Shokz Trekz Air headphones review
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Who wants to be isolated when they exercise?
TechRadar Verdict
Great around the office, the gym and out on a run, these bone conduction earphones that sit outside the ear are so comfortable you forget you’re wearing them. However, sound quality is not as good as from regular headphones.
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Pros
- +
Exacting design
- +
Comfortable & stable fit
- +
Flexible & lightweight
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Helps situational awareness
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Do you exercise or commute in magnificent isolation? Blocking-out ambient noise is the best way to immerse yourself in your music. If you’re working out in a gym then that’s all fine, but if you’re out on a run in an urban environment, or commuting through busy streets and stations, you do actually need to hear those cars and other people around you to avoid collisions.
Cue open-ear running headphones like the Trekz Air, which do away not only with noise isolation, but with intrusive earbuds altogether.
While most manufacturers persist with technology that stresses noise isolation and cancellation, Shokz (which changed its name from AfterShokz in December 2021) has bucked the trend by promoting situational awareness, and it does it using bone conduction headphones technology.
The Trekz Air are a pair of wireless headphones that wrap around the back of your neck and Shokz is keen to stress that the technology has come on a lot, and now doesn’t mean sacrificing bass.
In our tests, that’s mostly true, though with a proviso (see the Performance section, below).
- The best running headphones
- Shokz Trekz Air at Amazon for $309.
99
99Although they’re aimed at ‘elite and aspiring athletes’ (aren’t they always?), a price point of £149.99 ($149.95, AU$219) makes them affordable to anyone after a serious pair of headphones for general use. You might well buy these for running around city streets, but they’re going to have to work a little harder than that for the money.
If the price is just too much, know that Shokz’ debut, a slightly chunkier, less close-fitting attempt at bone conduction headphones, the Titanium, now sells for a more palatable £99.99 ($129.95, AU$149).
The key design feature of the Trekz Air is, of course, that they’re not earphones at all, but speakers. Shokz calls this ‘OpenFit’, and despite them allowing you to hear what’s going on around you, one of those small bone conduction transducers comes with a further safety option; a mute button. On the left-hand side and easy to find, it’s designed for the user to press when, say, crossing a busy road.
Less neckbuds and more head-backbuds, the Trekz Air are strong, yet they flex.
A lot. That’s thanks to the use of a lot of titanium in their design, which allows them to be twisted and tugged a surprising amount.
It means they can be worn around the neck, shoved into a pocket or balanced on a hook, which is all useful stuff for a pair of headphones designed to be used when exercising. So too is their IP55-rated waterproof build.
A small mute button is included to help you cut out the music at important moments.
They might be a unique proposition, but the Trekz Air are no heavyweight; they weigh a mere 30g. However, the soft silicon covering together with the careful positioning of the electronics means that the Trekz Air tend to stay in one place, however active. In fact, they barely move whatever it is you’re doing.
That’s partly to do with the materials used and the weighting and positioning of the various components, but it’s also got to do with where the speakers themselves sit on your head. At least on the face that we tested them on, the Trekz Air sat comfortably within a small dimple area at the top of the jawbone.
It’s a really subtle, careful, clever design.
As you might expect, it’s also possible to take hands-free calls on the Trekz Air. For that particular feature, each speaker comes equipped with noise canceling microphones to lessen ambient noise during calls to make voices as clear as possible.
Performance
Set-up was easy, with a female voice called Audrey confirming that the Bluetooth pairing process with a phone had worked. Thanks, Audrey.
On each side of the Trekz Air there’s a small fingertip-sized housing that contains batteries and controls, though they also have a role to play in keeping the Trekz Air still on the back of the head.
The controls are simple, too; on the right-hand side are volume buttons, which send a tone to the speakers with every press (and a higher-pitch tone when the maximum volume is reached). That’s important because, as open-ear headphones, there is a risk of sound leakage.
We didn’t actually think this was a major problem; people close to you can definitely hear what you’re listening to if your music is at full volume, but only if you’re in a very quiet environment.
However, they’re great around the office, where you can listen to music and and never fear that you’ll miss a barked order from the boss.
So how do they sound? In a sentence; good enough for the gym or office, and much fuller than the Shokz Titanium, but not as good as a pair of regular headphones or earphones.
As well as testing them in the gym and on a run, we took them through a busy city centre and found that volume and bass levels really weren’t high enough when in a scenario where there’s lots of chatter, or in a blustery wind. Put the Trekz Air on full volume and you start to feel the vibrations in your jawbone, with the odd sensation of a slight tickle in your ears.
So it’s probably best to avoid these for commuting, and keep them for the gym or a jog, where they will happily operate, tickle-free, on less than full volume.
Battery life
One of our biggest gripes about the Trekz Air has to be its short battery life. Yes, we realise that it’s lightweight design is to blame, and we’re loathe to criticise that, but just six hours does put them in the dreaded ‘day use’ category.
We don’t mind charging our smartphones overnight, but headphones also? No thanks. The saviour is a quick-charge mode that sees the Trekz Air recharge enough in just 15 minutes to get you through an hour in the gym.
That said, if you’re just after the Shokz Trekz Air for fitness use, then the battery will be great and easily last a marathon for nearly everyone.
