Whether you like to run or expend energy in the gym, most athletes feel the same way: music is a must. A pair of Bluetooth sports headphones can be the perfect choice for listening to music comfortably while doing intense physical activities. This buying guide is here to help you find the right model for you.
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Our selection
"If you're looking for the best value Bluetooth sport headset on the market, you'll definitely like the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2. For sports, the fit…"
"If you're trying to stay focused on your workout or run by blocking out outside noise, you'll be really surprised by the noise-canceling capabilities of…"
"The Beats Studio 3 is the ultimate in Bluetooth sports headphones. It's comfortable and stable enough to handle intensive sports use."
"The Razer Opus are good headphones for sports. Although it moves a bit more during more intense workouts, it's stable enough to use while jogging…"
If you're looking for the best value Bluetooth sport headset on the market, you'll definitely like the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2. For sports, the fit of this model is simply perfect.
125 £ on AmazonThe BackBeat PRO 2 has an improved design over the original BackBeat Pro. In particular, the earpieces have been redesigned to have a more oval shape that better fits the ears of athletes. The BackBeat PRO 2 is well padded, not too heavy, so it's comfortable to wear. This headset benefits from a robust and durable construction, thanks in particular to a headband reinforced by a metal and plastic frame. If properly positioned, the headset won't fall out.
Out of the box, these headphones have a more neutral and balanced sound profile, making them suitable for listening to many different types of audio content. The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 retains the ergonomic controls (play/pause, volume, ANC) of the first BackBeat Pro by having very distinct and responsive buttons for each of the essential functions. Finally, it should be noted that the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 has an excellent autonomy.
If you're trying to stay focused on your workout or run by blocking out outside noise, you'll be really surprised by the noise-canceling capabilities of these Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones.
47,99 £ on Amazon
The Beats Studio 3 is the ultimate in Bluetooth sports headphones. It's comfortable and stable enough to handle intensive sports use.
167 £ on AmazonThe Beats Studio 3 has the same sleek and stylish design as the previous Beats Studio 2, but with improved noise cancellation performance. The Beat Studio 3 is made of soft, matte plastic that is very soft to the touch. The coating is not the fingerprint magnet you might think, and the plush ear cups are well padded and the pressure is well distributed around the ears.
The Beats Studio 3 has good stability. It will hardly move when you run with it. The Beats Studio 3 is also very comfortable. As far as battery life is concerned, the Beats Studio 3 has up to 40 hours of battery life without active noise reduction. These headphones have a slightly dark sound profile that adds punch to your favorite songs, which can be ideal for bass-heavy tracks.
The Razer Opus are good headphones for sports. Although it moves a bit more during more intense workouts, it's stable enough to use while jogging or running.
124 £ on AmazonThis Razer Opus headset has a high quality plastic construction that gives a real solid feel. It withstands minor bumps without too much trouble. This sporty Bluetooth headset is also very comfortable on the head and stays put if you wear them during your workouts and jogging sessions. Depending on your usage patterns, this headset provides 32 hours of continuous battery life. You won't have to recharge it very often.
Its sound profile is very accurate and well balanced, making it versatile enough for most music genres and audio content. Plus, you can change the sound profile via a graphic equalizer and presets in its companion app.
Any specific needs?
The best sport Bluetooth headset in 2021
The best entry-level sport Bluetooth headset
The best high-end sport Bluetooth headset
Excellent sport Bluetooth headset
Your guide :
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In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2
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Anker Soundcore Life Q30
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Beats Studio 3
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Razer Opus
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If you're looking for the best value Bluetooth sport headset on the market, you'll definitely like the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2. For sports, the fit of this model is simply perfect.
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If you're trying to stay focused on your workout or run by blocking out outside noise, you'll be really surprised by the noise-canceling capabilities of these Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones.
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The Beats Studio 3 is the ultimate in Bluetooth sports headphones. It's comfortable and stable enough to handle intensive sports use.
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The Razer Opus are good headphones for sports. Although it moves a bit more during more intense workouts, it's stable enough to use while jogging or running.
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Battery life (without active noise reduction)
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30 hours
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44 hours
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40 hours
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32 hours
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Bluetooth version
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4.0
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5.0
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4.2
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4.2
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Resistance
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32 Ohm
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16 Ohm
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45 Ohm
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12 Ohm
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Weight
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290 g
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260 g
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260 g
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250 g
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Accessories included
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Carrying case, 3.5 jack cable, Micro USB cable, Manual
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1/8" TRS audio cable, USB-C charging cable, Hard case,
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Carrying case, 3.5 jack cable, Micro-USB cable, Manual
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Hard carrying case, Small soft cable pouch, 1/8" TRRS audio cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, Air adapter, Manuals
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Bluetooth sport headsets should be comfortable to wear both when you're not doing anything and when you're active. When you go running, a comfortable Bluetooth headset is just as important as comfortable shoes. After all, nothing saps adrenaline faster than when you have to slow down to adjust your headset. The fit varies considerably by model. To evaluate comfort and fit you need to look at the features of the headband and earcups. Most importantly, you need to read user reviews and comments to get an accurate idea of the comfort level and flexibility of the fit.
