Everyone loves the beatitude of escaping street noises by sheltering themselves within the universe of the favourite tracks. Although there are several types of headphones available in the market, the bluetooth ones, mainly true wireless earbuds, are getting the most preference because of compact size and versatility. As these models are small enough, you can easily put it in the pocket. Due to offering impressive sound quality and noise isolation facility, the wireless earbuds are becoming a must-have accessory for the music lovers. Let us discuss about few best wireless earbuds for running in this blog post.
In this regard, you should know that all wireless earbuds are not the same. A few good models still exist in the market. Whereas, a few ones are truly dreadful. We use earbuds regularly while working, exercising, or doing other things. Therefore, if you enjoy listening to music or audiobooks while doing anything, you should buy a good pair of earbuds that will be value for money.
After testing a lot of products, in this article, we have segmented the best 5 wireless earbuds for running in two categories: Truly wireless, and neckband earbuds. Now, you may wonder what Neckband earbuds are. In these models, you will not find any wire for plugging the earbuds into your phone. These products come with a band that helps to join the two earbuds with each other.
What Are True Wireless Headphones?
These are basically Bluetooth earbuds or IEMs, which can function without using any wire between the ear pieces or to the audio source. Typical wireless models come with a cord used to connect the left & right earbuds, whereas these are capable of connecting wirelessly to the audio source. When it comes to talking about a pair of true wireless earbuds, you will get to see that every earbud is equipped with a Bluetooth chip & antenna. These accessories enable the earbuds to remain connected to each other. As a result, the need for a wire between them is eliminated.
The Onkyo W800BT which was the first truly wireless headphones, was released in September 2015 in Japan. There are a few headphones that feature master-slave configurations. Due to this kind of configuration, the role of the primary earbud is to work as a point of connection between the secondary headphone & the audio source. It indicates that without the primary one, you cannot use the secondary one to connect directly with the phone.
Usually, most products have a setup of two primary earbuds. We call the configuration dual-mode Bluetooth configuration. This setup allows every earbud to connect directly to the device. Moreover, it allows you to use only one earbud at a time to extend the battery life. Due to the dual connection, earbuds, such as stereo speakers, these can work independently. That’s why we know true wireless headphones as TWS or wireless stereo.
True Wireless vs. Wireless Headphones: What’s the Difference?
True wireless headphones come without any cables or wires used to connect the two earbuds. On the flip side, wireless earbuds come with a wire that attaches the two earbuds through a neckband and use Bluetooth to get connected to the source device.
Why you should purchase wireless headphones:
Now, you have a clear idea regarding what these are. We have given here the reasons why you should get them:
Complete freedom:
These are wire-free entirely. Therefore, moving around without thinking about tangled cords.
Support for active lifestyles:
These can be your great option if you like travelling or are always on the go. As these models come in pocket-size cases, you can have extra space for other items in your bag.
A few earbuds have an IP rating based on water & sweat resistance. So, you can wear these models when you sweat or are under a drizzle without any worry. Are you into sports where you have to do rigorous activities? If so, you can use earbuds featuring ear hooks to prevent them from falling out of your ears.
Convenient:
The earbuds often come with default buttons or touch sensors to answer calls or control playback without taking out your mobile. As these are small, you can easily store a pair of these headphones in your pocket or bag compared to over-ear headphones. As the headphones are cableless, there isn’t need to worry about tangled cords. These products come with cases. Therefore, there is no need to use a headphone pouch or third-party cases to store your TWS.
Expandable battery life:
The battery life of these earbuds is shorter than that of wireless headphones. The case worked like a battery bank offering extra charges for truly wireless headphones. For instance, once you charge the two Master & Dynamic MW08 models, these can last about twelve hours. However, the case is able to give you up to 30 hours of lasting ability. Therefore, you can use these models for long trips where you can not access power.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy True Wireless Headphones?
Although these are great, a few caveats are there, due to their cord-free design. We have given here the reasons why you may not want to buy a pair of TWS:
Easy to lose:
Do you habitually lose small objects such as pens or keys very frequently? In that case, you need to think two times before you get a pair of true wireless headphones. As these come in small sizes, you may misplace them. So, if you are one of those who don’t keep their things in place, you may lose these.
There are a few models which feature a unique tracking system. For instance, Apple lets you track your AirPods through iCloud or the “Find My iPhone” app. Besides, few headphone companies, such as Apple & SOL Republic go too far to provide replacement earbuds for a discount.
