April 09, 2023
earphones for running
I researched the topic of earphones for running by looking through various Reddit discussions and online sources. In total, I examined ten sources, most of which were Reddit threads discussing the best headphones for running. There was a general consensus among users on some popular options, although individual preferences and experiences varied. Given the variety of recommendations and user experiences, there is some degree of uncertainty in determining the absolute best option for everyone.
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Aftershokz
"If you're after headphones that don't fall out when running and don't block out ambient sound, it has to be Aftershokz."
"aftershokz aeropex, not the greatest sound quality but the situational awareness you retain with them can't be beat"
"Aftershokz. Stay on, comfortable, don't block outside noises (bikes, other runners etc), sound fine, decent charge/playing time."
Plantronics Backbeat Fit
"I use the Plantronics backbeat fit's. Id highly recommend them. They're very good, they hook into your ear so they won't fall out, good sound."
"The Plantronics Backbeat FIT range are great. A little pricier than the various budget Chinese pairs I see mentioned in other comments but they're so comfortable and don't leave any bouncing/dangling wires."
"I like my Plantronics Backbeat."
Jabra Elite Series
Jaybird Earbuds
Bose Soundsport
Powerbeats Pro
Budget Options
"If you're after headphones that don't fall out when running and don't block out ambient sound, it has to be Aftershokz."
"Aftershokz! You can hear what's going on around you, people coming up behind you, traffic etc. They're so much safer than over or in ear headphones. They're also more comfortable."
"I have just used cheap Chinese ones for past couple of years, Mpow Magneto. Cost like £20 and worked fine."
Conclusion
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Research
Source: "How the hell do I run with earphones in?" (from reddit, r/running)
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Reddit users recommend Aftershokz bone conducting headphones for running
- These headphones sit on the ear and allow for outside noise to be heard
- Some users report they sound poor, however most seemed satisfied
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Users recommend other headphones
- Plantronics Backbeat with hooks
- Bose Soundsport Wireless Earbuds
- Jabra 65t/75t
- Powerbeats Pro
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One user found a solution with earbuds
- New earbud cushions with smaller size
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Some users had issues with various headphones
- Some earbuds fell out
- MPOW Flame 2 stopped charging
- Some users experienced discomfort, vertigo, or nausea with Aftershokz
- Some users recommend avoiding knockoff versions of these products
- Note that some users had different experiences with the same products
Source: "Best Headphones For Running" (from reddit, r/runninglifestyle)
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“Best Headphones For Running” poll from r/runninglifestyle subreddit from 1 year, 21 days ago
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Comment by a user: bone conduction shokz open runners - expensive but awesome (50 karma)
- Another user upvotes this (2 karma)
- Comment by a user: Aftershokz Aeropex - poor sound quality compared to Powerbeats Pro (6 karma)
- Comment by a user: Aftershokz - converts instantly, comfortable (6 karma)
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Comment by a user: Beats Fit Pro - great, noise cancellation, transparency mode (6 karma)
- Another user agrees, stopped using Aftershockz (2 karma)
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Comment by a user: Aftershokz bone conducting headphones - second most popular choice by runners after ear buds (15 karma)
- Another user agrees, has 3 pairs (5 karma)
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Comment by a user: Plantronics/Poly Backbeat Fit 3100s - sweat-proof, ear hooks to stay on, pass-thru sound, music controls (3 karma)
- Another user had a bad experience with Aftershokz (2 karma)
- Comment by a user: Wireless is more important than those options (2 karma)
- Comment by a user: Over ear headphones are a no-go - ended up wet, overheated ears (2 karma)
- Comment by a user: Ear hook earbuds (2 karma)
- Comment by a user: Another vote for Aftershokz (1 karma)
- Comment by a user: No headphones or earphones for moments of peace, and safety reasons (1 karma)
- Comment by a user: Consider lifespan of headphones with built in batteries (1 karma)
- Comment by a user: None whatsoever - reports of deaths of runners wearing headphones/earphones (negative 2 karma)
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Comment by a user: bone conduction shokz open runners - expensive but awesome (50 karma)
Source: "Best running headphones. What do you use/recomm..." (from reddit, r/running)
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Best Running Headphones:
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Trekz AfterShokz: bone conduction headphones, open ear canal, ambient noise, bit pricey
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Mpow Magneto: Cheap Chinese ones, they work fine.
