours of battery life. It takes about 3 hours to charge from scratch.
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How to choose sports headphones
First of all, headphones for sports should be comfortable - in all respects. Before buying a model, it is desirable to test. A good headset is distinguished by a comfortable fit, lack of discomfort when worn for long periods of time and a secure fit.
When thinking about buying a corded or wireless device, it is useful to keep in mind that even the highest level of noise cancellation does not protect you from the sounds of the cord when you move. If this moment is guaranteed to be annoying, or if the wires basically interfere with your exercise, it is better to give preference to wireless models.
In general, it is useful to choose headphones taking into account the peculiarities of your training, as well as personal preferences or habits. It is necessary to take into account the general criteria of choice.
Type of design
Different types of headphones are suitable for different sports and workout intensities:
- For the gym, closed-type devices that provide good noise isolation are suitable - mainly vacuum plugs.
- If you work out in the open, it is better to choose open-type models, so you can hear the car horn and other sounds in time.
Earphones for sports - in-canal and earmolds - are usually equipped with additional retainers, which are placed in the ear and do not allow the device to fall out even with sudden head movements. Other models of sports gadgets have special mounts: a headband or a behind-the-ear attachment.
The choice of mount type is approached particularly seriously, taking into account the anatomical structure of the ears. Everything is very individual. In the case of in-canal headsets, the selection is facilitated by the presence of ear cushions of different sizes. For over-the-ear headphones, flexibility and adjustability of the headband and the mobility of the cups are important.
Well, don't discount portability. Full-size and overhead models even with the folding mechanism take much more space than the standard TWS. But here you also have to choose between sound quality and portability.
Moisture protection
For sports headphones, moisture protection is a very important criterion. Good models are suitable for use in all weather conditions, as well as the most intense physical activities.
Headphones labeled waterproof are suitable for rinsing with water after use. A device labeled water resistant will withstand accidental exposure to rain, but you should not take a shower with it.
The material of the ear cushions is also important, because they are in direct contact with the skin and can be damaged by sweat. It is best to choose silicone ear cushions for in-canal headphones. Foam or plastic ones will cause discomfort during intensive workouts.
The ear cushions of overhead models are made of a material that can be easily washed or cleaned. But leatherette is not the best choice here - it's too hot. Give preference to textile - it is good air permeable and drains excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IPX?
The IP, IPX and IPXY designations show how much a particular device is protected against dust and moisture ingress. The "X" (first digit after the IP marking) is responsible for dust protection and the second digit "Y" indicates the level of protection against moisture.
For sports, IPX4 protection is enough, which means the headphones won't be affected by sweat. But for them to really withstand immersion in water, they have to be IPX7 and be specially made.
Can I use regular headphones for sports?
In theory, ordinary headphones are suitable for such use. However, they may cause discomfort because they may fall out of your ears or off your head when you are actively exercising. And if they are not claimed to be waterproof, they will quickly break down when exposed to perspiration.
Why do some headphones come with multiple ear cushions?
If they come with ear cushions in different sizes, it's a good way to find the best fit, since everyone's ear buds are different. Cushions that are too small will fall out for some, and cushions that are too large will cause discomfort. Out of 3 or 4 options, you have a better chance of finding your size.
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