What are the best headphones for running?

Question

4

Options
Considered

34

User
Recs.

Feb 27, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

4 Options Considered

Best headphones for running	Price	Total Playtime	True Wireless
52 Plantronics BackBeat Fit	$80.00	8h	No
-- 66 Audio BTS Pro	$124.99	-	-
-- Monster iSport Freedom	$199.95	-	-
-- AfterShokz Trekz Titanium	$129.95	-	-

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score 13 · Answer 1

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Top Pro

Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires

Connectivity with source devices is via Bluetooth, so in place of a full headphone cable is a flexible, soft and short cord made of rubber material that keeps the earpieces connected. You won't have to deal with a long and dangling cable. See More

Top Con

Flopping earpiece cord can be annoying

When you start moving, it is likely that the short but fairly chunky cord connecting both earpieces will flop up and down. This can come into contact with your skin which can be distracting, and can even cause skin irritation. See More

Specs

Total Playtime:8h

True Wireless:No

Playtime Per Charge:8h

Top Pro

Full mids, punchy bass, and smooth highs

The highs are not the most detailed, but they are clear and do give an airy feel to the music. The mids are full and forward so vocals will definitely sound great. Bass is hit or miss though, depending on how well these headphones seal in your ear. If there is a good seal then bass is punchy and tight though not very powerful. Otherwise, it is likely that the bass will sound a bit on the thin side. See More

Top Con

Noise leakage can be distracting

While these headphones allow you stay aware of your surroundings, this also means that a lot of environmental sound will get in the way of your music. If you want to zone-in on your audio while running or working out then these may not be the best ones for you. See More

Top Pro

The included case doubles as an armband

The case can be converted into an armband by reversing it inside out. This is very useful as you can use the arm band to store your smartphone while on a run, along with some essentials like your keys or some cash. See More

Top Pro

Fits nice and snug in the ears

The ear tips are made out of a soft and flexible material that is comfortable and supports the weight of the earpieces quite well. This is enhanced by the wing tips that further help to keep the headphones in place. See More

Top Pro

Earbud design allows ambient sound in

The design does not create a thorough seal in your ears, which can be a good thing as this will allow you to maintain awareness of what's around you. See More

Top Pro

Good battery life

The BackBeat Fit can last up to 8 hours of playback from a full charge. See More

Top Pro

Sweat resistant

A sweat resistant coating is applied to the interior parts, so splashes of liquid aren't likely to cause damage. See More

Top Pro

On-earpiece buttons allow basic smartphone/music player function control

Each of the earpieces have a single button. Different combinations of presses will allow you to pause/play tracks, answer/end calls, adjust volume and do other functions which can be convenient. See More

Top Pro

Built in microphone has a decent sound

The audio from the microphone is not amazing, but it is quite clear with no distortion so it should be good for most conversations. See More

See All

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score 8 · Answer 2

66 Audio BTS Pro

Top Pro

Great for use when outdoors, going for a run or working out

The BTS Pro is quite robust and can withstand some minor splashes of sweat or rain as these are sweat-proof. They are not completely water-proof though, so you should not get them soaking wet. See More

Top Con

Some distortion can be heard at lower volumes

There may be audible levels of a scratching sound or distortion when using these at lower volume levels. This can be quite distracting, and can have a negative impact on your listening experience. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

Top Pro

Good sound quality with focus on the lower frequencies

There is good detail in the highs and the mids can also be heard clearly with very little muddiness. The lower frequencies are boosted, resulting in a good level of depth and power to each bass thump. See More

Top Con

Motion Control App is for iOS only

At the moment, users of non-iOS devices will not be able to take advantage of the companion app's functionality. However, 66 Audio have announced that an Android app is currently in development. See More

Top Pro

Will stay snug on your head

The BTS Pro ear cups sit on the ears with hooks keeping them in place. The flexible connecting band provides good clamping force and can adjust to your head size with continued use. Combined with cushioning on the cups, these are comfortable to wear and will stay in place. See More

Top Pro

No long cables to deal with

Bluetooth connectivity allows the BTS Pro to connect with smartphones and compatible music players wirelessly, so cables won't be an issue. See More

Top Pro

Companion iOS app adds extra functionality

66 Audio's Motion Control iOS App gives users added functionality, including EQ control and presets selection, battery status indicator, and even headphone position tracking. These features can improve the listening experience and also minimize the chances of you losing these headphones. See More

Top Pro

Can last through multiple long listening sessions

With up to 40 hours of playback time at full charge, it's more than enough for most listening sessions. You won't have to charge these frequently. See More

Top Pro

Hardshell case makes transport more secure and convenient

A hard shell carrying case is included, which can protect the headphones from minor impact and also make transport much easier. The case also has good aesthetics. See More

Top Pro

Can be folded to a more compact size

They are easy to bring on the go as the ear cups can be folded into the headband. This further reduces the already slim and compact size, making them easy to chuck into a bag when on the go. See More

Top Pro

Ear cup functions as a remote

The right ear cup of the BTS Pro features buttons for controlling headphone features. You can play/pause tracks, increase/decrease volume as well as answer/end calls by pressing the corresponding buttons, negating the need to pull out your phone to do so. See More

Top Pro

Allows taking calls

You do not need to take the BTS Pro off in order to answer incoming calls. There is a built-in microphone which allows you to easily take or make calls in the middle of your run or workout. See More

