Pros

Super Lightweight.  The neckband is flexible and lightweight keeping the overall weight of the headphones to a minimum.

Features and Controls.  We really like the location and ease of use of the controls for music and calls.

Multiple Colors Available.  You can find the Exercise Freak in blue, yellow, or black.  We’re kinda partial to the blue and yellow though.

Cons

Price.  Besides the Monster iSport these are the most expensive workout headphones we’ve reviewed.  The Denon name and premium quality does come with these, but you’ll have to decide if that’s worth it.

Earbud Seal.  This is kind of a pro and a con depending on how you look at it.  The round style silicone tips don’t seal the ear canal 100%, which means you lose a little bit of noise isolation.  However, it does allow you to be a bit more aware of your surroundings, which is a great thing if you workout outdoors.

Full Review

The Exercise Freak is the first pair of headphones devoted solely to sports by Denon.

Below is a pretty nice photo by Denon showing all the features and controls.  As we mentioned above we really like how the ear piece that sits behind the ear holds all the controls.  Our audiologist took one look at these headphones and said, “It’s about time the headphone manufacturers started taking note of how hearing aid manufacturers have been doing this for years.”

Take a close look at the large round button on the ear piece.  This is a tap-to-talk button that essentially switches between music and phone if you have it hooked up to your iPhone or other smartphone.  You’ll also notice the volume/play/pause controls are on the top/back of the ear piece and the microphone is just underneath the ear piece, which is a perfect location to avoid wind distortion when working out outside.

One feature not shown above is the reflective lining on the neckband, perfect for evening (or early morning) workouts.  If you’re putting safety first this is becoming a must have feature for those of us that don’t workout in a gym.

Another cool feature is the Sport App they’ve created to work seamlessly with these headphones (though any other sport app would work as well).  This is another common feature that we’re seeing with a lot of new sports headphones (i.e. the Motorola SF Series)

Overall we’re a big fan of the Denon Exercise Freak.  We think they did a great job with their first pair of Bluetooth sports headphones, and our only real drawback is the price, which is anticipated to be $149.  It’s hard to convince us to spend that much when other headphones such as the Jaybird Freedom are available for less.  We do understand a lot of people love Denon headphones and that may be worth the premium.

Specifications

• Bluetooth 3.0 Wireless connectivity
• Sweat-resistant
• Weight: 23 grams (0.8 ounces)
• Play time: up to 7 hours

What’s in the Box

As you can see from the photo above Denon includes all the necessities for a workout headphones kit.

• Denon AH-W150 Exercise Freak Headphones
• Mesh carrying case with carabiner
• Micro USB cable for charging
• (4) sets of anti-microbial silicon ear tips (XS, S, M, L)

Where to Buy

Click here to get the Denon AH-W150 Exercise Freak Headphones

The post Denon AH-W150 Exercise Freak Headphones Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

Unique Control Location.  This is the first pair of workout headphones we’ve seen where the controls are nowhere near the ears.  Some will like it, some will hate it.  We thought it was innovative.

Secure Fit.  You can instantly tell these headphones were built to fit securely.  The question becomes, are they a little too snug?

Cons

Short Battery Life.  We hate to be picky because we don’t foresee any 5+ hour workouts in the near future, but these headphones will only last that long on one charge, 2-3 hours short of the usual average for Bluetooth sports headphones.

Awkard Earbud Fit.  These earpieces are very similar to the iLuv FitActive, only they seem to be made with a material that doesn’t flex very well and is a bit uncomfortable.

Note: Arriva has addressed this issue by including Acoustibuds (which work great)

Full Review

The Arriva Leo is straight up funky…in a good way.

This is a very unique pair of workout headphones, visually, but how do they stack up?

It’s pretty clear from the get go that Arriva is marketing these headphones for extreme sports, but we found it a bit odd that their web page clearly goes out of the way to state these are not waterproof and then accompanies that with a photo of a guy skiing.  No big deal, there’s very few headphones outside of H2O that are 100% waterproof anyways.  They are however water-resistant, which should be enough for most (good) skiers or snowboarders.

The sound quality was average, nothing great, nothing horrible, so not a lot of comments there.

Out biggest hang up was on the most obvious feature, the noodle like arms.  Arriva did a great job in creating a frame that stays put, but at the same time we found 2 problems with that frame:

1. It’s not all that comfortable, until you break them in for a bit
2. It doesn’t hold it’s shape

Attached to those arms, on the very back of the headset, are the controls which we actually did like.  We tested these with a few different style helmets and didn’t have a problem getting them to fit, so that was definitely a plus for bikers or snowboarders.