But many people don’t want headphones for just one use any more – especially at this price -and if that’s you, then you might find the battery life a little short .
We liked
Most exercise-centric headphones that claim to block-out noise create an odd effect that is never on their features list; they feed into your ears the vibrations from your feet as they hit the ground.
By avoiding your ears, the Trekz Air don’t do that at all, while still delivering decent sound quality. They also have a great fit; stable and steady, they don’t move much at all when out running. Kudos to the designers for the careful weighting, and precise positioning of the speakers and components.
It’s even possible to wear a baseball cap while wearing the Trekz Air without any overlap.
We disliked
The Trekz Air lack the volume to cope in outdoor scenarios with lots of background noise, and the overall sound quality is not up there with regular headphones. Put them on full and there’s also a weird ear-tickle to contend with.
Add to that the battery issues that people who want to use these more widely, and you’ll see they’re not perfect. However, both of these issues are natural limitations of the tech and design, so it’s hard to castigate too hard for their lack of ability.
Final verdict
A lack of ultimate clarity in busy environments was always going to let down the Trekz Air; after all, its bone conduction speakers are really designed to do the opposite of most headphones that claim noise isolation or cancellation.
The slight ‘tickle’ of the ears will also put-off some, but let’s stress one thing; the Trekz Air are superb in the gym, or if you’re out on a run in the countryside.
Our biggest issue with the Trekz Air isn’t the use of bone conduction, but its short battery life. However, that’s caused by a clever lightweight design that’s hard to resist, and which gives the Trekz Air a characteristic that’s truly unique; they’re so light and un-intrusive that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. And that, surely, is what true immersion in music is really all about.
- Best running gadgets: the top fitness tech to help you run better
Shokz Trekz Air: Price Comparison
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Jamie is a freelance tech, travel and space journalist based in the UK. He’s been writing regularly for Techradar since it was launched in 2008 and also writes regularly for Forbes, The Telegraph, the South China Morning Post, Sky & Telescope and the Sky At Night magazine as well as other Future titles T3, Digital Camera World, All About Space and Space.com. He also edits two of his own websites, TravGear.
com and WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com that reflect his obsession with travel gear and solar eclipse travel. He is the author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners (Springer, 2015),
The 5 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out – Spring 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Earbuds
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
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Best For Outdoors
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated May 31, 2023 at 01:25 pm
By Vanessa McCuaig
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete training for an upcoming event or like to go for a jog now and then, a good pair of sports-oriented wireless earbuds can make all the difference in your exercise routine. While many runners prefer going truly wireless, having a cable between your earbuds can be a benefit when you’re working out in the gym.
Truly wireless earbuds eliminate the annoying rustling sound you hear when a cable brushes against your shirt, also called microphonics. However, if you’re receiving instructions from a coach or simply want to talk with a friend, it’s much easier to let your earbuds hang around your neck while not in use.
We’ve tested over 235 wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds for running and working out. Also, check out our recommendations for the best headphones for working out, the best wireless earbuds under $100, the best neckband headphones, and the best true wireless earbuds.
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Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running
Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless
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In-ear
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Closed-Back
Wireless
Truly Wireless
Transducer
Dynamic
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Yes
Mic
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See all our test results
The best earbuds for working out and running we’ve tested are the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless. These earbuds designed for sports are very well-built and come with a few different sizes of stability fins. Once you find a good fit, they’ll stay in your ears even during intense workouts. They have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and a case with an IP54 rating, so you can throw it in your gym bag without worrying about damaging your earbuds. Their default sound profile is well-balanced, but fans of bass-heavy music might want more thump and rumble. Luckily, you can use the parametric EQ and presets in their companion app to customize it.
They have an ANC feature, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a good performance, so these headphones aren’t ideal if noise cancelling is the priority.
Their roughly five-hour continuous battery life is long enough for most runs. However, if you’re worried about running out of power, the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are a good alternative. They have a bulkier ear hook design and lack sound customization features, but they’re still a great choice for runs and have around 11 hours of continuous battery life.See our review
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Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds For Running
Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless
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In-ear
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Truly Wireless
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Dynamic
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The Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless are the best earbuds for running in the mid-range we’ve tested.
Although they aren’t as well-built as the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless and lack stability fins, these comfortable buds have a stable in-ear fit for jogs in the park. They’re certified IP55 for resistance against dust and direct water exposure. Their sound also has a bit of extra bass to keep you energized without drowning out vocals and instruments. Their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you’re looking for a different sound.Although they don’t have noise cancelling, they can still block out a decent amount of ambient noise around you, which is handy if you need to reduce distractions on the track. They also last over seven hours continuously, and their carrying case supplies three extra charges in a pinch. Check out the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless if you’re looking for even more stable in-ears. These buds have ear hooks to keep the buds even more secure during tough runs, but their controls aren’t as intuitive to use out of the box.
See our review
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Best Budget Wireless Earbuds For Running
Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless
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In-ear
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Truly Wireless
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No
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If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless are the best earbuds for running we’ve tested at this price point. They’re the first buds on this list that don’t have a companion app, so you can’t adjust their sound profile with an EQ or presets. They’re also less comfortable than the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless since using the controls can push the buds further into your ears. On the upside, they’re a cheaper, sturdy-feeling pair of earbuds with stability fins to help keep them in place during runs. They’re also rated IPX5 for water (but not dust) resistance, which is nice if you run outdoors.
