Many different brands and styles of headphones exist, so it’s hard to find the right one for you. As with all things that earn their spot in our daily lives—not just your workouts—you have to plan ahead and do your research. We provide you with information, tips on what to consider when buying the best workout headphones and recommendations.
Why Should I Buy Sports Headphones?
A pair of wireless sport earbuds will be an excellent investment for someone who wants to go running or cycling without the inconvenience of carrying their phone. And if you go to a public gym, you don’t have to listen to loud music to be comfortable or have it on your way. You can listen to your favorite songs through wireless sport earbuds! They are quiet, lightweight, and easy to use.
There aren’t many wired sport headphones, mainly because wires are not helpful in this case. If you’re having a high-intensity workout, wires will inevitably pull, which can be frustrating if they’re attached to your expensive phone. Therefore, wireless sport headphones are a blessing to athletes and who are on the move.
Noise isolation is also a big advantage to these earbuds. Unless you go to some exclusive gyms in NYC or Los Angeles, gyms might have some background noise from other people. In other gyms, other people may be talking or grunting doing exercises while you want to work out without the annoying sounds. Using wireless sport headphones will allow you to listen to your music without any outside noise.
Where can I buy a pair of sports headphones?
One of the best places to get a pair of sports headphones is Amazon.com. It’s a massive online retailer that carries just about every type of fitness and sports headphones, including the very best workout headphones such as Jabra Elite Active 65t and Vista 2 by Jaybird, a great all-rounder.
There are many other online stores where you can find these products, such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Newegg, to name a few. As mentioned before, Amazon.com is your best source to buy sports headphones because it offers great deals and fast and free shipping in most cases.
Battery life is always an important consideration in wireless headphones for work, for people aware of how annoying wires can be. You definitely want the best in the market when it comes to wireless office headphones.
The best headphones for work should be able to last at least 20 hours on a charge before needing to be plugged in again. If you’re looking for professional office headsets that are featherweight, flexible and durable, then check out Engage 2 65; these headphones pack 37 hours of battery life and can be bought as a mono or stereo headset. Definitely, the best office headphone in the market right now.
Sony WH700N and Jabra Elite 85t are two over-ear noise-cancelling headsets for the office that also pack a hefty battery life (35 hours and 37 hours, respectively) for those who are not a fan of mono headsets or on-ear office headsets.
What Makes a Good Workout Headphone?
There are several different headphone models to choose from. Some headphones are designed specifically for running, while others are made for sports, gym training, or home workouts. With such a large variety of sports headphones, choosing the best workout headphones has become a challenge.
A good pair of headphones should not only deliver high-quality sound quality but should also be durable, comfortable, and easy to use. In this article, we discuss what to look for when searching for a great pair of earbuds, and we offer some recommendations in addition to further reading on the subject.
Water-resistance and sweat-proof – Long-term Protection Against Harmful Sweat
Any sports headphone should feature sweat-proof or water-resistant technology! This protects you from sweat and water damage during sports like running, cycling, weightlifting, and other intense activities. This is very important and makes the difference between a great pair of gym headphones and a bad one.
The best workout headphones have a water protection rating of at least IPX5. This rating means that the headphones are protected from water spray and water splashes. Anything below IPX5 isn’t going to cut it in the long run.
Your wireless in-ears or earbuds will likely have a decent level of protection against water but may not be suitable for heavy workouts. Regular in-ear headphones can withstand a good deal of sweat and moisture for a headphone, but if they weren’t built with sports in mind, they’re not enough to get them into the gym.
Most of them are designed for personal use, like Apple AirPods with an IPX4 rating. The Apple AirPods are fantastic true wireless earphones but aren’t reliable in sports. You can use them in a few workouts but will eventually break.
For a sweaty job, Powerbeats Pro Wireless is the go-to. They’re by far the most stable wireless workout earbuds with fantastic, energetic, and colorful audio with powerful bass, crisp treble, and booming audio that is crucial for a good gym workout headset. The Powerbeats Pro TWS earbuds are bulky, but they make for a great workout partner.
Sound Quality – The rhythmic, Thunderous Music That Gym-Goers Need
When deciding which model to use, it’s essential to consider several factors, with the primary concern being sound quality. This is because proper audio can play an important role in maintaining motivation when you’re working out in the gym or training on the field for an important event or competition. The best workout headphones will have a high-definition sound for rich, deep bass and a clear treble, allowing you to enjoy your workout while having a fun experience.
While it’s certainly possible to complete a workout wearing earbuds that don’t produce high-quality sound, it’s a waste of money to go after the sports headphones that sound half as good as some of our models for the same price. You’re not only paying for sound quality; you’re paying for the quality of the build and materials underneath as well. This is particularly true with true wireless headphones designed for running or working out.
The best sound quality for any workout is going to vary from person to person. The most important thing is finding a sound quality that you enjoy listening to while doing your workout. Best workout headphones must have deep bass, clear highs, and they should have an upbeat tone because this often makes it more enjoyable when lifting heavyweights.
Usability – Your Gym Headphones Have to be Easy to Use, Stable and Not Complicate Your Routine
If you don’t fancy the earbud style and prefer an over-ear type of sports headphone, the headphones should have a washable headband. The earpads should also be replaceable because they’ll be heavily worn out by the time these headphones reach a year. Moreover, over-ear headphones shouldn’t have wires.
Wireless workout headphones are the way to go when it comes to efficiency. Playing sports that require a lot of mobility like Football, Basketball, tennis, racket sports, and so on requires cordless headphones. The last thing you want is the headset’s wires to stand in your way during a training session.
Although the sound quality from the mainstream true wireless earbuds is not fantastic, you need a pair that sounds at least decent and can stay put during sports exercises. In this case, the best to purchase are the models with ear hooks because they have a tendency to stay in place without falling out of your ear while going through workout routines.
True wireless sport earbuds like Powerbeats Pro, Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200, Anker Soundcore Spirit X2, Jaybird Vista 2, JBL Endurance Peak II, Skullcandy Push Active are great earbuds with hooks for athletics. The ear hooks don’t interfere with the sound quality; they only keep your earbuds stable in your ears, which is an essential feature for all types of working out and any other outdoor activity.
Comfort and Weight – Lift Weights (Not Earbuds)
Comfort when running or training can make or break your workout. Some models are designed specifically with the athlete in mind, such as Beats sports headphones. In comparison, many in-ear headphones such as Apple AirPods and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 will be uncomfortable to run with as they don’t provide the most comfortable and stable fit for running, unlike ear hooks which are much more stable.
The worrying idea that earbuds might fall out of your ears can also affect your running performance. On the other hand, some earbuds are designed to stay in place while you run or work out, while still being comfortable.
In terms of weight, this is an aspect that should concern only over-ear and on-ear headphones. Nevertheless, it is also an important factor when it comes to selecting sports headphones. The lower the weight, the better your workout will be.
