A selection of great Running Headphones
The Only Selection of Headphones you Need this year
Running with music on the ear is crucial for me and so are my headphones. I need both to occupy my brain with something and keep the rhythm going with my 180 bpm playlist. Good sound is important, and so is the design quality.
Maybe the most vital feature is that they are comfortable to wear and don’t fall out. Nothing is more annoying than constantly trying to adjust and re-insert the buds during a good run. There are lots of things to think about when choosing your next headphone!
But I will help you.
I don’t know what your goals are. If it’s just getting in shape or train for the next long marathon. For any reason, you need good headphones.
Throw away the standard earbuds that came with your iPhone or Android phone – they simply are not made for running and will not do the job!
Companies like Jabra, Monster, Yurbuds, Bose, Philips, Beats, Pioneer, Jaybird, Polk, and Sennheiser make some awesome products. They all have the ordinary 3.5 mm connector if nothing else is specified.
But it can be so difficult to choose between them!
So:
I have ranked the best headphones for running 2018 from 1 to 10. Scroll down to see which one that gets the First place or clicks the shortcut below. I have looked at pricing, build quality, sound quality, battery life, customer reports, and how they are to wear. The number one is the best in general, but all products have their strong points that are mentioned in the Key Feature section.
Click this link to fast-forward to my favorite in the first place, the Best Running Headphone Overall, at the bottom of this article.
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Good luck choosing and if you have any further questions write them below! I will answer you as fast as possible.
Polk Audio UltraFit 3000 Headphones
10. Polk Audio UltraFit 3000 Headphones
I’ve placed the UltraFit 3000 from Polk on 10th position in this lineup of good earphones. It’s an in-ear-canal headphone with a hook, called SecureFit Support, which goes around the ear to hold it in place.
It’s nothing particularly bad about this product, but it doesn’t have anything very special that makes it stand out either. For some, it can be difficult to get the right fit around the ear, and if the placement is slightly off the sound quality is not particularly good.
In the package comes several ear-tips and a couple of cords. One is with a microphone and three buttons remote for iPhones and iPods. This cable may not work with your Android device.
Key Features:
- 16 ohms impedance
- In-line microphone
- 3 Button Remote Control
- Tangled free audio cable
- Comes in black or white finish
Conclusion:
Even if it came in the last place on my list, they are still a decent headphone. There are many other products that didn’t make this list at all. I like the looks of it, but the difficulties with attaching them correctly and the price prevented it from coming higher.
If you like what you see, you can buy it on Amazon. Check there for the recent price.
9. Jaybird X3 Sport
Jaybird X3 Sport Bluetooth Headset
Hate that the cables are flapping around when you run?
Here’s a pair of wireless running headphones with a remarkable sound. Music is streamed from your smartphone or music player by Bluetooth. The batteries in the Jaybird X3 Sports last for 8 hours which gives you workout music for a week or a whole day. Are you running a marathon, will these earphones last the entire run. Charging is done via USB. 15 minutes of charging gives you a full hour of playtime.
The low weight makes it very comfortable to wear, and you will almost forget they are there. Don’t worry about sweat either; they are sweatproof. And if anything else goes wrong Jaybird has a lifetime guarantee.
It’s compatible with iWatch if you happen to own one of those.
Key Features:
- 8 hours playtime
- Wireless
- Lightweight
- Great sound
- Designed for sport, fitness, and exercise
- Sweatproof
- Lifetime guarantee
- iWatch compatible
- Comes in four colors, Alpha Green (green), Blackout (black), RoadRash Red (red), Sparta White (white)
Conclusion:
The combination of great battery life and zero cables makes these Jaybird Bluetooth headphones the best wireless running headphones with the best battery life. They are truly designed for people training and exercising, and the sturdy build quality reflects that.
This is a high ranked product on Amazon with 4 of 5 stars.