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Bose Soundsport Wireless: Great sound quality, never fallen out, excellent quality, perfect running headphones.
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Plantronics Backbeat FIT: comfortable, hover off the back of neck, do let in noise, perfect for runners on the road.
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Powerbeats Pro: Best for working out, great sound quality.
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Jabra Elite 65T active: Highly recommended.
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Jaybird Tarah Pro: Sound quality is awesome, handle runoff rain
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Brands:
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Bose: Bose Soundsport Wireless
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Jabra: Jabra Elite 65T active
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Jaybird: Jaybird Tarah Pro
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Mpow Magneto: Cheap Chinese ones
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Plantronics: Plantronics Backbeat FIT
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General info:
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Bluetooth connectivity: some headphones might have connection issues.
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Ambient noise: some headphones allow you to hear ambient noise, which is a great safety feature.
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Waterproof: Some headphones can handle runoff rain.
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Sound quality: some headphones provide great sound quality, some focus on bass.
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Price: some headphones are expensive, whereas some are cheap.
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Out of ear: bone conduction headphones available.
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Source: "Switching to Aftershokz open-ear headphones fro..." (from reddit, r/running)
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Aftershokz open-ear headphones are recommended for safety while running
- Bone-conducting sound may not be as clear as earbuds, but it allows for spatial awareness of surroundings and can pick up ambient noise
- Aftershokz were comfortable to wear during runs and didn’t interfere with running groove
- Controls on the headphones are fiddly and difficult to use during a run
- Battery life of the Aeropex is 8 hrs
- A separate charging cable is required for charging
- There is an annoying beep that accompanies every action
- Sound quality is not impressive but isn’t bad either
- For those with issues with earbuds falling out or causing irritation to ears, Aftershokz are recommended.
Source: "Thoughts on the Aftershokz Aeropex headphones f..." (from reddit, r/running)
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Aftershokz Aeropex headphones mentioned frequently
- Let in ambient noise for safety
- Fine for running
- Waterproof
- Not ideal for audiophiles, but still enjoyable
- Great for hearing your surroundings
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Bose Soundsport earbuds mentioned
- Good quality
- Relatively inexpensive
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Jaybird X3 and X4 earbuds mentioned
- Good battery life
- Adjustable EQ settings
- Waterproof
- Wire connects buds
- Some consider them dangerous for running outdoors
- Video/audio sync question asked, but no responses given.
💭 Looking into
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bone conduction headphones for running?
💭 Looking into
What are the most popular headphones for running?
💭 Looking into
What is the battery life for the AirPods?
💭 Looking into
What is the weight of the Adidas RPT 01?
💭 Looking into
What is the range of Bluetooth connectivity for the Jabra Elite 75t?
💭 Looking into
What is the sound quality of the Plantronics Backbeat Fit?
💭 Looking into
What is the battery life for the Aftershokz Aeropex?
Source: "Best Running Headphones & Earbuds 2021: You Don..." (from web, www.roadrunnersports.com)
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Best running headphones and earbuds for optimal comfort and performance when you’re on the move.
- Headphones and earbuds with low-quality sound that slip off every few minutes can be a frustrating distraction that takes away from your workout.
- Factors to consider when choosing between headphones and earbuds are personal preference, comfort, audio quality, and secure fit.
- Bluetooth headphones are a great choice for runners to avoid wires getting tangled.
- AfterShokz Aeropex, Aeropex Mini, Open Move, and Air headphones are some of the best running headphones with bone conduction technology to keep your ears open to the world around you and stay safe while running in the dark. They are also lightweight and have Bluetooth connectivity, making them a great fit for any runner.
- JLAB Audio Fit Sport Earbuds are among the best earbuds for running due to their crisp sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity with a 30-foot range, 10+ hour battery life, and a 15.5g weight that makes them light and comfortable. They are also splash proof, sweatproof, and offer a Memory Wire ear hook that helps you achieve a personalized fit.