If your training sessions are long (1h+), you need headphones made specifically for athletic activity. On-ear headphones may suffer in terms of stability, but these headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable. If your main activity is running or high-intensity training, you’ll want headphones with an over-ear design with a tighter fit. Unlike gaming headsets or studio headphones, where you can wear your headphones for more than 4 hours, workout headphones don’t require the same comfort level, meaning you can compromise in this area a bit. However, it’s still an important factor to consider when buying your workout headphones. The optimal headphone weight for training is anything below 300 grams for an over-ear headphone and anything under 200 grams for an on-ear workout headset.
Over-ear sport headphones and TWS Sport Earbuds like the BackBeat FIT 6100 and Jabra Elite 75t or Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 earbuds work better for running and intense sports like basketball Ciclism thanks to their stability, whereas an on-ear headset can be better for workouts, whether you’re doing bodyweight exercises or weightlifting. On-ears fit better in the gym because they don’t have a long headband that can get in the way of your training.
Durability
The best wireless headphones for workouts are designed to be sturdy and resistant to all environmental conditions, including sweat and rain. RPT-01 Night Grey from Adidas are the perfect on-ear headphones for working out.
Waterproof and resistant to all weather conditions, they’re perfect even for fans of outdoor workouts, which is the best environment to work in as long as you have the proper equipment. There won’t be a rainy day to fear, so you can use these even during your runs.
If you’re looking for in-ears sport headphones that can withstand the rigors of exercise and sports, Jabra Elite Active 75t and Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds are some of the best waterproof earbuds you can find in for the price.
Our Picks of the Best Workout Headphones on The Market
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Apple’s Powerbeats Pro is the best-fitting premium workout headphones out there. They deliver a loud, narrow sound with ample bass. Although their build quality leaves something to be desired, they have a secure fit and comfortable wearing. In addition, they have great integration with Apple’s ecosystem, which further adds to their functionality in the gym and not only.
Powerbeats Pro is an excellent choice for hip-hop, R’n’B, electronic, and rap music in terms of sound quality. The sound reproduction is slightly above average, which for the high price is quite questionable.
The Powerbeats Pro doesn’t sound bad, although I would not recommend these headphones for daily listening or to audiophiles who are willing to spend a lot of time choosing the perfect sound profile using the iPhone’s EQ settings. With the current settings, the sound is undoubtedly saturated, but still, it’s cool and fun; you can concentrate on your favorite exercises and not about how to set the equalization on your smartphone.
Separately, I would like to say that PowerBeats Pro are very comfortable – they didn’t even once fall off during any workout routines. In terms of weight, each earbud weighs 10 grams which are barely felt. All in all, if you’re willing to pay top-dollar for a premium pair of headphones, then these should be at the top of your list.
Beats Powerbeats 3 by Dr. Dre
The Powerbeats 3 are an excellent pair of wireless earbuds from Dr. Dre. Thanks to their lightweight design and sweat-resistant materials, they’re perfect for any fitness activity, be it running, weightlifting, or anything that involves physical exertion. The set relies upon a small flat wing-like component that sits behind each bud for stability to ensure the earbuds stay in place while you’re working out.
Naturally, for their category, the earbuds are also equipped with Bluetooth Class 1, Apple’s W1 chip, and a microphone for hands-free calling, which features an in-line controls box responsible for various commands, including media playback – just press the button next to the power button to start playing music, for instance. Also impressive is the sweat-proof technology that allows you to enjoy certain songs without worrying about your earbuds getting all sweaty.
In terms of sound, Powerbeats 3 is a very good piece of equipment. Of course, it’s not hi-fi headphones, but considering the price, you can’t expect anything better. There’s a clear improvement in terms of cleanliness, bass performance, and the overall frequency spectrum is better reproduced compared to the previous version. Vocals are also more prominent than on Powerbeats 2 and slightly louder than Powerbeats Pro.
All in all, Beats Powerbeats 3 proved an exciting product. Having used almost all popular workout headphones on the market, we can say these are among the best headphones for working out. They’re durable, have a solid battery life, beautiful sounding, compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and highly reliable, making them a great choice for various users.
Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats and Beats Powerbeats Pro, in-ear true wireless headphones, two of the finest sport earbuds on the market for athletes. They’re lightweight and comfortable for all types of exercises. If you’re athletic and require a pair of headphones with ear hooks, these are the best choice. They sound better and more dynamic than Apple AirPods, have protection against water & sweat, and won’t fall out of your ears, and stay in place even during intense workouts.
Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200 – True Wireless Workout Headphones with Hooks
True wireless workout headphones can be a little tricky to figure out. Still, we found the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200 True Wireless Headphones to be our favorite pair of budget workout earbuds due to their audio quality, comfort, and durability.
You can step into any LA Fitness or Gold’s Gym gym center with a pair of Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200 True Wireless Headphones and enjoy your favorite workout music with the safety of knowing your headphones are not about to fall off when you bend to pick up some weights or run on the treadmill.
Just like Powerbeats 3, the BackBeat Fit 3200 earbuds have a hook design that helps them stay in your ears even when doing backflips, burpees, or pull-ups. Moreover, they’re slightly cheaper, making these a great alternative and a fantastic option for gym starters.
The Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200 true wireless headphones are among the most secure pairs of workout headphones we have ever come across, with hooks for your ears to keep them solidly in place. The sound also doesn’t leave us wanting. We got some pretty decent sound quality with it,
BackBeat can be used with music apps like Spotify and Deezer. The product is compatible with Android devices and iOS. It has a feature called MyTap, which allows users to customize the touch controls of the left earbud by choosing voice assistant access, status updates, timers, etc.
With the BackBeat app, you can also disable one earbud’s speakers and enjoy music in Mono Mode, enable HD Voice functionality, and select between three EQ presets: Balanced, Bright, and Bass – there’s no option for custom EQs. The BackBeat app also comes with a host of other settings that you can adjust from the app’s dashboard, making a huge difference.
Sony WF-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds – The Workout Headphones with The Most Powerful Active Noise Cancellation
Both models are contenders with the most incredibly powerful Active Noise Cancellation that can make you wonder where the noise of the gym disappeared. This is an excellent feature for those of you who want to enjoy your workout in peace and quiet. Moreover, they are the best workout headphones on the market with ANC.
They also have an IPX4 water protection rating, just like the AirPods Pro, which is a below-average protection level. In terms of value, you’ll get more out of WF-1000XM4 and Bose QC Earbuds than Apple’s TWS AirPods Pro. And between the two, you’re likely to be more satisfied with WF-1000XM4 thanks to its more efficient noise reduction and compact body.
These earbuds tend to fall if you run or sprint, but they’re perfect for lifting weights in the gym. They stay put, especially if you use TrueGrip memory foam ear tips.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is equipped with noise cancellation that allows you to leave the gym without hearing the annoying buzz of dumbbells dropping down or the furious grunting of furious lifters next to you. No kidding, it’s that powerful! We couldn’t ask for more, and we know you probably won’t either.