Connection stability:
Bluetooth can be connected for up to more than 1000 meters. 10m or 32 ft is the average range of Bluetooth earbuds. And the range can become shorter based on interference. Whereas these are prone to interference with other wireless devices. Suppose you see a high volume of wireless devices nearby. In that case, you can get choppy noise from these earbuds.
Bluetooth can be interfered with by solid objects such as brick walls & furniture. The effective range will become shorter when you have more objects between the audio source & headphones. Although these are wireless, you have a limited range before you lose connection with your mobile or laptop.
Sound quality:
Although there are many rapid improvements, the sound quality of TWS is still behind wired earphones. Bluetooth, which acts as a wireless connection protocol, features limited bandwidth. It indicates that data that can be transmitted to the headphones have a small size. Besides, it means that some details will be missing in the audio, which is the same as lower sound quality. Wired headphones are beneficial for those who need good sound quality.
Battery life:
Short battery life is one of the major reasons for not using these earbuds. People who don’t charge their wireless headphones every once in a while might be unable to listen to music. Getting truly wireless headphones indicates that you should know the amount of power left on the headphones & charging case. Otherwise, you can use wired earbuds.
How do you keep true-wireless earbuds from falling out of your ears?
While buying your favourite wireless earbuds, you need to confirm that you are getting the right fit so that the earbuds can stay in your ears and give the best performance. In this case, it should have a tight seal so that it can offer optimal sound & noise canceling facility. Suppose, your earbuds have silicone ear tips, then you should use such buds which are a little bigger for your ear instead of using too small. In addition, for the AirPods Pro, people are able to purchase third-party foam ear tips that can grip the inside of the ears in a better way and prevent the buds from falling out. If your one ear is shaped differently than the other one, you should use a medium tip in one ear while a large tip in the other.
AirPods don’t fit all ears properly and multiple people complain about this. The earbuds will not stay securely in their ears. So, if possible, purchase third-party wingtips, known as sport fins used to lock earbuds in the ears.
Are you facing challenges in keeping the earbuds in your ears? If so, you must choose a product which features wingtips. Additionally, you can use earbuds which come with ear hooks wrapping around the ears’ top.
With the help of bone conduction technology, this model can transfer sound via cheekbones. OpenRun Pro, the top pair of earbuds from Shokz, comes with higher sound and better bass compared to previous models.
The product’s battery lifespan is extended to ten hours—up from eight hours on the OpenRun that was known as Aeropex previously. In addition, this one can include a quick charge mode offering 1.5 hours of playback once you charge this for five minutes on the charging cable. It is available in two sizes. The Mini is equipped with a shorter band that can wrap around the head and bounces less.
Features:
Open-Ear Comfort: The model can fit best in your ear. So, you can get rid of the discomfort of in-ear headphones as the bud-free design makes them suitable to wear. You can wear them during any workout. Additionally, these come with a Shokz headband.
Safety: It ensures that you can enjoy your favorite songs with environmental awareness due to better connection quality than traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones.
Premium Sound Quality: The 9th bone conduction technology allows you to experience premium audio.
Shokz TurboPitch technology: This headset model is able to provide the ultimate listening experience with strong volume, precise sound and rich bass.
Earbuds of Apple’s flagship look similar to the version which launched three years ago. However, you can see here a lot of improvements and all credits go to the new H2 chip & amplifier. The second generation comes with a deeper base as well as clearer sound. In addition, customizing the spatial audio is possible by capturing images of your ears as well as your head. Therefore, the sound will be tailored like the way you naturally hear. That means you will feel like you are in a room with live music.
The manufacturer has made a few other improvements that make the products ideal for regular workouts. Transparency mode can offer far enhanced performance with less of the digital crackle when wind passes over the mics pumping in external audio. You can still hear a bit of wind noise now. However, you may forget about this after the first quarter mile. This model comes with volume control due to which people are loving this product.
Features:
Richer audio experience:
The model is equipped with an Apple-designed H2 chip which is one of the reasons that is responsible for its advanced audio performance. The product includes smarter noise cancellation, superior three-dimensional sound & excellent battery life. These are some of the best features which provide a richer audio experience. In addition, there are features like low distortion, custom-built driver & amplifier that deliver crisp, clear high notes, deep bass, etc.
Sound all around:
It includes personalized spatial audio that works with a dynamic heads tracker so that you can immerse deeper in movies & music.
A higher level of control:
With the help of the touch control, you can adjust the volume by swiping the stem. Just hit the stem that allows you to play and pause music. You can also answer a call or end it, hold a call to switch between ANC and Adaptive Transparency.
Pros:
Improved sound
Volume controls
Transparency mode for little wind noise
Cons:
If you use the controls on the stem, it may make the earbuds loose.
