What are the Best Sports Headphones for the iPhone or iPod?

Unfortunately you’re not going to like our answer.  We’re not going to unveil some secret list of sports earbuds to replace those horrible white earbuds that Apple packages with their products.  Why?  Because there is no such list.  In all honesty nearly every sports headphones manufacturer we’ve encountered ensures that one of the first things they do is check for compatibility with the iPhone and iPod.  It would be silly not to.  Thus, the best sports headphones for the iPhone or iPod are – in most cases – the best sports headphones for any device.

However, some sports headphones are taking it to a whole new level by including specific integration with the iPhone with control talk features and in-line phone and music controls.  It’s these headphones that we recommend you look at first.

Our Top 6 Sports Headphones for the iPhone

*Note: we have not rated this list 1-6, these are just our overall top 6 listed in alphabetical order.

Bose MIE2i

The Bose MIE2i are an adaptation from their industry leading Bose IE2 headphones, with a specific focus on increased functionality with Apple products.  The in-line controls feature call controls, such as one touch answering and volume and track controls that work seamlessly with Apple products

Of all the headphones on the list the Bose MIE2i and the Sennheiser CX 680i are the only sports earbuds that utilize an ear fin system to hold the earbuds in place while working out or training.  This is becoming increasingly popular for people who are trying to avoid an in-ear canal earbud, but still wanting a great fit.

Click here for our full review

Klipsch Image S4i

The Klipsch Image S4i are a takeoff of the Klipsch Image S4, with the added functionality of a 3 button Apple control.  One feature they put a lot of effort into is an echo-cancelling  microphone that is built into the in-line controls.  This can definitely come in handy if you’re using these to answer a call while at the gym.

While the Klipsch Image S4i are still an incredible set of sports earbuds for the iPhone, we highly recommend you check out the updated Klipsch Image S5i (directly below).

 Click here for our full review

Klipsch Image S5i

Klipsch decided to capitalize on the popularity of the Klipsch Image S4i by creating the Klipsch Image S5i.  Not only do they also sound amazing and utilize their patented oval ear tips, but they’ve also put a major emphasis on durability which will go a long way for any athlete that loves to train while tuned into their favorite songs.

One additional feature they’ve added to the inline controls is to make the actual buttons larger.  This makes these headphones perfect for someone utilizing them with gloves on, for instance, skiing.

 Click here for our full review

Polk Audio UltraFit 3000

The UltraFit 3000 from Polk Audio are the newest sports headphones on this list and also the only ear hook headphones included.  These are 1 of 4 of Polk Audio’s new line of sports headphones and one of the only ones to include in-line controls that function with the iPhone.

While these are a bit newer and not as tested as the others on this list, Polk Audio is well known for extraordinary sound quality and if you’re a runner you may like the addition of the ear hook to keep these in place.  Definitely check these out.  It doesn’t hurt that they look pretty nice as well, coming in multiple different colors.

Click here for our full review

Sennheiser CX 680i

The Sennheiser CX 680i are very similar to the Bose MIE2i, in that they also utilize an ear fin system for a secure fit while working out.  Just like the Bose, these headphones will stay put once you have them in.

An added benefit that you’ll notice most Sennheiser sports headphones utilize is the bright yellow color on the controls and cord.  Not only does at add a little bit of style, but it’s also a safety factor for anyone running at night or working out at dusk.

 Click here for our full review

Sennheiser PMX 680i

The Sennheiser PMX 680i are the only neckband headphones on this list.  They utilize the same system as the Sennheiser CX 680i (mentioned above).

These are some of the single most popular sports headphones in the past couple years, and continue to be a standard for neckband headphones.  We’ve had some great input from cyclists who really love these headphones.

Click here for our full review

What are some other sports headphones that work great with the iPhone?

As we mentioned above it is very rare that we come across earbuds that don’t function well with Apple products.  While the above sports earbuds have the added functionality of in-line controls to add to their sports features, there are still other great workout earbuds for the iPhone.  If you’re looking to check out some of the other options, we highly recommend you check out these amazing sports headphones.

The post Best Sports Headphones for iPhone appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Update 6/28/15: These headphones have been discontinued by Bose. However, the IE2 are still available, and you can read our review here.