Jabra Elite Active 75t – Best Overall True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds for Athletes
We really like the Jabra Elite Active 75t true wireless earbuds. They sound great, are super comfortable, sweat-resistant, have long battery life, and are very securely attached to your ears even though they don’t have an ear hook. Jabra Elite Active 75t are definitely one of the best Bluetooth earbuds for working out.
The active noise canceling improves the quality of your workout significantly, and there’s also an ambient mode “HearThrough” that allows you to hear everything around – it works quite well. If you’re already used to the sound of your favorite music, all these features might not be that impressive to you. The good thing about Jabra Elite Active 75t is that the music sounds really good. The bass is powerful, and the sound quality is quite clear, including the mid-range and treble. This is definitely one of the winners when it comes to value for the money and delivers the finest sound quality for its modest price.
The battery takes approximately an hour and a half to charge fully from being completely dead. The case for this headphone has multiple charges that last for 28 hours, 24 hours with ANC. Each charge requires about 15 minutes of charging.
The battery storage of Elite Active 75t is less intuitive than that of Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3200, which has 3 charges of 8 hours instead of 5 charges of 5.5 hours. Nevertheless, the total battery storage of Jabra Elite Active is slightly higher.
Jabra’s Elite version offers many features that are good additions, including powerful noise-canceling, clear microphones, and fantastic audio. The price of these headphones is on the upper end, but you get what you pay for. Overall, we think it’s one of the best true wireless earbuds on the market that excels the most in sports activities.
Bose Sport Earbuds – Best Mid-Range Sport Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (A.N.C)
The Bose Sport Earbuds are a pair of sport wireless earbuds with superb noise cancellation, very good sound, and Bluetooth 5.1 that works within a 9-meter range. With low latency, the headphones can be used for music, podcasts, and movies. The active noise cancellation is very good, and the sound quality is exactly what you would expect from Bose – a warm and balanced sound. The headphones are very comfortable and stable, and they can be worn for hours without experiencing any pain. Unfortunately, they are not so good during phone calls.
Bose Sport Earbuds controls work via touch panels which is superb for workout earbuds. With a double-tap on the right earbud, we can pause or resume music, take a call or activate the voice assistant on our smartphone with a simple touch and hold. Volume control is done by sliding your finger up or down on the touch panel.
The Sport Earbuds control panel is relatively easy to use and intuitively designed – if not perfectly harmonious in its design integration. Inside the Bose Connect app, you can use a variety of control options to adjust voice prompts, assign a shortcut, or enable the option to answer calls automatically after inserting the right earpiece into the ear. The Sport Earbuds also pause playback when they’re removed from your ears.
Bose Sport Earbuds are well ahead of other manufacturers in this price range in terms of sound quality. The sound is clear, without squeezing but quite free of graininess, very smooth and dynamic to the ear, with a consistent sound stage that does not affect the overall impression. An active EQ system is present but cannot be customized in Bose Music. It makes the bass and treble slightly more “praiseful” and more appealing to popular tastes, but it is a pity that we cannot equalize the sound to our liking.
What is the difference between Bose Sport Earbuds and Bose SoundSport Free?
The difference between Bose Sport Earbuds and Bose SoundSport Free lies in their sound quality. The former has a more pleasing, warm, and balanced sound with a slight boost of the bass and treble. However, the latter has a slightly more transparent, more accurate sound, giving it a premium feel.
In addition, the Bose Sport Earbuds are also more suitable for sports and long periods of use thanks to a better grip, whereas the SoundSport Free has a more open and airy sound thanks to their semi-open enclosure. The Bose Sport Earbuds have a somewhat tighter fit and better overall stability, ideal for exercises requiring fast movements. The SoundSport Free earbuds have offered better awareness of surrounding sounds and can be used as a headset for running and listening to music.
The Bose SoundSport Free is slightly cheaper than the Bose Sport Earbuds, but the differences are marginal. In terms of features, they’re also similar – they both have a built-in microphone with access to the Bose Connect app (both Android and iOS), IPX4 protection, voice prompts, etc.
Bose Sport Earbuds are much newer and feature Bluetooth 5.1 as opposed to Bose SoundSport Free, which has Bluetooth 4.1, has a much bigger total battery and battery per charge – 18 Hours in total & 6 hours per charge vs. 15 hours & 5 hours per charge.
Amazfit Powerbuds Pro – True Wireless Headphones with Heart Rate Monitoring
The Amazfit Powerbuds Pro looks pretty much like Apple AirPods Pro but comes with a softer silicone design, better water protection (IP55 vs. IPX4), and offer heart rate monitoring, among other features. They are lightweight but not as compact and refined as the AirPods Pro, have a rubberized finish and a hybrid noise-reducing system that is advertised to reduce the volume of surrounding noises up to 40 dB, which is somewhat true in the lower-end of the audio spectrum where the ANC is the most effective. In the upper end of the spectrum, noise-canceling is less effective.
Of the many features Amazfit PowerBuds Pro has, the most interesting is the heart rate monitoring and Cervical protection, which is a clever way to limit neck pain and address the poor posture that can lead to that. It works by letting the earbuds “sense” enough pressure that’s placed on your back to alert you about it. The heart rate monitoring function is just as interesting that works quite well without a big error margin. You can use the main app to see your current heart rate, check it from the widget, and even check other data like average BPM, maximum BPM, or Heart Rate Zones.
For physical activity, the earbuds work up to 5.5 hours with ANC on and 9 hours with a single charge, which is more than its rivals. The charging case gives you at least 19 hours of playtime with ANC and 30 hours without in 2 full charges, and a full battery charge takes less than an hour. For the duration of the workout, PowerBuds Pro play
During your workout, PowerBuds Pro will play accordingly. The sound is relatively flat but loud and almost impossible to play at more than 60% without overflowing. Still, it’s rather plain with a small and narrow soundstage. On the bright side, the bass is punchy, and you can use an easy-to-use music equalizer with 10-bands and several presets. All in all, a convenient headphone with health monitoring functions.
Anker Soundcore Life P2 – True Wireless Earphones for Sport
Anker Soundcore Life P2 is a pair of well-designed, affordable true wireless earphones with a thoughtful design and an IPX7 rating. Their design is elegant, almost futuristic, with a metal body, matte finish on the outside, and touch controls. The earbuds are lightweight but protrude from the ears, making them less comfortable for some people to wear.
The Anker SoundCore Life P2 has an impressive range of 100 feet and Bluetooth version 5.0, which does not disappoint. Call quality is highly improved with 2 cVc 8.0 microphones per earbud, which reduces background noise and makes the conversation clearer. In terms of battery life, the Life P2 will give you up to 40 hours of playtime with ANC on takes 90 minutes for a complete charge.
Anker features a 6 mm graphene driver and aptX codec that provide a decent, well-rounded sound for a pair of workout earbuds. The lows are punchy but sadly not very high quality, the mids are not as well balanced, nor is the treble.
Connection to the phone remains stable throughout the workout once paired with the earbuds, so you don’t have to worry about signal dropping during your training. The fit is also comfortable and secure, making sure the earbuds won’t fall out. All in all, a well-rounded pair of wireless workout earbuds.
