Looking for the best running headphones 2021? Then you've come to the right place, because we have selected great headphones for running in different price ranges for you!
No matter what style is closer to you, wired or Bluetooth, there's no shortage of running and workout headphones on the market right now. The popularity of this segment of headphones has given way to an increasingly competitive market and a number of fairly changing models - as well as "copycat" versions that often improve upon the originals or offer similar, more affordable versions. Now that this space has had enough time to develop, the selection of running headphone models has risen above the rest for one reason or another, so we've rounded up a buyer's guide to best running headphones 2021.
What should you look for when buying the best running headphones 2021?Photo: Amazon
Running Headphones 2021: Different Factors and Features to Consider When Buying
As with any segment of headphones, there are a few elements to consider when making a purchase. We'll dive into what those aspects are below - ranked in order of importance - before finally revealing our picks for the best running headphones of 2021.
Headphone type
"In-ear" (or “ear plugs”) and "ear-hook" (or over-the-ear headphones) are the most common styles of running headphones, as they usually provide the tightest and most comfortable fit while exercising. Nevertheless, they exist headphones – and even wireless models – that are designed for running and/or exercise. So, while earbuds (and headphones that clip on) do really well for running, they're not the only options when shopping in this segment.
The fit
This is almost certainly the most important element in determining the overall quality of running and exercise headphones. Well-designed running headphones will firmly held in the ear, on it or around the ear, without being uncomfortable or causing pain when worn for a long time. It can be maddeningly frustrating if they keep falling out or if they often slip off your ear during exercise, so it's imperative for headphones to provide a precise and comfortable fit as they have to withstand the bouncing, shaking and side-to-side movements that are common forms of exercise.
Wired or wireless
Today, the term "wireless" covers a wide range of cable-free offerings, from wireless models with ear buds that connect to each other, to truly wireless headphones in the style of AirPods. Properly designed a pair of wired headphones can be perfectly suitable for jogging, wireless headphones however, they offer an extra level of comfort and much more freedom of movement, although they do have the drawbacks of having to worry about battery life and (usually) coming at a higher cost.
Waterproofing and robustness
Unlike travel headphones, which are made for stationary use during long flights and layovers, running and exercise headphones are used in nature and are consequently exposed to many potential hazards. For this reason, it is extremely important that they offer fairly rugged design that can withstand dirt, dust and sweat. And while most headphones rated IPX4 to IP67 can easily survive even the nastiest downpours or the sweatiest users, there are also headphone models that are 100% waterproof, so they can be used freely in pools or in the sea.
Sound quality
Another element to factor into the equation no matter what type of headphones you're buying. Sound quality it greatly affects the overall listening experience, whether you're listening to an exercise guide or a motivational playlist. While high-quality sound and extremely deep bass were once reserved for DJs' studio headphones, advances in technology have allowed engineers to "squeeze" extremely rich sound into very compact packages such as wireless earbuds.
Material
While not every manufacturer will be happy to advertise the materials and construction used in their headphone models, you can be sure that if the company has made an effort to use premium materials such as aluminum or titanium, will reveal this fact. Obviously, using better quality materials will almost always result in a more premium, durable and long-lasting product.
Battery life
This area not only concerns how long the headphones can last, but also reflects how often you will need to charge them. When buying headphones, for running - or any kind of headphones - it's important to look playback time, offered by a pair of headphones, not battery standby time.
Weight
This area isn't as important if you're considering headphones or earplugs in the form of clip-on headphones, as the weight differences in these categories are negligible. However, this cannot be argued for headphones. Unless you're trying to improve your neck muscles, it's likely that the last thing you need in your workout is extra weight on your head and neck area.
Support functions
No matter which brand or model you choose, any pair of running headphones will do the same basic job, which is to accompany your run or workout with sound. But there are also headphone models that have a few other tricks up their sleeves, such as noise cancellation, hands free, wireless charging cases and other functions. All this is worth paying attention to when shopping.
Versatility
There are several modern headphone models that, while not specifically designed for exercise, are exceptional suitable for exercise programs via apps. These can be exceptional headphones as they allow for great versatility that can be used in a much wider range of settings and therefore offer better overall value. If you're shopping for bargains, this is a wonderful area to explore thoroughly.
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Sound quality has a huge impact on the overall listening experience, whether you're listening to an exercise guide or a motivational “playlist”Photo: Amazon
The best headphones for running 2021
Up to 100 euros
Last Updated 2024-09-16 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Up to 200 euros
Last Updated 2024-09-20 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Over 200 euros
Last Updated 2024-09-20 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
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