Running headphones are a must have for every serious athlete - music during exercise has been proven to significantly increase endurance. Plus, it helps you deal with the boredom that inevitably comes with long, repetitive running workouts.
In the article we will consider the types of sports headphones for running and by what criteria they are chosen, as well as give a rating of the best-selling devices on the Russian market. We will analyze it based on statistics from Yandex.Market, the largest online trading platform.
Types of running headphones
If you have never come across the purchase of running headphones, carefully study our classification - today's market is striking in its diversity.
By connection type
All devices by the type of connection to the music source can be divided into wired and wireless. As the name suggests, the former provide communication with the player via wires, and the latter via radio waves, infrared or Bluetooth, that is, without physical contact.
It is easy to guess that it is more convenient to use wireless devices for running - we will focus on them in this material. So, what are the wireless headphones for running and sports, which ones are better to choose and why - let's dive into the theory.
By construction type
By design type, all models are conventionally divided into overhead, plug-in and full-size. In turn, each group has its own subspecies - we suggest considering all of them in order to choose the best wireless running headphones in 2019.
- Over-ear running headphones. These are devices that are distinguished by solid dimensions, they completely cover the ears, providing high-quality noise cancellation and giving out beautiful and multifaceted sound. Such models are not very comfortable to put on for a street run - they are heavy, large and not very convenient to operate.
Allocate monitor and lightweight varieties of full-size appliances. The former are not suitable for running, they are more convenient to use for watching TV, listening to music in a calm home environment. The latter are smaller, so some runners who value high-quality sound choose them for training on a treadmill in the gym.
- In-ear sports bluetooth headphones for wireless running are the most popular for their compact size and excellent audio performance. The devices fit snugly right inside the ear. There are the following subtypes of such running headphones:
- Earbuds (buttons) - are attached in the auricle;
- In-ear or vacuum (plugs) - inserted deep into the ear canal;
- Custom - models that are assembled individually, based on the customer's ear impression. They are inserted into the ear canal and the outer body of the device fills the auricle.
- On-ear devices are the best bluetooth running headphones in terms of health benefits. The design of the models is located on the top or back of the runner's head, and the speakers are tightly pressed against the ears. Allocate clip-on wireless on-ear running headphones and standard, the first are fastened with clips, the second sit tightly due to the elastic structure.
By connection type
We will separately consider the types of wireless headphones for running by connection type:
- Radio waves - they have the longest range, but react to any interference and interruptions, which is not very convenient;
- Infrared - they have the shortest radius, no more than 10 m, but they transmit sound better than bluetooth or radio waves;
- Bluetooth - the most modern and popular models today, they do not react to interference, are able to receive a signal at a distance of 30-50 m, they look stylish and compact. The disadvantage is that they slightly distort the sound, which only runners with perfect hearing and high demands on the quality of music reproduction can notice.
How to choose and what to look for
Choosing the right gadgets is the key to a successful workout. It is a proven fact that with the help of various devices (for example, a running watch or a heart rate monitor), you conduct the most effective workout. Because thanks to them, you constantly monitor your condition and understand how much you are giving all the best. And music in your ears creates a special mood and does not let you get bored!
Before diving into the ranking, let's take a look at how to choose wireless running and fitness headphones, what they should be:
- First, let's re-emphasize that wired gadgets are not convenient to use for jogging. Wires get in the way and get confused, they are easy to catch, pull out of the ears, and harder to follow. However, we emphasize that the sound in wired devices is better than in wireless ones. As the saying goes, prioritize - which is more important to you, sound or comfort.
- The device should be securely attached to the ear, without squeezing or discomfort;
- A good model makes a smooth connection with the player, without stuttering, delays, failures;
- A significant advantage is the presence of a moisture protection function (certificate not lower than IPx6);
- It absorbs external noises well, while allowing the athlete to distinguish loud warning signals (for example, automobile);
- Devices with ear mounts that prevent the ear pads from falling out during intense movements have proven themselves excellent;
- Convenience in manipulation is of great importance - the athlete should not be distracted and slow down for the sake of switching tracks, adjusting the volume, etc.
- Provides beautiful and versatile sound to keep the athlete sweating on the treadmill with pleasure.
TOP 5 running headphones
Well, we come to the most important thing - the ranking of the best wireless running headphones in 2019. We remind you once again that we were guided by Yandex Market data and selected the best-selling devices as of the end of spring 2019.
Now you know how to choose wireless running headphones and what they are. The analysis includes an overview of their prices, features, and advantages and disadvantages.
1. JBL Endurance Sprint - 2190 p.
Buyers appreciated the excellent sound insulation and solid build quality. This is a kind of in-ear wireless Bluetooth sports running headphones with IPx7 waterproof level. The model is not afraid of dust or immersion in water for up to an hour, which means that you can swim in the pool and run in the pouring rain.
Pros:
- Fast charging;
- Battery life - 8 hours;
- Acceptable price;
- Waterproofness;
- Good sound;
Minuses:
- Overly sensitive touch controls;
- The treble is too high - the ears get tired quickly.
- No storage case included.
2. AfterShokz Trekz Air - 9000 p.
Introducing the best on-ear running headphones that weigh only 30g, are water-resistant and deliver great sound quality. They are attached to the head with the occipital arch, the radius of action is 10-15 m. There is support for bone conduction.
Pros:
- Music playback quality;
- Excellent build;
- Stylish appearance;
- 10 hours work from the charge;
- High quality headset;
Minuses;
- No skipping back track;
- The high collar of the jacket may touch the temple;
- High price;
- Soundproofing is not impressive - you can hear the street, listening to audiobooks is inconvenient.
3. Xiaomi Millet Sports Bluetooth - 1167 p.
These are some of the most comfortable in-ear running headphones in the budget sector - they sound great, have good noise isolation, are inexpensive, stylish, and are rain-proof (you can't dive with them).
Pros:
- Very comfortable, can be worn even in a tight hat - they do not crush or interfere;
- Excellent management;
- Lots of interchangeable ear pads - 5 pairs of different sizes;
Disadvantages:
- The bluetooth receiver sometimes works with freezes - you need to disable the "Scan" function in the settings;
- Autonomy of work - 5 hours;
- The voice menu language is only Chinese.
4. Sony WF-SP700N - 9600 p.
If you want to know which headphones are more comfortable for running and, at the same time, are ready to spend money - buy these. They are perfect for sports, they are not afraid of water, they sound good (Sony lives up to their brand), they contain a bunch of cool features, they come with a charging case, holders, replaceable ear pads.
Pros:
- They sit well in the ears;
- Excellent noise cancellation - comfortable and acceptable
- Hold a charge for a long time - 9-12 hours;
- Great headset;
- They are stylish and this is Sony!
Minuses:
- The voice menu is very quiet;
- There is no volume control on the headphones themselves;
- Expensive;
- Some users have noticed a delay in audio when watching a video.
5. Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex - 4100 p.
If you are unsure of which headphones to choose for running outdoors, this is the best choice with an average price tag. Made to last, ergonomic, stylish, sound great, folds comfortably.
Pros:
- Nice headset;
- High-quality ear pads - nice for your ears;
- Long charging;
Minuses:
- Sound insulation is not up to par;
- Some customers have noted that the neck strap with the wires coming out of it is not comfortable;
- Volume keys are hard to find.
So, we have studied in detail the topic of running headphones - let me draw the main conclusion. For our purpose, it is best to buy wireless in-ear headphones. It is advisable to find a model with good moisture protection. With such ears, you can run in any weather, you will enjoy your favorite tracks without noticing the device.