Plantronics Backbeat FIT 6100 – Wireless Over-Ear Sport Headphones
Plantronics Backbeat FIT 6100 is an excellent pair of over-ear workout headphones with a sleek design, great comfort, decent sound quality, and IPX5 rated. Their design is well thought out and highly ergonomic with the large (and comfortable) pads, which help them stay in place during your workout, even when you’re working out vigorously.
The over-ears include 40 mm drivers with a frequency response of 20-20000 Hz, Bluetooth 5.0, and an enjoyable battery life of 24 hours. The connection between smartphones and headphones is very stable. Much to your expectations, the sound is quite bright and spacious. The bass response is surprisingly good and well-emphasized, although not particularly deep or very loud, but devoid of exciting booms.
BackBeat FIT 6100 also offers a smartphone app that allows you to quickly customize your device. The following features can be set up on the BackBeat app:
- Updating the firmware
- Changing the language of the voice assistant
- Checking the battery level
- EQ settings
In addition, the headset is equipped with a built-in MEMS microphone that features DSP support.
All in all, BabkBeat FIT 6100 is one of the few over-ear headphones designed for sports use that has water protection, a convincing sound, simple and intuitive control solution, good autonomy, and comfort level. Therefore, if you want to work out while moving and do not want to worry about your headset, this model deserves a second look.
Under Armor Project Rock Over-ear Headphones (by JBL) – Best Durable Over-ear Workout Headphones
JBL and Under Armor are both American companies based in California and Washington DC that operate in different spheres of the industry. Still, they manage to combine them in the most reliable headphones for sports. The Under Armor Project Rock is a versatile pair of durable and flexible headphones that can suit all your needs while working out. Its design is simple, minimalistic, and elegant. Additionally, it has a punchy but not too overpowering bass and a decent sound in general.
The UA Project Rock over-ear headphones have a well-balanced sound with a good V-shaped sound signature that fits very well for workouts. The low end is certainly the most interesting part of the sound signature. It’s not overly warm and doesn’t drown out at all, leaving you feeling a lot of space in a wide range. The mid-range frequencies are also well-rounded, albeit they sit slightly in the back.
Made to be strong and tough, just like “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson, materials like metal rubber, polycarbonate, and fabric offer great durability, while the comfortable earpads allow you to focus on your workout without having to worry about your headphones slipping off. The Under Armour Project Rock is the most durable over-ear headset you’ve ever seen. It is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating and has a carrying case for easy transportation.
The Under Armor Project Rock is a very versatile, lightweight, and comfortable pair of Bluetooth headphones that offers both solid battery life and precise fit. The sound is punchy but not very detailed, although high-frequency sounds are slightly emphasized. Nevertheless, this pair of durable over-ear headphones with good sound for sports will surely survive many rigorous workouts.
Jabra Elite 85h – Best Overall Over-ear Workout Headphones with ANC
Jabra Elite 85 is another pair of wireless over-ear headphones that can withstand all the challenges of the toughest workouts with an IP52 water protection rating. The Elite 85h headphone is a sturdy and versatile outdoor headphone. You can use it for working out or just around the house in your bedroom when you want to listen to music, watch videos, or simply relax.
Their design is slightly bulky, although not that considerable when compared to other full-size over-ear headphones. They are comfortable and fancy with large, comfortable ear pads and a mesh-like surface on the earcups. The Elite 85h over-ears are not as sturdy and reliable as the UA Project Rock headphones, although these are high-end headphones that provide more quality, features, and an overall better user experience.
However, the sound in the Elite 85h is slightly more refined and fits very well for any workout. The bass is punchy and well-balanced in relation to the mids and the treble. Unlike other over-ear headphones that offer wireless connectivity only, the Elite 85 provides a wired connection via a 3.5 mm jack. Battery life of up to 36 hours with ANC on takes approximately 3 hours for a complete charge, which is a quite good performance considering the modest price you pay.
The Active Noise Reduction function provides an above-average noise reduction which is sufficient in loud gym environments. You can switch between NC modes in the Jabra Sound+ app, which offers Bluetooth settings, auto-connect pairing, and EQ settings. Additionally, the headphones ensure a crystal-clear quality of communication via its 10-microphones. Jabra specializes in telecommunications, so it makes sense they have the best microphone quality.
In the end, Jabra Elite 85h is one of the few over-ear workout headphones equipped with Active Noice Reduction that offers wireless connectivity, multipoint connection, voice assistant, and a wire-mode for connecting to non-Bluetooth devices. The sound quality of these over-ears is rich and punchy, with a great bass response without sacrificing clarity or detail at high frequencies.
Adidas RPT-01 – On-ear Headphones for Running & Vigorous Sport Purposes
Similar to the two models from above, the on-ear Adidas RPT-01 is a sturdy, reliable pair of workout headphones. It has sweat and moisture protection, a flexible headband, and adjustable earcups for a secure fit. In addition, the Bluetooth 5.0 provides them with a whopping 40 hours of battery life and more flexibility when working out while listening to music or watching videos outdoors while going on a hike.
The Adidas RPT-01 on-ear workout headphones are quite lightweight with a weight of 209 grams and ensure a firm and secure fit. The earpieces can be pivoted 90 degrees, and they also guarantee an IPX4 protected design. Additionally, the 40 mm driver units provide a rich and detailed sound with crisp highs and mids. The sound is average but nicely balanced for bass lovers, while you can also notice a bit of instrumental separation. Moreover, it provides hands-free calls with a built-in microphone.
RPT-01 uses high-quality plastic and metal on the inside. The headset is not made entirely of metal, which explains the weight of 209 grams. However, they are very flexible and do not break under pressure, which is the main advantage of the headphones. A big drawback is that you cannot fold these headphones. But unless you have a neck as big as Mike Tyson’s, you should be fine wearing them around the neck.
The headphones have an elastic band on the inside of the headband and fabric ear pads. Both can be removed and washed. This gives Adidas RPT-01 an advantage over other headphones which are too complicated to clean. Even if you shake your head violently, your headphones will not fall off. The earcups also don’t press too hard against your ears even though it stays on securely.
Poly BackBeat Go 600 Wireless – Easy-replaceable Cheap Workout Headphones
These wireless headphones might not be the most durable ones in the market, but they’re cheap and work just fine for everyday workout purposes, especially if your workout routine is rather light and/or you don’t sweat a lot.
The Poly BackBeat Go 600 is lightweight and comfortable. The headband and earpads’ interior contains soft memory foam, while at the surface, they are enveloped with synthetic leather that is soft and breathable, allowing the headphones to stay within your ears during intense workouts, even with glasses. These over-ears don’t offer a great sound, but they are exactly what you need for a good workout at the gym. They do not offer any digital noise cancellation or rich bass response.
