Our pick of the best headphones for running to motivate your outdoor workout or in the gym
True Wireless earbuds have become the go-to choice for fitness users, whether its running, gym use, outdoor workouts or just going for a nice long walk. For this list, we decided to include a range of different earphones and headphones to suit all your needs from wired, wireless, Bluetooth and True Wireless – we have you all covered from as little as £20.
The Final E500 is not a typical sports earphone, yet they have features that come in handy for your daily run. Firstly, they are the best value for money earphones we have tried. At just under £20, nothing else we have listened to in this price range comes close to the sound achieved from the E500. They are also very small, which means you will get a great fit and the E500 is less likely to fall out of your ears when sprinting towards your personal best.
To help you push through and motivate a big run, the Flares Jet 1 has the sound to keep you going. Big and powerful bass with crisp, snappy clarity means that music will really pop! These earphones have a big sound, so your favourite running tunes will do their job. The Jet 1 is also built to withstand constant use, with a robust design – you can be sure that they will last and last.
The award winning SoundMAGIC E11BT has been a firm favourite since its release – gaining praise for its design, comfort and most importantly – sound quality. The E11BT is ideal for those wanting a Bluetooth earphone, that prefer a neckband design. The neckband provides added support while in use, then when you’re finished using them – they can conveniently hang down so there’s no need to keep packing them away.
Lypertek’s first True Wireless release – the PurePlay Z3 – exploded onto the TWS scene, quickly gaining awards and the label of ‘best under £100’. Today it is still considered one of the best, and just so happens to make a good running partner too. ThePurePlay Z3 has a few standout features which will come in handy during your workout such as 70 hours battery life (including the charging case), IPX7 waterproof rating for those rainy days and audiophile worthy sound quality – to get the most from your tracks.
For those after a more premium feel to their wireless earphones, then B&W has you covered with the PI3. Another neckband design, the PI3 will blow you away with its superb build, design and comfort, with only the best materials being used. Then the sound – using the latest codecs you can be sure that you get your money’s worth. To make these suited to running, there are ear fins included with the PI3, which will improve comfort and provide a secure fit for active listening.
If you prefer a traditional headphone fit instead of in-ears, then the B&W PX5 would be our top pick for running. They are small and fit on the ear – not over and around the ear like larger sized headphones. This means they will be less bulky for running and will stay nice and secure on your head. These wireless headphones have active noise cancelling (ANC), so they will do a great job of keeping you focused on your fitness goals.
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Our pick of the Best Sports Headphones – Earphones, On Ear, Wireless and True Wireless
We know how important it is to find the best headphones for you; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, laptop or hi-fi system.
So we’ve gathered our picks for the best of the best for active/sports headphones you can buy!
BEST SPORTS HEADPHONES UNDER £50
1. SoundMAGIC P22BT – £39.99
SoundMAGIC P22BT
The SoundMAGIC P22BT is suspiciously low-priced for a bluetooth model, but exceeds all expectations. Watch out this summer however, as wearing these constantly may affect your suntan.
The guts of the E11C paired with the power of Bluetooth 5.0 make this earphone a real contender for a budget price. Automatic smartphone controls give you even more freedom from your device while on the go. They claim an absolutely massive battery life as well.
Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, however Optoma has gone one better with additional sweat and water resistance rated at IPX5 – this means that aside from general moisture resistance, we can have a musical duel with water pistols and suffer no lasting consequences.
Between their purported 16-hour battery life between charges (representing 4 hours of continuous play) and their ipx5 water resistance rating, the Optoma NuForce BE Free5 is a steal at just under £100. Their graphene diaphragm drivers allow for less energy consumption, while their ergonomic design means they won’t fall out constantly while you’re on the move.
Between Sennheiser sound and build quality, six hours of battery life, and the ability to quick charge, what more could you ask for in a sport headphone? Splash and sweat resistance, you say? Well, guess what? The CX Sport comes through once more.
Cor Blimey! It’s that special time of year when people can travel around the capital at speeds greater than five miles per hour, and all of London turns out to offer support to racers and plodders alike. The London Marathon is back, and promises to torture participants with its gruelling tour of the Big Smoke.
Despite all this wonderful support and encouragement however, a surprising number of runners elect to don headphones. It’s perhaps testament to the fact that a musical accompaniment is a more powerful motivator for many.
Here are some things to consider if you’re considering some musical impetus.
