After all, we have already studied the sports headphones presented in online stores in 2020 and selected the best models in terms of price/quality ratio, ideal for practicing any sport: from traditional running and sports dancing to active swimming or long skiing .
On our list you will find exceptionally comfortable sports headsets that fit tightly in your ears, do not cause discomfort when worn, and are distinguished by very decent sound characteristics and very high reliability.
Rating of the TOP 15 best sports wireless headphones of 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 3 best sports wireless headphones in price/quality ratio for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy Buds+ | Find out the price |
| 2 | Beats Powerbeats Pro | Find out the price |
| 3 | HONOR AM61 | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best sports in-ear wireless headphones | ||
| 1 | Beats Powerbeats High-Performance Wireless | Find out the price |
| 2 | HUAWEI AM61 Sport Lite | Find out the price |
| 3 | Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best sports on-ear wireless headphones | ||
| 1 | JBL Under Armor Sport Wireless Train | Find out the price |
| 2 | Bluedio T5 | Find out the price |
| 3 | HARPER HB-500 | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best sports wireless in-ear headphones | ||
| 1 | AC Robin Mist | Find out the price |
| 2 | Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3150 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Bixton AirOns Plus | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best waterproof wireless headphones for sports | ||
| 1 | AfterShokz Trekz Air | Find out the price |
| 2 | Hoco ES11 | Find out the price |
| 3 | AfterShokz Aeropex | Find out the price |
Bose SoundSport Free
The best Bose headphones for running.
Opening the ranking of the best sports headphones is the Bose SoundSport Free ($155), completely wireless headphones for running. They are comfortable to wear and provide great sound for a true wireless connection. These SoundSport wireless headphones have a few small flaws, but they fit securely in your ear, perform reliably, and are also waterproof.
Main characteristics
- Microphone: yes
- Type: in-ear
- Technology: dynamic
- True wireless
- Mounting type: without mounting
- Moisture protection
- Bluetooth
- Battery type: proprietary Li-Ion
- Working time: 5 h
- Charging time: 2h
Equipment
- Headphones
- USB-microUSB charging cable
- 3 pairs of replaceable ear pads
- Case
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Great sound for wireless headphones.
- Stays securely and firmly in the ear.
- Good microphone.
- Convenient case.
- Insufficient sound insulation.
- Stiff control buttons.
How to choose sports wireless headphones?
The main criteria for real sports headphones are::
- light weight, ergonomic design, safe materials - heavy headphones simply will not stay in your ears, and rough and uncomfortable materials can cause irritation, scratches and chafing on the skin;
- comfortable fit and reliable fixation in the auricle - such headphones should not only “cling” firmly to the ear, but also not fall out even with very active and sudden movements;
- protection from moisture and sweat - sports are rarely complete without sweat and headphones must have good protection from moisture;
- the absence of wires is a modern trend that goes very well with sports headphones;
- additional functions - some headphones can not only broadcast music, but also measure heart rate, store a history of approaches, calculate the distance traveled and effort expended.
It is also worth considering the type of sport that the users will be engaged in - for example, a swimmer’s headphones should be fully waterproof, and a runner’s headset should not slip off or react to gusts of wind and background noise.
At the same time, any sports headset must have a high level of sound insulation, but incomplete noise reduction, so that the owner can hear the instructions of the coach and assess the surrounding situation.
Criteria for selecting suitable running devices
When choosing headphones, it is recommended to study the following criteria:
- degree of protection;
- sound quality;
- ergonomics.
Degree of protection
For those who like to play sports outdoors, the material of the accessory is important. Water resistance allows you to use the device during precipitation.
The durability of the material is important for supporters of active exercise.
Sound quality level
The richness of the sound is valued by competitive dancers. The frequency range from 18Hz to 20kHz makes the sound clear.
Ergonomics
This is a set of conditions that do not cause harm to the device. They can be different: precipitation, distance from communication towers, extreme sports.
It is worth finding out about the operating time without recharging, the presence of water protection, as well as the quality of communication.
TOP 3 best waterproof wireless headphones for sports
Waterproof headphones are an ideal solution for those who enjoy water sports or whose work involves a variety of weather conditions. Those for whom water resistance is an essential criterion when purchasing headphones should pay attention to the following headset models in 2020.
