Nothing beats working out while listening to heart-thumping bass. It keeps you at the right pace, and it keeps the adrenaline pumping. Listening to upbeat music also prevents distractions so you can focus on your routines, especially while lifting weights or performing intensive drills. This is why you need the best wireless headphones to workout in.
Gone are the days when you have to endure the sticky feeling of wearing over-ear headphones just to set the mood. Now, you can get wireless headphones minus the band above the head. With limited skin contact, it’s more comfortable to wear over extended periods.
If you’ve been to the gym before, it’s not uncommon to see a bunch of guys wearing wireless headphones. But as much as these workout headphones are popular, there’s a sea of options in the market, too. This makes choosing the right pair quite challenging for newbies.
Comparison table
Table could not be displayed.If you’re tired of the repetitive EDM music in the gym, it’s time to get a pair of wireless headphones to listen to your own playlist. Below, I reviewed five of the best wireless headphones that are made for the toughest and sweatiest workouts:
1. Mpow S2 Bluetooth Workout Headphones
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that you can count on every workout, you should get the Mpow S2. This pair has active noise cancellation and IPX7 water resistance. With that, you can use it in just about any exercise, including swimming, running, and HIIT, among others.
Its sweat-proof construction makes it very comfortable to wear for long hours. For each charge, it has an unbeatable 8-hour playtime, which is more than enough for the longest workout drills. On standby, the Mpow S2 can run for 150 hours.
These wireless headphones have ergonomic ear tips that seal the ear canal for the best bone conduction. It also has ear hooks that keep the headphones in place even if you’re on the move. You can also adjust the cord using the clip included in the package.
The best thing about the Mpow S2 is its real HD sound that gives a heart-thumping bass. It’s equipped with a premium CSR chip as well as a tuned driver. These components deliver profound bass response so you can enjoy your workout playlist even more.
If that’s not enough, this workhorse comes with an in-line microphone so you can answer calls on the fly.
Pros
- Equipped with CSR chip
- IPX7 water resistance
- 8 hours of active playtime
Cons
- A bit big for those with small ears
Buy on Amazon
2. AfterShokz Xtrainerz Wireless Headphones
If you swim for your workout, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz is the right pick for you. These headphones are bundled with a swim cap so you can dive right away.
As for the quality of the headphones, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz offers the best sound with their patented bone conduction technology. Unlike other headphones, this one delivers the sound through the cheekbones so you can feel and hear a fuller bass.
My favorite part of the AfterShokz Xtrainerz is its 4 GB built-in MP3 player. It also supports WMA, WAV, FLAC, and AAC. I can leave my phone behind and still enjoy the convenience of selecting the songs for my workouts. On average, these wireless headphones can load up to 1,200 songs, audiobooks, and other audio files.
Moreover, these headphones have an 8-hour playtime so you will enjoy an uninterrupted workout. Aside from that, this is IP68 rated and guaranteed to be fully waterproof even on considerable depths.
This has an open-ear design with no buds so you will be comfortable even on extended wearing. It’s also very lightweight for just 30 grams. Every swimmer needs to have these headphones on their gear bag.
Pros
- Bud-free, pain-free design
- IP69 water resistance rating
- Patented bone conduction technology
Cons
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Buy on Amazon
3. Jaybird Vista Wireless Sport Headphones
If you want a truly wireless pair of headphones, you should get the Jaybird Vista. It’s marketed to be ‘earth-proof’ since it’s fully waterproof, sweat-proof, and crush-proof. This is the perfect audio gear for those who are going through tough workouts.
For each charge, the Jaybird Vista provides 6 hours of audio performance. If you forgot to charge these earphones, a 5-minute quick-charge would give you an hour of consistent playtime.
The highlight of these headphones is its cutting-edge JBS 1 Bluetooth technology. It ensures that the headphones will have zero lag so you will have the best listening experience. Vista also boasts consistent connection that you can pair with just about any phone.
For those who are tired of painful earbuds, it’s time to switch to Jaybird Vista. These are the best wireless in ear headphones for working out since it keeps you comfy, no matter how long you wear it.
It also comes with three sizes of interchangeable ear gels so you will get the best fit. It’s so lightweight that you will forget that you’re actually wearing headphones.
Using the Jaybird mobile app, you can fine-tune the headphones through its EQ that controls the built-in 6 mm drivers.
Pros
- Earth-proof construction
- Long battery life
- Cutting-edge JBS 1 Bluetooth technology
Cons
- Not ideal for calls
Buy on Amazon
4. Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro
If you’re an Apple fan, the headphones you should get is the Powerbeats Pro. This is made with the Apple H1 Chip that offers faster connectivity so you can listen hands-free. It’s more efficient than other mid to high-priced headphones in the market.
This is a totally wireless headphone with up to 9 hours of playtime on every charge. With the charging case, you can enjoy up to 24 hours of continuous playtime. If you’re in a hurry, a five-minute charge will give you 1.5 hours of uninterrupted use.
Moreover, these headphones are adjustable and bear secure-fit ear hooks so you can work out without any worries. It also remains lightweight without the ear pain. Aside from that, these headphones have water and sweat-resistant design.
