How to Choose the Best Workout Headphones

Whether you spend most of your time running on the treadmill, playing racquetball or doing push ups on your kitchen floor, you’ll need a decent set of workout headphones in order to deliver some quality music and a little burst of energy.  The problem is there are just so many choices these days.  There are literally thousands of different sports headphones, earphones, earbuds, and earpads.  We’ve already begun reviewing a lot of workout headphones, but below you’ll find a guide on how to narrow down exactly which workout headphones are the best for you.

There are 5 main types of workout headphones

Without making things too complicated there are essentially 5 major types of workout headphones:

  • Wireless (or Bluetooth)
  • Earbuds
  • Clip On Headphones (or Ear Hook)
  • Neckband Headphones
  • Vertical Headphones

In addition to the categories above, there are also other categories to consider, such as:

  • Sweat-resistant
  • Water-resistant (mainly used for swimming)
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • Over-ear
  • In-ear
  • In-ear canal

We’re not going to get into whether or not you need sweat-resistant headphones or Bluetooth workout headphones.  You will have to make that decision based on what you want to use your headphones for exactly (i.e. running, swimming, biking, lifting weights) and if you want to be able to use your headphones for other things.  Many times its a good idea to pick up a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones only because the right pair can be great for working out or using at work.

Anyways, now that you know what the possibilities are, let’s find out which workout headphones are best for you.

Motorola S 305 Wireless Workout HeadphonesWireless Workout Headphones

Everything is going wireless these days.  This style headphone is quickly becoming the most popular style headphone, especially when used in conjunction with Bluetooth equipped devices such as iPhones.

We recommend this style headphone for nearly everyone.  If you elect to get just the earbud clip you can usually use those at work or in the car as well.

Pros:

  • No wire
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Usually Bluetooth enabled
  • Quickly becoming the most popular on the market
  • Eventually everything may be wireless

Cons:

  • Some devices (mostly older) require an additional Bluetooth chip
  • Sometimes require a little more attention to set up if your first Bluetooth device

Our top picks: Motorola S305, Motorola S10-HD

monster isport in ear headphones

Workout Earbuds

Earbuds have become extremely popular because of 1 company…Apple.  With the invention of the iPhone and iPod nearly 5 out of every 10 people you pass seem to be glued to their new iDevice with earbuds.  Unfortunately the stock earbuds that Apple packages with their products just don’t meet the same standards as workout headphones need to meet.

If you decide to buy a pair of workout earbuds, you definitely want to make sure they are in-ear earbuds.  Meaning, the earbud needs to fit snugly, but comfortably, inside your ear canal. Otherwise they are likely to fall out when you’re active.

We recommend this style workout earbud for anyone who wants the pleasure of quality sound without ever feeling the headphones during a workout.

Pros:

  • Lighweight
  • Easily replace or clean the earbuds
  • Wrap up quickly for storage

Cons:

  • Tend to have less support without a neckband or headband

Our top picks: Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 680 Sport, Monster Immersion iSport

sony active style headphonesWorkout Clip On Headphones

Clip On headphones are the newest type of workout headphones.  They were created as a cross between the headband/neckband style and the earbud.  The clip on workout headphones use a combination of the earbud plus a small clip around your ear to create a good fit.

This style may also be known as “earhooks”, as many of these workout headphones hook around the outside of your ear.  The Zippearz are a good example.

We recommend this style workout headphones for anyone who wants the lightweight feel of an earbud, while also adding a level of fit with the clip.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Good fit
  • Clip is usually adjustable for different size ears

Cons:

  • Complaints of comfort of clip behind ear

Our top picks: Sony MDR-A S20J Active, Monster PowerBeats Sport

sennheiser-pmx70-sport-earbud-line-stereo-neckband-headphonesWorkout Neckband Headphones

Workout neckband headphones take it a step further in terms of stability.  They typically utilize an in-ear earbud attached to a lightweight frame that is curved slightly to fend the bend of your lower neck.

We recommend these style headphones for runners and bikers.  The ability to have the cord come out the back and run along the band down your backside rather than your front is often decided for runners whose arms swing when they run.

Pros:

  • Option to have cord out of the back of the neckband usually, keeping it out of the way during activity
  • Take your pick between an earpad or earbud

Cons:

  • Some people don’t like the initial feel of something resting on their neck during a workout

Our top picks: Sennheiser PMX 70 Sport, Philips SHQ 4000

V-Moda Cross Fade LPWorkout Vertical Headphones

These are the veterans of the group.  Vertical headphones were the first type of headphones ever created.  When earbud style headphones were put on the market many people moved away from this style headphone, but over the years companies were able to create a very lightweight sleek vertical workout headphone that has attracted a lot of people.

There are typically 2 different styles.  The first style utilizes a smaller earpad or even earbud, usually some type lightweight, soft foam.  This is more common.  However, as of late, many people are opting for the larger style full earpad that completely encompasses the ear with a leather or soft plastic pad.

We recommend these style headphones for the person that typically works out at home and also wants to use these for other activities around the house.

Pros:

  • Unrivaled quality sound
  • All headphones can be used for other things, but watching a movie on your laptop with a full earpad headphone puts you right in the movie
  • Choose between an earpad, earbud, or full earpad
  • Better noise cancelling qualities (if desired)

Cons:

  • These are the heaviest of all workout headphones
  • Typically a little bulkier feel

Our top picks: not recommended for working out

As you can see there are quite a few choices when it comes to workout headphones.  The good news is, with today’s technology it is hard to go wrong.  But the saying still holds true…you get what you pay for.

Now that you’re a headphone expert.  Head on over to Amazon and treat yourself to a new pair.