How to Buy Workout Headphones, According to Fitness and Audio Experts

Something else to keep in mind? “With most headphones, once you get over a certain decibel level, you really can’t hear anything external anyways,” says Valere-Couturier, adding that that threshold is typically a medium to high volume.

What should I look for when choosing headphones for running?

When selecting headphones for running, there are a few key features to consider. First and foremost, a secure fit is essential to ensure that the headphones stay in place. Look for models with adjustable ear tips, fins, or headbands that provide a snug fit without causing discomfort. Additionally, it’s crucial to test headphones in different running conditions to ensure they maintain stability and sound quality—what may feel snug doing a jogb on the tread could prove otherwise on a trail run. Same with hot vs. cold temps, which is why picking a pair of headphones or sports earbuds with adjustable options is a good idea.

Ex pro athlete turned women’s health tech entrepreneur Roma Van Der Walt, founder of Vitelle, says another feature she finds helpful on her runs is touch controls, “especially when I’m out of breath,” she adds.

Durability is also important; you want headphones that can withstand sweat and exposure to the elements, so consider sweat-resistant or water-resistant options. For this reason, Van Der Walt prefers the Jaybird Vistas, a style of sport earbuds she says seem indestructible. “I bought them specifically for how they retain audio quality when sweating or when it’s raining,” she says. “They also survived being washed in the washing machine—I don’t recommend that, but they worked like nothing ever happened.”

If you’re an endurance athlete, battery life is likely already top of your list in a pair of workout headphones, however, another option, which Van Der Walt notesd is a key feature she looks out for, may be investing in a pair with a quick charging case. “Jaybird’s headphones have an amazing fast-charging technology that is great when I want to head out and realize I haven’t charged them,” she says.

Finally, safety features should not be overlooked, especially if you run outdoors. Look for headphones that allow ambient sound to filter through or models with a transparent mode, which can help you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music or podcasts.

The bottom line

As technology continues to evolve, there are more high-quality, budget-friendly options for workout headphones than ever before, allowing you to find a pair that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re lifting weights, running outdoors, or participating in high-intensity intervals, the ideal pair of workout headphones should not only stay secure during movement but also deliver the audio performance that keeps you energized. With various options available, including over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and bone conduction styles, it’s important to consider key factors like fit, comfort, durability, sound quality, and specific features that cater to your workout environment. Compared to a burpee, keeping these aspects in mind doesn’t sound too hard, does it?

With reporting from Leta Shy

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