Overall we like the idea behind the Leo and could see a use for them if were were having difficulty with other style headphones staying fit.  But we feel as though they definitely have some room for improvement, so hopefully we’ll see some LEO 2.0s in the future.

Specifications

• Bluetooth 2.1
• Charge time: 1.5 hours
• Music time: 5.2 hours

What’s in the Box

• Arriva Leo Bluetooth headphones
• (1) pair Acoustibuds
• (4) different size earpieces
• Micro USB wall charger
• Carrying case

Where to Buy

Click here to get the Arriva Leo Bluetooth Headphones

The post Arriva Leo Bluetooth Headphones Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Either way, we’ve finally reviewed the new Motorola SF 600.

Pros

Price.  Some people are going to disagree because the MSRP is $129.99, which is on the higher end for sports headphones, but you get more than your money’s worth, especially if you’re serious about your music and your workouts.

Built with Kevlar.  No, your headphones likely aren’t bullet proof, but they are unbelievably light since they are built with scratch resistant Kevlar.

Sweat Resistant.  To add further to the durability the Motorola utilized hydrophobic mesh and silicone seals to help keep moisture out.

Cons

Neckband cord.  Most neckband headphones use a more sturdy/stiff plastic band that sits just off your neck.  The SF 600 use a flexible cable that actually rests/touches your neck a lot during the workout.  Wasn’t a huge deal, but it did bother us a little bit.  It’s also not adjustable, though neckbands usually aren’t.

Full Review

When Motorola created the SF 600 they made them to function perfectly with their “Ultimate Fitness Device” the MOTOACTV.  We’re not going to get into details on the MOTOACTV, but if you’re considering these headphones we recommend you check out this device.

The first thing we want to talk about is the design.  The SF 600 feature a design similar to the Jabra Sport and Jaybird Freedom, which utilizes a thin cord to connect each ear bud and also acts as a neckband.

The controls sit on the top of each earbud.  The right earbud houses the volume and multi-function button (forward/back/play/pause) and the left earbud holds the power button.  The buttons are fairly easy to get to, though if you’re not to Bluetooth it may take some time to get accustomed to reach up to your ear to adjust everything.

Once you’ve figured out which ear gel gives you the best fit, and you get to choose from 5 different ear gels, the sound quality is pretty dang good.  Lo/Mid/Hi ranges all sounded very solid.  We were expecting to experience a lot of ambient noise or distortion from wind because the ear buds are pretty exposed, but we were pleasantly surprised.

As for the fit, they were extremely comfortable and not once did we have a problem with them coming lose or falling off.  We should point out though that the a secure fit seems to rely more on the ear buds than the ear hook, so it’s important that you spend the time to choose the right size ear cushions.  The only thing that bothered us slightly was the thin cable that connects the earbuds.  It’s about 8 inches long and sometimes it felt a little awkward/uncomfortable resting on our neck.

These are Bluetooth headphones so we did take a few calls and everything worked out fine.  When you get an incoming call it will actually stop your music and announce the call allowing you to take it or not.  The microphone (which is built into the headphones) was average, nothing great, nothing bad.

Bottom line is sound quality is great, durability is exceptional, comfort is above average.  Combined with the MOTOACTV these really are some of the best sports headphones available.

Specifications

• Bluetooth range = 30 feet
• Battery life = 5-6 hours
• Charging time = 1-2 hours

What’s in the Box

• Motorola SF 600 Sports Headphones
• (3) sets of round silicone ear cushions (S/M/L)
• (3) sets of round/grooved silicone ear cushions (S/M/L)
• Micro USB charger
• Carrying case

Where to Buy

Click here to get the Motorola SF 600 now

The post Motorola SF 600 Wireless Sports Headphones Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

 Connect to 2 Devices Simultaneously.  This is one feature we’re seeing more and more of because users want the ability to walk in the door from the gym and still use their headphones with another device, like their computer, without having to pair up to it all over again.

Easy to Carry.  This is the first headset we’ve seen that has a collapsible headband.  Definitely a pretty cool feature if you’re looking to toss these in your gym bag or even take them on the plane.

Not Noise Isolating or Noise Cancelling.  We actually thing this is a major plus.  All too often we find runners using noise cancelling headphones, which is a major safety concern.  While noise isolating headphones can be a bit of an improvement, using on-ear headphones is actually your safest bet.