Their bass-heavy sound profile helps brings out the thump and rumble in genres like EDM without making mixes sound muddy, and if you prefer content like audiobooks, elements like voices sound clear.
Like the previous pick, they last around seven hours of continuous use. On the other hand, their case holds 12.5 additional charges, so you don’t need to charge it very often. They lack an ANC feature but passively block out a good amount of mid-range noise, which is nice if you don’t want to listen to background chit-chat at the gym during your workout.See our review
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Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds For Running
JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless
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If you need earbuds for running and want the cheapest good option, try the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless.
These inexpensive buds have a sturdy design and come in a few different colors to suit your style. They’re rated IPX4 for resistance to minor water exposure and have a comfortable fit for most people. Once you get a good fit with the included ear tips, they’re stable enough to stay in place during runs. Their nine-hour battery life can last through at least a couple of workouts, and they come with a case that stores about three extra charges. The charging cable is built into the case, meaning you can’t forget it at home but must replace the earbuds if the cord is damaged.These earbuds stand out from other cheap options because even though they don’t have an app, you can choose between a few EQ presets using the onboard controls. Using the flattest EQ preset, they have a bass-rich sound that adds rumble, punch, and boom to your audio without overwhelming instruments and lead vocals. Like most of the earbuds on this list, they don’t have ANC, so they don’t do a great job of blocking out noise, especially bass-range noise like rumbling engines or workout machines at the gym.
See our review
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Best Wireless Earbuds For Running Outdoors
Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction
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Bone Conduction
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Open-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Bone Conduction
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The best Bluetooth earbuds for running outdoors we’ve tested are Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction. Their bone conduction design means they don’t go into your ears at all. Instead, they sit near your temples and send vibrations through your bones to produce sound.
It lets you hear your audio and ambient sound, meaning you can monitor your surroundings during a run outside. However, the design means they struggle to reproduce thump, rumble, and boom, which could be a dealbreaker if you like bass-heavy music. They can reproduce mids very well and reproduce vocals and lead instruments clearly, so they work well for vocal-centric content like podcasts.They have good build quality and are certified IP67 for dust and water immersion resistance. Unfortunately, the neckband feels slightly thin and prone to damage over time. They have a comfortable fit, and since their design hooks over your ears, you don’t have to worry about them moving around too much during your workout. They also last over 13 hours continuously and have a standby mode to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off.
See our review
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Their roughly five-hour continuous battery life is long enough for most runs. However, if you’re worried about running out of power, the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are a good alternative. They have a bulkier ear hook design and lack sound customization features, but they’re still a great choice for runs and have around 11 hours of continuous battery life.
Although they aren’t as well-built as the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless and lack stability fins, these comfortable buds have a stable in-ear fit for jogs in the park. They’re certified IP55 for resistance against dust and direct water exposure. Their sound also has a bit of extra bass to keep you energized without drowning out vocals and instruments. Their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you’re looking for a different sound.
1
Like the previous pick, they last around seven hours of continuous use. On the other hand, their case holds 12.5 additional charges, so you don’t need to charge it very often. They lack an ANC feature but passively block out a good amount of mid-range noise, which is nice if you don’t want to listen to background chit-chat at the gym during your workout.
These inexpensive buds have a sturdy design and come in a few different colors to suit your style. They’re rated IPX4 for resistance to minor water exposure and have a comfortable fit for most people. Once you get a good fit with the included ear tips, they’re stable enough to stay in place during runs. Their nine-hour battery life can last through at least a couple of workouts, and they come with a case that stores about three extra charges. The charging cable is built into the case, meaning you can’t forget it at home but must replace the earbuds if the cord is damaged.
It lets you hear your audio and ambient sound, meaning you can monitor your surroundings during a run outside. However, the design means they struggle to reproduce thump, rumble, and boom, which could be a dealbreaker if you like bass-heavy music. They can reproduce mids very well and reproduce vocals and lead instruments clearly, so they work well for vocal-centric content like podcasts.Notable Mentions
- Bose Sport Earbuds Truly Wireless:
The Bose Sport Earbuds Truly Wireless are very stable in-ears with great build quality. However, they aren’t as customizable as the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless.
See our review - Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless:
The Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless are sports-oriented headphones with a stable in-ear fit and an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. However, they lack stability fins, and their carrying case isn’t as sturdy as that of the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless, as the lid is easily openable.
See our review - Beats Flex Wireless:
The Beats Flex Wireless are budget-friendly neck cable headphones with a W1 chip, which lets you seamlessly pair them with Apple devices. However, they lack an advertised IP rating and don’t have sound customization features, unlike the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless.
See our review
However, they aren’t as customizable as the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless.Recent Updates
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May 31, 2023:
We’ve added the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless as a comparison to the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless, as they’re similar in price, but have different designs that some users will prefer.
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Apr 27, 2023:
Checked that the picks represent the best options and that the products are in stock. -
Mar 09, 2023:
Confirmed that the picks are relevant and made minor updates to the text. -
Feb 09, 2023:
Made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock. -
Jan 13, 2023:
Made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best earbuds for working out and running for most people to buy in each price range.