Your music should last longer than your workout. If music gives you the extra push you need to push past your limits, you can't be satisfied with a Bluetooth headset that shuts off after only an hour of activity. So pay attention to battery life per full charge when you're not using your headset and how quickly it recharges when you're not using it.
Waterproofing or sweat resistance are important features to look for in sports Bluetooth headsets. If you're doing cardio of any kind, you're going to sweat. While exposure to liquid can cause non-IP certified devices to short out, a Bluetooth sport headset with an official IP certification or water repellent coating should fare just fine. As a general rule, the best Bluetooth sport headsets from will display a product's IP rating on the front of the box. If they don't, check the back at the specifications overview.
Touch controls are all the rage right now, but the user experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. While it's a cool thing, using touch controls is vastly different in terms of responsiveness and sensitivity to physical buttons. Of course, touch controls can be customized so that different combinations of taps can exploit different features, from noise cancellation to volume levels. To take advantage of more intuitive handling, physical buttons are still the wisest choice.
Unlike traditional audio or gamer headsets, sports Bluetooth headsets don't have to completely suppress ambient noise, so you can still hear what's going on in your immediate environment and be able to react as needed. If you're training outdoors, look for Bluetooth sport headsets that have the ability to turn noise reduction on or off, because most of the time you need to be aware of your surroundings and be able to hear what's going on around you.
With headphones, earwax buildup shouldn't be a problem, unlike with traditional earbuds. If the pads get wet from your sweat while running or exercising, you may need to rinse them out, but it's very important to make sure you know the IP rating first, which refers in part to the level of water resistance. You'll want to make sure the rating is at least IPX5, and IPX7, if you plan to use water for cleaning.
Although you can't get water on the earcups themselves, many earcups are now removable. Some can be washed like clothes, others can be run under a faucet and then air-dried, and many can be replaced if they get too worn. But some pads are glued on and don't have an I-index. That's where things get tricky. You'll need to consult your helmet's manual for best cleaning practices.
Similarly, for leather pads, you should consult the manufacturer's website or manual for cleaning tips, as different types of leather may require different approaches. That said, many, if not most, ear cushions are made of leatherette, and many others are lined with velvet or silk fabrics instead. Cleaning them can be as simple as using a slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
In-ear headphones, also known simply as "earbuds" or "earphones", are small headphones that fit inside the ear. They are the most common type of earbuds for sports, and most people already own a pair of regular in-ear headphones, as they are included with most recent smartphones.
They are very easy to carry around, as they take up very little space and weigh almost nothing. Overall, in-ear headphones are the cheapest, but of course, you can also find high-end models. On the other hand, the sound quality of sports earphones is slightly lower than that of headphones, as they are not big enough to offer quite the same depth and power.
On-ear headphones are also very common. Here, the ear cups are very large and close all the way around the ear. For many years they were very popular for home use, and more recently they have started to gain ground as sports headphones.
Because of their size, they can provide bass and sound depth that none of the other types of headphones can match. Be sure to choose a headset designed for sports use, because if you plan to wear them every day, there is a great risk that you will sweat a lot, damaging the headphones in the long run. Fortunately, many headphones now come with breathable, sweat-resistant ear cups.
Finding a pair of in-ear headphones that fit your ears perfectly can be a little tricky. Fortunately, most in-ear monitors include ear tips in a variety of sizes, making it more likely that you'll find a good fit.
On-ear headphones outperform other types of headphones in two areas: sound quality and comfort. However, they are quite large and may seem a bit imposing if you want to use them for running or other activities where the activity level is high. In reality, your choice will depend primarily on your personal preferences.
Better sound quality
The best Bluetooth sports headsets are equipped with the latest technology. This means that they produce clear sound and you can enjoy all the subtleties of your favourite tracks when you are in the gym or running in the forest. In general, the best Bluetooth sport headsets always offer better sound quality than headphones.
Better comfort
Whatever the intended use, when buying a Bluetooth headset, the first thing that comes to mind is how comfortable it is to wear. If you regularly listen to music while playing sports, on-ear headphones can help you avoid pain and discomfort. Bluetooth sport headphones are usually made with soft padding designed to rest comfortably on your ears. Unlike traditional earbuds, which tend to press against your eardrum, the headphones are gentler on your ears by providing a buffer between the speaker and your ear canal.