Cons

Durability.  We haven’t actually experienced any problems with the durability or talked to anyone that has, but typically anything with “moving parts” has an increased risk to get damaged.  So, while we love the collapsible option, the hinge is definitely a weak point in the design.  As long as you’re not rough on your headphones then it’s unlikely you’ll ever see a problem.

Full Review

The Jabra HALO 2 Bluetooth Headset is the newest in the increasing line of sports headsets we’ve seen over the last couple years.  One of the major reasons people love the headband style as opposed to the new in-ear or in-ear canal headphones is that they are light on their ears.  The Jabra HALO 2 is exceptionally light, as they include a velvet like covering on the ear phone that is extremely comfortable.

Unfortunately, as with any headband, they are limiting.  They won’t be ideal for the gym if you’re doing a lot of situps or using a lot of benches, as the headphones could slip a little bit or even fall off.  In addition, cyclists aren’t likely to use these unless they want to without a helmet.  The Jabra HALO 2 is more for the casual exerciser or runner who wants to use these as both workout headphones and for other things, like listening to movies on their laptop.

The end result is they sound great, the Bluetooth connectivity is good, and they’re extremely comfortable.  You really can’t go wrong with these, just make sure you define what you want to use them for before buying. 

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Talk Time: up to 8 hours
• Music Time: up to 8 hours
• Standby Time: up to 13 days

What’s in the Box

• Jabra HALO 2 Bluetooth Stereo Headset
• 3.5mm connector plug (for use with non Bluetooth devices)
• AC adapter
• USB cable
• Micro USB cable

Where to Buy

We’ve put in a good deal of time finding the lowest price and always find the best prices at Amazon.  However, this particular sports headset has been sold out lately.  So, if you happen to find it in stock make sure you grab it quick!

The post Jabra HALO 2 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

Comfort.  Most sports headphones utilize an in-ear or in-ear canal earbud, while the Airband uses padded on-ear earphones.

Say Goodbye to Wires.  The only time you’ll use wires with this headset is when charging.

Talk on the Run.  The Airband supports hands free calling and has a built in function to pause your music to accept calls.

Cons

Not Ideal for the Gym.  A lot of times in the gym you may be doing situps, pushups, or planks.  Basically any movement that puts the headset in a horizontal position has a chance of causing it to slip.  While this doesn’t happen often, it is something to think about.

Full Review

Ever since the Jaybird SB1B Sportsband Headset was released sport headsets have become increasingly popular.  Truth be told we can’t blame people for loving them, as we haven’t come across one that we don’t love.  What’s not to love?

The sound is great.

The vertical style headphones using a soft on ear headphone are so refreshing in a market dominated by in ear headphones, not to mention the secure fit that comes with this style of headphone is usually more than enough for most active listeners.

The buttons are actually large enough to press, so you’re not fiddling around with trying to figure out how to skip a song.

On top of all that we love the style.  The GOgroove Airband has a very symmetrical and sleek look which lends them to being used in more than just a workout or training environment.

Overall this is a great sports headset that you really can’t go wrong with.  Our only caution is to someone who may be doing a lot of repetitive horizontal motions, like situps, as you may have to adjust the headset several times during the workout.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Music Time: up to 8 hours
• Charging Time: 2.5 hours
• Bluetooth V2.1, 30 foot range
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Compatibility: all major mobile phones and MP3 devices
• Warranty: 3 years

What’s in the Box

• GOgroove Airband Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset
• AC Adapter
• USB Cable

Where to Buy

We always find the best prices and selection at Amazon.

The post GOgroove AirBand Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

 Style.  A lot of Motorola headphones are dominated by a sleek black exterior highlighted with a bit of bright red.  They definitely don’t lack here.

Wireless Connectivity.  The range on the Bluetooth is over 30 feet and some people have been able to hit as high as 50 feet with no obstructions.

Cons

 Comfort and Fit.  We received a lot of mixed reviews on comfort.  The end result is they don’t seem to be comfortable out of the box.  However, after spending a few days with them most people end up with a good fit.

Sound Quality.  The one bad thing about having a successful predecessor is that it sets the standard.  The Motorola S9-HD headphones had a pretty high quality sound.  The Motorola S10-HD don’t sound horrible, but they just don’t match the S9.

Full Review

When we first saw the Motorola S10-HD headset we were excited.  Unfortunately that excitement died pretty quickly.  Like we mentioned above, it was going to be difficult for Motorola to outdo their predecessor: the S9.  They definitely made some improvements in the form of streamlining these headphones into a more lightweight and compact sports headphone.  Unfortunately they didn’t really address any major issues that active listeners wanted to see addressed.

