Using headphones has become a habit for the 16 million French running enthusiasts. Music, podcasts and audio books help to get in the mood for running. But you still need the right headphones for the job. For you, we have searched for the best running headphones on the market.
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Our selection
"The Apple AirPods Pro live up to their reputation. Offering perfect sound, these headphones are made for running and sports enthusiasts in general. You won't…"
"Treat yourself to this high-quality pair of headphones to listen to music during your workouts. Plus, the Sennheiser CX 686G Sports will save you tens…"
"Featuring Apple's H1 chip, the Powerbeats Pro are a very practical headset. Thanks to this, you can listen to your favorite tracks without ever interrupting…"
"Thanks to their active noise reduction and waterproofing, the Jabra Elite Active 75t headphones are specially designed for running. You can listen to music while…"
The Apple AirPods Pro live up to their reputation. Offering perfect sound, these headphones are made for running and sports enthusiasts in general. You won't find better ones on the market.
See priceWith upto 24 hours of continuous use, the Apple AirPods Pro have one of the longest battery lives of any wireless running headphones. In addition to this exceptional battery life, they're able to block out ambient noise for better listening. They also work in transparent mode so you can hear outside sounds clearly.
Apple AirPods Pro are designed for devices running iOS. However, you can also use them on smartphones running Android. Either way, the sound quality is still very good.
Treat yourself to this high-quality pair of headphones to listen to music during your workouts. Plus, the Sennheiser CX 686G Sports will save you tens of dollars.
See priceThe Sennheiser CX 686G Sports are a brilliant combination of quality and affordability. This pair of running headphones sells for about 100 euros. Yet it is a very high quality model. The cables have been reinforced with para-aramid so that they can adapt to your sometimes difficult training conditions.
You'll enjoy great sound with the Sennheiser CX 686G Sports. In fact, these running headphones are designed to eliminate external noise through an in-ear design. They are also compatible with most Android-based smartphones.
Featuring Apple's H1 chip, the Powerbeats Pro are a very practical headset. Thanks to this, you can listen to your favorite tracks without ever interrupting your workouts, no matter what the weather.
79,19 £ on CdiscountMore than just wireless headphones, Powerbeats Pro are a musical companion for your workouts. These headphones are sweat-proof and voice-activated. You can work out while selecting tracks, adjusting volume and taking calls.
Powerbeats Pro offer 9 hours of listening time. If your battery runs out, a 15-minute quick charge keeps you listening for 1 hour. Looking for high-end running headphones? This is the model for you.
Thanks to their active noise reduction and waterproofing, the Jabra Elite Active 75t headphones are specially designed for running. You can listen to music while you practice your favorite sport.
135 £ on AmazonThe Jabra Elite Active 75t are among the best running headphones you can find on the market today. They are wireless, so you don't have to worry about wires during your workouts. They fit perfectly in all ear shapes and are sweat-proof with its IP57 certification.
This pair of headphones ensures a clear and very good quality sound. You could customize the sound endlessly with the MyControl and Mysound features. You will be getting a great deal when you buy the Jabra Elite Active 75t at a very good price.
Any specific needs?
The best running headphones in 2021
The best entry-level running headphones
The best high-end running headphones
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Running headphones - Apple AirPods Pro
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Sennheiser CX 686G Sports
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Powerbeats Pro
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Jabra Elite Active 75t
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The Apple AirPods Pro live up to their reputation. Offering perfect sound, these headphones are made for running and sports enthusiasts in general. You won't find better ones on the market.
|
Treat yourself to this high-quality pair of headphones to listen to music during your workouts. Plus, the Sennheiser CX 686G Sports will save you tens of dollars.
|
Featuring Apple's H1 chip, the Powerbeats Pro are a very practical headset. Thanks to this, you can listen to your favorite tracks without ever interrupting your workouts, no matter what the weather.
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Thanks to their active noise reduction and waterproofing, the Jabra Elite Active 75t headphones are specially designed for running. You can listen to music while you practice your favorite sport.