We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for wireless in-ear headphones and earbuds. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and where you use the headphones will matter more in your selection.
by JLab, JBL, Jabra and more – SamoedINFO on vc.ru
Getting yourself to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement can be hard enough, but millions of dedicated runners and marathoners will tell you they can’t do it without the sound of their favorite tunes 125 -BMP. But for that, you need tight-fitting, great-sounding running headphones.
However, not every pair of headphones is suitable for running. Wired headphones, for example, can become uncomfortable after a few minutes, and poorly designed headphones can fall out quickly with a little sweat or movement.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing good running headphones: Do you want to block out the outside world with active noise cancellation, or do you need features like Transparency Mode so you can hear traffic or other potential obstacles? What kind of waterproof you need – IPX4 and above will protect against sweat and light rain. How easy is it to use the controls while driving?
We’ve covered all of this and more in our roundup of the best running headphones. Go.
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JLab Epic Air Sport ANC 2nd Gen True Wireless Earbuds
FOR
Easy setup
New Find with Tile feature
Excellent battery life
IP66 rating
Updated JLab app
CON
Average call quality
Mediocre ANC
JLabs has been a solid option for affordable sports headphones that still pack a host of runner-friendly features, but these headphones, the second generation of the proven Epic Air Sport ANC headphones, continue to impress, maintaining their top spot on our best running headphones list.
In line with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, the second generation of the Sport ANC has only a few notable differences. They’re available for under $100, and JLab’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) still has three modes – ANC On, ANC Off, and Be Aware, a transparency mode that lets in more ambient noise so you can pay attention to your surroundings. during a run.
The JLab Air ANC app has been rebranded as the JLab Sound app, and it still gives you a wide range of Epic Air Sport ANC settings, with sliders to set the noise canceling level and external audio to suit your preference. The app also lets you use three equalizer presets to further customize your sound, whether it’s metal, dance hits or podcasts. Plus, you get EQ controls for bass, mids, and treble to further customize your sound – and you can even tweak presets to customize those as well.
Of course, the app won’t always be the easiest to access while running, which is why the surface of the Epic Air Sport ANC also features a range of sensor-based touch controls that support single-tap and multi-tap to control various settings including play, pause, volume , answer/reject a call, activate Siri or Google Assistant, change equalizer presets, and cycle through ANC modes.
New to the 2nd generation is the addition of the “Find with Tile” feature, which allows you to locate a lost earpiece or both earbuds using the Tile app.
Another strong point of the brand, the Epic Air Sport ANCs impress with 70 hours of total listening time with ANC off and 50+ hours with it on. Each earbud lasts 15 hours on a single charge without ANC and an even more impressive 11 hours with ANC.
If you’re worried about fit, the 2nd Gen Epic Air Sport ANC comes with gel and foam tips that you can experiment with to find your fit to prevent slippage, while the ear hooks mentioned above keep your headphones securely in place during even the most intense runs and workouts. The IP66 rating is also good for outdoor workouts, keeping the earphones sweat and dust free wherever you go.
It’s worth noting that the first generation of Epic Air Sport ANC headphones are nearly identical and still available if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
JBL Reflect Aero TWS
PRO
Excellent IP68 resistance
One of the best ANCs we’ve seen
Eight-hour battery life everyone.
Our previous JBL pick, the Reflect Flow Pro, was a great set of headphones with some of the best noise canceling features we’ve come across in a new compact design that can even withstand salt water swimming. Our current pick, the Reflect Aero TWS, has many of the same benefits but at a significantly lower price point, allowing you to save some money and still get a great pair of sports headphones.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation uses four microphones with Smart Ambient technology to constantly monitor your current environment, and it does the job very well. Another set of beamforming microphones helps eliminate extra noise if you’re taking calls and want to be heard. And the remarkable IP68 rating means the headphones are dust-proof and can be submerged up to 5 feet in any water (although we note that this is a great way to lose the headphones).
The design is minimalist, with small tips and compact ribs for stability, but inside the 6.8mm drivers do some serious audio work, so you won’t skimp on sound quality.
It’s also nice to note the eight-hour battery life, and the case keeps two more charges in reserve. These are incredibly well-balanced headphones, and will be a particularly good choice if you often play by a noisy river or on dusty paths.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Beats Powerbeats Pro review: Great design, but with a downside Review
PRO
Best-in-class battery life
Waterproof
Secure fit, elegant design
Bold, bright sound
AGAINST 900 03 No main battery indicator
Massive body
Constant connectivity issues
iPhone users who wanted truly wireless headphones that could take advantage of the power of their smartphone had only one choice before the PowerBeats Pro: Apple’s AirPods. With average battery life, an inability to resist sweat or movement, and audio quality that didn’t impress anyone, AirPods weren’t the runner’s first choice. The Beats PowerBeats Pro made a difference.
With a whopping nine hours of battery life on a single charge, these headphones are unlikely to want to stop for a break before you do.
They’re also more than capable of handling moisture from even the most vigorous workout (although you should probably shower without them), and they have classic Beats sound: piercing in all the right places, especially at low frequencies. The PowerBeats Pro provide comfortable , but a secure fit, retaining the behind-the-ear clip design of the not-quite-wireless PowerBeats 3 while still managing to improve on that formula. Siri can be summoned by simply saying its name (or pressing a button), and the included volume switch is a huge improvement over AirPods that don’t have this feature.
