Staying Active with the Best Workout Headphones: Your Guide to Sound, Comfort, and Durability
"You’re always mooooving," a parent friend once said as he disappeared over the horizon. And he was right! As a working parent of two, I rarely find myself stationary. Luxurious over-ear headphones might be perfect for work or meetings, but for the rest of life – working out, traveling, or chasing after kids – you need something more convenient and durable.
In the ever-evolving world of workout headphones, sound quality, comfort, variety, and features have all improved dramatically. I’m almost always wearing headphones throughout the day, whether I’m biking, running, climbing, or even attempting (sometimes embarrassingly) to follow along with yoga videos on my laptop.
If you need the distraction of music or podcasts while pushing yourself on the trails or even mowing the lawn, keep reading. This guide showcases WIRED’s favorite workout headphones. We’ve worn them all, sweated on them all, and are here to help you find your perfect fit for exercise.
Choosing the Right Workout Headphones: It’s All About the Fit
Before we dive into the picks, let’s discuss the factors to consider when choosing workout headphones:
- Fit and Comfort: For an active lifestyle, a secure fit is essential. You want headphones that won’t fall out during vigorous activity. Ear hooks, adjustable ear tips, and a variety of sizes can contribute to a comfortable and secure fit.
- Sound Quality: Whether you prefer punchy bass for a high-energy workout or crystal-clear vocals for podcasts during your run, sound quality is crucial. Look for headphones that offer a balanced sound profile that suits your musical taste and workout needs.
- Water Resistance: Sweat and rain are part of the game when it comes to exercise. Look for headphones with an IP rating (like IPX4 or higher) to ensure they can withstand splashes and sweat.
- Battery Life: You don’t want your workout cut short because your headphones died. Look for options with sufficient battery life for your typical workout sessions.
- Features: Noise cancellation, sound transparency, voice assistant support, and touch controls can add convenience and functionality to your workout.
- Durability: Workout headphones need to be tough. Look for durable materials, sturdy construction, and a decent warranty to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of your active lifestyle.
WIRED’s Top Picks For Workout Headphones:
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of our favorite workout headphones from various price points and styles:
For the Running Enthusiast:
1. Beats Fit Pro: Beats Fit Pro headphones offer a secure fit thanks to their unique ear hooks and powerful sound with excellent bass. They are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4) and have active noise cancellation and transparency mode for a personalized experience.
**Quote:** "The Beats Fit Pro are the best workout headphones if you want a locked-in fit and powerful sound."2. Shokz OpenRun Pro: If you prefer open-ear headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Pro is an excellent choice. They use bone conduction technology, delivering sound through your cheekbones rather than your ear canals. This allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music. They are water-resistant (IP67) and have an impressive battery life.
**Quote:** "They're great for runners because you can still hear traffic."3. Jaybird Vista 3: Jaybird Vista 3 headphones are extremely lightweight and comfortable, thanks to their ear hook design and customizable ear tips. They offer waterproof protection (IP68) and powerful sound for a dynamic workout.
**Quote:** "These are the best all-around workout earbuds, with a secure fit and great sound."For the Gym Rat:
4. Jabra Elite 8 Gen 2: The Jabra Elite 8 Gen 2 headphones are a compact and stylish option that delivers outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. They boast water and sweat resistance (IP57), active noise cancellation, and multi-point connectivity.
**Quote:** "If you're looking for a great value for a pair of workout earbuds with noise cancellation, this is your pick."5. Powerbeats Pro: Designed with stability and sound in mind, Powerbeats Pro offer powerful bass and audio quality perfect for high-energy workouts. Their ear hook design ensures a secure fit, and they are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4).
**Quote:** "These are the best for running, with the best fit, sound, and battery life." For the Outdoor Adventurer:
6. AfterShokz Aeropex: AfterShokz Aeropex offer a secure fit and open-ear design ideal for outdoorsy activities where you need to be aware of your surroundings. They offer IP67 water resistance and bone conduction technology, allowing you to hear your environment while listening to music.
**Quote:** "They're comfortable enough to wear all day and sound good for the price."7. Shokz OpenSwim Pro: These unique headphones are designed for swimming and water sports. They are completely waterproof (IP68) and feature bone conduction technology, allowing you to hear your surroundings while listening to music underwater.
**Quote:** "These are surprisingly effective for swimming and water sports."For the Multitasker:
8. Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers: While not strictly workout headphones, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers offer a unique and stylish option for active individuals. These smart sunglasses feature built-in speakers, allowing you to listen to music and take calls without having to wear traditional earbuds. They are water resistant (IPX4) and provide a hands-free experience.
**Quote:** "If you're looking for a stylish and functional way to enjoy music while being active, these are a solid option."Beyond the Basics: Feature Considerations
Now that we’ve covered some of the best workout headphones across various categories, it’s important to pay attention to features that can enhance your workout experience:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): ANC can help block out distractions like gym noise or traffic, allowing you to focus on your workout and enjoy your music.
- Transparency Mode: Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music, making them great for outdoor workouts or situations where you need to be aware of your environment.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Voice assistant integration allows you to control your music, make calls, and set reminders hands-free, making your workout more efficient.
- Touch Controls: Touch controls allow you to manage your music and phone calls without having to fumble with buttons.
- Durability and Warranty: Consider headphones with sturdy construction and a reliable warranty for peace of mind.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Ultimately, choosing the best workout headphones comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Consider your preferred fit, sound quality, features, and budget when making your decision. The headphones showcased in this guide offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to premium, allowing you to find the perfect pair for your active lifestyle.
Remember, the right headphones can elevate your workout experience, motivate you to achieve your fitness goals, and make staying active more enjoyable. So get moving, and choose a pair of headphones that fuel your journey!