There have been a lot of complaints with comfort, but we really tend to disagree.  Out of the box they aren’t the most amazing headphones in the world, the earbuds are a bit large and the frame is somewhat rigid.  However, after putting in a bit of time running they definitely start to feel a lot better.  Most people don’t ever take advantage of the different size ear gels and end up complaining about the fit.  If you get these, definitely expect to mess around with the fit for at least the first week.

Overall these are a pretty decent pair of workout headphones, but if you’re looking for a high quality pair of Bluetooth sports headphones, we recommend starting here.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Talk Time: up to 9 hours
• Music Time: up to 8 hours
• Standby Time: up to 240 hours
• Range: 33 feet
• Bluetooth: Version 2.1
• Noise Reduction (aka Noise Isolation)

What’s in the Box

• Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset
• Charger (110V)
• 4 different size ear gels

Where to Buy

Lately we’ve found the lowest prices at Amazon, click here to check them out.

The post Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

Comfort.  These headphones were designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning they were designed for comfort.

Cons

 Bluetooth Connectivity.  There have been some complaints of obstruction.  While obstruction is present in all Bluetooth technology the main complaint is dropped sound while running possibly caused by your arms obstructing the signal.

Full Review

At first glance the GOgroove AudioActive seems like a decent sports headset.  Unfortunately once you dive in a bit deeper  that’s not the case.  While they are fairly comfortable and have a nice secure fit they just seem incomplete.  The Bluetooth technology works decent, but not amazing, and it’s the same with the sound quality.  Overall they seem to do the job they set out to do, but nothing more.

We recommend you take a look at the Motorola S305 and the Jaybird Sportsband for some additional options.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Music Time: up to 7 hours
• Charging Time: approximately 2.5 hours
• Weight: 2 ounces
• Compatibility: all Bluetooth enabled MP3 devices
• Music Controls: play, pause, fast forward, rewind, volume
• Phone Controls: answer call, reject call
• Bluetooth v2.1

What’s in the Box

• GOgroove AudioActive Bluetooth Sports Headphones
• 3 different size silicone ear gels
• AC adapter
• USB charging cable

Where to Buy

We’ve only been able to locate these headphones from two different places and we always find that Amazon has the best prices.

The post GOgroove AudioActive Bluetooth Sports Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pros

Unique Style.  We haven’t seen another set of headphones to utilize this design, so if you’re looking to stand out in the crowd this pair of headphones is perfect.

Crystal Clear Sound.  While the music quality is great the sound we’re talking about is the in call sound.  You’re not likely to have any complaints about not being heard or not being able to hear someone clearly during a call.

Lightweight.  This design utilizes a neckband that rests around your collar which takes all the weight off the earbuds.  While other designs have been feather light you can hardly tell you’re wearing headphones except for the neckband.

Cons

Not for Every Sport.  Unfortunately the LG design does not make the HBS-700 compatible for most sports or training activities.  There really isn’t anyway to “tie down” the neckband, which means if you’re going to try and run with these on they’re likely to bounce all around your shoulders.

However, we’ve found that these may be a great headphones for cyclists.  The earbuds allow for a good fit while wearing glasses or a helmet, while the band rests gently on your neck.  In addition if you were an avid walker these may be perfect as well.

Full Review

When we first saw the LG Tone HBS-700 we thought they were definitely unique.  But almost immediately we realized they weren’t going to be as functional as other Bluetooth sports headphones.

The main problem with using these to workout is there really isn’t a way to secure the neckband portion of the headphones.  With that said they’re not going to be ideal for any activity that has a lot of motion.  Though we still think that cyclists and walkers may find these to be a pretty great set of headphones.  On top of that they can be used for more than working out, which is always a bonus.

Another thought we initially had was how to control the earbuds when they weren’t in use.  Fortunately LG cleverly took advantage of magnetic pockets at the end of the neckband that allows the earbuds to fit snugly and securely into, which makes carrying these headphones around much easier.

Overall if you’re looking for the best pair of workout headphones these aren’t the ones, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are still a quality set of Bluetooth headphones that would be ideal for certain situations.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Music Time: up to 10 hours
• Talk Time: up to 10 hours
• Standby Time: 15 days
• Charging Time: approximately 2.5 hours
• Weight: 1.1 ounces
• In call features:
  • Call waiting, call reject, voice activated dialing, auto reconnect

What’s in the Box

• LG Tone HBS-700 Wireless Bluetooth Headset
• AC adapter
• Multi-size ear gels

Where to Buy

This item has been out of stock lately, but we always find the best prices at Amazon.  If you can find it in stock make sure you grab it!

