BEst Sports and Running Headphones - TOP 10 Review

Category: Sports Headphones

If you enjoy sports and an active lifestyle, as well as possessing a love of music, then it's pretty natural to want to take your music with you when you work out. Many people put up with the poorly fitting standard iPod earbud earphones, but it's possible to find headphones that are much better for sporting applications.

Headphones designed specifically for sport can make life a lot easier if you are active. Finally there will be no more messing around with your earphones as you have to push them back in your ear again.

Whether you're out running, cycling, skating or keeping fit down the gym, a good pair of sports headphones that are up for the job can really enhance your experience.

What Makes a Good Sports Headphone?

Headphones for exercise and sport have a few unique challenges to overcome.

Secure fit on head and ears

First you need the headphones to stay on (or in) your ears, otherwise you will be forever fumbling around putting them back in. Headphones designed for sport should have some secure method of staying on your head or in your ears. Some sports headphones wrap around the neck, whereas others hook over the ears.

Resistance to sweat

Sports and exercise normally involves some sweating, so it would also help if the headphones are either resistant to sweat, or alternatively seal out moisture. Headphones that have removable foam earpads are a great feature as they can be washed out in water to remove the sweat.

Awareness and safety

Another consideration when choosing a pair of sports headphones is that of safety. Many in ear headphones are very effective at isolating you from external noise, which is great for hearing your music clearly, but does also mean you can easily lose awareness of your surroundings. For example if you are running near moving traffic with earphones then you need to be extra vigilant. Please be careful!

On the other hand if you are working out in a gym then the isolation from those around you may be exactly what you are looking for. A pair of in ear sound isolating headphones will enable to you focus on your routine without distraction from others nearby.

Buying Ideas

Below is a selection of headphones that are particularly suitable for sporting activities such as running, cycling, skating and exercising at the gym:

dB Logic EP-100 Pro Fit IEM Earphones

These innovative earphones from dB Logic fit securely (thanks to the over ear cable fit system), ensure you are listening a safe volume level and sound superb.

The dB Logic EP-100 earphones feature a patented sound limiting technology called SPL2 that ensures that you will always be listening at a safe volume.  The technology does not require batteries and you just plug the earphones into your MP3 player as normal.  We asked the manufacturer how the sound limiting works without batteries, but they said they would have to kill us if they told us!

If you are listening for hours at a time in the gym (or while travelling) then it's reassuring to know that you're not damaging your hearing. Thankfully the sound quality is left untouched by the SPL2 technology and the EP-100 sounds excellent.

Fit is comfortable and secure, with the small earphone body shaped to fit snug in the ear and the double flange eartips giving a good seal.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

The dB Logic EP-100 are small, comfortable earphones with superb sound quality and best of all you know you are listening at safe a volume level that will not damage your hearing.  This earphone is the perfect gym partner.

Sennheiser PMX80 Sport II Neckband Headphones

Sennheiser PMX680 headphones use a neckband design; some people find this stays on more securely than other fit methods. It really is very hard to dislodge the PMX680 from your head, we have had reports from some of our customers in the British Army and Professional Personal Trainers using the PMX680 in training, so these headphones really are built to stay put!

Solidly built with excellent strain relief and chunky well thought out cabling, Sennheiser give a 2 year Warranty on all their headphones.

The same comments made above regarding the PMX680's quality of sound and build apply to the OMX680 , with it being an earbud style headphone with ear clips. If you prefer ear clips to a Neckband design then the OMX680's.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

PMX680 are an ultra-light comfy neckband solution with an ear clip sister product, the OMX680. Both work well for road running or cycling.

SoundMAGIC E30 Earphones

A truly value for money earphone is the SoundMAGIC E30, which offers well balanced, accurate sound at a price that is hard to beat (RRP £39.99). The E30 has an in-ear monitor (IEM) design, which is normally reserved for much more expensive earphones (i.e. see earphones from Phonak, Westone, etc).

The cabling is designed to run up and over the ears to the back of the neck, which means the earbuds stay very securely in your ear.  This fit system works very well for sports, on stage in-ear monitoring or any situation where you are active.  Although it does take a bit of practice to get the hang of - it really is worth the effort.

The SoundMAGIC E30 is robustly built, with well made cables and good strain relief to protect the cabling from damage. The E30 comes supplied plenty of different size ear tips to ensure you get a good in-ear fit.  Comply T-400 Foam Tips work well with this earphone, which gives the best possible comfort and noise isolation.

Sound quality with the E30 is exceptional considering the price and compares well with earphones costing two or three times as much. The sound is well balanced for an earphone at this price point, with well defined bass and a high level of accuracy through the mids and highs. 

The E30 is available in black, white, blue and pink.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

A well thought out product with high standards of build quality, secure fit and sound that rivals many much more expensive earphones.  Perfect for use while exercising where sound isolation is an advantage.  The SoundMAGIC E30 is highly recommended and hard to beat at the price.

Klipsch S5i Rugged Earphones

The Klipsch S5i is a Rugged All-Weather In-Ear Isolating Earphones with Mic and 3-Button Control. Ideal for runners, skaters and other athletic types. The in-line mic and three-button remote, are extremely durable, yet still deliver the comfort and sound that has made Klipsch so popular. They feature dual magnet motor structures allowing for powerful bass with clear highs and enhanced lows.