These headphones don’t provide audio passthrough from the built-in mics, so you’ll have to be careful when exercising near traffic or other dangerous places, but they do have a great (and configurable) auto-pause feature when you take the headphone off, which at least makes it stop for a more comfortable conversation. With their IPX4 rating and audio pass-through, Apple’s AirPods Pro are a great alternative for iPhone users, although we think serious runners will prefer the more secure Powerbeats Pro mount.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Jabra Elite 7 Pro review
PRO
Very comfortable
Excellent sound quality
Excellent call quality
Very good ANC and transparency
Good battery life
Wireless charging
Tons of customization options
Excellent protection against water/dust
VS
No
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless Earphones have made several of our Best Headphones lists, including still topping our Best Wireless Headphones list.
Why? In a nutshell, they sound amazing, they are very comfortable to use all day long, they are great not only for running but also for listening to music and other things, and they are highly customizable with a feature rich app.
Let’s break it down point by point: in terms of sound, bass can often be the hardest part for headphones, but the Elite 7 Pros were good out of the box. Perhaps too good, as our reviewer pointed out, but with adjustable EQ, presets, and the smart MySound feature in the Sound+ app that adjusts the sound to suit your own listening profile, there are plenty of ways to customize your headphones to sound perfect for you.
Add to that the decent, customizable ANC and transparency options, and the Elite 7 Pros do a great job of improving the sound – with the app, you can weed out or dampen as much external noise as you want, which is important for runners who want to be aware of what’s going on. what surrounds them.
As far as how they fit, we called them “the most comfortable wireless noise-cancelling headphones you can buy right now” in our review, and they are for those who are going to use them for high-intensity activities like running. Read: they don’t budge. That’s good because the battery life is up to eight hours (30 hours with a charge), and while your run won’t likely last that long, it’s nice to know they’ll still work after you get out of the shower.
While slightly more expensive than others on our list, the Jabra Elite 7 Pros are among our favorites from last year and continue to impress us in 2023.
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review
FOR
Comfortable fit and stability
Reliable durability
Good sound quality
Reliable ANC and surround performance
Excellent application support 900 03 VS
Wind can break through
No aptX support
No wireless charging
Anker has updated its sports headphone line with a version that finally features ANC, offering impressively robust audio cancellation with an efficient ambient mode.
The dynamic speaker system is designed to boost bass without disturbing other bands, and IPX7 rating ensures that sweat, rain and water won’t get in the way of your practice tunes.
One of our favorite features of these headphones is the set of ear hooks, which are both quite flexible and have the ability to rotate 210 degrees. This allows you to adjust the earbuds until you find the perfect fit in your ear and then secure them in place. Everyone’s ears are different, and if you often have issues with earbud placement (especially while running), you might appreciate the Sport X10s’ adjustability.
The battery life of these Anker headphones is also quite long: up to eight hours on a single charge, and the case can store up to three additional charges. We also really enjoyed working with the SoundCore app, which has 21 preset EQs, an eight-band EQ to customize, and even workout breathing programs.
Shokz OpenRun Pro
FOR
Open-ear design
Durable titanium construction that remains comfortable
10-hour battery life
VS
Bone conduction design not for everyone
Bone conduction headphones use the vibration of the bones near your ears to transmit sound, leaving your ears free for comfort and the ability to hear ambient noise while you run.
This particular model uses small tabs that fit snugly against the cheeks right next to the ears, while earlier versions struggled with bass and clarity.
When Aftershokz became Shokz, they redesigned and created the OpenRun Pro, a better and more comfortable model than ever before, with a titanium frame to keep the headphones from slipping off. The new battery lasts up to 10 hours of music or calls, and has a five-minute quick charge so you’ll be ready for your run whenever you’re out and about. The
OpenRun Pro is also completely waterproof and sweat-resistant (can’t swim). In addition, they are surprisingly light and comfortable despite their unique design. The feel isn’t exactly like traditional headphones, but this option keeps you safe while still allowing you to listen to any music or podcast while you’re out and about.
Jaybird Vista 2
Jaybird Vista 2 review: Tough as nails wireless headphones for athletes Review
PROS
Fully waterproof and dustproof
Compact and secure fit
Great sound quality
Wireless charging
VS
Very poor call quality
ANC not available handles wind noise
BEST BUY FOR $150
We already loved the fit (including three sizes of gel tips) and performance of the first Vista headphones, but the second generation improved them with even more useful features.
One of the most notable is the high IP68 and MIL-STD 810G rating, which make these earphones waterproof, sweatproof, dustproof, freezeproof and shockproof. You don’t have to worry about something going wrong.
But the design is thoughtful in other ways as well: 6mm milled drivers provide excellent sound, plus the ability to adjust some EQ profiles to get your preferred sound. However, if you need to make calls, it’s best to keep it indoors. Even with the inclusion of WindDefense fabric, which Jaybird calls windproof, and beamforming microphones specifically designed to block out wind from traffic or weather, our reviewer Simon Cohen found wind to be a problem on calls.