The post LG Tone HBS-700 Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Update: There is a new version of these headphones, the Motorola S10-HD. Click here to see them, or continue reading the full review below.

The S9-HD  is one of Motorola’s first Bluetooth sports headphones.  In addition to functioning as amazing wireless sports headphones they also double as a Bluetooth phone headset if desired.

Pros

On Ear Music Controls.    If you check out some of the pictures below you’ll notice Motorola has made  it extremely easy to control your music by utilizing on ear music controls.

Style.  If you’re looking for a slick pair of workout headphones these definitely qualify.

Sound Quality.  The treble and bass sounds are pretty amazing for sports headphones.  These headphones definitely do sound right.

Cons

Versatility.  Because these are a one frame unit there isn’t a lot of room for adjustment.  The silicone earbuds are extremely comfortable, but once you have it in place that’s pretty much how it’s going to stay.

Track Skip + iPhone.  If you’re looking to hook these Bluetooth headphones up to your iPhone you may be better off the the Motorola S10-HD.  Why?  Well, unfortunately the s9-HD track skip feature doesn’t work with the iPhone because of an Apple update.

Sweat Resistant.  While these headphones may be slightly sweat resistant, they are not 100% sweat proof.  So if you sweat a lot you may end up shorting a circuit and damaging one of the earbuds.

Full Review

One of the first things that caught our eye about the Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth Sports Headphones was the look.  As Motorola makes a push to become a leading manufacturer and designer of Bluetooth sports headphones they have always captured a very sleek and attractive design, something that can go a long way for those who want to do more with their headphones than just workout.

If you don’t want to miss a call during your workout these may be the perfect headphones for you.  They have an auto answer feature that allows you to answer calls instantly which will stop any music you’re currently listening to.  In addition you can call out using voice activated dialing, so you don’t even have to take your phone out of your pocket.

Overall these are a quality pair of Bluetooth sports headphones, though you may want to check out the Motorola S10-HD before purchasing, as they updated a lot of features.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Compatibility: iPod, iPhone, all Bluetooth compatible MP3 and cellular devices
• Bluetooth Connectivity: 20 to 25 feet
• Music Play Time: up to 6 hours
• Talk Time: up to 6 hours
• Weight: 1.1 ounces

What’s in the Box

• Motorola S9-HD Sports Headphones
• AC adapter charger
• Carrying case
• 3 sets of different sized ear gels

Where to Buy

The Motorola S9-HD are difficult to find because they’re a couple years old now, but we’ve always been able to find them at Amazon.

The post Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth Sports Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.

Pro

Durability.  Jabra put special emphasis on durability, knowing that sports headphones are likely to take a beating.  These headphones are built with US Military Grade rain, dust, and shock protection.  How many headphones can you say that about?

Lightweight.  We’re not sure if headphones can get any lighter.

Comfort and Fit.  The over ear fit adds a little bit of extra security without compromising any in the comfort department.

Endomondo Sports Tracker App.  One added feature that sets the Jabra Sport headphones apart is the sports tracker app that is included for free.  If you’re into tracking your workout statistics you can easily pull up all sorts of information online for each work.

Cons

Battery Life.  While you’re unlikely to be working out or talking for 3-4 hours at a time, you’ll definitely want to charge these after each workout.

Full Review

Jabra specifically recommends that the Bluetooth device (i.e. your iPhone or Android) be worn in an armband if training outside.  Why?  To decrease on any connectivity issues.  A lot of users have complained issues when wearing the Bluetooth device around their waist or even in their pockets, which can be quite limiting.

One feature we thought was interested was the built in FM radio.  Most people prefer to carry along their iPhones or other MP3 players for select tunes, but it’s pretty nice to have the option for FM radio too.

In addition they definitely are some of the more durable Bluetooth sports headphones on the market, so if you’re rough on your headphones these may be for you.

Read additional reviews here

Specifications

• Music Time: 3 hours
• Talk Time: 4.5 hours
• Compatibility: Apple, Android, Blackberry, and standard phones and music devices
• Bluetooth Radius: 30 feet

What’s in the Box

• Jabra Sports Headset
• AC Charger
• 3 different sizes of ultimate comfort ear gels

Where to Buy

Check them out on Amazon.

The post Jabra Sport Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review appeared first on Workout Headphones Pro.