10 Best Wireless Headphones for Athletics [Buyer’s Guide] – 2021

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Buyer’s Guide: Best Wireless Headphones for Athletics – 2021

 

The best wireless headphones for athletics are comfortable, securely fitting and deliver great sound. After reviewing dozens of wireless headphones for athletics, we’ve gathered some some of the best options across several configurations and price points.

For the best athletic headphones overall, we recommend the Beats by Dr Dre Powerbeats Pro. You also can’t go wrong with the Jabra Elite Active 65t in the mid-range; its our best value for money pick. And for those who are on a budget or maybe just want to have a backup plan, the Anker Soundcore Spirit 2 is a great choice.

Our Picks for Best Wireless Headphones for Athletics

Best Wireless Headphones For Athletics Why We Recommend It
Beats by Dr Dre Powerbeats Pro Best Overall
Jabra Elite Active 65t Best Value
Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Best for Durability
Bose SoundSport Free Best for Sound Quality
Urbanears Stadion Best for Comfort
Soundsport Liberty Neo Best for Outdoors
Bose SoundSport Wireless Best for Runners
RHA TrueConnect Best Airpod Dupe
Monster iSport Victory Wireless Best for Customizability
Anker Soundcore Spirit 2 Best Budget Friendly

 

Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro – Best Overall

The sleek, lightweight, and durable Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds are purpose built for serious athletes.

The secure hooks with multiple earbud tips are versatile enough to stay in place no matter your size, and with IPX4-rated sweat resistance, these wireless earbuds are the last thing you have to worry about when you’re in the zone.

They are designed to be long lasting, up to 9 hours on a single charge, and with fast charging technology can get 1.5 hours of use out of 5 minutes of charging. With the case, you’ll be good to go with 24 hours of capacity.

 

Our Top Pick
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds - Apple H1 Beats By Dre
Pros:
  • Great overall sound quality, clarity, and range for music
  • Ear hooks are adjustable for lightweight comfort and stability
  • Sweat resistance for vigorous workouts
  • 9 hours of playback on a single charge
  • Compatible with iOS and Android
Cons:
  • Limited mids and bottom-range bass can make some vocals sound sharp and clangy
  • Case is required to pair headphones
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Jabra Elite Active 65t – Best Value

For great overall value, the Jabra Elite Active 65t in ear wireless earbuds are a great option for athletes. These comfortably fitting earphones are the most secure in ear wireless buds available. 

They deliver high quality audio, with a bang that is worth the buck. The brand has released numerous updates to fine tune the sound of the Jabra elite Active 65t, and these headphones will deliver very high quality output.

The Jabra Elite Active 65t are suited for heavy workouts and athletics, since they will comfortably handle sweat and the increasingly harsh conditions that athletes may choose to use the headphones in. These robust sounding headphones with a secure fit could be your ideal headphones for athletics events.

 

Best Value
Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds – True Wireless Earbuds
$53.35
Pros:
  • The best fitting true wireless buds on the market
  • Comfortable when used for long amounts of time
  • Designed to handle impact and falls
  • Has a companion app to adjust bass and treble
Cons:
  • Microphone has poor sound isolation
  • Buttons are uncomfortable to use while in-ear
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09/06/2023 04:42 am GMT

 

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

The Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 headphones are specially designed to handle strenuous workouts and athletic events. They are coated with a nano-fiber that makes them resistant to sweat and water, ensuring durable use. 

These headphones deliver fantastic sound for both android and iOS devices, thanks to their AAC and Apt-X support. The lengthy battery life will ensure consistent use, with the great design ensuring these in ear headphones remain comfortable throughout.

Their over and in ear anchorage helps to secure these headphones, ensuring that they will stay in your ear all day. They are very ideal for noise isolation as well, and may even block out noise in certain environments.

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Premium Wireless Sport Earphones
Pros:
  • Great value for money buy
  • Secure but comfortably fitting
  • Astounding sound quality
  • High quality build for added durability
  • Compatible with Android and iOS
Cons:
  • Not true wireless like other options listed
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Bose SoundSport Free

The Bose SoundSport Free  delivers some of the best quality audio available, though they may not be suitable for all kinds of sports.