Isolation
It’s all very well being in your own world, but sealing in-ear models will leave you less aware of environmental sounds such as traffic. Also, something called the occlusion effect can magnify the sounds of footfalls through the bones, breathing or speech for example. This might affect your enjoyment but sealed in-ear designs remain popular with runners, such as the MEE Audio M6P –
When your body is aching and you’re in a world of pain at the 18 mile mark, you don’t want to be worrying about pain coming from your head too. A lot of on-ear models are designed to remain in place on the head and so grip a little bit tighter than their full-size counterparts which usually stay at home. Also, the earcups tend to be of a leather (or leatherette) material which will not release moisture so you’ll get awfully sweaty under there. Again, there are a lot of people who like to wear this style on a run but we’d recommend the Koss SportaPro –
They are light, comfortable on the head and are an open-back design, so the ears can breath a bit. Also, environmental sounds make it through for a safer experience.
Bluetooth
Many runners are now finding Bluetooth technology to be very useful for this type of activity; gone is the danger of catching your cable on a passing Beefeater, and it’s easier to change volume or the track being played. One thing to be aware of however is how the battery is designed into them. A few have huge capsules and some people find difficulty getting the right fit. Other models have a bulky battery on one side of the cable which tugs on the cable.
The SoundMAGIC E10BT has the battery in the middle of the cable so it’s well balanced, and it also has a clip to secure it to clothing. The E10BT can be a sealing or isolating earphone, but the included ‘vented’ tips, if fitted, will allow some environmental sounds to come in for a safer run.
We have listed the best sports headphones and earphones to help drive you along. Here you can find our selection of the best earbuds, portable headphones, wireless headphones and earphones and everything in between. Perfect for sporty use!
The Fidue A31S may be the cheapest of this lineup, but is every bit as good at wringing the last beads of sweat out of you! The tiny capsules sit in the ears with the cable worn over the ear or down, and the supplied double flange eartips give excellent isolation.
An updated version of the original PL30 earphones, the PL30+ boasts a more attractive deisgn and also a behind-the-ear wearing style for a secure fit whilst you exercise.
This on-ear design is open-back, meaning that while others may hear your tunes, you will be able to hear the environment around you as well as your music. Perfect for pounding the streets safely!
The M7P has mobile phone controls and a volume slider conveniently placed on the cable, and pivoting nozzles for a secure and comfortable fit behind the ear.
With tuneable filters, the Vyrus can give you a bassy sound or crystal clear treble for a sound which will best spur you on! Can be worn over the ear too.
The wireless BE Sport 3 model features ‘fin’ attachments to secure the earphones into your ears so may be better if you wear glasses or shades whilst running, for example.
These wireless noise-cancellers aren’t just for meditation, the sound from the BNX-60 is superb and they will completely enclose the ears – handy on those cold days!
These impressive earphones from RHA will sit in place securely behind the ears and motivate the most lethargic lollygaggers with a powerful bass and clear midrange.
Any worries about a secure fit can vanish with some custom-moulded eartips from Snugs. Together with Some M9B bluetooth earphones from Mee Audio, you’ll get excellent isolation and the convenience of wireless together.
Great for those relaxing at home and in the office, the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is a slight departure from the usual style of in-ears and earbuds. Audio-Technica have mashed the two styles in a way that reminds us of the Final Audio Piano Forte Series. These are not designed for all scenarios; on a motorbike journey for instance, enjoyment is reduced to knowing only when cymbals are being used in a recording. Of course, open-back headphones do not receive low scores for leaking sound and so the snappily named Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is being viewed with a similarly open mind.
Pros
Very comfortable
Feel secure whilst worn
Great open wide sound
Cons
Case very small
Not for noisy places
Being big in Japan, Audio-Technica have been satisfying the Japanese fetish for personal audio products for some years now and have a huge number of different models. This allows for a little experimentation in the boardroom and some interesting items for us to try.
Key Features
The Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS comes with a handy button for smartphone functionality, and a volume control. The volume control does not communicate with the phone, it is a variable resistor only but works very well. The carry case is very small indeed; being hard it will afford some protection but the cable would need to be wound more tightly than perhaps it should. The relatively large size of the driver units doesn’t help either.
First Impressions
We all like something a bit different and the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is certainly that. Given that portable audio is all about blocking out the outside world, these earphones are a departure from the norm. Perhaps taking a leaf out of Final Audio’s book (their Piano Forte range is similar), Audio-Technica have seen a potential for small, open-backed models for those quieter moments out there, or for casual listening at home.
Sound Quality
As with anything open, the surroundings make a crucial difference and with a design worn like this, people are going to expect to use them outside. Great if it’s quiet, but a bit of road noise will reduce the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS to a tinny irritant by contrast.
