The Best Wireless Earbuds for Running in 2023
The best wireless earbuds for running let you listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts so that you stay entertained mile after mile. They need good audio quality, basic water resistance and easy control features. However, the most important factor is fit. These trusty running companions have to comfortably stay in place when the perspiration runs faster than your feet.
Wireless running earbuds come in different designs and styles, creating different fits and feels that some runners prefer over others. You don’t want to worry about your workout earbuds falling out or having your tunes drowned out by passing traffic. They’re a piece of equipment that should complement your running, not complicate it.
This guide includes our picks for the best wireless earbuds for running, along with a buying guide to help in the decision-making process. Take a look, and get your playlist ready for wireless headphones that can keep up with your tempo.
Wissonly Hi Runner
Wissonly is one of the few bone conduction headphone brands that have mastered bone conduction vibrator technology, and one of the few brands in the industry that have sustained experience in using bone conduction technology to protect hearing. Wissonly Hi Runner advocate a healthy way to listen. They perfectly combine the principles of healthy hearing and bone conduction sound transmission, to create a non-in-ear and non-ear-damaging bone conduction headphone which can effectively protect hearing.
Due to the particularity of the technical principle, sound quality of bone conduction headphones is more difficult to be improved . To this end, Wissonly Hi Runner subverts the traditional sound quality scheme, makes a breakthrough to use the large-size bone conduction vibrator. Through structural optimization, the effective vibration area of the vibrator is increased by 35%, thereby improving the vibrator sound efficiency, making the sound more powerful.It also optimizing the direction of sound transmission, reducing sound loss during sound transmission, and making the sound more concentrated.
The skin-friendly silicone material of the Wissonly Hi Runner body is a product that can be in contact with the skin for a long time. It is naturally a better choice and feels good to the touch. Because the entire headphone is made of skin-friendly material, it is very comfortable to wear. Even if you wear glasses, you can still hang it firmly on your ears. The headphone frame uses memory titanium, which has the advantage of being stretchable and lightweight.
Wissonly is one of the few bone conduction headphone brands that have mastered bone conduction vibrator technology, and one of the few brands in the industry that have sustained experience in using bone conduction technology to protect hearing. Wissonly Hi Runner advocate a healthy way to listen. They perfectly combine the principles of healthy hearing and bone conduction sound transmission, to create a non-in-ear and non-ear-damaging bone conduction headphone which can effectively protect hearing.
Due to the particularity of the technical principle, sound quality of bone conduction headphones is more difficult to be improved . To this end, Wissonly Hi Runner subverts the traditional sound quality scheme, makes a breakthrough to use the large-size bone conduction vibrator. Through structural optimization, the effective vibration area of the vibrator is increased by 35%, thereby improving the vibrator sound efficiency, making the sound more powerful.It also optimizing the direction of sound transmission, reducing sound loss during sound transmission, and making the sound more concentrated.
The skin-friendly silicone material of the Wissonly Hi Runner body is a product that can be in contact with the skin for a long time. It is naturally a better choice and feels good to the touch. Because the entire headphone is made of skin-friendly material, it is very comfortable to wear. Even if you wear glasses, you can still hang it firmly on your ears. The headphone frame uses memory titanium, which has the advantage of being stretchable and lightweight.
Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones
The Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction headphones let you, the runner, hear everything that’s going on around you, like a car coming up on your right. How? They fit over the ear with the receiver placed in front of the ear lobe, touching the cheek/jaw bone. Sound then passes through the bone to the ear, but the ear canal remains completely open. If you’re running outdoors, the added safety of situational awareness makes the OpenRuns a no-brainer. As Pamela W., a reviewer from the Shokz website states, “I really like these for the sole purpose of being able to be more aware of my surroundings while running on trails and in the city.”
These wireless headphones are IP67 rated, which means they’re sealed from dust and can handle perspiration and even an accidental, short dunk in water. They come in two sizes, with the smaller size known as the OpenRun Mini for smaller runners. A solid eight-hour battery life is more than enough for a marathon-length run. They also include a microphone, so you can take calls hands-free. However, as an owner of the previous iteration, the Aftershokz Aeropex, I’d say the vibrations take some getting used to. But after that adjustment period, I’ve never looked back, and still love them two years later.
Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds
If you have small ears, your earbuds for running either need to come in smaller sizes or include several size tips. The Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds include four tip sizes—small, medium, large and extra large. Your chances of having a fit problem go down with that many choices.
Apple packs these earbuds with technology, including Bluetooth 5.3, to make them highly usable beyond running. (Bluetooth 5.3 improves connection strength and conserves energy use.) AirPods also have active noise-canceling (ANC) and Adaptive Transparency technology that reduces noise while still allowing for some environmental noise for safety reasons.
Though they’re expensive, you’ll get extras like Personalized Spatial Audio that adjusts the sound based on your head shape and position. Plus, there are more standard features like microphones, touch control and a six-hour listening time.
If you have small ears, your earbuds for running either need to come in smaller sizes or include several size tips. The Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds include four tip sizes—small, medium, large and extra large. Your chances of having a fit problem go down with that many choices.
Apple packs these earbuds with technology, including Bluetooth 5.3, to make them highly usable beyond running. (Bluetooth 5.3 improves connection strength and conserves energy use.) AirPods also have active noise-canceling (ANC) and Adaptive Transparency technology that reduces noise while still allowing for some environmental noise for safety reasons.
Though they’re expensive, you’ll get extras like Personalized Spatial Audio that adjusts the sound based on your head shape and position. Plus, there are more standard features like microphones, touch control and a six-hour listening time.
Bose Sport Earbuds
Bose has a reputation for sound quality, and that rep holds true for the Bose Sport Earbuds. That’s due in part to their Volume-Optimized Active EQ technology that automatically balances low and high frequencies as you change the volume to provide a better listening experience. This technology also improves clarity when taking calls.
The two tip sizes are designed for a snug seal that further enhances sound because it keeps out ambient noise. Though they aren’t noise-canceling, the Bose earbuds provide a solid sound experience.
These running earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they’ll withstand perspiration without trouble. The touch controls are easy to use, letting you make quick changes while on the move. At five hours, their battery life is decent, though not impressive. They also have a quick charge mode, which gives you an additional two hours after 15 minutes in the charging case.
Bose has a reputation for sound quality, and that rep holds true for the Bose Sport Earbuds. That’s due in part to their Volume-Optimized Active EQ technology that automatically balances low and high frequencies as you change the volume to provide a better listening experience. This technology also improves clarity when taking calls.
The two tip sizes are designed for a snug seal that further enhances sound because it keeps out ambient noise. Though they aren’t noise-canceling, the Bose earbuds provide a solid sound experience.
These running earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they’ll withstand perspiration without trouble. The touch controls are easy to use, letting you make quick changes while on the move. At five hours, their battery life is decent, though not impressive. They also have a quick charge mode, which gives you an additional two hours after 15 minutes in the charging case.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
If you’ve got an Android (and a Google account), the Google Pixel Buds Pro have a lot to offer. They have an impressive 11 hours of battery life without noise canceling and seven hours with it. A single charge in quick mode can give you an extra hour with five minutes spent in the charging case. Runners can also get a good fit with one of three provided moldable tip sets.
These running earbuds have ANC and a transparency mode that reduces ambient noise, but still allows the wearer to hear immediate sounds. For runners, that means greater situational awareness. You need a Google account to activate them, but once connected, you can seamlessly use Google Assistant and voice commands. The only complaints we found were from a few Amazon reviewers who stated that the sound quality was subpar; however, that doesn’t seem to be an overwhelming sentiment.
If you’ve got an Android (and a Google account), the Google Pixel Buds Pro have a lot to offer. They have an impressive 11 hours of battery life without noise canceling and seven hours with it. A single charge in quick mode can give you an extra hour with five minutes spent in the charging case. Runners can also get a good fit with one of three provided moldable tip sets.
These running earbuds have ANC and a transparency mode that reduces ambient noise, but still allows the wearer to hear immediate sounds. For runners, that means greater situational awareness. You need a Google account to activate them, but once connected, you can seamlessly use Google Assistant and voice commands. The only complaints we found were from a few Amazon reviewers who stated that the sound quality was subpar; however, that doesn’t seem to be an overwhelming sentiment.
How to Choose the Best Running Earbuds For You
Stability
While running, your earbuds should be kept in place by ear hooks or snug earbud tips. The hooks may go over the ear or flex within the concha—the dish-like portion of the ear that’s just outside the ear canal. Flexible or adjustable pieces often offer better stability and a more comfortable fit because they can fit in ears of different shapes and sizes.
