If you love running, you know that the key to having that extra energy is music. Even when you think you are done, a good song can always pump you up and push you further. So in order to get the most out of it, you need to have some good headphones. But not just any, you need the best running headphones because you want them to fit as well as your shoes. Bad headphones can really ruin your workout.
Before running to the store now, there are key features to pay in mind. For example how much you are willing to pay, are you mostly running at the gym or do you have your own preference. Such as wireless over wired. For that I have put together a list of main features to check before purchasing headphones for running.
Wireless bluetooth headphones are widely popular and Jaybird is a company that has truly brought it to the masses. They are the company that first came out with the BlueBuds X – the first good wireless sports headphone.
However that was years ago and they have now released the Jaybird X2, which are in our opinion the best running headphones by far. Literally everything about them is good. We have also picked them as our favorites under the best gym headphones article.
What Features to Look For
There are loads of headsets available but not all of them are good for running. All of them will probably work but they will either feel uncomfortable or break really fast. So below are the main features to look for.
The headphones have to be sweat proof/moisture resistant
Anything else will not work. Sweat/moisture is the number one destroyer of headphones. So if you value your money, get headphones that will last as you will be sweating while running.
In-ear bud tips and fins
Needless to say, the best running headphones are in-ears. Over-ears will be too bulky and they can fall off your head, which will be annoying. I mean they can work but only if you are running on a treadmill. Now make sure that the in-ears come with different size earbuds. This way the headphones will fit you perfectly and won’t fall out. The best ones also have ear fins which will make the headphone glued to your ear.
Remote control on the cable
This isn’t a must but it makes your running much more comfortable. 99% of the time you will be using a smartphone and people will call. Having the remote control there will make it easier to pick up those calls. Plus you can use it to skip songs without having to take your smartphone out.
Wired Or Wireless Headphones
Choosing between wired and wireless headphones comes down to personal preference and budget. Wireless headphones do cost more so that will set a limit. I personally prefer wireless as they provide me more freedom of movement. Especially when I need to take the phone out my pocket. If you aren’t as addicted to reading every message you get on your smartphone though, then wired headphones might actually be enough.
Another thing to consider is if you have an iPhone 7 which sadly does not have a headphone jack. I mean yeah you can use the adapter but it will make things bulkier. So a wireless headphone is probably a better option then.