At home though, the presentation is as comfortable as the fit and I have the impression of a halfway house between headphones and speakers; it’s like a very cheap alternative to the AKG K1000 speakerphones. Soundstage is the best feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS, along with the natural feel they have.
The sound is very well balanced despite the loss of bass due to the open fit – perfect for lounging around the house while still remaining alert of the surroundings. The sound is on the bright side but this may just be the added soundstage making certain details stand out more, and also the fit. By pushing the capsules gently against my ears the bass is heightened; perhaps it is the design of our ears which might lead to subtle differences here in what we each perceive.
Summary
It would be good to see more models like the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS coming through; we’re in danger of becoming too conventional in the headphones world and being set in our ways. It seems that companies like Audio-Technica and Final Audio don’t want us to get too comfy and are happy to prod us towards a more inclusive attitude. And why not? The headphones concept might be 100 years old, but things are far from predictable; particularly with new technologies being developed and many new ways of using and relating to music to look forward to.
We’ve collected the best headphones for running and reviewed them for you. Headphones for sports can be used while working out in the gym, out on the street running, cycling or even skiing. With headphones from under £20 to over £100, for iPhone, Andriod or MP3 players – we have it covered.
Scroll down and read our expert reviews where we rate the headphones for sports available in the UK.
Koss is a name which goes back decades and is still one to watch; the sound quality on offer for the modest price of the KCS75 is unparalleled – they give an open airy sound, a good bass punch and clear, forward mids.
The open back design works well for running on the street as it means you can stay aware of your surroundings.
The KCS75 sounds like it should cost much more and some have even compared them to the Grado SR60 model – but at a fraction of the price!
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
If your expectations are far higher than your earnings, the KCS75 is ideal. The wide open design is perfect for situations where you want to remain aware of noise around you, i.e. jogging on the street.
Sennheiser’s PMX60-II is a neckband headphone with an open sound – bass is light, mids are perfect for vocals and highs are good and detailed for this price point.
The design is semi-open and gives awareness of sounds around you. The neckband and over ear clips are very secure and stay on the head securely. Overall weight is light, meaning you can run, cycle or walk and forget you are wearing them.
The usual Sennheiser levels of build quality apply. Highly recommended for everyday use.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
The PMX60-II is perfect for runners and joggers who need to be aware – the open-back design allows you to be fully aware of your surroundings whilst enjoying your music. The discreet neckband keeps everything in place.
SoundMAGIC have pushed the boundaries of what can be expected from an entry level earphone with the SoundMAGIC ES20 headphones, which makes this model a strong candidate for the title of best budget headphone. The sound is a quantum leap up from the cheap earbuds supplied with most MP3 players, with warm deep bass and plenty of detail in the trebles.
While you might expect a cheap earphone to be badly made, the ES20 is a part aluminium construction and comes fitted with good quality braided cabling (normally reserved for high end in-ear monitor earphones) with strain relief that is built to last. The quality of the product is truly commendable.
Supplied with a neat carry pouch that is very usable and three size ear tips to get a good seal, the SoundMAGIC ES20 is a very well thought out package.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
In times past the Sennheiser CX300 was the first choice for entry level in-ear earphones, but the ES20 has just stolen that spot. Sound and build quality compares with earphones costing two or three times the price.
Another entrant in the IEM market is FIDUE, and their range starts with the fantastic FIDUE 31 – the capsules are tiny and the sound is big!
Good warm bass and good mid-range detail – there is a slight roll off in the treble region for those who like a warmer presentation.
The earphones are super lightweight and very tough, perfect for running or in the gym. Ear tips are designed to keep the earphones securely in the ear and cables can be worn over the ear for a more secure fit.
Also fitted with a lightweight microphone in case you need to take calls.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
A great budget choice – narrower sound nozzles may make this a good choice for those with fit issues with other IEMs. Lightweight and very well made. Perfect for sports use.
A truly value for money earphone is the SoundMAGIC E30, which offers well balanced, accurate sound at a price that is hard to beat. The E30 is an update revision of the still popular PL30 from SoundMAGIC.
The E30 has an in-ear monitor (IEM) design, which is normally reserved for much more expensive earphones (i.e. see earphones from Shure, Westone, etc). The cabling is designed to run up and over the ears to the back of the neck, which means the earbuds stay very securely in your ear. This fit system works very well for sports, on stage in-ear monitoring or any situation where you are active. Although it does take a bit of practice to get the hang of – it really is worth the effort.