These headphones offer an unbeatable sound, thanks to specialized technology for enhanced sound isolation. The bass output is great too! Sonically, these headphones are competitive with the other high end options listed.

They are not quite as securely fitting as the Jabra Elite Active 65t, but they will deliver great comfort and might be an ideal alternative for athletes looking to uphold performance over design.

These headphones carry a sufficient battery cycle, and they will last throughout your whole session. If you are looking for a high output and fairly comfortable set of headphones, these could be a great go-to choice.

Bose SoundSport Free, True Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones for Workouts and Sports), Midnight Blue / Citron
$219.99
Pros:
  • Consistent connectivity
  • Highly comfortable
  • Great quality sound
Cons:
  • Might be susceptible to wind interference
  • Not the most elegant design
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09/06/2023 09:17 am GMT

 

Urbanears Stadion

The Urbanears Stadion headphones are a classic option for athletes. These headphones are very comfortable. They are also designed to fit your ear with minimal discomfort, even when used for long amounts of time at a go.

They are lightweight and securely fitting, and will not cause any strain on your ears. They deliver well balanced audio, which makes them an option to consider in terms of performance. They will allow some ambient sound, which means that you can use the headphones in louder environments with minimal interference.

They carry a sufficient battery life for extended use. Their in-line controls are located at the nape of your neck, which makes controlling these headphones during an active workout rather challenging.

Urbanears Stadion in-Ear Active Wireless Bluetooth Headset
$32.99
Pros:
  • Secure fit designed for minimal noise penetration
  • Comfortable when used over long periods of time
  • Durable build
Cons:
  • Poorly placed controls
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09/06/2023 04:30 am GMT

 

Soundsport Liberty Neo by Anker

The Soundsport Liberty Neo by Anker offer a great value for money option for athletics. They are waterproof, securely fitting and will remain comfortable when used over long sessions at a time. They are spectacular in terms of sound quality, but their battery cycle might prove disruptive for athletics.

They carry about 3.5 hours of charge, with the charging case offering an additional 8-9 hours of battery life. Their 3.5-hour cycles are the shortest of any option listed, which could affect your convenience That aside, they are a great pair of headphones for use outdoors. Still, they are a solid option for athletes.

Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo True Wireless Earbuds
Pros:
  • High quality sound output - great bass and noise isolation
  • Comfortable even when used over time
  • Great value for money buy
  • IPX7 waterproof rating
Cons:
  • Not the longest battery life
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Bose SoundSport Wireless

One of the more lightweight options on this list, the Bose SoundSport Wireless is a comfortable and easy to use option that should enhance your listening experience when engaged in athletics. These headphones fit securely in the ear, facilitating minimal distraction. They are durable, and feature a nano-coating that offers water proofing benefits.

These headphones will deliver great sound, which will ensure an immersive listening experience. They are solid and will work just as well outdoors as indoors. Athletes should consider the SoundSport wireless headphones due to the high comfort level and rugged design, which ensures added protection.

They will stay comfortable even when used for lengthy amounts of time, and carry sufficient charge to see out even the longest sporting sessions. They might be a bit higher priced than similar quality options.

Bose SoundSport, Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones for Running and Sports), Black
$164.95
Pros:
  • Excellent performance and sound
  • High quality build
  • Comfortable fit
Cons:
  • Not competitively priced
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09/06/2023 03:59 am GMT

 

RHA TrueConnect

With one of the longest battery cycles of models listed, the RHA TrueConnect is an efficient option.

These AirPod-lookalikes are stylish, and are designed to fit in the ear securely. They do not have the loudest bass on offer, but they will deliver great sound quality. They are also ideal for use outdoors because they block out noise, ensuring better audio clarity. They come with a variety of filter tips, allowing you to find a specific fit. They may experience a drop in connectivity, but they offer a sufficient performance for the price.