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Type
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Wireless
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Wired
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Wireless
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Wireless
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Connectivity
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Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC
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-
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Bluetooth class 1
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Bluetooth 5.0 - Range: up to 10 m
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Battery life
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4.5 hrs listening. 24 hrs with charging case
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Unlimited
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9 hrs listening and 24 hrs with charging case
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5.5 hrs listening and talking. 24 h with charging case
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Sweat resistant
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Yes
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No
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Yes
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Yes with IP57 certification
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Compatible smartphones
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Android and iOS
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Android
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Android and iOS
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Android
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Wireless running headphones are all the rage. It's much more comfortable to run without getting caught in the headphone cables. That's not to say that wired models are out of style. These wired headphones are generally more affordable in terms of price. All you need to do is find a model with a reinforced cable.
If you opt for wireless headphones, battery life is a criterion you need to consider with the utmost care. It would be a shame if the battery runs out in the middle of a workout. Good wireless headphones should have an average battery life of 4 hours. The longer the battery life, the better. Also consider the battery life with the charger box and the battery life offered by fast charging.
When you work out, you're bound to sweat. If your headphones are not waterproof, they may get damaged very quickly. When buying, always check if the model you're interested in is moisture and sweat resistant. IP certification defines the level of resistance of electrical devices to water splashes. IP-certified models are therefore to be preferred especially if you sweat a lot during your workouts.
Running headphones should allow you to keep running while changing title, adjusting the volume or even taking your calls. So the controls must be easily accessible. Some models now incorporate powerful processors that provide a variety of controls. These controls are tuned to features like blanking out external noise or automatically selecting
your favorite songs.
Beyond all of the above criteria, sound quality remains one of the main factors to consider when buying running headphones. They should offer clear sound that will help you fully enjoy listening to music while running. Nowadays, running headphones can be offered with applications that allow you to customize the sound effects according to your taste and the kind of music you listen to.
Running headphones need regular maintenance. This will prolong the life of the earphones and keep the sound quality up. After each workout, be sure to wipe them down with a tissue or cloth and dry them before putting them back in the case.
To maintain the battery, be sure to charge it before using the headphones. By following the charging cycles, you'll optimize the battery's performance. Also, avoid leaving them completely flat for extended periods of time. This will directly affect the life of the battery.
Use a cotton swab and absorbent cotton to clean your headphones. Scrub each part of the earpiece and remove embedded dirt and small debris. Even if your earphones are IP-rated, you should avoid immersing them in water to clean them.
There are two main categories of running headphones. On the one hand, there are the wired headphones that were legion even a decade ago. More recently, Bluetooth headphones have come to compete with them. Each type of earbuds has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wired running headphones are not as fragile as they once were. Today, manufacturers have developed reinforcements that make these headphones truly durable accessories.
You don't need much fiddling. Just plug the headphones in and you're done. When choosing this type of running headset, make sure the cables are reinforced and have a clip to attach them to your shirt. Wired headphones are also very affordable in terms of price. So they'll work for you if you're on a budget.
Benefits
Disadvantages
Who is it for?
The manufacturers of wired running headphones are specifically targeting all athletes, amateur or professional, training inside a gym. Also, if your workouts don't require much movement, this type of equipment will suit you perfectly.
Bluetooth running headphones are becoming more and more popular. Wireless, they are much more convenient especially during workouts that require a lot of arm movement. They are also more discreet and offer many features.
When choosing Bluetooth headphones, you should check their autonomy. This one is generally satisfactory. However, some entry-level models have a very short autonomy. Also note that Bluetooth running headphones are generally more expensive than wired models.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Who's it for?
Bluetooth running headphones are perfect for those who are looking for equipment that is suitable for intense exercise. They're especially good if you don't want to deal with a lot of wires during your sessions.
Running headphones are discreet. Their in-ear design can even make them almost invisible. Whether wired or Bluetooth, the headphones take up little space and allow you to move around without too much strain. The risk of detachment is also limited. They are nevertheless capable of ensuring good sound quality and are offered at more or less affordable prices depending on the model and range.