See All

score 8 · Answer 3

Monster iSport Freedom

Top Pro

Great highs with recessed mids and lows

The high frequencies are what define this headphone's sound signature. The highs are clear and with good detail to them, which make these a good choice if you prefer sports headphones with detailed sound. The mids and bass are recessed, but they are still present enough to give some body to the sound. See More

Top Con

Lack of bass can make music feel unexciting

You may find the audio to be lean and unexciting due to the lack of bass. You will not be able to get a powerful thump from your music with these, which can be detrimental to your listening experience. See More

Specs

Type:On Ear

Weight:218 g

Battery Life:14 hours (Playback)

Connectivity:Bluetooth / Wired 3.5mm

See All Specs

Top Pro

Versatile connectivity

If sports use is your primary use case then the Bluetooth connectivity will free you from the hassle of dangling wires while moving. However, there is the option to use a 3.5mm cable if you prefer a wired connection, or if the headphones are out of battery and you want to continue listening to audio. See More

Top Con

You may accidentally trigger remote functions

The panel can easily register accidental contact and can also be inaccurate, which can disrupt the listening experience. See More

Top Pro

Good battery life

Long music listening sessions in wireless mode should not be a problem. These have around 24 hours of playback time which should be good enough for most users. See More

Top Pro

Easily control headphone functions with the on-ear cup controls

With these headphones wirelessy connected to your smartphone, you do not need to pull out your device for playlist control. You can make simple touch gestures on the right ear cup for functions like volume adjust, or to play/pause/skip tracks. See More

Top Pro

Easy to bring on the go

You should not have too much difficulty fitting these into a bag when going out. The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its size for easier portability. See More

Top Pro

Taking phone calls is possible without taking these off

The built-in mic along with the touch panel will make taking calls easier, as you do not need to pull out your phone to answer them. See More

See All

score 5 · Answer 4

AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

Top Pro

Will not compromise your awareness of your surroundings

These headphones do not have to cover your ears for you to hear music, thanks to its bone conduction technology. You will still be able to hear your surroundings which should help maintain/improve awareness and safety when running or working out outdoors. See More

Top Con

Can cause a potentially uncomfortable tingling sensation on your head

Some experience a tingling sensation on their head, especially when listening at higher volumes. This can be attributed to the bone conduction tech, which uses the bone structure of the face for the sound waves to travel through. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable as these do not go in/on ear

These headphones will not put any strain in or on the ears. These sit just above the area of the ears when worn which could help minimize discomfort. See More

Top Con

May sound dull or flat to some

The sound that these headphones produce will not wow anyone. Bass is present but sounds quite loose while the mids and highs sound thin. With these, sound quality is compromised in favor of portability, convenience and added awareness of your surroundings. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight and won't strain the head or neck

The connecting band is thin and light, and both transducers are quite small so not much weight will be applied to a user's head. See More

Top Pro

Clamping force is just right

The flexible connecting band accommodates a wide range of head/neck sizes. This minimizes pinching or discomfort yet can stay securely on the head. See More

Top Pro

You can take phone calls with these headphones on

These feature an integrated microphone. At the press of a button on the in-line remote, you can answer phone calls which is very convenient. See More

Top Pro

Ear plugs are included if you prefer to block out noise

You can opt to use the included earplugs with these headphones. This will result in a music listening experience that is quite similar to traditional earphones where some of the ambient sound is blocked out. See More

Top Pro

Okay battery life

You can get up to 6 hours of playback time from these headphones, despite being quite small and lightweight. See More

See All

What are the best headphones for running?

4 Options Considered

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

My Recommendation for Plantronics BackBeat Fit

My Recommendation for Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires

Flopping earpiece cord can be annoying

Full mids, punchy bass, and smooth highs

Noise leakage can be distracting

The included case doubles as an armband

Fits nice and snug in the ears

Earbud design allows ambient sound in

Good battery life

Sweat resistant

On-earpiece buttons allow basic smartphone/music player function control

Built in microphone has a decent sound

66 Audio BTS Pro

My Recommendation for 66 Audio BTS Pro

My Recommendation for 66 Audio BTS Pro

Great for use when outdoors, going for a run or working out

Some distortion can be heard at lower volumes

Good sound quality with focus on the lower frequencies

Motion Control App is for iOS only

Will stay snug on your head

No long cables to deal with

Companion iOS app adds extra functionality

Can last through multiple long listening sessions

Hardshell case makes transport more secure and convenient

Can be folded to a more compact size

Ear cup functions as a remote

Allows taking calls

Monster iSport Freedom

My Recommendation for Monster iSport Freedom

My Recommendation for Monster iSport Freedom

Great highs with recessed mids and lows

Lack of bass can make music feel unexciting

Versatile connectivity

You may accidentally trigger remote functions

Good battery life

Easily control headphone functions with the on-ear cup controls

Easy to bring on the go

Taking phone calls is possible without taking these off

AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

My Recommendation for AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

My Recommendation for AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

Will not compromise your awareness of your surroundings

Can cause a potentially uncomfortable tingling sensation on your head

Comfortable as these do not go in/on ear

May sound dull or flat to some

Lightweight and won't strain the head or neck

Clamping force is just right

You can take phone calls with these headphones on

Ear plugs are included if you prefer to block out noise

Okay battery life

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