While running, your earbuds should be kept in place by ear hooks or snug earbud tips. The hooks may go over the ear or flex within the concha—the dish-like portion of the ear that’s just outside the ear canal. Flexible or adjustable pieces often offer better stability and a more comfortable fit because they can fit in ears of different shapes and sizes.
Fit/size
You may not have spent much time thinking about the shape and size of your ears, but it’s time if you’re looking for running earbuds. Models that come in different sizes or that include several ear tips offer better chances of getting a snug fit. The earbud should be snug, but not tight. If it’s tight, the pressure can create discomfort or pain in the ear canal.
You may not have spent much time thinking about the shape and size of your ears, but it’s time if you’re looking for running earbuds. Models that come in different sizes or that include several ear tips offer better chances of getting a snug fit. The earbud should be snug, but not tight. If it’s tight, the pressure can create discomfort or pain in the ear canal.
Water/sweat resistance
Check the earbud's ingress protection rating, also known as the IP rating. The first number in the rating is the dust/debris rating, which may be X if the earbuds haven’t been rated for dust. The highest score for dust/debris is six. The second number is the water-resistance rating, with a top rating of eight. Look for a water-resistance rating between four and eight. An IPX4 means the earbud can withstand a light splash of water, which is enough to survive average perspiration. A rating of eight means the earbud can survive being submerged. If you sweat heavily or run in the rain, you might want a pair with at least an IPX5 or IPX6 rating to better resist water damage. Also, pairs with a dust rating offer another level of durability, though it’s not absolutely necessary.
Check the earbud's ingress protection rating, also known as the IP rating. The first number in the rating is the dust/debris rating, which may be X if the earbuds haven’t been rated for dust. The highest score for dust/debris is six. The second number is the water-resistance rating, with a top rating of eight. Look for a water-resistance rating between four and eight. An IPX4 means the earbud can withstand a light splash of water, which is enough to survive average perspiration. A rating of eight means the earbud can survive being submerged. If you sweat heavily or run in the rain, you might want a pair with at least an IPX5 or IPX6 rating to better resist water damage. Also, pairs with a dust rating offer another level of durability, though it’s not absolutely necessary.
Bluetooth range
Bluetooth range is how far your earbuds can be from the source of their Bluetooth connection before they lose that connection. Most earbuds for running can be 30 to 33 feet from the source before the connection starts to drop. However, some Bluetooth connections are weaker than others. Most runners will have their phone with them, but some weak connections can be lost when the phone gets out of sight of the earbuds, which could even be in a pocket. Models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher offer a stronger connection and better energy conservation.
Bluetooth range is how far your earbuds can be from the source of their Bluetooth connection before they lose that connection. Most earbuds for running can be 30 to 33 feet from the source before the connection starts to drop. However, some Bluetooth connections are weaker than others. Most runners will have their phone with them, but some weak connections can be lost when the phone gets out of sight of the earbuds, which could even be in a pocket. Models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher offer a stronger connection and better energy conservation.
Battery life
Longer battery life is always better. Look for running earbuds that last at least five or six hours. Keep in mind that certain features can drain the battery faster. For example, ANC and voice calls use more battery than simply listening to music. Also, check the earbud’s charge time and quick charge features if it has them. One to two hours is a pretty standard charging time. Some models have a quick charge feature that offers one or two hours of listening time after charging for five to 15 minutes.
Longer battery life is always better. Look for running earbuds that last at least five or six hours. Keep in mind that certain features can drain the battery faster. For example, ANC and voice calls use more battery than simply listening to music. Also, check the earbud’s charge time and quick charge features if it has them. One to two hours is a pretty standard charging time. Some models have a quick charge feature that offers one or two hours of listening time after charging for five to 15 minutes.
Ambient sound
Ambient sounds are environmental noises around you, like the television, people talking or passing cars. Some earbuds designed for running have features that block or muffle ambient sounds without blocking all sounds. A few advanced models can even block certain frequencies to improve audio quality while the user can still hear their environment and maintain situational awareness. Various technologies are used in running earphones to give the wearer better control over what they hear. Models that automatically customize the audio or that let you customize what you hear and when can enhance the listening experience and safety.