Running headphones are much larger. Like headphones, they are designed to fit the training conditions of athletes. Their size and attachment are not always a real problem, although the risk of dropping the helmet is very real. The models dedicated to the practice of sport are generally equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, they can function without being coupled to a smartphone by integrating a slot for micro SD. The sound quality is better with a headset. In terms of price, you'll need to budget more if you want to buy a top-of-the-range running headset.
The choice between headphones and running headphones is totally subjective. The most demanding in terms of sound will prefer headphones. Those who prefer discretion and comfort will prefer to wear small headphones. Budget is also an important factor that can influence your choice. In the same range, Bluetooth headphones are generally more expensive than wireless headphones.
Improves your mood
Physical exertion can often have a negative effect on your mood (if it hurts, you get cranky!) So listening to music can make you happier and even before you start a sports session, it makes you completely in a good mood. Besides, there are often disturbing noises that can come and disturb you during your jogging time like barking dogs or car horns, listening to music is also a way to detach yourself from them.
Dissociation
During low to moderate intensity exercise, music can distract you from feelings of exertion and fatigue. This allows you to be more motivated and even to excel. And while it's nice to run and enjoy the scenery, sometimes you want to distract yourself a bit. Music is there for that, because it's a good way to escape and enjoy your outings in a different way.
Excitement
Music can alter your emotional and physiological excitement. That's why so many athletes use music as part of their pre-performance routine for that "psyche".
Rhythmic response.
There is strong evidence to suggest that synchronizing movement with music leads to greater endurance and movement efficiency. Music enhances performance and rhythm reduces feelings of fatigue and perceived effort. In all, music helps to be more efficient during sports sessions.
Triggers positive emotions
So, what music is best and how do you choose a performance playlist? According to experts, there are five factors that you should consider: tempo, genre, lyrics, the memories that the music can trigger and the compilation of tracks. In general, tracks that are at tempo with motivating lyrics that trigger positive emotions are the best.
Connect your running headphones.
Connecting running headphones to your smartphone is simple. Pairing is the same as with other Bluetooth-connected devices. Be sure to disconnect other devices linked to your Bluetooth to facilitate pairing with your headphones.
Pay attention to the sound pressure.
In-ear headphones can put a lot of sound pressure on your ears. So when buying your in-ear running headphones, make sure the sound pressure it causes is not too high.
Activate the external noise suppression function.
By
isolating outside noise, you'll be able to hear the music playing in your earphones better. This prevents you from turning up the volume at the risk of assaulting your eardrums. Note that this feature is not always present on all running headphones.
Use the equalizer on your smartphone.
The
sound equalizer is integrated into your smartphone or the application compatible with the headphones. Using this equalizer helps you tailor the sound to your taste, but also to the type of music you're listening to. It can also limit the negative effects of using headphones on your ears.
Observe the volume limits.
It's
important to know that exposure to too much noise can be harmful to your ears. To avoid both short- and long-term effects, consider sticking to your smartphone's recommended volume limits. If possible, don't play your songs at maximum volume.
The best running headset depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.
Listening to music while running can be very beneficial. It can make the workout much more enjoyable. Music can also set the pace or put you in the mood depending on the intensity of the workout. According to a study, music is also able to increase sports performance. The increase is around 5% to 7%. It is therefore an excellent way to stay motivated while performing better.
During your sports sessions, the headphones will be subjected to more difficult conditions. Your body will be moving a lot. This means that simple headphones can easily fall out. Running headphones have been specially designed to stay in place during your workouts, no matter how often and intensely you move. They are also designed to withstand sweat as you will be sweating a lot while exercising.
The armband is very useful if you have wired running headphones. The cable won't have to run across your body and interfere with your arm movements. It is also convenient to wear your smartphone on an armband rather than placing it in your pocket.
Yes, some high-end models have been manufactured to meet the needs of high-level athletes. However, they are intended for training purposes. Indeed, it is generally forbidden to wear headphones during professional sports competitions.
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