If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best running headphones is, then we recommend the Newcos Wireless Bluetooth Earphone as the best choice.
Are you looking for the best wireless sport headphones that provide great sound quality while you’re on the move?
More and more runners are now hooked on listening to music while they run. Music can help reduce the distractions in your head, allowing you to develop better focus and concentration.
However, you can’t really achieve such focus if your music is on a loudspeaker, can you? You need a good, working set of headphones with you.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the five best running headphones that you can use to enjoy your music while you’re on the go. We carefully checked each of their pros and cons in terms of convenience, accessibility, and quality.
We’re going to review the following running headphones:
- Newcos Wireless Bluetooth Earphone
- TBI Pro Bluetooth Headphones
- ANBES Bluetooth Headphones
- Zrtke Bluetooth Headphones
- SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
But before we start, let’s talk about the benefits of running while listening to music. We will also share with you some tips on how to choose the best running headphones for your exercise.
Benefits of Running While Listening to Music
Sets your “on-the-go” mood.
Sports psychologists claim that music contributes to a positive influence on the mindset of athletes. It brings out excitement and happiness while reducing tension, fatigue, and confusion. Music is an integral part of the lived experience of humans, and its therapeutic and mood-boosting benefits have been studied for centuries.
People use music to regulate their moods. Music therapy is used to help comfort and relieve people, while also allowing them to feel a sense of enjoyment.
The good thing about music is that you can choose to listen to whatever you want, depending on how you are feeling at the moment. So, if you want to go running or do some weight training, you can pick a genre that helps put you in the mood to do so.
Keeps your pace consistent.
Some runners don’t like to run with music because they think it disrupts their breathing and foot strikes. However, one 2013 study explains that music can enhance running performance if coupled with the right beats. When you use music correctly while you run, it can help you with maintaining your pace.
Runners are often able to improve their performance when they can match their cadence with the beat of the music, compared to when they run in silence. It is recommended to listen to fast-tempo music that meet or exceeds 120 beats per minute (BPM) when doing fast-paced, high-intensity workouts.
Alternatively, it is best to listen to music with under 120 BPM for workouts that require less effort, such as going for a walk.
Reduces the feeling of uneasiness.
Running with music reduces your perceived exertion level and increases your awareness. A 2013 study by British Psychological Society claims that listening to your favorite music can boost your sports performance.
Athletes and runners often use music as an accompaniment to their activity to keep their levels of motivation high, reduce feelings of mental and emotional fatigue, and potentially enhance their performance.
Research has found that music can influence your performance while working out in three key ways: dissociation, arousal regulation, and synchronization. Music is especially effective in distracting runners and athletes from their perceived level of exertion.
Increases your strength and endurance.
Listening to music while working out improves physical performance. Music regulates your rhythm response and keeps your movements in sync with your muscles’ ability.
For example, when you are listening to a song that has a strong and steady beat, you can pedal or run in a manner that matches the beat of that music, which is both satisfying and motivating.
The lyrics or rhythm of music that you find to be motivational can inspire you to exercise for longer periods of time or work harder while you are doing your activity.
Several studies have demonstrated how the tempo (or the number of beats per minute) of a song affects one’s level of strength and endurance. Researchers have determined that the ideal tempo that is needed for optimal athletic performance depends on the type of exercise.
For example, to achieve optimal performance while you are cycling, the best tempo of music to listen to falls between 125 and 140 bpm. Alternatively, the most effective music tempo to listen to while running on a treadmill falls between 123 and 131 bpm.
One reason why various types of exercise may have different ideal music tempos associated with them is related to a person’s ability to synchronize their body movements with the beat of the music.
Because your pace differs when you are running on a treadmill versus when you are cycling, you need to listen to music that has a different tempo in order to achieve your ideal performance.
When looking for the best headphone for working out that will suit your activity preferences, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
What to Consider When Choosing a Running Headphone
Sound quality.
You are purchasing a running headphone not just for display. Instead, you want a product that can keep giving you the focus and concentration that you need to perform better in your running. Thus, your headphones must have excellent quality with respect to the sound that they will produce.
