Steady Sports Headphones Recommendations: Wireless and Bone Conduction Type

Nowadays, we spend more time at home. Many people may have started to exercise to keep themselves healthy, such as running and yoga. When you go outdoors, you often see people wearing headphones while running. Listening to your favorite music while running can help you change your mood and increase focus.

However, there are many troubles, such as "I'm worried that the headphones will be damaged by sweat" or "the headphones fall off and they get lost while running." Unfortunately, even if you buy expensive headphones, they may not be suitable for use during running. In this article, we will provide you with information that can help you solve such problems.

In recent years, various manufacturers have been selling running-specific headphones. Each manufacturer has its unique features, such as waterproof capabilities and earbud design. In this article, we will introduce the best headphones suitable for running, useful features, and how to choose the recommended headphones. Please read on until the end.

How to Choose Sports Headphones?

1.Connection Type: There are two methods to connect running headphones - "wireless" and "wired." The majority of popular running headphones are of the wireless variety, and it is also recommended that individuals who enjoy both indoor and outdoor running prioritize wireless headphones.

Wireless Type: Free to Move Without the Hassle of Cables.

The allure of wireless headphones lies in their cable-free convenience and almost unrestricted mobility during use. If you're into activities like yoga, stretching, or muscle workouts that involve a lot of body movement, then wireless headphones are strongly recommended. If the earbuds are designed as independent units, you can even use just one of them. Most models come with a charging case, making them perfect for everyday use, with some offering over 10 hours of continuous usage. Concerned about losing wireless earbuds? Consider opting for a neckband-style wireless headphone.

Wired Type: Generally lower-priced and suitable for light jogging.

With cable-type headphones, you don't need to worry about them falling off your ears, and they offer protection against malfunctions and scratches. Unlike Bluetooth (wireless) connections, they are not affected by radio wave conditions, so you won't experience the interruptions or delays of the sounds. If you prefer light jogging or mild muscle training, using cable-type headphones is perfectly fine. However, if you frequently move your body or use fitness equipment at the gym for your workouts, you may find the cables to be cumbersome.

2.Wearing modes for sports Headphones: When it comes to running, the range of motion is quite significant, making it essential to choose headphones that stay securely in place and are less prone to falling off. The shape and wearing style of the headphones play a crucial role in achieving this stability. In general, ear-hanging type and neckband type headphones tend to provide a more secure fit.

Ear-hanging Type: High Adhesion to the Ear

The ear-hanging sports headphones are worn on the ears similar to glasses and there are also types that hook onto the cartilage to stabilize the pinna. It enhances the adherence to the ears and prevents them from falling off or shifting during running. There are two types of ear-hangings: pre-installed on both earbuds, and customizable ones that can be modified.

Neckband Type: Worn around the neck, connecting the left and right headphones with a cable.

This type is commonly found in wireless products and is sometimes referred to as neckband headphones. It is also frequently used for sports models of headphones. You can wear it around your neck when in use,so you don't have to worry about the headphones falling off and dropping to the ground. When not in use, you can hang them around your neck and focus on your running.

3.Whether you can hear the surrounding sound: If you enjoy running outdoors, this is a crucial factor to consider. It is highly recommended to prioritize using running headphones that allow you to hear the surrounding sounds or have an ambient mode. This is of utmost importance as it directly relates to your personal safety.

When running with headphones and listening to music on roads shared with cars and bicycles, certain safety precautions must be taken. It's essential to be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrian footsteps, car horns, and approaching bicycles, while still considering the traffic conditions. Ensuring some level of safety while wearing headphones is paramount.

For the highest level of safety in running headphones, we strongly suggest using bone conduction headphones designed specifically for running. Bone conduction headphones do not transmit sound through the eardrums via air vibrations like regular headphones do. Instead, they work by vibrating against the bones of your head and transmitting sound directly to your auditory nerves. In other words, because the headphones don't touch or block your ears, one significant advantage is the ability to hear ambient sounds directly through your ears. They can be considered the safest option.

4.Waterproof Ratings for sports headphones: When it comes to running, it's essential to have headphones with a waterproof rating of at least IPX4 or above, ensuring you don't have to worry about sweat or rain.

The waterproof rating of headphones is denoted by the term "IPX," with stages ranging from 0 to 8. IPX0 indicates "no waterproof performance," while IPX1 to IPX8 represent increasing levels of waterproof capabilities. If you plan to use headphones while running, you'll need a minimum of IPX4 or higher to have adequate waterproof functionality.

IPX4 to IPX5 offer specifications for daily life waterproofing, handling light sweat and rain with ease. Generally, only products with a rating of IPX4 or higher can be described as having "waterproof specifications," while those with IPX3 or lower are considered to have "drip-proof specifications." Due to their similar terminology, people often get confused between them.

Moreover, it's recommended to opt for sports headphones that come with dust resistance along with their waterproof capabilities, making them suitable choices for running.