Klipsch have rigorously moisture tested these rubberized in ears to offer weather resistance for all outdoor activities. The Image S5i feature a unique Apple compatible mic remote system for taking calls and having full music and/or voice control on select iPod and iPhone models. The buttons on the remote are slightly enlarged, making them easy to navigate when on-the-go or wearing gloves.

The Klipsch Image S5i Rugged comes with a heavy-duty safety case with a useful built-in flashlight and removable belt clip.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Great for running and training in all weathers.

H2O New Flex Waterproof Headphones

H2O Audio's line of waterproof sport headphones allows you to finally take your music everywhere even underwater! Featuring 100% waterproof and sweatproof technology and quality sound in a small brightly colored package. 

The ear buds themselves are smaller than average making them great for small ears.  H2O Flex headphones are compatible with all current H2O Audio cases and standard 3.5mm headphone jacks, they also features a smaller Seal Tight connector, making them easier to use with non-waterproofed devices.

Great for athletes (sweat and headphones don’t always mix), teens (don’t worry about leaving these headphones in your pocket for Mum to wash) clumsy people (ever dropped your ear buds in your coffee cup?) and just about anyone else, Flex headphones come packaged in a sized slim tube, making them great gifts for this holiday season. H2O products are endorsed by Olympians and Tri-athletes; why not use music to help improve your lap times in the pool as well as on the track?

HiFi Headphones Verdict

One of the few truly waterproof headphones, can be used with a waterproof MP3 player case for Swimming or just all weather training on land.

Jaybird SB2 Wireless Sports Headphones

The Jaybird SB2 Sportsband Wireless Bluetooth Headphones have the look of a design classic, taking visual cues from the 80s while maintaining a sleek, modern edge. Great sound feels even better when there are no cables. The sound has been carefully designed to evoke the emotions that get you to the gym, the street, your sport. For most active people that means great clear sound with a focus on bass.

Your head and ear shape are unique to you; well designed headphones must cater to your own head and ear contours. The Jaybird SB2 Sportsband Bluetooth Headphones do just that while maintaining a slim profile. Sliding arms help you find the perfect head size, and ear pads rotate in any direction to the angle of your ear.

The Jaybird SB2 Sportsband introduces the option of CD quality music performance over Bluetooth. It comes with apt-X on board, which cleans up, adds depth, bass and treble to your Bluetooth music with technical specifications matching that of a CD quality output.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

A wireless option may help with exercise that involves turning, swift arm movements or just if you don’t want cables.

Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

Shure's SE215 personal monitor earphones are designed to meet the demanding requirements of your audio lifestyle. With 80 years of experience Every Shure product is constructed to withstand the demands of everyday use.

Featuring a Dynamic MicroDriver for a detailed, warm, sound with improved bass, the Shure SE215 helps you enjoy your music, whether you are on-stage, in a train, on the street or working out.

Shure's SE215 earphones features a durable Kevlar reinforced cable that allows easy replacement or customisation. The formable wire ensures secure placement, and over the ear configuration keeps cables out of the way. The gold plated stereo connector has a lock-snap mechanism allowing 360 degree rotation for comfortable fit.

Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit of the Shure SE215 includes an assortment of foam and silicone sleeves in different sizes. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you. A good seal is key to optimising sound isolation and bass response as well as maximising comfort during extended wear or training sessions.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Fantastic earphone for the Gym, running and general training, plenty of ear tips for the best fit. Replaceable cables mean your headphones will survive a bad cable accident!

Grado iGrado Neckband Headphones

While the retro styling is not to everyone's taste, the Grado iGrado is a very worthy mention for sports use. The round the neck and over the ear design means the iGrado stays very well attached on most people's heads.

The sound quality with the iGrado is truly superb and has won a number of awards, including What HiFi? Sound & Vision "Best Portable Headphone" and "Editors Choice". This probably has something to do with the fact that the drivers (micro-speakers) used in the iGrado are exactly the same as those used in the much more expensive Grado SR60 full size HiFi headphone.

The iGrado is an open back headphone, so it leaks sound and lets in external noise. If you are running this means you can keep some level of awareness with your surroundings.

If you are concerned about the effects of sweat it's good to know that the ear pads on the iGrado are made from a foam material that can be removed and washed (probably best to wash by hand with just water). Spare iGrado earpads can also be purchased at a reasonable cost, so they can easily be replaced if they start to get a bit grubby.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

An audiophile sound in an exercise friendly format, great for road running and cycling as the open back allows you to hear traffic or other hazards.

SoundMAGIC EH11 Clip-On Headphones

The SoundMAGIC EH11 is a rugged Sports Headphone designed for serious everyday use Sports use by men and women. Made with a lightweight metal frame that can be adjusted to fit you perfectly.

Ear clips provide an alternative to neckband headphones for those who want a different fit. SoundMAGIC think it is important to get a good seal with the ear; the EH11 was designed to give the best possible audio experience for a clip on headphone. The rugged construction, well thought out cable design and sound improving fit will see the EH11 become your new long term training buddy.

HiFi Headphones Verdict

Great for the Gym or when you need to shut out external noise whilst being active.

More Sports Headphones

Check out our full range of headphones suitable for sports in our Sports Headphones category.