You will also get the Powerbeats Pro bundled with AppleCare+. It extends your coverage to two years upon your AppleCare+ date of purchase. And just like most Apple products, this one is covered by an express replacement service.
iPhone users will love the voice control of PowerbeatsPro. Just say ‘Hey Siri’, and it will activate the voice control, so you don’t have reach for your smartphone.
Pros
- Sports the Apple H1 chip
- Bundled with AppleCare+
- Hands-free Siri compatibility
Cons
- Bulky case
Buy on Amazon
5. Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Headphones
If you’re looking for the best workout headphones with bass without spending a fortune, Bose SoundSport is the one. It’s a truly wireless pair of headphones that deliver clear and deep bass to satisfy every basshead.
Aside from that, this is IPX4 water-resistant and weather-resistant. You can use it for running, swimming, and just about any drill in the gym.
Each charge of these headphones will give you up to 5 hours of playtime with an additional 10 hours using the charging case.
The best thing about SoundSport is it uses an updated firmware that has an integrated dual-microphone array. You can now answer calls once it’s connected to your smartphone’s Bluetooth. But since the microphone array is on the right earbud, it will not be heard on the left earbud.
For those who keep losing earbuds, you can use the ‘Find My Buds’ feature of the Bose App once you connect these headphones to it.
These in-ear headphones are feather-light for just 9 grams. It also comes with inconspicuous ear clips that keep the buds in place even if you’re at the peak of your workout.
Pros
- Track lost earbuds
- Updated firmware
- IPX4 water and sweat-resistant
Cons
- You can only hear phone calls on the right earbud
Buy on Amazon
How to choose workout headphones
Workout headphones are different than typical headphones. It has to bear specific features that are safe to use in a physically active setting. With that, you must look for the following aspects:
Get the right fit
Workout headphones are available on different sizes. You have to be meticulous which you buy as the earbud size will hurt the ears if it’s too bulky for you. Also, a very loose pair will slip out of place when you move. I suggest getting one with an adjustable clip or cord that will keep the headphones in the right place.
Sound quality is king
Sound quality is the most important feature of headphones. For workouts, you may want heart-thumping bass and crisp trebles. The headphones should also bear excellent noise cancellation so you can isolate yourself away from distractions.
Headphones with excellent bone conduction offer top-notch sound quality. This technology utilizes the cheekbones and bones inside the ear for the best listening experience. These options often run more expensive than others, but the splurge is worth it if you’re an audiophile.
Look for water resistance
Regardless if you’re going for a swim or not, water resistance is important. This will shield the headphones from your sweat. Besides, a water resistance rating will come in handy if you want to alternate your gym routines with several laps on the pool.
Aside from repelling sweat, the water-resistance means you can wash your headphones to remove the smell and sweat.
Check the connectivity
Wireless headphones are all about convenience, so it should offer unbeatable connectivity. Bluetooth compatible headphones are topnotch options since it lets you switch songs and answer calls without reaching for your phone.
You can also opt for a pair with built-in storage so you won’t get distracted by calls and other notifications from your mobile device.
Opt for long playtimes
The last thing you want is your headphones running out of juice in the middle of an intense workout. This is why you should always check the battery life of the unit you’re going to buy. At least five hours of playtime is good enough, but you can always find options that can run for 9 hours. Headphones with a charging case can also offer more portable power.
Durability
Workout headphones come at a price so you might as well invest on a durable pair. This will ensure that your headphones will endure countless workout sessions. Aside from the beating of your routines, you can also use the headphones for recreational purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it advisable to listen to music while exercising?
A: Listening to a workout playlist is actually beneficial for your routine. It prevents boredom, and it isolates you from distraction. With the right beats per minute, your music will keep you on the right pace. Just make sure that you got the right headphones to enjoy your playlist.
Q: How can I listen to music at the gym without a phone?
A: Instead of using wired earphones, you can switch to wireless headphones. These audio devices connect to your phone for hands-free and wireless listening. Some headphones also allow you to answer calls without reaching for your smartphone.
Q: Are AirPods good for workouts?
A: If you’re doing yoga and similar routines, I don’t recommend using AirPods. These earbuds will fly off your ear if you turn upside down or to the side. You might as well get wireless headphones made for working out to enjoy the convenience and comfort.
Q: Is sweat bad for headphones?
A: Yes, sweat will cause a smell and bacterial buildup to your headphones. This is why you should get a pair of water-resistant headphones so the sweat will not penetrate the circuit. Also, water-resistant headphones can be washed gently.
Q: What music is good for the gym?
A: For workouts, you must look for songs that have at least 135 beats per minute (BPM). This will keep your heart pumping at an excellent pace. Upbeat genres like pop, techno, and hard rock are good choices for high-intensity routines.
Final words
Using the best wireless headphones to workout in, you can enjoy your playlist better. It will help you stay at the right pace and away from any distractions. The five headphones I reviewed here are guaranteed to deliver the best sound quality and comfort, even on extended use.