5.Continuously used time: Extended Battery Life Eliminates Frequent Headphone Charging

When purchasing wireless headphones, be sure to check the battery life. If you want to enjoy long hours of running or plan to use the headphones at the gym from after work throughout the day, opt for headphones with longer battery life.

Recently, Excellent products that can be used continuously for more than 1 hour after a 5-minute charge appear one after another. If the headphones come with a charging case, you can use them for an even longer period. Some products also feature fast charging capabilities, allowing you to charge the battery for 5 hours in just 8 minutes. So, be sure to carefully select the right ones for your needs.

6.Other Considerations:

Easy to operate: Intuitive controls, choose headphones controlled by physical buttons.

When exercising, you'd want to be able to pause and play music without having to use your smartphone. In such cases, we recommend opting for headphones with button controls that allow you to perform these actions with a simple finger press, making it easier to operate while running.

Memory Mode: Enjoy music playback without carrying a smartphone.

Though these products are relatively rare, headphones with built-in memory storage have become a trend. These headphones come equipped with internal storage to store your favorite tunes, enabling you to enjoy music without the need for a smartphone. If you're looking to minimize the burden on your body while running, we highly recommend considering this type of headphones.

Weight: Opt for lightweight and comfortable models.

When selecting sports headphones, it's essential to choose lightweight and comfortable models, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience during your workouts.

"At first, I purchased it solely for its appearance and functionality, only to find out that it was surprisingly heavy." When you wear headphones that are too heavy while running, your ears can easily become uncomfortable. Before making a purchase, make it a habit to check the weight of the headphones. Wireless headphones, due to the need for built-in batteries, may be heavier than wired ones.

Popular Sports Headphone Manufacturers

Sony: It is a world-renowned top-tier manufacturer. Apart from the basic performance of its products, it is also known for its extensive product lineup, covering a wide range of prices and color variations. From entry-level models for beginners to high-end models for advanced users, it is a recommended manufacturer for many users. They offer many user-friendly features in their products, such as noise-cancellation and quick external sound capture functions.

Philips: Philips is a Dutch consumer electronics brand with a diverse range of products in multiple fields, including healthcare, appliances, digital devices, and audio-visual equipment. Among its numerous products, headphones and bone conduction headphones stand out as exceptional options. These products boast impressive audio quality and come equipped with thoughtful features such as a night running light, making them highly popular choices.

Bose: It is a well-established American headphone manufacturer. The company specializes in developing noise-cancelling functionality that effectively eliminates environmental noise and has earned widespread acclaim for its cutting-edge technology worldwide. It is also famous for professional musicians dealing with audio equipment. Their lineup of running headphones is also extensive, producing many products that prioritize comfort and durability.

Beats: This is an American headphone brand founded by Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine. In 2014, it joined Apple Inc., gaining a wide range of wireless headphones compatible with Apple products. It's the recommended manufacturer for iPhone users. They offer a variety of colors and have a strong emphasis on design.

Wissonly: Wissonly is the fastest-growing bone conduction headphone brand in the past year. Headquartered in Hong Kong, its core team possesses substantial technical expertise, with engineers and designers having over 10 years of experience in bone conduction product development. They primarily produce high-performance, cost-effective bone conduction headphones known for their excellent sound quality, minimal sound leakage, high waterproof rating, and strong battery life. As a result, they have gained significant popularity among running enthusiasts.

Popular Sports headphones Recommendations

TOP 5: Sony Wireless Noise-Canceling Stereo headphones WF-SP800N

Sony is leading electronic manufacturer based in Japan, offers a range of products, and one of their most appealing ones is their headphones. Sony's headphones are renowned for their superior sound quality.

Introducing a set of fully wireless earbuds that prioritize both sound quality and ease of use: the Sony WF-SP800N. These earbuds come with an impressive IP55 waterproof and dustproof rating, making them an attractive choice. You can use it safely even if you get wet with sweat or rain. Another point is that when the headphones get dirty, you can wash them off with water.The inclusion of "Arc Supporters" ,which can be easily inserted into the groove of the ear, providing a stable fit even during strenuous exercise.

Equipped with noise-canceling functionality and an ambient sound mode, these earbuds can adapt to your surroundings. You can use the noise-canceling feature during indoor exercises and switch to the ambient sound mode when running outdoors, capturing external sounds for your awareness.

The product utilizes touch sensors for convenient control. With a simple touch on the earbuds, you can manage music playback, pause, and more. You don't have to take out your mobile phone, and it won't interfere with your exercise.

TOP 4: Philips A6606 Sports Bone Conduction headphones

The Philips A6606 sports bone conduction headphones feature an ergonomic design that provides a snug fit during exercises, ensuring they won't fall off no matter how vigorously you move. The surface of the headphones is made of soft silicone, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience.

Its waterproof rating reaches IPX7, and it can work normally in daily exercise, sweating and raining, which makes it possible to use different sports scenes.

One notable feature is the night running light design, which enhances safety for night runners by making them visible to cyclists or vehicles approaching from behind.

The sound quality is good, but the overall product specifications are average, and they are not suitable for use while swimming.