Controlling the Jaybird Vista 2 is also simple, switching between Active Noise Cancellation and SurroundSense with just two clicks.
As for the last two modes – Active Noise Canceling is great, but SurroundSense is one of the new modes that’s coming to outdoor-focused headphones. It lowers the noise canceling level so you can hear the noise around you, perfect for watching cars or other people while you run.
Finally, the Vista 2 headphones also get a battery boost with a new eight-hour battery and a case that can handle up to two charges.
FAQ
Do the running headphones have built-in storage?
Usually not. Most modern running headphones stream music from your phone or smartwatch via Bluetooth.
Should I buy wired or wireless headphones?
If you’re planning to lead an active lifestyle, it’s generally better to get wireless headphones because they don’t have wires to get in your way. Keep in mind that on true wireless earbuds, the cable connecting the earbuds together is also removed. But it can also make it easier for the earbuds to slip out during exercise. Some models solve this problem with ear hooks or straps.
With should I buy waterproof headphones?
Not everyone needs waterproof headphones, although many appreciate the confidence they provide. Runners’ earmuffs are often covered in sweat and exposed to the elements, such as rain.
Waterproof headphones provide the most protection against moisture, but waterproof headphones will at least provide some protection.
Water-resistance is a mandatory specification for headphones and is listed as an IP rating in the product description. Be sure to find out what these IP ratings mean (and what rating to aim for) before you buy. If you need more resources, check out our best swimming headphones as they should fit runners too.
Do the running headphones have a heart rate monitor?
While some headphones offer heart rate monitors, they are by no means as accurate as conventional heart rate monitors that can be attached to your chest or wrist. If you want the most accurate heart rate readings, we would recommend using chest monitors or even a smartwatch.
How do I find running headphones that fit my ear?
Earmuffs do not need to fully encircle the ear to be sure they will fit, and earmuffs often come with several sizes of tips to try on.
Most modern running headphones come with a variety of eartips and ear cushions to fit any ear size. However, we recommend trying on the headphones you plan to buy whenever possible, as in-person fitting is the best way to ensure a good and comfortable fit.
source
top 11 rating according to the KP
Training in the gym, running, swimming in the pool, fitness – all this is in great demand today: people take care of their health. It is more convenient to go in for sports when nothing distracts from the process: your favorite music helps to achieve this. But is it possible to combine listening to it with various exercises? Quite: the main thing is to choose the right headphones for sports.
In its rating, Komsomolskaya Pravda presents models that should not cause any discomfort to the owners. This means that they must be wireless – this type is more versatile and suitable for physical activity.
Editor’s Choice
Sony WF-XB700
Sony WF-XB700.
Photo: market.yandex.ru
Ergonomic wireless headphones for sports. They have a bright and expressive design for everyday use. With charging in a convenient case, the listening time is up to 18 hours. If you’re in a hurry, just 10 minutes of fast charging can add up to 60 minutes of music playback. A great option if the charge ended just before training.
Sports headphones are specially designed to meet three points in your ear for a stable and comfortable fit. You can run in not the best weather, because these headphones with a waterproof rating of IPX4 are not afraid of splashes or sweat.
These wireless bluetooth headphones come with four sizes of hybrid silicone earbuds so you can choose the one that suits you best. This will allow you to enjoy the highest quality sound without being distracted by the noise around you.
Key features
| Design | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IPX4 |
| no | |
| Functions | voice assistant call, volume adjustable |
| Features | microphone, neodymium magnets |
Pros and cons
Quality sound with good detail.
Long battery life – 18 hours
Headphones will turn off automatically only when returned to the carrying case, until then they remain on
Top 10 best headphones for sports in 2023 according to CP
Mpow Flame Sports
Mpow Flame Sports. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The manufacturer of this model emphasizes that these are headphones for sports. They are aimed at those who are constantly on the move. The earphones are good for running as they have a special ear hook that prevents them from falling out even during the most intense workouts. Four pairs of silicone eartips of different sizes allow each customer to achieve the perfect fit and noise isolation.
The headset has full protection against water according to the IPx7 standard – the device can be submerged in water to a depth of 1 meter (although this, of course, is not recommended). The owner of these headphones will receive high-quality sound in HD format. Users especially highlight strong bass from this model.
The speakers work properly, and the bluetooth connection is not satisfactory. These headphones are perfect for both running and swimming.
In operating mode, they are able to operate for 7 hours without interruption. For phone calls, the headphones have a microphone, which is also very convenient if someone calls you while jogging.
Key features
| Design | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IPX7 |
| Features | Microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons
Decent build quality and sound. Reliable moisture protection
Strong pressure on the ears under the cap. Quiet microphone, may not be very comfortable for long conversations
Apple AirPods Pro MagSafe
Apple AirPods Pro MagSafe. Photo: market.yandex.ru
In-ear headphones for sports, which are held by special fasteners.
Here, users will find an active noise cancellation system. The IPX4 rating will provide protection from splashes, although you should still not swim in the pool with such headphones.
Includes a wireless charger to help keep you up and running. The working time in the active stage is 4.5 hours, which is quite enough for a full-fledged workout.
Features include a voice assistant call that helps you manage your calls and music with your voice. The connection between the headphones and the gadget is carried out via bluetooth.