The SoundMAGIC E30 is robustly built, with well made cables and good strain relief to protect the cabling from damage. The E30 comes supplied plenty of different size ear tips to ensure you get a good in-ear fit. Comply T-400 Foam Tips work well with this earphone, which gives the best possible comfort and noise isolation.
Hifiheadphones verdict:
Sound quality with the E30 is exceptional considering the price and compares well with earphones costing two or three times as much. A well made, professional in-ear monitor style earphone at a very affordable price.
Sennheiser PMX685i headphones use a neckband design; some people find this stays on more securely than other fit methods. It really is very hard to dislodge the PMX680 from your head, we have had reports from some of our customers in the British Army and Professional Personal Trainers using the PMX680 in training, so these headphones really are built to stay put!
Solidly built with excellent strain relief and chunky well thought out cabling, Sennheiser give a 2 year warranty on all their headphones.
The same comments made above regarding the PMX680’s quality of sound and build apply to the OMX680 , with it being an earbud style headphone with ear clips. If you prefer ear clips to a Neckband design then the OMX680’s.
HiFi Headphones Verdict
PMX680 are an ultra-light comfy neckband solution with an ear clip sister product, the OMX680. Both work well for road running or cycling.
While the retro styling is not to everyone’s taste, the Grado iGrado is a very worthy mention for sports use. The round the neck and over the ear design means the iGrado stays very well attached on most people’s heads.
The sound quality with the iGrado is truly superb and has won a number of awards, including What HiFi? Sound & Vision “Best Portable Headphone” and “Editors Choice”. This probably has something to do with the fact that the drivers (micro-speakers) used in the iGrado are exactly the same as those used in the much more expensive Grado SR60 full size HiFi headphone.
The iGrado is an open back headphone, so it leaks sound and lets in external noise. If you are running this means you can keep some level of awareness with your surroundings. They are a little heavier than other headphones in this review, so we would suggest they are most suitable for walking and cycling.
If you are concerned about the effects of sweat it’s good to know that the ear pads on the iGrado are made from a foam material that can be removed and washed (probably best to wash by hand with just water). Spare iGrado earpads can also be purchased at a reasonable cost, so they can easily be replaced if they start to get a bit grubby.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
An audiophile sound in an exercise friendly format, great for walking and cycling as the open back allows you to hear traffic or other hazards.
FIDUE is a brand that has been bringing superb earphones to the market over the last year or two. They have a background making earphones for some of the best brands in the business, including the legendary Ultimate Ears, so it’s no surprise their products are so strong.
This is a headphone for those who like bass. The FIDUE A71 packs two dynamic drivers into each earphone body, which gives a sound that is powerful and dynamic. Some may even want to use EQ on their player to tone the bass down a little.
The A71 is very well made, with strong cabling and robust plastic earphone bodies that will withstand the rigours of sports use.
The fit is great for sports as the cabling runs over the ears. We have found that the choice of ear tips makes a big difference to getting a secure fit, so do spend some time trying the supplied tips or invest in some Comply foam tips for a perfect seal in the ear.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
The A71 earphones from FIDUE pack a solid bass punch for those who like lively, dynamic sound. Tough cabling, rugged earphone bodies and reliable dynamic drivers make this an earphone for use everyday.
Shure’s SE215 personal monitor earphones are designed to meet the demanding requirements of musicians on stage, but are equally good for sports use. With 80 years of on stage experience every Shure product is constructed to withstand the demands of everyday use.
Featuring a dynamic microdriver for a detailed, warm, sound with improved bass, the Shure SE215 helps you enjoy your music, whether you are on-stage, in a train, on the street or working out.
Shure’s SE215 earphones features a durable Kevlar reinforced cable that allows easy replacement or customisation. The formable wire ensures secure placement, and over the ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated stereo connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360 degree rotation for comfortable fit.
Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit of the Shure SE215 includes an assortment of foam and silicone sleeves in different sizes. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimising sound isolation and bass response as well as maximising comfort during extended wear or training sessions.
HiFi Headphones Verdict:
Fantastic earphone for the gym, running and general sports training, plenty of ear tips for the best fit. Replaceable cables mean your headphones will survive a bad cable accident!
For the ultimate in wireless freedom from snags and tugs, the Jaybird Bluebuds are a definite option and can stay charged for 8 hours; enough time for a marathon! The sound is well balanced with a light bass-end and the iPhoneiPad controls mean the Bluebuds X can be used like any headset.
Hifiheadphones Verdict:
The convenience of a wire-free headset can trump many other features, but battery life and inline controls make the Bluebuds X the go-to headset for those who cannot sit still!