If you want any headphones for running only, these earbuds are something that you need to look for. These are beneficial for all-around use. The cost of the product is only $120. Due to the low price, you may not expect active noise cancellation, ambient noise pass-through, and customizable EQ. But all of these features are standard in this model.
On a single charge, the buds can offer 7 hours of playback time, whereas the rechargeable case can offer up to 24 hours. You will find the earbuds sealed in your ears. Therefore, if you are wondering about hearing cars on the road, you can put only one earbud. Unlike most running earbuds, these work independently.
Features:
Comfortable: These headphones are durable and come with a secure active fit. In addition, these come in a wing-free ergonomic design which is mainly designed for an active lifestyle. It is an IP57 water- and sweatproof-rated model.
Innovative Noise Control: This model comes with four microphones for clear calls on the go. Use the adjustable HearThrough technol to hear the surroundings. Whereas, you can activate ANC, which can suppress ambient noise and maintain your focus level.
Optimal Performance: It includes a bass & customizable equalizer, which are used for getting powerful sound. You need to use a single earbud with Mono Mode. Each earbud is able to provide up to 7 hours of battery and, with the case, up to 28 hours of battery life.
Bluetooth 5.2: The model lets you connect Android mobiles with the Google Fast Pair. Play songs with Spotify Tap Playback or ask Alexa (Android 6.0 or higher), Siri or Google Assistant.
Accessories: The package is equipped with Jabra Elite 4 Active In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Charging Case, EarGels in 3 sizes, and USB-C to USB-A Cable. 5g is the weight of the earbud, whereas black is its color.
The model can last 8 hours on a single charge. That means it can last 2 hours longer than the real Vista. Besides, you can get an extra sixteen hours with the charging case. This model comes with the same shape as the previous earbud model. Its secure fit helps to seal out dust and moisture.
As the headphone is both sweat- and waterproof, it is rated IP68. You need to tap twice to change between ANC and SurroundSense mode.
Features:
Active Noise Cancellation: As the model can remove the background noise, you must stay in the zone.
Eargels: These come in three sizes of interchangeable eargels.If you find the earbud size not matching your ear canal size or you haven’t worn the headset properly in your ears, then you can not obtain the actual sound qualities or call performance. You can change earbud tips to those which can fit more snugly in your ear.
Surroundsense: This feature helps you to keep you connected so that you can be aware of your surroundings. It has a few wind-guarded mics which track ambient noise. It allows you to stay aware and ensures that you don’t miss a beat.
Earthproof Durability: The model is IP68 waterproof, sweatproof, & dustproof. In addition, it is shock resistant. In case, you face any problem with Bluetooth connectivity; you need to power off the Bluetooth function for some minutes. After that, you can power on it.
The older models stick out of your head just like the neck bolts. However, this new model barely protrudes from the ears of users. In addition, these are entirely button-free. You need to touch the gestures to play/pause and skip tracks. Whereas, you need to tap and hold to turn on the voice assistant on your mobile. These come in an excellent design, but they are unable to seal your ear completely. It can blend awesome audio quality with the utmost comfort level. When a user wears these, the model removes the dreaded “thump” that you may get in every stride if you wear typical earbuds.
Features:
Audio technology: It doesn’t matter on which volume level you’re listening to because you will get clear music and voice sound. These models come with three different sizes of StayHear Max tips, among which you can choose the your required one.
It prevents moisture from sweat & weather. You can control the headphones with easy gestures. Hence, your only task is to swipe this up & down for volume control or tap twice to begin a shortcut function such as checking battery level or skipping a track.
Excellent Battery life: Once you charge the device, these will last up to five hours. When you use the charging case, it can last up to 10 additional hours. Has your battery run out on the go? Charge the device for fifteen minutes to use it for up to 2 hours.
Awesome hands-free calls: These calls can give you clearer performance with an advanced microphone system. It is created to focus on the voice and reduce wind sound mainly.
Pros:
Button-free design
High sound with deep bass
Cons:
Never seal out external noise
Best Wireless Earbuds for Running Buying guide:
These are the factors you should consider before you purchase the best wireless earbuds for running.
1) Cost:
Several cheap wireless earbuds are available in the market. But it is recommended to avoid them. Remember that quality models are never available at cheap prices. Moreover, the model should come with a top-quality Bluetooth chip from Qualcomm and decent high-density batteries that allow the model to work for longer than sixty minutes between charges.
