2016 Best Headphones for Running

As a runner, you know the power of a pumped-up playlist to energize your workout. As a techie, you covet the best gadgets. So when it comes to legging it, you naturally want top-notch gear to play your music clearly and unobtrusively. That means a pair of earphones that fit as snugly as your sneakers, deliver rich sound, and perform well in puddles of sweat.

But before you sprint to the store, read our tips on finding The Best Headphones. You'll want to consider which features are most important to you as an athlete. Is comfort, fit, price, sound quality, or style your priority? Maybe you've had it with tangled wires, or a flailing arm has sent your iPhone tumbling down the treadmill one too many times. In this case you might find a wireless pair of earphones more convenient.

Exercise Earphones

For the gym, you'll generally want earphones over headphones. They're lighter, more resilient, and are often built for exercise. Even if you prefer the sound headphones offer, you'll find that a good sweat can eat through most earcup pads quickly, and the extra bulk on your head is uncomfortable during a workout.

The Urbanears Active Hellas are a unique example of workout-friendly headphones. They're on-ear cans, not earphones, but their removable mesh earcups and headband padding are machine-washable, so you can soak through them, clean them off, and use them again at the gym the next day.

Wireless Options

Bluetooth earphones let you listen to your music without running a wire to your smartphone. They're pricier than wired earphones, but the convenience can be worth it. However, they need power to work, so you'll want to keep an eye on battery life. Of course, if you keep your workouts to a few hours at most and charge your earphones when you get back from the gym, that won't be a problem.

As with most enticing tech, quality can cost you. The priciest pairs on the list can be found for $150. If you stick to wired earphones, however, you can get a good set for less than $30.

Even if you're averse to the intensity of running, walkers may reap similar benefits to runners, according to a study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, at least when it comes to blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. Regardless of your preferred activity, if you're looking to quantify your workouts, make sure to read up on The Best Fitness Apps and The Best Fitness Trackers.

And before you lace up, check out these great pairs of running headphones. On your mark, get set, go!
skypeglenlau8