Finding the perfect pair of running headphones is like picking out those shorts that'll minimise chaffing on your long weekend run or a running watch where the GPS doesn't decimate the battery life in minutes. Get it wrong and it could be agony.
The good news is that there's a ton of great in-ear and on-ear headphones for runners out there at both ends of the price spectrum. Whether it's wireless you need, in-ears that stay put or a pair that actually don't sound like a tinny mess.
Essential reading: The best fitness trackers
We've tried and tested a host, so for those long distance runs or interval treadmill sessions, these are our top running headphones to spend your money on now plus the ones to look out for in the not too distant future.
Wareable's top pick
Jabra Sport Pulse
For cutting-edge tech, sound quality and a secure fit, there's few that come close to Jabra's sporty in-ears. The wireless Bluetooth headphones have a built-in heart rate monitor to track the intensity of your running sessions with a simple ear hook design that make them some of the most comfortable to wear outside and in the gym.
There's plenty for bass lovers and audiophiles to enjoy in the sound department and the easy to use companion app might see you ditch your current running app favourite.
Best for battery life
Plantronics BackBeat Fit
If you prefer a little more stamina from your wireless running headphones, the BackBeat Fit are, well, a better fit than the Jabras. Ditching the trailing wires, these neckband-style Bluetooth in-ears are built to fend off sweat and deliver on the audio front as well.
The Fit has an impressive eight hours of battery life and with its DeepSleep power-saving hibernation feature, it'll turn off the headphones when away from your connected phone to make sure those eight hours last you a week's worth of workouts.
Best for nighttime runs
Trainer by Gibson
For those who aren't fans of the intrusive in-ear fit, Gibson's are offer a comfortable alternative for your running sessions. The small framed headphones feature a rubbery headband that can be flicked out to make sure they stay put and pack plenty of controls on either side of the ear cups to scan through music.
The sweat- and water-resistant frame also includes removable cushions you can give a clean and there's an LED light to aid visibility on those night time runs. The 40mm drivers deliver punchy sound and an impressive 10 hour battery life means they can go the distance as well.
Best for sound quality
Jaybird X2
If sound quality is your number one priority, the X2 deliver in a big way. There's plenty of bass but it doesn't overpower the clean, crisp treble making it a great all rounder for music or even tucking into an audiobook.
You'll need to persevere with the assortment of earbuds and ear hooks to find the perfect fit, but when you do they will not budge. Expect 8 hours of battery life and a built-in mic on the tangle-free cord when you have to accept a call mid run.
Best for the gym
Monster iSport SuperSlim
For those who don't want to hear the Bieber playlist being pumped out of the speakers at the gym, Monster's wireless in-ears are well equipped at drowning out the world. The top notch noise isolation on board means you can focus entirely on your own music.
While that sound signature can slightly over do it on the bass, these are still a solid sounding pair of running headphones. Monster's ear hook design and tangle free cord mean they stay secure, there's a decent 5 hour battery life and you can actually wash them under the tap when things get really sweaty.
Best for a tight budget
AUKEY Bluetooth V4.1 sports headphones
We thought it was impossible, but there is a pair of cheap wireless running headphones out there that don't absolutely suck.
What the Aukey V4.1 lack in looks it makes up for in other departments. The sweat proof in-ears come with interchangeable buds and ear hooks to help you find the comfiest fit with a small clip included to tighten the cord and raise it away from resting on your neck.
It offers a respectable 4.5 hours battery life and while the sound quality isn't award-winning, you'd be hard pressed to find Bluetooth sports headphones that sound as good for the price.
Running headphones to look out for in 2016
UA Headphones Wireless Heart Rate
Set to give Jabra's in-ears a run for their money, the UA Heart Rate headphones stream heart rate data from the ears, which can be sent to Under Armour's Record mobile app. Sound is powered by audio giants JBL and the Twistlock fit inherited from its acquisition of YurBuds, make sure they don't budge on the move either.
No comments:
Post a Comment