2) Codecs:
You should discover the codecs that are compatible with your earbuds. If you go with the basic models, you will find them supporting SBC. But this codec is not compatible with higher-resolution music. The codec may appear to have a flat sound because it has limited transmission speed. Are you an Apple user? Then, you need to check whether the earbuds are compatible with AAC or not. As an Apple device user, you should know that these devices are compatible with SBC and higher-quality AAC. Therefore, if you plan to purchase a pair of earbuds supporting SBC, aptX or LDAC, remember that you are wasting your time. However, the entire world will be your oyster for those who use Android mobiles. The latest Android versions are compatible with Bluetooth audio codecs, such as the Hi-Res aptX HD.
3) Ear Tips:
Eartips are a crucial part of a pair of earbuds. If your Silicone ear tips are very small or shallow, these will not be able to create a decent seal with your ear canal. As a result, you don’t get a good sound and external noises will interfere with the music. Due to the absence of a good seal, you may not want to use Apple’s AirPods. You can change the ear tips on your earbuds for memory foam tips. It helps to generate a good sonic seal.
You need to store wireless earbuds in a charging case if it is not in use. That means if the earbuds come with large ear-tips fitted design, you will be unable to shut the lid of the charging case. That’s why it is necessary that ear tips supplied with earbuds are available in different sizes so that these can fit your ears accurately and create an effective seal. A few earbuds come with a small ear-fin keeping the headphone in the ear. Always remember that two factors— fit and comfort— are crucial. Use an earbud that can sit in the ear’s bowl comfortably.
4) Battery Life:
In most cases, wireless earbud makers quote a playing time of 3-5 hrs. When it comes to real life, you need to count on knocking about 20% off the quoted figure. When the power will be used, you need to pop the headphones back into the respective charging case. The charging case comes with a battery that holds charge enough to top up your headphones between 3-4 times before the need to recharge the charging case itself. A few manufacturers of earbuds can quote the mixed playing time of 3-4 top-ups that is available from the charging case. They don’t quote the playing time for the earbuds. Have you seen a quoted figure of 12-15 hours of playing time? Then, remember that it is not for repeated listening on a single charge. It is necessary to know how long you are able to listen to headphones before putting them back in their case for a recharge.
5) Controls:
You will find control pads or buttons on the earpieces when you choose wireless earbuds of a high price range. You need to tap on them so that you can increase the volume or skip a track. If you want to issue voice commands or take phone calls, you need to touch on the control pad or the buttons. Usually, cheaper models do not come with any controls. So, it is necessary to keep the mobile close to adjust the volume or skip a track. If you purchase the best earbud, you can find this even pausing music automatically when you pull an earbud out of your ear. So, before buying, check whether the model you are selecting features responsive controls or not.
6) Noise Canceling:
A few products provide a noise-canceling feature to decrease the drone of aircraft engines or railway tracks. The circuitry can consume batteries. Therefore, remember that you will not get lengthy listening times using these models. The earpieces are chunky because these accommodate the larger size batteries which the circuitry needs. Generally, these have a ‘Hear-Thru’ feature used to adjust the noise canceling. You only need to hit a button to mute music and then hear what others say without removing your headphones.
7) Charging Case:
In the charging case, we generally store and recharge wireless earbuds. This case is vital for a pair of wireless earbuds. So, it must be robust enough.
8) Volume:
If it comes to talking about the volume levels, you should know that all models are not designed equally. While a few earbuds want users to turn them up to maximum volume, other models offer sufficient sound setting volume at 50%. Do you compare many models in the audio store? Then, you should check out the volume levels.
Wireless models are perfect to use for exercising or listening to music as these don’t need to use the wires which connect every earbud. People willing to move about & not use any wires must try these wireless earbuds. However, battery life and fit are two drawbacks of the wireless earbuds.
The Bottom Line:
To choose the best wireless earbuds for running, you need to check out the features of the model to assess how beneficial these are in the long run. Various brands come with various strengths. So, you must take your time to do a great research before making the final decision. Top 5 best wireless earbuds for running are mentioned in this article. You can choose one of these as per your budget and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are JBL earbuds good for running?
If you are looking for an earbud for the gym, you can choose the JBL Reflect Aero TWS true wireless earbuds. The reason is that these stay in place very securely. In addition, these have simple controls. Moreover, the earbuds are waterproof & sweatproof and IP68 water-resistant.
Do wireless earbuds stay in while running?
When you use earbuds that come without a sweatproof feature, these may stop working halfway through your run. Moreover, you need to check whether these fit in your ears or not. If not, these may fall from your ears when you exercise.
Is it OK to run with earbuds?
Before buying earbuds, ensure that these fit properly. In addition, these need to be water-resistant. So, if you want to buy them for running outside, they must come with integrated safety features.