Ambient sounds are environmental noises around you, like the television, people talking or passing cars. Some earbuds designed for running have features that block or muffle ambient sounds without blocking all sounds. A few advanced models can even block certain frequencies to improve audio quality while the user can still hear their environment and maintain situational awareness. Various technologies are used in running earphones to give the wearer better control over what they hear. Models that automatically customize the audio or that let you customize what you hear and when can enhance the listening experience and safety.
Controls
The earbud should have at least a few onboard controls. Some have physical buttons, while others have touch controls. Physical buttons are often easier to control when you’re running because your fingers might be swollen and sweaty. Take a look at what the onboard buttons can control. The sequence of pushes can get complicated if there are a lot of button sequences programmed into the earphones. Some models with touch controls have skin recognition features to prevent things like a hat or pillow (if you’re resting after your run) from hitting the controls. Other earbuds may have features controlled through an app. These models may let you change listening modes or modify the audio for better clarity.
The earbud should have at least a few onboard controls. Some have physical buttons, while others have touch controls. Physical buttons are often easier to control when you’re running because your fingers might be swollen and sweaty. Take a look at what the onboard buttons can control. The sequence of pushes can get complicated if there are a lot of button sequences programmed into the earphones. Some models with touch controls have skin recognition features to prevent things like a hat or pillow (if you’re resting after your run) from hitting the controls. Other earbuds may have features controlled through an app. These models may let you change listening modes or modify the audio for better clarity.
Cost
Earbuds for running can cost anywhere from $30 to over $250. Features like ANC and ambient-noise reduction features drastically increase the price. The quality of the microphone, fit features, included running apps and charging times may also affect the final cost. In general, the more features the earbuds have, the more expensive they are. Mid-priced earbuds in the $100 to $150 range typically have a good balance of features, audio quality and price.
Earbuds for running can cost anywhere from $30 to over $250. Features like ANC and ambient-noise reduction features drastically increase the price. The quality of the microphone, fit features, included running apps and charging times may also affect the final cost. In general, the more features the earbuds have, the more expensive they are. Mid-priced earbuds in the $100 to $150 range typically have a good balance of features, audio quality and price.
Running Earbuds FAQs
Are earbuds or headphones better for running?
Earbuds versus headphones is a matter of personal preference. Earbuds are less bulky and don’t cause sweat around the ear, but headphones offer better sound quality and stability over the ears.
Earbuds versus headphones is a matter of personal preference. Earbuds are less bulky and don’t cause sweat around the ear, but headphones offer better sound quality and stability over the ears.
How do you wear earbuds while running?
Earbuds for running can fit in the ear canal or over the ear. Some over-the-ear headphones also have an earpiece that seals the ear canal.
Earbuds for running can fit in the ear canal or over the ear. Some over-the-ear headphones also have an earpiece that seals the ear canal.
Where do you put your phone while running?
Your phone can go in your pocket, a running belt, running vest and possibly a sports bra pocket for women runners.
Your phone can go in your pocket, a running belt, running vest and possibly a sports bra pocket for women runners.
How do I keep my earbuds from falling out while running?
You can keep your earbuds in your ears by getting a pair of earbuds designed for running. These models have ear hooks, multiple tip sizes and other fit features to keep them snuggly in the ear canal.
You can keep your earbuds in your ears by getting a pair of earbuds designed for running. These models have ear hooks, multiple tip sizes and other fit features to keep them snuggly in the ear canal.
Do marathon runners wear headphones?
Many marathon runners wear headphones during training. However, they might not wear them while competing because they’re banned in many races for safety reasons. Some race rules will allow bone-conduction earbuds because they don’t block outside noises.
Many marathon runners wear headphones during training. However, they might not wear them while competing because they’re banned in many races for safety reasons. Some race rules will allow bone-conduction earbuds because they don’t block outside noises.
What size earbuds should I use when I run?
Base the size of the earbuds on the size of your ear canal and outer ear. In general, your ears should be proportional to your body. If you’re smaller than average, you probably have smaller ears and vice versa.
Read more:The Best Headphones Under $100
Base the size of the earbuds on the size of your ear canal and outer ear. In general, your ears should be proportional to your body. If you’re smaller than average, you probably have smaller ears and vice versa.
Read more:The Best Headphones Under $100
留言
張貼留言