The bass level of these headphones is more than enough for everyday use. It offers a satisfying level of bass without being too powerful. You can also use a Bass Boost EQ preset, but it doesn’t offer an impressive bass level. The bass is slightly boosted but at the detriment of high-frequencies that feel cut off. The positive thing is that the sound is less tiring this way. In general, BakBeat Go 600’s sound quality is more enjoyable than expected. Mids and highs have a nice presentation, and the vocals and instruments sound quite good for a pair of $20-$30.
Normally, you’re better off investing in high-quality workout headphones like the Adidas RPT-01 or Under Armor Project Rock headphones that will more than one year in challenging conditions. But if you’re just getting started and don’t know if you’ll make it past the first year, the poly BackBeat Go 600 is an affordable pair of quality workout headphones for you.
Poly BackBeat Go 600 Wireless – Easy-replaceable Cheap Workout Headphones
These wireless headphones might not be the most durable ones in the market, but they’re cheap and work just fine for everyday workout purposes, especially if your workout routine is rather light and/or you don’t sweat a lot.
The Poly BackBeat Go 600 is lightweight and comfortable. The headband and earpads’ interior contains soft memory foam, while at the surface, they are enveloped with synthetic leather that is soft and breathable, allowing the headphones to stay within your ears during intense workouts, even with glasses. These over-ears don’t offer a great sound, but they are exactly what you need for a good workout at the gym. They do not offer any digital noise cancellation or rich bass response.
The bass level of these headphones is more than enough for everyday use. It offers a satisfying level of bass without being too powerful. You can also use a Bass Boost EQ preset, but it doesn’t offer an impressive bass level. The bass is slightly boosted but at the detriment of high-frequencies that feel cut off. The positive thing is that the sound is less tiring this way. In general, BakBeat Go 600’s sound quality is more enjoyable than expected. Mids and highs have a nice presentation, and the vocals and instruments sound quite good for a pair of $20-$30.
Normally, you’re better off investing in high-quality workout headphones like the Adidas RPT-01 or Under Armor Project Rock headphones that will more than one year in challenging conditions. But if you’re just getting started and don’t know if you’ll make it past the first year, the poly BackBeat Go 600 is an affordable pair of quality workout headphones for you.
Soundcore Life Q20 – Best Entry-level Workout Headphones with ANC
Soundcore has gained a great reputation thanks to its quality and affordable headphones. Soundcore Life Q20 is one of the best cheapest over-ear headphones with ANC available for about $50, but it’s still a step above the other budget ANC headphones you see around. The Q20’s are available in three colors (Black, Blue, and Silver) and boast a stylish design and the best noise reduction technology for a budget model.
They’re quite comfortable to wear for long periods of time, making them ideal for everyday use. Besides the good sound quality, the headband, which looks simple, provides additional cushioning and comfort. The padding on the ear cups is made out of soft leather that feels comfortable on the skin and provides a decent grip for almost any type of workout. The padding is removable, letting you wash the headphones or replace them with other types according to your preferences.
The battery life is good for over 60 hours of listening to music and watching videos, which is almost enough for a week-long trip or a hardcore training session. With ANC on, you get 30 hours of playtime. The ANC works so well that buying a more expensive noise-cancelling headphone feels redundant unless it’s for better sound quality or functionality. To activate, press, and hold the ANC mode button whereby the 4 built-in microphones offer comfortable attenuation over a wide frequency range, resulting in sufficient noise reduction to silence a noisy environment without a problem.
In the end, Soundcore Life Q20 is an indisputably good pair of headphones for an affordable price. Their sound quality is quite good considering their price range, and their ANC capability works wonders in ensuring you’re protected from ambient noise while still enjoying great sound. You can use them in the gym successfully, especially with removable ear pads.
Aftershokz Xtrainerz – MP3 Bone Conduction Headphones for Swimming
MP3 headsets like Aftershokz Xtrainerz allow you to enjoy your music without bringing your smartphone or audio player with you. This makes any activity that involves lifting weights or water sports much simpler. All you have to do is upload up to 4 Gb of music, whether MP3 or FLAC, on your headset and enjoy your favorite songs.
Workout headphones are well-known for being extremely lightweight, comfortable, durable. These are traits that Aftershokz Xtrainerz is familiar with. Xtrainerz has an IP68 rating implying it can submerge in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes before it gets damaged and weighs only 30 grams, making them one of the lightest bone conduction headphones you can find out there. This makes it very comfortable even during long hours of use since you barely feel it on your head.
It does not have ANC, so these are not for those seeking a quiet or noise-free environment. In fact, bone conduction headphones don’t even sit inside the ear canal; instead, they send vibrations through the skull. However, they work extremely well and are perfect for sports and certain workout exercises.
Long-lasting and affordable, this is one of the most recommended bone conduction headsets you can find. It allows you to be fully aware of your surroundings, the noise from traffic or wind, which makes them a fantastic companion for runners, but a bit uncomfortable for fans of bench press or bass lovers.
Answer & Questions Workout Headphones
How Much Should You Pay for A Pair of Workout Headphones?
The answer to this question depends on your activity and preference. If you’re just about to start going to the gym, you’ll want to look at the entry-level options like Sony MDRAS200 and Avantree E171 Sports Earbuds which are by far the best cheap workout headphones on the market. These aren’t wireless, which may interfere with the quality of your workout once in a while, although they perform pretty well for their price, and thousands of other gym-goers use them.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly wireless sport headphones, you have many options available to choose from. But the most viable and reliable options for runners and other sports enthusiasts who want to improve their workout experience are true wireless earbuds like Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro, Jaybird Tarah, and Anker Soundcore Life A1.
For users who require a pair of good-sounding running headphones that can offer maximum comfort and stability, we have a list of the best wireless headphones with ear hooks that will be perfect for runners and athletes. When it comes to these models, the prices range from $100-$200, and you’re sure to get a good deal.
Jabra Elite Active 75t and Beats Powerbeats Pro, as well as WF-SP800N from Sony, are the best premium wireless workout headphones you can find in the $100 – $200 price category. These headphones may cost a bit more, but they’re perfect for a gym workout, thanks to their ANC and perfect fit. Their audio quality is superior to the other models on the market, and in terms of ergonomics, they’re just as promising.
We’ve noticed some editorial reviewers talk about Jabra Elite Sport, Jaybird Run XT, and its newer version Jaybird Vista as good contenders for the price, which is true if your budget is limited to $150. But for the highest-quality workout headphones, you’ll have to go for the ones we mentioned. Sony WF-SP800N and Jabra Elite Active75t are heavy-duty models with active noise canceling that can withstand an intense routine, while Elite Active 75t, along with Beats Powerbeats Pro, provides the best grip onto your ears.
But for the average buyer who looks for headphones that are worth spending more on, you’ll probably end up with a nicely built TWS headphone for working out like Soundcore by Anker Life A1, Anker Life P2 if you like the AirPods style of in-ear, or JLab Epic Air Sport with ANC.
Going over the price range of the best wireless workout headphones with ear hooks, you’ll find quite a few models that can compete with the list above.