Sennheiser PMX 685i Adidas Sports
8. Sennheiser PMX 685i Adidas Sports
Instead of hanging down, as headphones with ear-buds usually do in danger of falling out, this neckband-style headset will stay in place while you run. The Sennheiser PMX 685i headphones are made in conjunction with Adidas. They deliver good stereo sound, are not very expensive and are perfect for people with an active lifestyle. If the headphones get sweaty and dirty, they can be cleaned with running water. There will also handle a run in the rain.
Sennheiser is a well-known brand in the music industry and has made high-quality products for over 65 years.
The cord has an in-line microphone and smart remote that let you answer phone calls and control music if you have an iPhone.
Key Features:
- Very lightweight
- In-line microphone and remote
- Water-resistant and can be cleaning under running water
- 16 ohms impedance
- Frequency response – 18-20,000 Hz
- Two years limited warranty
Conclusion:
You get good sound for a decent price, and they stay in place while running. This is definitely the best neckband-style running headphones out there, and you will not be disappointed.
Check the price on Amazon.
Pioneer SE-E721
7. Pioneer SE-E721 Earphone
These ear-hooked earphones from Pioneer will not fall out of your ear when you have managed to place them properly. The SE-E721 can be a bit challenging to hook up before you get the hang of it, but when you get the hang of it, it’s no big deal. Bottom line – they are stuck in your ears when you run.
The 9 mm speakers spit out great, bassy sound and the earphone-chips block out sound very well. The two cords have curls to prevent tangling and make them more flexible.
They come in white, black and black with red details. In the package follows four chips in different sizes, so you are sure you find something that fits in your ear.
Key Features:
- Ear-hooked, in-ear design
- A dual cord with curls
- 9 mm speakers with a deep bass sound
- Drip waterproof
- 32 ohms impedance
- 5 ~ 23000 Hz Max frequency band
Conclusion:
Great sound with deep bass, hooks that make them stuck to your ears and a decent price makes these in-ear phones a really good deal. You need some practice placing them correctly which can be frustrating in the beginning. This is the best cheap running headphones you get compared to others with the same sound quality.
Price is available on Amazon.com.
Philips ActionFit SHQ5200
6. Philips ActionFit SHQ5200
The ActionFit SHW5200 from Philips is the only on-ear sports headphones on this list. Not anybody like the in-ear products and this is a really good alternative to those.
The over-head SHQ5200 is truly designed especially for sports lovers and people exercising outside or in the gym.
It is light-weight and very comfortable to wear. The headband is made of non-slip silicone so it won’t fall off during rough movement. The earpads absorb sweat and can be detached and washed.
The sounds quality is good and above average, but it doesn’t block out exterior sound completely.
Key Features:
- On-ear solution
- Silicon materials that stick to your head
- Removable and washable ear pads
- 40 mm neodymium speakers
- Durable Kevlar reinforced cable
Conclusion:
If you don’t like in-ear buds, this is the best on-ear headphones you will find suitable for sporting. It’s a bit extra weight compared to buds, but nothing to worry about.
Updated price on Amazon.com.
Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless
5. Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless
Here’re another totally wireless headphones with microphone for running and fitness. The Powerbeats 2 Wireless from Beats comes in many different colors including black, pink, red, and white. Music is streamed with Bluetooth from your portable music player or phone. It is water and sweat resistant, and I really like the design. The flexible ear-hooks are made of slippery free rubber, and the cables are flat to prevent them from snagging.
It is water and sweat resistant, and I really like the design. The hooks are made of slippery free rubber and the cables, with an attached microphone for phone calls, are flat to prevent them from snagging and rotating.
The batteries last for around 6 hours, which are two hours less than the Jaybird BlueBuds X on place 9. But with an extra quick 15 minutes charge, they work for another 15 minutes. In general, they produce great sound with Dual-driver acoustics power.