Bose was well aware of the need for a pair of workout headphones enhanced for use with smart phones when they created the Bose MIE2 Mobile Headphones.  Building upon their already successful Bose IE2, the MIE2 add the ability to take calls with one touch ease.

Pros

Sound Quality.  It’s going to be difficult to beat the sound quality of the Bose MIE2 without spending hundreds of dollars.  As far as sound quality this is probably in our top 3 for workout headphones.

Enjoy Music and Hands Free Calls.  The MIE2 add an in-line control that allows you to take phone calls with just one touch of a button.  The microphone is also built into the in-line controls and doesn’t need to be held to talk.

Fit and Security.  The ear fin design is something we’ve only seen in a few other headphones and they stay super secure when active.

Cons

Ear Fins.  Other than becoming accustomed to the Bose StayHear technology there really are no negatives to these headphones.  It may take a few days or even a week to get used to them, but after that it’s like they’re not even there.

Full Review

The Bose MIE2 are a spin off of the Bose IE2 and are very similar in design to the Monster iSport and Sennheiser CX 680.  These are some of the best workout headphones available.  They’ve undergone extreme testing by Bose to ensure durability and have been designed with very high grade materials, which can be a huge deal for anyone serious about their training.

While these headphones are not noise isolating, we don’t consider that a negative unless you’re specifically using these for gym use only.  But it’s very rare that people are using headphones only in the gym.  If you like to be active outside and usually use your iPhone or other smart phone as your MP3 player these should be your top choice.

In addition, Bose has also created the Bose MIE2i which are designed specifically for enhanced use with your iPhone and iPod.

Specifications

• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod, MP3 players, CD players, Laptops
• Volume Controls: in-line
• Talk Controls: in-line
• Plug: 3.5mm, angled

• 

  Adapter: 2.5mm

What’s in the Box

• Bose MIE2 Headphones
• (2) 2.5mm adapters (for additional mobile phone compabitility
• 3 different size StayHear tips
• 3 different size ear bud tips
• Cable clip

Where to Buy

*Please see our update above about these headphones being discontinued by Bose.

The post Bose MIE2 Mobile Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Well now, they’re back at with the Bose IE2.  Only this time they’ve developed a brand new technology for sports enthusiasts.  Not only that, but Bose using an intertwined color system of black and white striping on the headphone cables and the earbuds, Bose has also created a nice looking pair of headphones.

Pros

Sound Quality.  Bose continues to impress with their sound quality.  Even though the Bose IE1 had impressive sound, the Bose IE2 will blow you away.  Bose added an additional port on the earphones to boost bass tones, which in turn improves the overall natural sound quality of the headphones.  There’s one thing for sure, with Bose, sound quality is never a problem

Fit and Comfort.   The one complaint about the Bose IE1 was fit.  During sports, the Bose IE1 would come lose or fall out.  Well, Bose listened to their audience and addressed that very issue with a brand new technology: StayHear.

Style.  Chrome speaker grills and black and white strip cabling make you look good while you workout.

Cons

Adjusting to Ear Fins.  The Stay Hear technology, which takes advantage of ear fins to keep the earbuds in place is still new and may be awkward for some people.  We don’t really consider this a con, just wanted to give everyone a heads up that it may take a week or two to adjust, but after that they’re amazing.

Full Review

The time of the year hasn’t come yet for Best Workout Headphones of 2011, but we can almost guarantee these will be on the list.  In fact they may even stay on the list in 2012, that’s how awesome these headphones are.

What exactly is StayHear technology?

Essentially the Bose IE2 utilize a newly designed silicon earpiece that comfortably keeps the in-ear bud firmly in place during workouts or other activities.  Take a look at the picture for more details.

How is this different than other in-ear headphones?

Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, the Bose IE2 sit just on top of the ear, allowing plenty of breathing area for the ear.  This provides 2 major benefits:

1. Reduces likelihood of experiencing “sweaty ear” problem, sometimes common with in-ear headphones.
2. Gives people who don’t traditionally like in-ear headphones another option with the same result

Specifications

• Designed specifically for mp3 players, laptops, CD players, DVD players and other portable devices
• Advanced materials construction allows for increased durability
• Cable length: 45 inches

What’s in the Box?

• Bose IE2 audio headphones
• Protective carrying case
• 3 StayHear tips (small, medium, large)
• Cable clip

Where to Buy

Click here to see the best price we could find

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