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.
Have We Missed Anything Out?
Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…
Jaybird X2 Wireless earphones Review -The No Bother Jogger/training without the draining
Intro
Being New Year, resolutions abound; after Christmas we feel like losing the pounds we gained during the festivities and seek to turn over a new leaf. Cue the Jaybird X2 wireless, which is the perfect pacing partner and will still keep us entertained when we inevitably just take to sitting around the house eating pizza instead. Usually by February.
After the good intentions have become a distant memory however, the Jaybird X2 can still provide good and useful service as a decent wireless earphone when commuting or frying chips.
Design and appearance (e.g. attractiveness, feel)
The Jaybird X2 is sleek and discreet; its looks blend in with all types of lycra and the supplied earhooks help to keep the earphones in; whether running, jumping, or just bent over whilst gasping for breath. The X2 can be worn either with the cable going over the back of the ears or with the cable coming straight down.
The X2 earphones are certainly built with an eye on the needs of exercise fans. They are rugged and will shrug off sweat, splashes of water and the odd impact like it’s a run in the park. The flat cable is well finished and the X2 even comes with some little parts to place on the cable and take up the slack when it’s worn. This cuts down on a lot of the ‘microphonics’, or audible vibrations which travel up the cable when it is in motion.
Comfort:
Certainly with the correct sized earfins, the X2 stays put so we can concentrate on our chosen exercise. There are Comply eartips included in the pack as well as the more familiar silicone ones, so a bit of experimenting gets a perfect fit.
Sound isolation (if applicable)
Isolation is very good, however there’s always a danger with earphones being too effective when we are out and about. The Jaybird X2 earphones hits the right balance between audio seclusion and being struck by a Mack truck. Most of what can safely be ignored will go unnoticed!
Sound characteristics:
The sound of the X2 is aimed at fans of most genres which get the blood pumping. The overall sound signature is comfortable and enjoyable; there is no chance of fatigue with the Jaybird X2 (well, listening fatigue anyway).
Bass (e.g. punch, low extension):
Bass starts low, and is slightly accentuated but has good amount of texture and leaves the midrange relatively uncluttered. Control could be better but is quite acceptable.
Mids (e.g. vocals, acoustic instruments):
Vocals and acoustic tracks are warmed up slightly by the bass presence, but there is still a good deal of clarity here; harmonics and delays are noticeable but may be a little recessed for some tastes.
Treble (e.g. high hats):
Higher frequencies are on the gentle side and for a majority of users, this is preferable. Percussion and other high frequency sounds are there, but have no chance of hurting the ears and hindering concentration.
Soundstage & Separation:
Soundstage is fair, with separation of instruments OK too. The wireless nature of the headphones and the bluetooth transmission method does lead to some compromises when it comes to sound quality, and this impacts on clarity dependent attributes such as soundstage and imaging/separation.
Music genres good for and why:
Being aimed at exercise and training enthusiasts, the Jaybird X2 excels in training-montage friendly genres such as rock, dance, pop and rap. Anything which benefits from an increased bass response will be in the sweet spot and will help to not feel the burn.
Pros:
Perfect for keep fit folks
A good wireless option for general use
Nice selection of accessories
Cons:
Not for those who want a no-compromise sound –
Battery will need to be kept charged
Summary:
Wireless earphones are getting more and more popular, and the Jaybird brand has a good pedigree in this field. The Jaybird X2 earphone is a very neat and effective solution for those who want a wire-free earphone, whether exercise is intended or not!
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!