RHA Trueconnect - Carbon Black: True Wireless Earbuds with Bluetooth 5 & Sweatproof for Sport Activity
$49.95
Pros:
  • Comfortable but secure in ear fit
  • Stylish design
  • Great audio quality
Cons:
  • Some customers have experienced paring issues
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09/06/2023 10:50 am GMT

 

Monster iSport Victory Wireless

The in ear option with anchoring hooks, the Monster iSport Victory Wireless are a secure option that will work out well for athletes. These headphones match both the Sennheiser CX and NuForce BE Sport in terms of comfort and output, as well as convenient use in strenuous exercise environments.

Unlike the other two option, the iSport Victory wireless is both comfortable, easy to use and better priced. These headphones come with a variety of wings and tips, which allows you to find the right fit for your ear. 

The headphones also feature additional perks, such as voice control and better connectivity than some higher end rivals. The bass boosted sound quality will ensure energetic highs. They include a warm up and sport mode , allowing you to experience diverse sound customizations for the right fit for your needs.

Monster iSport Victory in-Ear Wireless Headphones
Pros:
  • Decent sound output quality
  • Convenient connectivity
  • Securely fitting regardless of activity
Cons:
  • Battery life can be compromised with poor use
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Anker Soundcore Spirit 2

If you are looking for the best wireless headphones for athletes, the Soundcore Spirit Sports 2 might be an ideal option for your needs. This sporty set is designed to handle even the most rigorous regimes. It is fully waterproof, and will even survive any sweat or water exposure.

These headphones are built to last, but also offer customized comfort. Thanks to the different filter tips and wings, you can pick a size that comfortably and securely fits in your ear, allowing you to enjoy your listening uninterrupted. 

The Soundcore Spirit Sport offers lengthy battery life as well, and includes a fast charge feature that allows you to use it for hours with only a few minutes’ worth of charge time.

 

Best Budget Friendly
Anker Soundcore Spirit 2 - Bluetooth Headphones
Pros:
  • Budget friendly
  • Guaranteed waterproof
  • Good quality audio
  • Secure and comfortable fit
Cons:
  • Not the best audio quality of models listed
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What should the best wireless headphones for athletes offer?

The best wireless headphones for athletics do not have to be true wireless, but these options are ideally suited for optimum  performance. They are securely fitting, comfortable and work to isolate sound for an immersive experience. But how do these features make them suitable for use by athletes? What are the top features that athletes should look for when finding the best wireless headphones for their needs?

 

Durability

The best headphones for athletes will not be worth the buck if they cannot last.  Athletes will have to engage in strenuous activities and may experience tough conditions, which makes it ideal that a set of headphones be able to withstand these conditions as well. A great pair of headphones may be waterproof and could be built to sustain impact and falls. This will reduce the likelihood of the need for a replacement.

 

Fit

The best set of headphones for athletes should be comfortable, not disruptive. An ideal option should be able to stay in the ear throughout strenuous exertion, reducing the likelihood of loss. They will also be less likely to be uncomfortable and weigh down on their user if they are snugly fitting. A comfortable fit might even improve sound isolation, which will work to minimize noise and enhance sound output.

 

Performance

Just because they are designed for athletics shouldn’t mean that you may compromise on audio quality. There are many great sounding headphones that will deliver a comfortable and secure fit, a durable build and a high quality sound as well. Combining all these features will enable you to find a high quality option that should go well with your athletics.

 

 

Final word

Durability, fit, and performance are standard expectations for a set of headphones suitable for athletics. By having a comfortable and securely fitting set of headphones, athletes will reduce the likelihood of distraction and boost their productivity.  A great option should also be durable and easy to use. If you are looking for an ideal option for athletics, workouts, sporting, or exercise we hope that you’ve found what you’re looking for in our recommendations.

There are many great options here, but theJabra Elite Active 65t are the best wireless headphones for athletes. They are comfortable, secure and easy to use. They will carry sufficient battery life, and will ensure you can listen to your music throughout your session. These headphones will not succumb to water damage, thanks to their protective nano coating that makes them compatible with outdoors use regardless of weather.  While they are a bit pricier than other options listed, these true wireless headphones will be just what you need to enjoy your audio experience when engaging in athletics.

Red
Hi, I'm Red, the Chief Editor of Red Diamond Audio.