Effective noise reduction
For many music-loving athletes, the ultimate music experience is about more than just sound quality. To really get the most out of your headphones, you also want to make noise reduction functionality a priority. Noise reduction refers to the elimination of unwanted sounds in your environment. When active, noise cancellation allows you to focus solely on the music you're listening to without any outside interference. Many Bluetooth sports headsets have excellent noise cancelling capabilities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the music you are listening to while running or exercising.
Much more convenient
Opting for a Bluetooth headset is a great option for avoiding annoying cables while running or exercising. Plus, you have plenty of choice. A high-quality Bluetooth headset is always a better choice than other cheaper, wired headsets.
Much healthier for your ears
Technically speaking, both headphones and headphones are safe. But that can change depending on how you use them. Listening at high volumes for long periods of time can damage your ears. This is true for both headphones and earphones. However, because of their design, the risk is much lower with headphones. Traditional headphones transmit sound directly into your ear canal and this can cause more damage if the volume is very high for too long. This will not be the case with a sport Bluetooth headset.
In our opinion, the best brands of Bluetooth sport headsets in 2022 are :
Sony is a Japanese brand with an excellent reputation in the field of sound. Its Bluetooth headsets are developed with the legendary know-how of the brand to combine design, comfort of use and faithful sound quality.
The Beats brand is an American brand created by the rapper Dr. Dre, then bought by the American giant Apple. The brand was founded a few years ago, but its headphone models are still among the best-selling models in the world. The brand creates headphones with an urban design and a dynamic and immersive sound quality.
Plantronics is an American electronics company, subsidiary of the Polycom brand. Plantronics offers audio communication equipment for businesses and individuals. Its catalogue includes Bluetooth sport headsets of excellent quality.
Marshall is an American brand specialized in speakers for electric guitars. However, it also produces good models of Bluetooth headphones. With many years of experience, the brand produces very good quality headphones with a great energy autonomy.
Bose is an American brand that specializes in high-fidelity sound. Its products have a sober design and an exemplary finishing quality. These products have a perfect sound reproduction quality. Moreover, they are equipped with practical and state-of-the-art features.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Listen to your favorite songs at a moderate volume
Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can damage your ears (regardless of the device). However, headphones are usually the best option, as they are not as close to the ear canal as earphones. However, to be safe, avoid listening to music with the volume turned up.
Use companion applications
It's very easy to quickly and drastically change the sound signature of your headphones with an app. Subtle use of an equalizer can achieve all sorts of useful results. It's a great way to tone down too much bass or balance out some overly sibilant highs, for example. Many Bluetooth sport headphones work with dedicated apps, and there are plenty of third-party multiband EQ apps, too.
Use velvet ear cushions
Many headphones come with soft but plasticky leatherette ear pads, which can make you sweat a lot. The solution is simple: get softer, more breathable velour (or faux velour) ear cushions. Many companies make removable pads with standard sizes to fit many Bluetooth sport helmets.
Add extra padding to the headband as needed
Some helmets have a headband with a generous amount of memory foam, while others cover the hard plastic with a thin, cheap fabric. If your headband feels like it's pressing directly against the top of your skull, you'll need to add extra padding. On the Net, you can easily find different types of universal padding that will fit almost any helmet model.
Stretch your helmet if it is too tight
With a Bluetooth sport helmet, ideally it stays on your skull, not slipping off while you're running or making jerky movements. But when it serves too hard, it can be painful. Fortunately, the solution is pretty simple: stretch it. Take a few books and stack them side by side until they're about the width of your head, or a little wider. Then stick your headphones on this makeshift stretcher when you're not using them. After a few days, you should start to feel a little more comfortable wearing your headphones. Just be careful not to stretch them too far, it's best to start with a small gap and gradually increase.
Open-back headphones are designed to be open at the back and only have a grille design to protect them. There are audiophiles who claim that open-backed headphones offer better sound quality compared to closed-backed headphones that make the sound seem muffled.
A sport Bluetooth headset can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours to fully charge. Bluetooth headsets typically have a longer charge time than Bluetooth headsets, up to three hours, and come with a charging cable in the box.
Sweat can ruin your headset. During your physical activities, moisture will begin to corrode the padding in your ear cushion material, disrupting the delicate internal circuitry of your device and giving it a bad smell. Unless you have headphones with waterproof earpads, there's not much you can do. You'll have to rely on the IP rating of the headset to get an indication of its ability to resist sweat.
Whatever your smartphone, iPhone or Android, pairing it with a Bluetooth sport headset is a breeze. Here's how it usually works:
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