Just like regular speakers, different headphones can emphasize various parts of the auditory spectrum, and what one person might prefer in terms of sound may not be what someone else prefers.
If you are able to do so, try the headphones before committing to buying them. If you buy your headphones online, make sure that there is a good return policy attached to the product in order to ensure that your purchase can be returned or exchanged if needed.
Suitability.
Your running headphones must fit in your ears with comfort, even if you engage in high-impact activities. It is incredibly distracting to be on a run and have to constantly push your headphone back into your ear because it won’t stop slipping out.
Your headphones must not cause pain, but they still need to be good enough to provide you with the best sound quality.
Some may find over-the-ear models to be too large to travel with, making them less suitable for one’s lifestyle. On the other hand, smaller, more portable models may require a sacrifice of some sound quality, even though they are easy to throw in your bag on the go.
In-ear headphones are good for blocking out some sound from your environment, but it may be hard to find just the right fit.
Portability.
Because all headphones are portable, this term is used to describe smaller, more lightweight models. Some can even be folded and put into your pocket or bag when you’re not using them.
These smaller, lighter headphones are typically more comfortable than their bulkier counterparts, but they may lack in sound quality. However, if you’re using your headphones for running, they have to be easy to take with you on the go.
Durability.
When you’re purchasing running headphones, choose a set that can last for months (or even years). Especially if you spend a decent amount of money on your headphones, you want to make sure that you are getting a high-quality pair that is worth the investment.
They must also be sweat-resistant. Otherwise, you’ll end up replacing them soon. You also need to check the strength of the ear cups by looking to see how they are attached to the headband. Without a strong attachment, the ear cups will be shaky and the sound quality will be poor.
Another important feature to look for is the attachment of the cushions to the ear cups. If the attachment feels unfinished and there are gaps between the ear cup and the cushion, this is a clear sign that the headphones are poorly built.
Battery life.
This is a consideration for those who would like to purchase Bluetooth headphones. If your headphones are wireless, cancel out ambient noise, or use extra features to enhance your listening experience, then their batteries may drain faster than others.
The battery life should be enough to allow you to continue your run without interruptions. Ideally, you can actively use your headphones and all of their features without having to charge them throughout the day.
When it comes to the battery, you may also want to consider how much time it takes for your headphones to reach a full charge, and if they offer any battery-saving features such as an auto-off timer.
Finally, you might want to know if your headphones are able to stream audio while they charge, or if they can charge passively while any active features are turned off.
Brand and design.
Of course, the best wireless headphones for working out are those from reputable manufacturers. In terms of design, this is more of a personal choice. Only you know which headphones offer the right design for your needs.
Many listeners prefer insert-style earphones that plug into their ear canals, or earbuds that sit in the bottoms of the ears. However, other people find this design to be irritating, and prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones.
But these can feel bulky to some people, and interfere with their glasses or earrings. Remember, the most important thing is to never sacrifice quality for a specific design.
Price.
This is probably the least important feature if you’re really into finding the best running headphones. You usually get what you pay for, so you will find that more expensive headphones will be of better quality.
Fortunately, while there are expensive options from well-known manufacturers, there are also more affordable ones that work just the same.
Now that you know what features you should keep in mind, let’s look at some of the top wireless headphones for working out.
The 5 Best Running Headphones with Great Sound Quality
1. Newcos Wireless Bluetooth Earphone
These are the overall best wireless headphones for running. They have built-in magnets to attach the two headphones when they’re not in use, allowing you to attach the headphones together and wear them as a necklace when you are not using them.
They are also very portable and convenient to toss into your gym bag. They offer a long battery life of six to eight hours of continuous use.
These earbuds come with a neckband that makes them stable enough to be suitable for running, and they offer both noise-isolating headphones and a CVC 6.0 noise-canceling microphone.
This makes these headphones perfect for more than just listening to music. They’re also great for making phone calls because the noise-isolation technology filters out any surrounding noise and allows your sound to be loud and clear. You can make high-quality, hands-free phone calls even when you are in a busy office or on the street.
Finally, the sound quality boosts the bass on your music, and the Nano coating gives the headphones a protective coat that prevents them from becoming damaged from workout sweat or accidental water exposure.
