How to choose running headphones?

Running headphones - wireless with Bluetooth and wired, overhead and the best models for sports in general have managed to find their army of fans. For those who prefer to lead an active lifestyle, such devices are a guarantee of comfort while listening to music in the most extreme conditions. About, what sports headphones to choose, what to look for when buying them, it is worth talking in more detail, because the runner's comfort will depend on the correctness of the decision.

The right running headphones are the key to comfort during your sports workout. It is very important that this accessory fits snugly in its place and does not put undue pressure on the ear canal. The main reason why special sports headphones are produced is the need to avoid them falling out while driving.

Wireless running headphones are considered the best choice for fitness, gym and outdoor exercise... With an accurate selection of ear pads, they do not fall out, they provide a fairly clear and high-quality sound. Wireless headphones usually support Bluetooth communication and have a certain amount of battery capacity. Among the current types of wireless headphones for running are the following.

• Overhead... Comfortable running earbuds with clips that won't slip even during intense exercise.

• Monitor... Not the most comfortable option for running, but with a fairly snug fit, they can still be used. Sometimes these models are considered as an accessory for treadmill activities, connecting headphones to your home entertainment system.

• Plug-in or in-ear... For sports, they are produced with special ear pads that fit more tightly than usual. It is difficult to call them completely wireless - the cups are tied with a flexible elastic cord or a plastic neck rim.

• Vacuum in-channel... Fully wireless earbuds with dedicated ear cushions to securely fit the earbuds. The accessory is inserted into the ear canal, with the correct selection of the replaceable tip, it does not cause discomfort. This is the optimal solution for the hall and outdoor use.

By the type of signal transmission method, infrared and bluetooth headphones for running. The options with a radio module, although they have a larger working range, are still not suitable for sports training. Such models are overly sensitive to noise.

For sports, only a limited range of wired headphones are suitable. First of all, it is clips connected with a special headband. They do not interfere while running, have a reliable design, and are durable in use. In addition, no less popular and vacuum wired headphones, also equipped with a plastic neck "clamp".

The variety of headphones produced today for sports enthusiasts can surprise even experienced connoisseurs.The range of products includes wired and wireless options with different price and sound quality levels. The most popular models are worth considering in more detail.

Wireless sports headphones are widely available. You can choose the option of the desired design, color or type of construction, find an option for almost any budget. And yet, if you want not to sacrifice the quality of the music, it is better to choose from the very beginning among the proposals that are really worthy of attention. The ranking of the best models will help you avoid mistakes while searching.

• Westone Adventure Series Alpha... Superb headphones with sporty performance, quality sound and stylish design. The back mount is ergonomic, the ear pads are soft and comfortable. Data transmission is carried out via Bluetooth. It is a quality and convenient accessory for sports lovers.

• AfterShokz Trekz Titanium. The on-ear model of headphones with a nape rim is securely attached to the head, does not fall off when the pace changes. The device uses bone conduction technology, which allows you to focus on the music without being completely isolated from external noise. The model has 2 microphones, the sensitivity of the loudspeakers is above average, the case is protected from water. The earbuds successfully cope with the work in the headset mode.

• Huawei FreeBuds Lite... The earbuds, completely autonomous and wireless, do not fall out even when running or other types of physical activity, there is a charging case in the kit, there is protection against water, the battery lasts for 3 hours + 9 more when recharging from the case. The model automatically mutes the sound when removing the earphone due to the built-in sensors, and can work as a headset.

• Samsung EO-EG920 Fit. Neckstrap design, flat, tangle-free cable and sleek design. This is the perfect solution for those who love punchy bass. The design of the “droplets” is as ergonomic as possible, there are additional clamps, the remote control on the wire does not make the structure too heavy. The only negative is the lack of moisture protection.

• Plantronic BlackBeat Fit. Sports wireless earbuds with plastic nape mount. This is a truly fashionable headset, with quality materials and great sound. The set includes a completely waterproof case, noise reduction, ergonomic shape of the inserts. The range of supported frequencies is from 5 to 20,000 Hz.

Among wired headphones, there are many interesting options for a comfortable run. Among the unambiguous leaders of the rating, the following models can be distinguished.