Key Features:
- Completely wireless
- Bluetooth streaming
- Flat cable
- Microphone
- Many colors
- Weight 24 grams
Conclusion:
These headphones are designed for athletes and people working out. Excellent sound quality, low weight, and nice design make this the best wireless headphones.
High scores on Amazon indicate that customers are happy. They usually cost around $200 on Amazon.
Yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition
4. Yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition
The key feature of these earphones is the ability to stay secure in your ear when you exercise. Even if it’s running outdoors or working out in the gym, the Inspire Limited Edition won’t fall out – it’s guaranteed by Yurbuds. It has something to do with the design and how they are placed in your ear.
They are sweat and waterproof and the Kevlar-wrapped cord prevent it from tangling.
Users debate the sounds quality, and some say the 3D soundscape produced by Triple Magnet Sound isn’t good enough. I think it’s good enough, but I would still like to hear better sound through the tiny speakers.
Key Features:
- Secure fit
- Tangle-free Kevlar cord
- Remote and mic for iOs units
- Noise isolation and option for ambient awareness
Conclusion:
Even if the sound quality could be better, these headphones prove that the secure fit design really works. These are the best running headphones for a secure fit, and as promised by the manufacturer, they just won’t fall out when you manage to place them correctly.
You can purchase them on Amazon for $44 at the moment.
Now to the final three top headphones!
Bose Freestyle Earbuds
3. Bose Freestyle Earbuds
With over a thousand reviews on Amazon and with a high number of top scores, I can surely say that customers agree that the colorful Bose Freestyle Earbuds are a quality product. The headphones deliver rich, full bass, detailed sound that even hardcore music lovers will love. They don’t completely block out sound, but when you are out running, I always think it’s wise to be aware of the surroundings.
The in-line microphone and remote give you full control and the ability to answer phone calls. This works with a lot of smartphones from iPhone, LG, Nokia, and Sony to mention a few.
The StayHear ear-tips are comfortable to wear over a longer period. You get 3 of them in the box, so you are certain to find a perfect fit. They are secure and don’t fall off while you exercise.
Key Features:
- Colorful design
- Rich, deep sound
- Durable build quality
- On-line mic and remote
- Comfortable to wear
- Weighs only 18 grams
Conclusion:
I like the unusual color combinations and patterns you can choose from and the superb sound. Bose is a well-known brand, and they deliver this time too. With the best Amazon ranking of the products in my list, it’s safe to recommend these cool headphones.
Right now you get them on Amazon.
Monster iSport Victory
2. Monster iSport Victory
If you are looking for sound quality, this is the one to go for. Both the bass and treble are impeccable, and the tight fit in your ear to ensure clean music and noise isolation.
The Monster iSport Victory also has a tight and secure fit that ensures that they don’t fall out. Instead of the hoop around the ear, other headphones have, these are small and fit on the inside of the ear instead called the SportClip. I think it’s a clever design. The tangle-free cable has remote and mic for iPhone and iPad.
If they get sweaty or wet after a hard workout at the gym, they can easily be rinsed in the sink.
Key Features:
- In-ear secure fit with SportClip
- Noise-canceling
- Great sound quality
- Sweat-proof and washable
- Anti-Microbial Formulation that kills germs
- 24K Gold-Plated Contacts
- Right angles 3.5 mm jack
Conclusion:
These headphones are very comfortable to wear with stunning sound quality. They also have patented secure fit solution, so they stay in your ear when you jump and move. The Monster iSport Victory is definitely the best running headphones if you want sound quality.
The price isn’t bad either. Go to Amazon to check the recent price tag.
Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless w/ HR Monitor
1. Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless w/ Heart Rate Monitor
The top headphone in my list is the Jabra Sport Pulse, which also has a feature none of the others has, an inbuilt working biometric heart rate monitor. It’s an ingenious idea and an excellent product for runners that understand the importance of measuring heart rate.