Pros:
- Have built-in magnets, allowing you to wear these headphones around your neck.
- Equipped with CVC 6.0 noise-canceling microphone.
- Volume is exceptionally good.
Cons:
- Very lightweight, which is good in some ways, but some users are nervous they may lose them without noticing if they are not on.
- The voice (“power on” and “power off”) is extremely loud and cannot be silenced.
- The rubber part earpiece comes off very easily.
2. TBI Pro Bluetooth Headphones
These are the best running headphones for great sound quality. They offer a stable Bluetooth connection, so you will never have to struggle to link your smartphone with your headphones.
These headphones will also last you all day with their updated battery of 170mAh, which lasts for up to 12+ hours of continuous talking or music, and up to 240 hours of standby, so you can enjoy more use and spend less time charging them.
These headphones are also waterproof and sweat-resistant. They offer an upgraded IPX7 sweatproof rating, which prevents the headphones from becoming damaged from splashing water or rain. This means that the earphones will continue to work well even if your workout is getting you drenched in sweat.
The advanced ear hooks stay securely fit throughout your workout. These headphones come with a choice of ear tips in the package (offering small, medium, and large), allowing you to pick the size that best fits your needs while you are working out.
Pros:
- Long battery life.
- Water-resistant.
- Great sound quality.
Cons:
- The on/off button is close to the volume button, causing users to accidentally turn these headphones off.
- Not very durable.
- Some find the shape to be uncomfortable.
3. ANBES Bluetooth Headphones
These are the best running headphones if you are looking for a flexible ear hook design. They are ergonomically designed and both soft and durable, making them comfortable to securely wear.
These headphones come with four different sizes of ear tips, so you can fit them to your size comfortably. They are also offered in five different colors, which helps you to customize the product even more.
These headphones are waterproof and sweat-resistant, allowing you to wear them without worrying while you are on a long run. They come equipped with noise-canceling technology, so your music doesn’t have to compete with other noises in the background. The sound quality is superior, with a deep base and a clear treble.
The 100mAh battery provides up to eight hours of talk or playing time and 250 hours of standby. If you want to know how much battery life you have left, simply look at your phone and it will be clearly displayed. These offer a great value for the price.
Pros:
- Offer a comfortable and customizable fit.
- Come in five colors.
- Offer noise-canceling technology.
Cons:
- Feel a little thin and breakable.
- Some people find that these slip out of their ears.
- Some find the sound breaks up
4. Zrtke Bluetooth Headphones
This is the best option if you are looking for running headphones that offer easy-use buttons. You can skip, pause, and play whatever you are listening to without having to reach for your phone.
They also offer superb quality audio with a built-in HD microphone and noise-cancellation technology. This allows for the transmission of a high-quality, clear voice, even if you are in a noisy environment.
These are great for running because they are both waterproof and sweatproof. They will stay in your ears while you are exercising because they are ergonomically built with a shallow in-ear design.
They offer soft, silicone ear hooks and memory-foam ear tips to fit perfectly and comfortably to your shape without hurting your ear. They also offer right hours of talk or play time and come with a 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- Convenient, easy-to-use buttons.
- Offer an ergonomic fit.
- Low price.
Cons:
- Battery life decreases with age.
- Tend to cut out frequently.
- Not durable.
5. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
If you want headphones that are able to charge quickly, this is the best running headphone option for you. They offer a long battery life of eight hours, and a comfortable and secure fit using gel Flex silicone earbuds.
They are able to connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device seamlessly from up to 30 feet away while maintaining their HD sound quality. They also offer passive noise reduction, which makes your music clearer.
These headphones have adjustable ear hooks, allowing them to fit any shape or size ear. They also have the ability to connect with up to two devices at once, so you and a friend can listen to the same thing at the same time.
Pros:
- Charge quickly.
- Fit securely.
- Waterproofing technology is reliable.
Cons:
- Cord is a bit long.
- Some users have issues with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Not durable.
Final Thoughts on the Best Running Headphones
All of the products we provide above are our top picks when it comes to overall quality and convenience. However, today’s review winner is Newcos Wireless Bluetooth Earphone, as it is equipped with all the must-haves of a long-lasting running headphone.