If you’re a runner or athlete who wants a pair of headphones with very good sound quality and above-average bass, you’ll want to buy Bose Sport Open Earbuds or Beats PowerBeats Pro. The average price for these models is $100-$200. If you want true wireless headphones that come with active noise canceling feature and very good sound quality, Jabra Elite Active 75t and WF-1000XM4 are your best choice.
Should Sport Headphones Have Noise-Canceling?
Ideally, you shouldn’t have an active noise canceling function. Let’s face it – if you’re running or performing any sport outside, you want to listen to your music and still remain aware of your surroundings.
Several headphones designed for athletic activity don’t have active noise canceling, and they’re still perfect sport headphones. An ambient sound function that allows you to hear the outside world while listening to music is more useful for sports headphones.
On the other hand, if you use your headphones in closed, crowded gyms, noise-canceling makes sense. But make sure to get in-ear earphones because it’s easier to isolate the background noises through active noise reduction and passive noise insulation.
For the best ANC sport headphones, Jabra Elite Active 75t is our best bet because it has good sound quality and a strong noise-cancelling effect while standing still in your ears regardless of much you move.
What is The Best Wireless Workout Headphone Brand and Why?
The best wireless workout headphone brand at this point in time is Jabra, especially if we’re talking about wireless earbuds. The company has always thought of headphones that can be used during exercises. The introduction of these products has made exercising more enjoyable than ever before.
Another notable brand is Anker. It’s great to see that this company has focused on wireless motivation and fitness by designing a variety of affordable wireless neckband sport headphones and true wireless earbuds. The sound quality of most of these models is decent, but they do provide what’s needed to complete your workout more effectively.
Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones Necessary At Work/In an Office Setting?
Do you work or study in a busy and loud environment where people speak loudly, and noise is always present? Noise cancelling headphones can offer major relief to those living with the constant annoyance of noisy environments.
The customizable settings for both high and low frequencies of some high-end noise-cancelling headphones for work like Bose 700, QuietComfort 35 II, and Sony WH 1000XM4 offer increased levels of comfort and improved listening experience for the user.
For a calm and clear environment, noise-canceling headphones are a good choice. Unfortunately, no single pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be the perfect model. That is because the characteristic requirements come down to personal preference and needs.
While Sony WH-1000XM4 has a 35 battery life, it’s nowhere near Jabra Elite 45h’s 50 hours. Still, Elite 45h doesn’t have an ANC function for external noise but isn’t as heavy as XM4, which is 94 grams heavier.
Can You Use Bluetooth Sports Headphones With a Smartwatch?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth sports headphones with a Smartwatch since most have the ability to pair with your smartphone or tablet.
Some Bluetooth headsets have been built for fitness users in mind from the beginning, while others have been created with a different market in mind but have been adopted by fitness users because of their ease of use and very good battery life. Almost all modern wireless sport headphones can be used with a Smartwatch, although they might not be made specifically for that purpose.
For the most part, you’ll need to connect your headset through Bluetooth. To do this, make sure your wireless headphones are in pairing mode and the Bluetooth on your watch is turned on. The Smartwatch’s user manual should have a way to help you with this.
Once you’ve paired the two devices, most Smartwatches will automatically connect to your headphones when they’re within a certain distance from them. In some cases, you might also have to install an application for a specific set of headphones to maximize its functionality with a smartwatch.
Do Health Monitoring Devices Complement Workout Headphones?
Absolutely. As mentioned before, Bluetooth wireless technology allows your headphones to stay with you during your workout. By adding a health monitoring device compatible with your earbuds, you’ll avoid keeping multiple devices if one fails on you during exercise. An example of this is heart rate monitors, which are available in many shapes and sizes for both men and women.
Health monitoring devices are getting more and more popular these days, so you should have them if you have a passion for data, stats, and detailed insights. By having them, you’ll be able to take care of your health better, especially if you have certain conditions that require routine fitness monitoring. Most of these monitoring devices are wearable and come in the form of a wristwatch or fitness band. There are several types of health monitoring devices, and I’ll mention a few:
Heart Rate Monitor
It’s the most beneficial to have a heart rate monitor if you have a condition that requires routine monitoring, such as cardiac rehabilitation or arrhythmia. Some of the most popular brands for this device include Polar Grit X, Polar Ignite 2, Garmin Vivosmart 4, Amazfit Band 5, and Fitbit Inspire 2.
GPS Tracker
GPS tracker: GPS trackers are typically used to track where people go during their workouts. These devices have become quite popular because they help people with different health conditions to monitor their movement and what kinds of activities they’re doing. You can get a GPS tracker from Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS and the Charge 4 from Fitbit.
Fitness Wristband
Fitness wristband: A fitness wristband is a tool that monitors various health conditions such as heart rate, blood pressure, calories burned, and distance traveled during workouts. There are many models on the market; the most popular brands include Fitbit and Amazfit.
Smartwatch
A smartwatch is a device that monitors the time and not only. Many other health-related features, such as heart rate or blood pressure, calories burned, and distance traveled, can be monitored via a smartwatch. The model we liked the most is the Garmin Vivoactive 4S and the high-end Garmin Fenix 6 Pro because its wearer can view a customized, real-time graph of their live metrics from their wrist as well as an electronic compass for navigation and real-time stats of the route you travel.
The main features of these wearable monitoring devices are activity tracking, sleep monitoring, GPS tracking, heart-rate monitoring, blood pressure monitoring. These are the most important features among them so choose the one which you need. If you need all of them, you may start reconsidering your decision to buy a wearable monitoring device because they’re quite expensive.
They also have many other capabilities such as auto-detecting exercise mode, which will then track your heart rate during that time, GPS tracking for runners and cyclists who want pace and distance stats on their wrist without carrying their phone with them, calorie tracker, which can be used to help you reach weight loss goals by either adding calories or decreasing calorie intake.
Some even have a food log function to make it easy to input what you eat, including the food’s nutritional value, weight management apps that will help you keep track of your calories and exercise. There is also a built-in alarm clock for when to go to sleep and a sleep tracking function that monitors sleep quality and even provides suggestions on how to improve it if needed.
What are The Best Over-ear Headphones for Gym?
Wireless headsets use 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz radio waves to transmit audio. These headsets are not heard by the person they are for but will still carry audio to where it is needed. Typically wireless headsets require more power than Bluetooth headsets and can be more expensive if you need extra features – like noise canceling. In addition, wireless headsets can be delayed and stuttering in sound because of the range and signal strength. Wireless headsets have higher bandwidth and are faster. This makes them more responsive than Bluetooth headsets.
What are The Best Over-ear Headphones for Gym?
The best headphones for working out are the headphones that offer the most security and portability. They’re usually made with lightweight materials like neoprene, mesh, and leather to offer a comfortable workout without compromising on comfort or durability. It’s very unlikely to find over-ear headphones with water protection, and for that reason, you’re better off with some quality cheap wireless over-ear workout headphones that you can replace once they break. Do not go for high-end premium over-ear headphones that are not designed for workouts. It doesn’t make any sense to pay hundreds of dollars for a great-sounding pair of workout headphones that sweat can easily destroy.
