It’s annoying when you head out for a jog and your headphones flop around or fall out as you pound the pavement.
You hear your favorite tunes fade in and out with every strike, making it impossible to enjoy the music and focus on your run.
Some running earbuds should take care of that for you.
Whether you want an amazing sound experience or if you’re looking for a decent budget-friendly option that stays in your ear as you run, check out the some of the best earbuds for running on our list below.
There are options for all budgets and sound quality levels!
How to Choose
Here are a few things to consider as you search for the right pair of earbuds.
- Sweat-Proof/Waterproof. Obviously, if you’re heading out for a run you’ll sweat a little. Make sure that the earbuds are labeled as “sweat-proof” or “sport.”
You’ll also need something waterproof if you typically run outside in the elements.
- Tips. Do you prefer foam or silicone?
Is it easy to find replacement tips for the earbuds you like?
Foam offers wider response frequencies and seals your ears off better than silicone, but they absorb the moisture (whether it be sweat, rain or snow).
Silicone is sweat-proof, waterproof and you can take them off to wash them (keep them clean!) They also come in different sizes so you can find the right fit. They aren’t as good as foam tips in terms of sound quality, but they are certainly more durable.
- Size of Ear Canal. Since earbuds rest at the opening of the ear canal you need to make sure that they are comfortable, yet snug. You don’t want them falling out as you run.
If you have particularly small ears and a small ear canal, certain headphone styles are better than others are.
The Skullcandy earbuds below would be a good option if you have small ears, or try a pair of earbuds with foam tips.
Top 10 Best Earbuds for Running Overview Table
[ws_table id=”83″]Wired vs. Wireless
There are pros and cons to each type of earbud.
- Wireless earbuds are handy because you don’t have anything flapping around or dangling in front of you as you run or workout.
If your earbuds also have Bluetooth technology, then you can also use them to answer or decline incoming calls (maybe you’re out jogging on your lunch break from the office and need to stay in touch with clients), but the one downside to them is that they need to be charged.
Some last only a few hours before they need to be recharged, which is why some people avoid using them, and there’s always the risk that the music will skip and stutter if the signal is interrupted.
- Wired earbuds ensure an excellent connection to your sound device and even though you do have a long wire that you’ll need to deal with, there are plenty of accessories available today that allow you to keep it out of the way as you run.
Unlike wireless earbuds, they don’t require any batteries and don’t need to be recharged, and they provide a more reliable connection to your sound source than wireless earbuds.
Top 5 Best Earphones for Running Reviews
1. Jaybird X2-S
In terms of sound quality, design and comfort, the Jaybird X2 are some of the best earbuds for running on our list. Expensive, yes, but well worth the investment.
They’ve stepped it up a notch from the previous model with a better fit and a more sweat-proof material that prevents them from slipping out of your ears as you run. The Bluetooth technology allows you to listen to music skip-free and, of course, handle any phone calls (but, come on, focus on your running and not your phone!)
Battery life is great: eight hours on a single charge. battery is rechargeable (it will last between 3-4 hours) and it comes with small, medium and large tips so you can find the perfect fit for your ears.
In terms of sound quality, you have great clarity in the mid to high range, and a decent amount of bass that won’t overwhelm you as you run. You actually get two types of ear tips, too: “sport” memory foam, which allows them to conform for a more custom fit, and the standard silicone if you prefer them.
2. Silicon Volcano
Next we have the Volcano earbuds by Silicon Devices.
The handy Bluetooth technology, which is compatible with most phones, makes it easy for you to handle phone calls and your music as you run, with HD audio sound quality.
These are also sweat-proof, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping and sliding around your ears as you run or workout.
The battery is rechargeable (it will last between 3-4 hours) and it comes with small, medium and large tips so you can find the perfect fit for your ears.
What runners love about them is the fact that they hook behind the ear, keeping them secure during rigorous workouts or intense runs, and they aren’t heavy.
They provide excellent sound quality and have a comfortable design. At this price range, it’s hard to find a better pair.
3. Rovking Sport Headphones
Rovking has another sweet pair of sweat-proof earbuds, especially if you’re on a budget.
The noise isolation is top-notch for the price range, considering that they are silicone tips rather than foam. These block out 90% of ambient noise around you, which means you can focus on your music and less on the roar of traffic as you jog or nearby machines at the gym.
You also get three different silicone tip sizes in order to find the most comfortable, snug fit that will keep them in place as you move (these don’t have the ear hook like the previous ones). They actually stay in your ear, too, so if you don’t like the feel of the hook but think that a pair of earbuds will fall out without it, these will show you otherwise!
No need to worry about recharging anything on those long runs or walks since it plugs right into your phone or MP3 player.
4. Panasonic RP-HJE120-K
These are probably the least expensive on the list, but the lower price doesn’t mean lower quality. These little earbuds are awesome!
If you’re in need of something versatile that you can use for running and other activities, then you’ll love the ErgoFits.
They deliver excellent sound quality, maybe a bit weak on the bass, but they fit comfortably in the ear and they don’t fall out when you run.
They are certainly more fashionable, too, since they come in a wide range of colors (we liked the green above but you’ll find them in seven other colors).
What else can we say? They make a great little pair of running earbuds and they don’t cost much. Score!
5. Bose 741776-0030
Bose makes some awesome sound equipment, and they’re down here at number five mainly due to price and not because of the quality.
If you’re serious about your listening experience, then it’s worth it to spend the money on these. They provide you with deep, clear sound, they fit comfortably in the ear and they are both sweat-resistant and water-resistant, making them perfect for running in any season or location.
Some find that the wire joint is a bit delicate, and those with smaller ears find that they are a bit large, but for running and other daily activities, they are awesome.