Imagine crushing your next run with an awesome set of headphones. How amazing would that feel? One of the best ways to help you get into the zone is to have a great pair of headphones. Here is our list of the 9 best wireless headphones for runners in 2020.
Headphones have changed significantly over time, and these changes have altered how many of us run. Thanks to improvements in Bluetooth connectivity and battery technology, wireless headphones can run with us, mile after mile.
How to Choose
Fit and comfort: When choosing the best wireless headphones, comfort is important. Any headphone will feel fine worn briefly, but when worn for long periods, many become uncomfortable. Wear the headphones for at least 20 minutes before deciding whether or not to keep them. Unfortunately, because everyone has different preferences, it can be difficult to know which pairs will work for you–some prefer in-the-ear buds, others prefer over- or under-the-ear fits, and still others prefer wraparound features. Finding a pair that fits comfortably for you is essential for a great running experience.
Durability: You want headphones that last. Consider whether you need sweat- or water-resistant (or completely waterproof!) technologies. A durable pair is worth investing in, and they will be worth the investment when they last you for years and many, many miles.
Battery life: Pay attention to the battery life of the product, especially considering the mileage you tend to run. Most headphones have battery life ranging from 4-12 hours, and many include additional charging cases to increase their life. Fast-charging technologies are also fairly standard now, which allow you to charge your headphones for just 5-15 minutes and still have 1-3 hours worth of battery life for those days when you forgot to charge them!
Value: Generally, more expensive headphones are made with higher quality materials and better engineering, improving the sound quality, comfort, and durability. $30 headphones might sound like a good value, but they may not be the best investment if you’re looking for long-term use and dependability.
Our Top 9
We polled over 200 runners and asked them which wireless headphones are their favorites, and these are the headphones that made the cut for 2020.
1. Jabra Elite 65t Alexa Enabled True Wireless Earbuds
Why we like them:
–The sound quality is amazing, and you can personalize your equalizer profile via the Jabra sound+ app.
–Easy and intuitive volume controls for on-the-run changes.
–You can specify how much outside noise you want to hear, to completely cancel out outside distractions or allow for safer runs and increased awareness of your surroundings. They even work with just one headphone for maximum awareness of what’s going on around you.
–The battery lasts for five hours, and the charging case can extend their use for an additional ten hours.
–Stay wirelessly connected, no matter where you are.
–Easily connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
–The Jabra sound+ app allows you to completely customize your experience. (Seriously–many people say this app is one of the best parts of the headphone experience!)
What runners are saying:
“I like my Jabra Elite Sport. They are really small, shut out other sounds and give pretty good sound for music. Battery last 4.5 hours and can be recharged twice with little box you put them.” –Rob R.
“I just started using these Jabra Elite sport bluetooth headphone and they have been really great so far! 13 hours battery life, heart rate monitor, audio coaching, works with Strava, endomondo, mapmyfitness, runkeeper, runtastic and a 3 year warranty against any damage due to sweat!” -Ryan T.
2. AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Why we like them:
–Up to six hours of battery life.
–Wonderful music clarity with premium pitch, great bass, and noise-cancelling technologies.
–Impervious to sweat, moisture, and dust.
–The wrap-around design allows for a more comfortable wear, especially for extended periods of time. These headphones are both lightweight and flexible for maximum comfort.
–They use bone conduction technology to deliver music in ways that allows you to continue to hear what is going on around you during your runs, allowing for a safer running experience.
What runners are saying:
“I’m one of those people who has spent about $1k on earbuds and other headphones… I bought Aftershokz reluctantly. I was unsure bone conduction headphones were for me… and I **LOVE** them! Best headphone purchase I’ve ever made. They are really fantastic.” -Stephanie M
“I love my Aftershokz Trekz Air headphones. They don’t go in the ear canal, so they are a lot safer for running, but the sound quality is still really good.” -Meagan W
3. Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Why we like them:
–Made specifically for running.
-Sound quality that can be customized and personalized with the Jaybird app. Has great personalization options and a killer bass!
-8 hour battery life and a fast charge.
-Completely waterproof and sweatproof.
-The earbud tips are designed for ultimate comfort–they are interchangeable (both the ear fins and the silicone tips can be adjusted), thermo-reactive, secure-fitting, and provide enhanced sound. The earphone tips conform to your ear canal for a comfortable fit.