We’ve listed out some of the best sweat-resistant and water-resistant over-ear headphones for gym below:
Poly BackBeat FIT 6100 – Best Overall Over-ear Workout Headphones
This Poly headphone offers great sound quality for the price, which is important to have when you’re working out. It is also one of the few sweat-resistant over-ear headphones on the market. If you need a waterproof workout headphone for the gym, this is a great choice as it withstands an IPX5 rating which means it can withstand water splashes and sweat but cannot be submerged in water.
It is very comfortable and fits very well. It has ear pads that are designed to stay in place, and the padded headband is also adjustable and can be easily washed. The BackBeat FIT 6100 is by far the best over-ear workout headphone.
Even though it doesn’t have a great sound quality or high-end features like ANC, it will be perfect for the gym because of its comfortable fit and superior resistance. It’s also very lightweight and portable due to its construction and fold-in mechanism. The best of all, you do not have to pay more than $100 for Poly BackBeat FIT 6100s.
Jabra Elite 85h – Best All-around High-end Sweat-resistant Headphones with ANC for Working Out
The Jabra Elite 85h is the best high-end over-ear headphones for the gym. It has a waterproof rating of IP52, which is enough to deal with dust and water spray. Like some of the other headphones on this list, this pair also comes with noise-cancellation technology that will help you focus on your workout. The ANC is not as potent as that of our next pick (Sony MDR-1000X), but it still manages to block out most of the noise and distractions. The Jabra Elite 85h is also available in multiple colors and has multiple microphones on the left ear cup, so you can use it as a hands-free phone headset as well. It also comes with an adjustable headband that can be tweaked to fit your head size, which is perfect for those with a medium-sized head. Our only issue with Jabra Elite 85h is that it weighs 296 grams and is bulky.
Sony MDR-1000X – Premium Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Workout (No Water & Sweat Protection)
Let’s suppose you can throw some money off the window and buy yourself premium ANC over-ear headphones that you can work out with. Sony MDR-1000X doesn’t offer protection against water and sweat, but compared to Jabra Elite 85h, these will attenuate background noise better, giving a new meaning to the term “noise-cancellation.” They’re also more comfortable and look better.
The price is within $100-$200, but for this kind of premium headphones, you get an overall sound reduction of -30 dB vs. -20 dB, which is huge. The Sony headphones cost considerably less than the Jabra, but it’s very likely that you’ll break these in a year.
In terms of sound, Sony MDR-1000X offers good quality for the money. It features DSEE HX audio processing, muddy bass, and balanced treble, but an overall well-controlled sound with plenty of details, making them one of the best-sounding ANC over-ear workout headphones.
As an example of the absolute best cheap workout over-ear headphones with no water resistance:
Edifier W800BT
From the budget category, the Edifier W800BT offers great below-average quality, great battery life during workouts, and a decent fit that won’t fall off while you’re exercising. The sound quality is nothing to write home about, but it’s good enough for the price. They also cost far less than $75, which is an added bonus.
If you’re looking to buy a pair of wireless over-ears for the gym, go for this model. It doesn’t have an active noise cancellation feature to save you from noisy environments but offers more attention to battery life, quality of comfort, and sound than the other budget wireless over-ears out there.
There are many cheap over-ear workout headphones to choose from, but we find Edifier W800BT to be the best due to its good battery life of 50 hours and comfortable fit, but also because you can plug in a pair of cables and use them as wired headphones if they ever break.
Monoprice BT-600ANC
Monoprice is an American company based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States that offers a wide range of products, including cables, adapters, audio equipment, high-quality headphones, and other products.
Monoprice BT-600ANC offers everything you need in a high-quality budget wireless headphones for the gym while staying within the affordable price range of $100. It comes with a foldable design and offers an amazing overall sound quality that’s ahead of the Edifier W800BT. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD codec for high-fidelity audio streaming and a 40-hour playtime. With ANC enabled, it cancels ambient noise with decent efficiency and provides a good listening environment anywhere, so take them with you to the gym.
The company is used to create quality headphones with studio-grade sound quality; therefore, you can expect great sound from these headphones. It lacks a crystal-clear sound and a wide soundstage common in reference headphones, but sound-wise they’ll play better than the most true wireless workout headphones.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 – Best Entry-level Over-ear Workout Headphones with ANC
This highly rated ANC headphone offers great sound quality and comfort, making it the best option for going to the gym. It provides the most effective active noise-cancelling at an unbeatable price, powerful enough to make use of it during workouts, and cheap enough not to feel sorry if you have to replace your headphones after 1 year.
No other cheap ANC headset have the same performance and still provide 60 hours of battery life with ANC, sufficient for most people. They also sound good even without ANC. The details are absent, and the bass is slightly emphasized with a warm sound signature, but still decent for the price.
Regardless of its minuses, you’ll still be blown away by their noise-reduction and sound quality when compared to other similarly priced models like JLab Audio Studio ANC, Monoprice BT-600ANC, or OneOdio A70 (not ANC). For the performance Soundcore Life Q20 provides, you cannot fail by buying it.
You can buy Anker Soundcore Life Q20 in the US on Amazon, Walmart, or on https://us.soundcore.com/products
Poly BackBeat Go 600 Wireless – Best Lightweight and Comfortable Workout Headphones
These workout headphones provide a comfortable fit and lightweight construction at a very reasonable price in order to help you focus on your workouts without any distractions. They are equipped with Bluetooth Class 2, and two EQ presets for bass boost or balanced. The sound quality of these headphones is mediocre at best, but they excel thanks to their outstanding comfort. They fit around our ears perfectly due to their round shape without being too large or heavy.
The over-ear wireless workout headsets are extremely lightweight at just 181 grams, ideal for gym use. The plastics are of high quality and, as such, do not compromise on the build quality. However, besides the lack of water and sweat protection, below-average sound quality, and average microphone, another thing that doesn’t satisfy us about these headphones is their battery life. They can last for up to 18 hours, whereas other cheap over-ear headphones like Anker Soundcore Life Q20 and Edifier W800BT can last up to 40 and 50 hours.
iJoy Matte headphones – Incredibly Versatile Wireless Over-ear Headphones
The iJoy Matte headphones are the most viable workout over-ear headphones on the market under $20-$30. We absolutely love this model. If you’re looking to get rid of any of the headaches that come with buying over-ear headphones, the iJoy Matte is the fastest way to do it.
Not only do you get a 6-month replacement warranty, quick audio management controls, and a handy equalizer, the headphones also have a built-in radio receiver to listen to your favorite stations and a built-in mic for using them as a handsfree headset. We could go on and on about how amazing these headphones are, but you should try them out yourself to see if they’ll be a good fit for you.
They aren’t sweat-proof or water-resistant, so they’ll eventually break after some time of working out in the gym and getting sweaty. The best part is that they’re easily replaceable, costing under $30 (sometimes you can get a good deal and buy them at half the price).