• Philips SHS5200. On-ear sports headphones with comfortable ear pads and a neckband. The model weighs 53 g, has a comfortable fit, does not slip when running. The model in a stylish case looks solid and attractive, the frequency range varies from 12 to 24,000 Hz, the cord has a textile wrapper.

• Philips SH3200. The clip-on earbuds fit securely and stay secure, even when your running pace changes. Stylish design, high quality materials make them not just a convenient addition to a smartphone or a player, but also a distinctive accessory, an image element. Visually, Philips SH3200 headphones look like a hybrid of a clip and an in-ear. The sound is not of the best quality, but it is quite acceptable, the model is equipped with a long comfortable cable.

• Sennheiser PMX 686i Sports. Wired neckband headphones, ear cushions and ear cups are in-ear. High sensitivity and traditional sound quality for this brand make listening to music a real pleasure.

In the budget category, you can also find many interesting offers. Among the top sellers here are brands that produce accessories for phones and mobile devices. Experienced joggers recommend the following models.

• Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth Headset. In-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones with microphone. The case is protected from moisture, is not afraid of sweat or rain. While listening to music, the battery lasts for 7 hours. There are replaceable ear pads.

• Honor AM61. Sports earplugs with Bluetooth, microphone and neck strap. A convenient solution for those who prefer active pastime - the package includes magnetic elements for holding the cups together. This model is compatible with iPhone, has a sensitivity above average and medium operating frequency range. The case is protected from water, the lithium-polymer battery lasts for 11 hours of continuous operation.

• Huawei AM61 Sport Lite. Ergonomic headphones with a neck strap and microphone, closed cups. The model looks stylish, the wired elements do not get confused during running and resting due to the inserts on the outside of the cup. The entire headset weighs 19 g, the body is protected from water, its own battery lasts for 11 hours.

When choosing headphones for fitness and running, other sports, it is worth paying attention to a number of important parameters. For example, swimming models produced by some manufacturers have a completely waterproof case, a special set of ear pads and a design with a memory card for listening to music downloaded to the device itself.

It is optimal if a sensor model is chosen for sports, which allows one-touch to turn up the volume or receive a call. If the headphones are equipped with buttons, they must be freely accessible for the user, have a sufficiently clear relief and a high response speed to the owner's command. In models in the form of clips with a plastic collar, the controls are often located in the occipital region. If you try to press a button while running, you can get injured in them.

Wires, body part must be of high quality and practical. Many sports headphones cost a lot more than regular ones. If at the same time their body is made of fragile plastic, any fall can be fatal. When choosing the type of performance, it is better to give preference to in-channel devices or clips. They do not fall out, they are quite comfortable to wear.

Active or passive noise isolation - a good addition to the sports headphones chosen for training in the gym or jogging outside. Such models are more expensive, but they allow you to fully focus on the training process. It is optimal if the level of isolation from noise varies in several positions, allowing you to choose the degree of extinction of extraneous sounds.

It is not customary to expect too high sound quality from sports headphones. But most of the major manufacturers still pay a lot of attention to the sound of high and low frequencies. Vacuum models often delight with good bass. The mid frequencies in them sound clear and loud, and due to the design features, external noise and interference are cut off quite well even without the active participation of electronics.

Comfort is one of the most important factors when choosing headphones. The accessory should fit comfortably on the head, if it has a mount, not press on the ears. For in-ear models, manufacturers usually include 3 sets of interchangeable ear pads of different sizes for individual selection of options. Correctly fitted headphones will not fall out even with strong vibration or head shaking.

Using the headphones as a headset for conversations - a good decision when it comes to playing sports. Of course, you can find accessories without an additional speaker for conversations. But most experienced users know that a missed call on their phone while running can bring a lot of trouble, which means it's just silly to miss the opportunity to answer with the help of headphones. Moreover, even passive noise cancellation provides sufficient isolation to hear the interlocutor, and not the noise around.

Based on all these criteria, you can find sports headphones for your desired budget or technical level.

The following video provides an overview of the Plantronic BlackBeat Fit headphones.