TOP 3: Bose Sports Earbuds

Bose sports earbuds are lightweight and concealed, delivering exceptional sound quality. The stereo is top-notch, providing powerful audio reproduction and excellent dynamics. They also come with noise-cancellation functionality, which is highly effective, making them a great fit for those who desire this feature. When it comes to phone calls, the attenuation of surrounding noise is excellent, allowing for easy use as a hands-free device. However, if you're planning to use Bose earbuds for outdoor running, their safety might not be the highest, as they can limit your ability to hear external sounds.

These headphones sit securely in the ears, providing good support and relatively high comfort levels. They are suitable for most people's ears, but some individuals might still find them challenging to wear.

The battery life lasts for approximately 5 hours, which is lower than most models in the same category. However, the carrying case can recharge the earbuds, extending their usage time to 15 hours, which is a considerable advantage.

They are certified with an IPX4 rating, making them highly sweat-resistant and potentially water-resistant.

These wireless in-ear headphones are perfect for those who want to enjoy excellent audio quality even during outdoor activities and adventures.

TOP 2. Powerbeats Pro

If you're a fan of the design of Apple's AirPods earbuds, then Powerbeats Pro offers you another appealing option. These wireless, sweat-resistant earbuds hook around your ears to ensure stability, and they seamlessly integrate with your iPhone using Apple's H1 chip (also found in Apple's AirPods Pro). With the upgrade to iOS 14, fitness enthusiasts can automatically switch to other Apple devices, such as a MacBook Pro, if they prefer to work out at home.

The controls on both earbuds allow you to change tracks and adjust the volume, summon Siri, and answer calls. We also found that Powerbeats Pro delivers balanced audio—unlike other Beats products, there's no overwhelming bass explosion.

The battery life of these earbuds lasts over 24 hours (the earbuds themselves last for 9 hours, and the charging case can recharge the earbuds for an additional 18 hours).

With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they are suitable for daily sweat protection during running and other exercises.

TOP 1. Wissonly Hi Runner Bone Conduction headphones

Wissonly is the top brand for bone conduction headphones, offering an exceptional user experience. It stands out in terms of sound quality, comfort, and product specifications, excelling both in product quality and its ability to protect your hearing.

The Hi Runner bone conduction headphones by Wissonly are designed to be open-ear style, worn directly on your temples, allowing your ear canal to remain completely open. This enables you to effortlessly hear outdoor sounds like cars and traffic signals while running or walking, making it a safer choice for outdoor activities.

When it comes to fit and comfort, Wissonly Hi Runner features an adjustable aerospace-grade titanium frame that accommodates various head sizes, ensuring a stable and secure fit. The headphone surface is made of high-tech, hypoallergenic silicone material, free from any chemical components, preventing allergic reactions. The overall feel of the headphones is as smooth as a baby's skin, ensuring prolonged wear without discomfort. Moreover, its weight is very light, less than 30g, and it will not feel heavy when worn. As Wissonly's flagship model for outdoor running, it's the most comfortable and cost-effective bone conduction headphone available in the market.

When you're running or engaging in any physical activity that results in sweating, or if you find yourself caught in a sudden downpour during an outdoor run, the waterproof capabilities of your running headphones become crucial. As the flagship model of Wissonly, the Wissonly Hi Runner bone conduction headphones boast an impressive IPX8 waterproof rating, surpassing industry standards. This level of waterproofing allows wearers to use them while swimming or diving, not to mention ordinary sweatproof and waterproof.

Equipped with 32GB of internal memory, these headphones can store up to 5000 songs and support both Bluetooth and MP3 modes. They can be used as a Bluetooth MP3 player, perfect for underwater running or scenarios where you don't have your smartphone.

Bone conduction headphones, due to their unique technology, face challenges in improving sound quality. However, the Wissonly Hi Runner defies convention by incorporating large diaphragm vibrating units, enhancing the effective vibrating area through structural optimization. This results in exceptional performance across both high and low tones, revolutionizing the sound quality of bone conduction headphones. Additionally, their sound leakage prevention technology is more mature, outperforming standard bone conduction headphones in sound isolation.

The battery life of the Hi Runner is outstanding, allowing for continuous music playback for up to 10 hours, effectively compensating for the disadvantages of wireless headphones.

At just $99.99, the Wissonly Hi Runner offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to other brands with similar performance, which usually cost upwards of $150.

In all types of running headphones, bone conduction headphones are the most suitable for use during running. Because bone conduction headphones do not go into the ears, they can be worn comfortably for extended periods. This helps maintain ear hygiene while also providing maximum protection for hearing. By keeping the ear canal open, you can stay attentive to the outside world while using them, making it safer.

If you're looking for a cost-effective bone conduction headphone for running, then the Wissonly Hi Runner is an excellent choice. It comes with many attractive features, such as IPX8 waterproof rating, built-in storage mode, long battery life, and more. Additionally, its price is quite affordable, making it the most cost-effective option among products with comparable performance.