-Can be worn under or over your ear, depending on which feels more comfortable for you (the over-the-ear design tends to be better for runs, while under-the-ear works better for more casual listening).
-Easy to use controls on the cable to change music, adjust the volume, and answer calls.
-Solid Bluetooth connectivity without dropout issues.
What users are saying:
“I recently started using Jaybird X4 earbuds. Waterproof and 8 hour battery life.” -Gregory W
4. Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Why we like them:
-Very comfortable with a behind-the-ear design that takes pressure off your ears.
-Amazing sound quality, especially for the bass.
-Sweatproof and waterproof.
-8 hour battery life and quick-charge technology.
-Easily control calls and music right on the headset.
-The company really provides itself on its innovative technology, so they frequently provide software updates in their app that allow you to stay up-to-date and productive.
-Come in many fun colors.
What users are saying:
“I use plantronics , I have had them about 2 years , they are waterproof , flexible and hold a charge for days.” -Johnny C
5. Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones
Why we like them:
-Stay in the ear with the secure-fit earhooks. Comes with customizable eartips so you can select the most comfortable size.
-Music is loud, clear, immersive, and has a great bass.
-12 hours of battery life and quick-charge technology (a five-minute charge will give you an hour of battery life).
-Comes in several bold colors.
What users are saying:
“I use Powerbeats 3. They are wired together, but really are the best I’ve tried. Battery has lasts for 11 hours. They are water resistant, not waterproof, but I have had them in a pissing rain 50k and they’ve been fine.”-Charles G
“12 hours. Won’t fall off bombing a downhill. Been using mine for a while now, they’ve been good.” -Dustin B
6. Jaybird RUN
Why we like them:
-Simple controls, and customizable sound profiles via the associated app.
-Sweat and waterproof.
-Secure comfort-fit, with interchangeable tips and fins, which are comfortable for extended wear.
-4 hour battery life, plus another 8 hours with the charging case. Also has fast-charging technology.
-Allows you to use just one earbud at a time if you wish, which can allow for an increased awareness of your environment.
-There is a “find my headphones” function with the app, just in case you lose them!
What runners are saying:
“I have the jay bird. Had them for a year, which is longer than any other running headphones have lasted me. Accidentally knocked it out of my ear into a giant puddle. Put it in my pocket, got home, still works months later.” -Matthew M
7. Apple Air Pods
Why we like them:
-Automatically pause your music or video when you take one or both pods out (this setting can be changed.)
-You can set whether a double tap pauses your music, skips to the next selection, etc.
-The sound quality is great
-Long battery life and fast-charging technology (15 minutes of charging will allow them to run for 3 hours!).
What runners are saying:
“They play separate and while you are listening on one, the other can be charging. I have been on a 15 hour run with them.( granted they were not in the whole time) but had plenty of charge left.” -Thomas P
8. Bose SoundSport Pulse
Why we like them:
-Great sound quality.
-Comes with a built-in heart rate sensor.
-Works well with many popular fitness apps.
-Six hours of battery life.
-Sweat resistant.
What users are saying:
“I’ve tested a few thousand dollars in ear buds but not all recommended here. I settled on Bose SoundSport. Doesn’t completely block the ear canal, I like the base and tonality of the music. Good long battery life. Have stood up to the beatings of running, sweat and being thrown around.”-Mark K
“Bose soundsport are the best Ive had yet. Ive tried at least a dozen pair over the years and these are my favorites so far.” -Scott M
“Bose soundsport wireless buds. They sound awesome, you can wear sunglasses and they never fall out. Not cheap but I even gave up my chunky over ears on the airplane now.” -Mike B
9. Sennheiser CX Sport Bluetooth Sports Headphone
Why we like them:
-Great sound quality, especially with the bass.
-Sweat and water resistant.
-6 hour battery life with quick-charging technology.
-It comes with customizable ear adapters and ear fins to allow you to find the best personalized fit for you.
-Reduces external noises.
What users are saying:
“I don’t run with music very often, but when I do I wear these, which still allow in outside sound.”-Rich M
“Sennheiser makes good buds. They stay in my ears and I’ve run them through the wash by accident a few times. . Had them for several years sweating and freezing and they held up. They still work great.”-Dan C