- Beats headphones are not ideal for running as they can start to move around and slip off your head, and the cushy ear pads can get slick with sweat, causing them to slip off your ears and stain or damage the padding.
- AirPods have a sleek design and great sound quality but are not specifically designed for runners.
Source: "Best Headphones For Running?" (from reddit, r/running)
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Best headphones for running
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Aftershokz bone conduction headphones are popular for running and other exercises.
- A user mentions the Trekz Titanium and Aeropex models.
- Another user recommends Aftershokz for their customer service.
- One user also likes the el cheapo Chinese bone conduction earphones.
- Plantronics Backbeat Fit headphones have been around for a while and are still recommended by some users, but others caution that the quality of the newer versions has dropped.
- Jabra Elite 75t and Jabra Elite Active 75t have a hear-through feature.
- Adidas RPT 01 is designed for working out.
- AirPods (regular and Pro) are good for running in a noisy environment and calling/texting without using your phone.
- Anker Soundcore Spirit X is a budget option with long battery life, but no buttons to control audio on the headphones themselves.
- JLaB airbuds are recommended by one user.
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Headband
- One user wears a headband that holds their earbuds in place.
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Aftershokz bone conduction headphones are popular for running and other exercises.
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Some users mention other factors besides staying in place while running:
- Some users prefer headphones that don’t block out ambient sound.
- Sound quality and comfort are important to some users.
- Some users want headphones with heart rate readings or that work with Strava.
- One user likes being able to remove ear pads and wash them.
- One user likes being able to program a control button on the side.
- One user wants to be able to skip tracks while music is playing directly from their Garmin.
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Some users mention specific models they like:
- Jabra Elite 65t
- Beats wireless
- Jaybird Vista
- Jaybird Run XT
- Bose SoundSport
Source: "Best running headphones. What do you use/recomm..." (from reddit, r/running)
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Best earphones for running:
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Aftershokz (highly recommended)
- Safe as sound doesn’t block out surroundings
- Good battery life
- Comfortable, stays on
- Allows for conversation
- Comes with earplugs
- Can be used for phone calls
- Volume can be increased to block out sound
- Does not get wax on them
- Doesn’t irritate ears when sweating
- Bose SoundSport Wireless (recommended by one person only)
- Audio-Technika headphones: friend uses for Djing, high quality sound but not recommended for running, as it amplifies noise
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Aftershokz (highly recommended)
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Users’ experiences with Aftershokz:
- Generally positive, with some users finding them to be too tight or uncomfortable on certain head sizes and shapes
- Battery life generally good, although may suffer in colder temperatures
- Sound quality is good, volume is okay but may need to be increased on busy city streets
- Some users used them for marathon or ultra marathon and found them to be comfortable
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Downsides of Aftershokz:
- Some people experienced headaches or canal discomfort after some hours
- May not be good for blocking out very loud or busy environments
- Some people did not like how it was around their ears None
Source: "Best earphones /headphones to run?" (from reddit, r/running)
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Best earphones /headphones to run?
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aftershokz aeropex - situational awareness you retain with them can’t be beat
- keep in mind tho that they don’t block background noise
- have made my beginner running life SO MUCH BETTER
- yoga videos/meditations in the morning while my partner sleeps
- phone calls or podcasts on dog walks
- phone calls or podcasts while doing household things
- Power beats pro - best
- jabra elite 75t - very good and engaging sound, Great battery, small case, water resistant, good for phone calls - and reasonably prised
- Jaybirds - amazing! Don’t fall out, good quality
- samsung Galaxy Buds - have an ambient noise feature which is great and they fit snug in the ear
- AirPods - highly recommend if you have an iPhone
- beats earbuds that wrap around the ear! - cheap and have great sound quality and don’t ever fall out on me!
- old man style but Super - Beats - quite cheap, have great sound quality and don’t ever fall out on me!
- None
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aftershokz aeropex - situational awareness you retain with them can’t be beat
💭 Looking into
What are the best earphones for running?