The headphones are wireless with a remote to control the Dolby-enhanced music on the cord itself. It also has a microphone for phone calls. The unit is connected to the Jabra Sport Life app on your smartphone for calibration and movement tracking. It also works with other popular fitness applications on iOS and Android.
Since this product is on top of the class, they are of course water and sweatproof. The price might scare a few of you away, but keep in mind that you get a high-quality product with a lot of features.
Key Features:
- Wireless
- Dolby Sound
- Built-in HR Monitor
- Secure fit
- Water, shock, dust and sweat proof
- Remote and microphone on the cord
Conclusion:
The best running headphones overall on my list is comfortable to wear, has a secure fit, good sound, built-in heart rate sensor, is water, shock, and dust resistant… phew… If you can afford it, go for it.
Go here to find the latest price: Amazon.com.
Have you decided yet?
Hope you find my list with the 10 Best Headphones for Running through 2017 and 2018 useful! Let me know what you think below or if you disagree with my choices. Please tweet this article if you find it useful for others.
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I recommend that you buy and check out the latest prices on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. I see that many of the prices have dropped lately. Here are some other recent options:
I wish you a great running day.
Thanks for this great review. It has made my choice for headgear a lot easier… I think i will go with your recommendation for Jabra… funnily enough tho – i REALLY like the design of the cheapy Sennheisers… Problem solved – I’ll just get both!
Thanks for your comment. The Jabra is awesome but a bit costly. Sennheiser is at the opposite end when it comes to price, but you’ll get a magnificent neckband style headphone for just a few bucks. 🙂
Andreas
Thanks for the great advise. I am not a jogger, I prefer to do sprints and brisk walking intermittently. I am getting very tired of my earphones falling out so I will be ordering a new pair based on your tips. I think the Yurbuds are perfect for my needs and budget.
Cheers,
Brad
Yurbuds Inspire is an excellent choice. Nice price and will not fall out when you sprint. 🙂 I’m glad I could help in your decision.
Andreas
Great article! I am very into fitness and all the accessories that go with it. These are a great list of earphones I will definitely keep in mind!
– Kyle
Hi Andreas,
This is a timely article on the 10 best headphones for running through year 2015.
I am not a runner, but I like to exercise at home. I have been thinking of getting some proper headphones because using the ones that came with my android phone is so annoying as they do not stay in your ear.
I have bookmarked this page and will be making a purchase on my next pay check.
Lis.
I was looking running earphones for myself. My colleague suggested me to sweat and waterproof earphones. After searching a lot, I found SoundMAGIC ST80 wireless earphones online. These are very comfortable to wear. I love them a lot. This product is worth buying. I would recommend everyone to check out these affordable earphones available at http://www.soundmagic.us/.
Hi, Nancy! Good suggestion. Hope people check them out. Andreas
Go for Rowkin Surge. They’re small in size, great audio quality, water proof and well priced.Using one and just loving it. I’d love to recommend it for anyone.
Thanks for the comment. 🙂 Andreas
Hi
I wanna thank you for this lovely list. I was looking for a new set for my kids.
I’m so glad to find Sennheiser in your recommendations. They have good and reliable microphones, I hope the headset is of the same quality.
I already use Philips actionfit for myself and I’m very satisfied but I’m not familiar with any of the other brands and I want to try something new, besides my kids need that neck-tie
…so I think to stick with Sennheiser this time. What you say? Should I order 1 first to test it and then order the 2nd?
Hi! Sannheiser headphones are awesome. You could of course order two at the same time, but the clever approach as you say is to perhaps try one first. If you like them buy another set. 🙂 Andreas
Hey, Good list. I just picked up the Jaybird and took it for the first run this morning. So far so good.
Cool! Thanks for letting me know. Andreas
Bought powerbeats (although 3 not 20 and have had two pairs die on me. I’m a runner and do sweat. Second pair didn’t last two weaks and won’t charge back. Definitely not worth the money.
Thanks for your comment and experience with the powerbeats headphones. It is valuable for others looking to buy.