These headphones are fairly light (231 grams) because they use low-quality plastic ear cups but are not as light and durable as the Plantronics BackBeat GO 600, which is available for under $30. iJoy Matte’s build quality is mediocre, but they’re able to block out noise well enough to allow you to focus on your music while working out. Also, because they fit so well around our ears—surprisingly good for some cheap headphones—they will not feel uncomfortable throughout the workout period.
iJoy Matte is available for purchase on Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg. Also, shipping cost is not included if you purchase them within the U.S.
The benefits of listening to music while working out?
Listening to music while working out is beneficial for several reasons. One is that it can help with motivation and provide a soundtrack to your workout. For workouts that require you to maintain a certain pace, the music can help you keep track of what pace you’re going at. Some people find listening to music while working out more enjoyable, which will keep them going when they might otherwise stop because it’s hard or gets boring – this can lead to more effective results in the end.
Another significant benefit that music can provide in your workouts is improving your mood and help you to concentrate and be motivated. Studies show that music can indeed enhance mood and even lead to an increase in endorphins. These endorphins are the body’s natural mechanism for relieving stress and tension. Listening to music can also help you feel like you’re spending more time working out than you actually are (a phenomenon known as the “Muzak Effect“).
As with many things, music can be a double-edged sword. Listening to overly fast music can lead to reduced cardio-vascular efficiency. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body, therefore making your workout less effective. Listening to songs with heavy bass notes, such as hip hop, can be beneficial for working out. People who listen to heavy bass while working out may attain improved strength and consistency and better performance than those who don’t.
Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339578/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435671/
What Kind of Music is The Best to Listen to At The Gym?
The best type of music to listen to while working out is certainly not Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles. That song kills your gains. Rock and Hip hop like Imagine Dragons Warriors Metal Cover and Zack Hemsey – “Don’t Get In My Way” may do wonders.
You can also listen to classical music like Vivaldi – The Four Seasons Winter 1st Movement or Beethoven Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement (any classical music with a fast tempo), electronic music, and other modern genres like house and techno: Rob Baily – Hungry, Gemini Blue, Eminem Drama Setter/Till I Collapse, F.O.O.L – Krieg.
When it comes to rock music, you can also look at metal or alternative music; songs like Avenged Sevenfold – Hail To The King or Disturbed Indestructible may work fantastically. There’s no doubt that many people prefer to listen to rock music while working out at the gym or working out at home. Nevertheless, as long as you can block the annoying gym music out and listen to your own playlist, you’re ready to go.
Resources: https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/what-is-the-best-music-to-workout-to
https://www.audacy.com/jackontheweb/latest/survey-reveals-the-best-songs-to-listen-to-while-working-out
How Loud Can I Listen to Music When Working Out?
Loud music feels good and energetic. It’s a great way to get the most out of your cardio workout. Music will distract you from fatigue and help you finish that last set. However, it’s important to know how loud you can listen to music when working out to not damage your ears.
Listening to music for long periods can have some adverse effects on the ear, including causing tinnitus. This can be due to prolonged exposure to loud noise, which damages hearing. Listening to music at volumes higher than 85 decibels for an extended duration can also lead to hearing loss.
If you workout and listen to music for 1 hour, make sure the volume doesn’t exceed 95 dB, or you don’t keep listening beyond 1 hour. To measure the headphone decibels at a specific volume, you must use a decibel meter https://youlean.co/online-loudness-meter/.
Depending on your headset’s resistance and sensitivity, you can reach a different maximum volume, and your headset may be louder than another headset at the same volume. Therefore, it’s hard to give a specific volume level for everyone, but a good rule is to use only 50-60% of the maximum volume.
Waterproof vs. Water-resistant – What’s The Difference?
Waterproof: The product is capable of resisting water and therefore offers 100% protection against liquids. An example of a waterproof device would be a Rolex Sea-Dweller.
Water Resistant: This type of device resists water, and it can withstand light rain or other light moisture without being damaged. A good example is a Nokia 3310, which offers water protection for short periods, but it will eventually short circuit and become completely useless.
Sweatproof headphones are protected with a special coating that prevents sweat from causing damage to the inner components of the product.
Sweatproof headphones are generally not waterproof and vice versa, i.e., sweat-resistant headphones are not completely resistant to moisture, but they are suitable for people who would like to use their headphones while exercising or participating in sports activities without worrying too much about the moisture.
The same idea is similar in dust-proof and sweatproof or sweat-resistant sports headphones. Water-proof and water-resistant products are designed with different purposes in mind. Water-resistant products are used for people who go to the gym or do outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. Waterproof products are used for swimming in the pool, lake, or any other water-filled area.
Can I Use A Regular Set of Headphones for Working Out?
Sport headphones are different from ordinary headphones because they are designed for better comfort and durability, and mostly they’re made to last even when you’re doing extreme sports.
In short, yes and no. Regular headphones are not built to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle. They won’t survive workouts or other activities that involve a lot of sweat or explosive movements. At best, you’ll listen to music for a few months before your headphones get damaged or die. Still, you can enjoy your exercise routine.
With a pair of sports headphones because they are specifically designed for this purpose. In general, you can choose from a wide range of different kinds of sports headphones.
The quality and type of your headphone’s material affect its durability and longevity. Therefore it’s recommended to use sports headphones made for tough conditions and activities such as jogging, biking, running, etc. Sport headphones come in all shapes and sizes, and the common thing among them is their durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
Sport Headphones vs. Everyday Headphones
The shared characteristic among all sport headphones is their durability and resistance to harsh conditions found in a workout routine or during an active lifestyle.
Sport headphones are more durable than typical everyday ones because they are designed for people who use them during extreme physical activities such as jogging, biking, etc., whereas most conventional everyday ones are used for listening to music at home, in the office, etc.
Due to their design and purpose, sport headphones are generally made from robust materials such as plastic or metal, thus providing a longer lifespan and improved durability. Sport headphones generally feature special coatings that prevent water and sweat from damaging the inner components of the device.
Should You Buy Bluetooth Sport Headphones with MP3 Player?
Yes! Bluetooth headphones with a built-in MP3 player are beneficial to people who enjoy outdoor activities. They offer a great solution for those that are looking for an entertainment device that’s small, portable, and can easily fit into your pocket or bag, and doesn’t require an audio source like your phone.
An excellent example of a Bluetooth sports headphone with a built-in MP3 player is the HPTCCC B20 Waterproof bone conduction headphones with IPX8. These headphones are wireless, sweatproof, and come with an MP3 player with 8 GB of memory. In addition, Bluetooth MP3 headsets are the best for swimming, especially because the wireless signals struggle to travel through water.
The IPX8 water protection full immersion in water up to 1m, making these headphones ideal for all types of water sports.
The best wireless sport headphones with MP3 Players are as follows:
Sony NW-WS413LM
Sony NWZWS613
Sony NW-WS623
Aftershock Xtrainerz