Key features
| Design | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IPX4 |
| No | |
| Functions | Voice assistant call, Talk through (transparency mode) |
| Design features | microphone, waterproof |
Pros and cons
Quality sound. Efficient noise canceling Ear cushions stay in your ears
Uncomfortable buttons on the headphones.
You cannot control the volume directly on their cases
Bose Sport Earbuds
Bose Sport Earbuds. Photo: market.yandex.ru
These headphones will delight users with their high-quality sound. The model has a secure fit and convenient touch controls. They are made in a shape that repeats the ear, thanks to which the headphones are comfortable to wear. This makes the gadget comfortable even during intense workouts.
The headphones have a minimalist design. Silicone tips are responsible for comfort even with prolonged wear and prevent falling out.
The earbuds are IPX4 certified, which means the electronics inside each earbud are splash-proof in case you get caught in the rain. The device is perfect for running and exercising in the gym. Communication with a smartphone is provided via bluetooth.
Key features
| Volume adjustable | |
| Features | Microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons
Touch control.
They sit comfortably in the ear. Sound quality
The sensor does not work well if it gets the headphones wet
HUAWEI AM61 Sport Lite
HUAWEI AM61 Sport Lite. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Bright headphones for sports. You can go for a run or go to the gym with them. You can exercise even in wet weather. Protection against drops of water falling at an angle of up to 15 degrees provides a degree of IPx2.
Closed acoustic design helps to protect against unwanted environmental sounds. You will hear only the melody and not be distracted from the workout. Rich sound is achieved thanks to the high sensitivity – 98 dB.
The ear pads are magnetic to each other – a big plus, so there is less chance of losing them. In the ears, these wireless sports headphones also sit securely, according to users, do not fall out.
Key features
| Design | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IPX2 |
| no | |
| Functions | volume adjustable |
| Features | microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons
Loud sound.
Quality soundproofing. Headphones magnetize to each other
Poor microphone. It’s hard to talk on the phone through headphones on the street
Adidas RPT-01
Adidas RPT-01. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The waterproof RPT-01 wireless model has removable, washable woven pads. The headphones have everything for a comfortable trip to the gym or a trip to work. Despite their “heavy” appearance, these on-ear wireless sports headphones are very light and fit snugly on your head.
Best for fitness and running. The IPX2 rating allows you to train even in wet conditions. Headphones can work for a long time without recharging – 40 hours in a row, this is an excellent indicator. You can charge this model once every two weeks with active use.
Key features
| Construction | surface mounted |
| Degree of protection | IPX4 |
| headband | |
| Design features | microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons
Fits comfortably on the head.
Quality sound. Removable, washable ear pads
Headphones do not automatically disconnect from bluetooth when removed. You have to force them to turn off in the phone settings
HONOR Sport AM61
HONOR Sport AM61. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Wireless gadget with a microphone for those who are constantly on the move and love to play sports. Headphones weigh only five grams. They feature comfortable earhooks and IP52 water and dust resistance. Yes, for swimming this is not the most reliable option, but training outdoors or indoors will be fine.
Users won’t have to worry about tangled wires. The plug-in headphone modules are connected by an elastic cable with adjustment, which does not interfere with physical exercises at all.
If the owner wants to take a break from listening to music, then the modules can be left on the neck – tenacious magnets will not let these sports headphones get lost. The battery lasts for 11 hours of continuous music playback, which also speaks in favor of this model.
Key features
| Construction | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IP52 |
| Mounting | behind the ear |
| Features | Multipoint |
| Design features | microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons of
Quality build. Secure fit in your ears while running. Operating time – 11 hours without interruption
The unique shape of the ear pads, it is very difficult to find a replacement in case of loss. Mediocre microphone quality
JBL Wave 100TWS
JBL Wave 100TWS. Photo: market.yandex.ru
This option can be classified as “the best headphones for running.” There are no wires that will interfere, just put the modules in your ears and that’s it. Headphones work continuously up to 20 hours – enough for several workouts at once.
Bluetooth headphones can connect to two devices at the same time.
You can control music, calls and voice assistant from the earpiece, without being distracted from sports activities.
The earphones are ergonomically shaped and fit comfortably in your ears even after hours of use. Three sizes of earbuds isolate external noise for added comfort and sound clarity. They also have high-quality magnets, thanks to which the headphones do not fall out of the case when charging.
Main features
| Design | in-channel |
| Fixing | no |
| voice assistant call, volume adjustable |
Pros and cons
Handy magnets, thanks to which earphones do not fall out of the case when charging. No delay when playing music
The microphone is weak for conversations. No protection against moisture and debris
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Active noise canceling technology allows you to enjoy music while exercising.
Front and rear microphones with feedback allow the headphones to “feel” the environment and filter out all unnecessary sounds. There is also a voice amplification mode – it will become easier to talk on the phone, the interlocutors will be heard clearly and clearly.
The earmuffs are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. When moving, you almost do not notice them, they hold securely. The headphone case is neat, has a nice appearance, it is easy to carry. You can control the headphones through the application on the phone, as well as through the sensor on the headphones themselves.
Key features
| Design | in-duct |
| Degree of protection | IPX4 |
| Behind the ear | |
| Functions | Talk through |
| Features | microphone |
Pros and cons
Comfortable in the ears.
High-quality noise reduction system that cuts off unnecessary sounds
Not the best sound quality
HG12
HG12. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Headphones that are great for everyday use. They are great for playing sports, as well as for working with a laptop, tablet and any bluetooth-enabled device. Headphones sit comfortably in the ear, have touch controls to switch one or another track that accompanies you during physical activity. Also with this control, you can answer a phone call without interrupting your workout.
But you should remember that these sports headphones are suitable for running and exercising in the gym. For the pool, sports in extreme rain conditions, they are not suitable. The degree of protection IP 10 is considered weak for protection against water. In general, they do not fall out, look stylish and do not interfere with jogging, yoga or strength exercises. Among the useful features here is Talk through (transparency mode), which allows you to hear the sounds of the world without removing your headphones.
Key features
| Design | inserts |
| Degree of protection | IP10 |
| Fixing | |
| Functions | surround sound, voice assistant call, talk through (transparency mode) |
| Design features | Microphone, waterproof, sports |
Pros and cons
Does not fall out of the ears. Quality sound. Touch control capability
Poor waterproofing
Terra ANC
Terra ANC. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Headphones suitable for outdoor sports. You can go for a run or bike ride with them. The model has a classic appearance, their design is reliable. Communication with smartphones is carried out via bluetooth.
They can work without recharging up to 15 hours. Also included is a charging case that allows you to charge the headphones two or three more times. The noise canceling mode helps to get rid of extraneous sounds and not be distracted from the music.
They sit well in the ears, and the headphones also have connectors for special plastic mounts, with which they can also be worn. There is also an active noise reduction mode, which copes with its tasks qualitatively.
Key features
| Design | in-ear |
| Ear mount |
Pros and cons
Quality sound. Active Noise Canceling
Doesn’t hold securely during intense exercise
How to choose sports headphones
Wireless headphones are the best choice for sports activities: the wires will not only get in the way of exercising, but the headphones themselves can also be damaged.
First of all, you should choose the right shape headphones – for jogging, in-ear headphones are most often used, or headphones with a special behind-the-ear fastening that prevents them from falling out even during too intense workouts.
In general, in the sports headphones, the ear pads should have a comfortable fit and provide good noise isolation. All this is feasible due to the headset, for example, special silicone materials.
An important part that you should pay attention to when choosing is the connection to the gadget from which the music comes. The best Bluetooth headphones for sports should have perfect signal reception so that you don’t get nervous during your run.
Should be waterproof options – some sports headphones can even work in the pool. The optimal degree of protection against water is IPx7, it helps to avoid problems with partial or short-term immersion in water to a depth of 1 m. The frequency range at which music is perfectly audible is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Sound strength, sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB). The upper threshold for most headphones is in the range of 100-120 dB.
If it’s a little lower, then it’s okay. The strength of the sound is determined by the size of the magnetic core, the larger it is, the more sensitive the headphones.
Popular questions and answers
The most popular questions, “Komsomolskaya Pravda told” answered PRO-expert of the company “Sportmaster PRO”, candidate master of sports Daniil Lobakin .
What are the most important parameters for sports headphones?
Much depends on personal preference. Someone needs good sound, someone needs bass, and someone needs not to hear others. In-ear headphones are very popular for sports, which do not give sound, but vibration – in this case, the sound enters through the bone, and you hear not only it, but everything that happens around. There are many supporters of wired headphones – they are suitable for long workouts for 3-4 hours – wireless ones often cannot cope with such a load.
It’s convenient when you can answer a phone call through the headphones: you don’t need to bring the phone to your ear, just press the button on the headphones or on the smart watch.
I recommend choosing headphones with a good microphone so that the interlocutor hears you well.
Important feature – wireless headphones should not fall out of the ears – make sure that the size of the “wing” is appropriate and can be held. And if they do not have a built-in search function, you will simply lose them.
The standard operating time for conventional wireless headphones is 3-4 hours. Headphones that completely cover your ears can work up to 15 hours – they have a larger battery that holds a charge longer. The disadvantage is that they can be bulky and have an insufficiently sensitive microphone, which picks up sound worse. In this case, they will have to be removed to talk.
The ideal headphones for sports are:
● Wireless,
● Good acoustics,
● Ergonomic shape that prevents the headphones from falling out
● with long battery life (up to 10 – 15 hours)
● with GPS search (if the headphones fall out, they can be found through the application) .
Can wired headphones be used for sports?
Wired headphones are available in two versions. The first is “drops”, the second is completely covering the ears. It all depends on personal preferences – the main thing is that they are comfortable: if you experience discomfort, you will not be able to play sports. However, running can be convenient with wired headphones.
Do I need to match headphones to a specific sport?
Optional, but understandable that some headphones are not designed for swimming. There are special headphones for swimming – the main difference is that they are waterproof, have a tight fit, good sound. As a rule, these are headphones on an arc with bone conduction. These headphones can be considered specialized sports headphones – they are good for running because they allow you to hear what is happening around.
Sports sunglasses are available with built-in bone conduction headphones. Before picking up bone conduction headphones, I recommend listening to how they work first.