AfterShokz Trekz Air
Bright, wireless, highly sensitive, ear-wrap headphones transmit sound through light vibrations rather than traditional waves (called “bone conduction”), creating the effect of “sound inside the head .
Thanks to the design features, the ears remain open, which allows you to perceive surrounding sounds and respond in a timely manner to possible dangerous situations.
For lovers of complete sound insulation, the package includes earplugs . They are stylish, fit comfortably on the head, do not press or cause discomfort when worn, and have a flexible and durable body.
They can amplify sound, making them ideal for people with impaired hearing.
There is a sensitive built-in microphone . They are distinguished by a convenient and well-thought-out arrangement of control buttons. There is a high level of protection against damage to the device by water and dust.
Specifications:
- headphone weight, g - 30;
- operating/charging time, h – 6/2;
- protection - IP55 (protection from dust and water flows from any direction);
- additionally - a case for carrying and storage.
pros
good sound;
Comfortable placement on the ear.
Minuses
no sound insulation;
not very comfortable to wear with a hat.
Hoco ES11
Comfortable sports wireless headphones are distinguished by a neat design and fixation of long wires on the neckband, which eliminates the possibility of their accidental loss .
The gadget is carefully thought out and guarantees comfortable listening to music during any activity, thanks to the use of specially shaped “fin” clips: they will not fall out of your ears either in the gym or during daily use on trips or long journeys.
Equipped with soft rubber clips to securely secure the headphones in the ear . They are characterized by high autonomy.
They produce good surround and realistic sound of a variety of musical compositions. Control is push-button, traditional and intuitive. The design is sealed and this protects the headset from drops of moisture or sweat getting inside.
There is a built-in microphone that allows you to free your hands even during a conversation . The earbuds have a special magnetic fastening that simplifies their storage.
Specifications:
- headphone weight, g - 25;
- battery, mAh - 120;
- operating/charging time, h – 6/2;
- protection - IPx4 (protection from water splashes from any direction);
- Additionally, there are replaceable ear pads.
pros
comfortable placement in the ears;
good sound.
Minuses
the sound during conversations is “muffled”;
hints are not Russified.
AfterShokz Aeropex
And another waterproof sports wireless headphones with “bone” conduction, which differ from the above AfterShokz Trekz Air model by slightly lighter weight, a more capacious battery, greater sensitivity, and also by being mounted on the ear, and not using the back of the head .
A good headset for fans of active sports - cyclists or runners, as it allows you to listen to high-quality music and not lose touch with the surrounding reality, reacting in time to changes in road conditions or other dangerous situations.
Also, such a device is good for office music lovers - colleagues will not be distracted by the sound from the headphones, and the owner of the device will hear all the questions addressed to him.
The headset is highly flexible and durable, and can be easily rolled up for compact storage.
Specifications:
- headphone weight, g - 26;
- battery, mAh - 145;
- operating/charging time, h – 8/2;
- additionally - a protective case for storage.
pros
holds a charge for a long time;
waterproof.
Minuses
difficult to connect;
There is no automatic volume control under water and above water.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2
Soundcore Liberty Air 2 review - one of the best sports headphones under $100.
TOP 14 best sports headphones Soundcore Liberty Air 2 ($100). If AirPods aren't the right fit for your ears, a good alternative is the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 earbuds, which cost much less than the AirPods Pro but have a similar noise-isolating "tube" design. These headphones sound just as good, if not better, than the AirPods, and they fit better and more securely in the ear, making them great headphones for sports and running, as well as making them an excellent AirPods replica. They're also sweat-resistant and great for calling—just don't call while you're at the gym!
Main characteristics
- Type: in-ear
- Technology: dynamic
- True wireless
- Mounting type: without mounting
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Codec support aptX, AAC
- Work profile support: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
- Working time: 7 h
- Charging time: 2h
- Battery life in case: 28 hours
- iPhone support
- IPX5
Equipment
- Headphones
- USB-C charging cable
- 5 pairs of replaceable ear pads
- Charging case
- Documentation
Video review
- Comfortable and high quality case.
- Wireless charger.
- They fit comfortably in the ears.
- aptX support.
- Battery life.
- The HearID application, thanks to which the functionality can be slightly expanded.
- Sound quality. Not the best.
- There is no active noise cancellation (ANC) function.
Which company should you choose?
Among the best manufacturers of sports headphones, it is worth highlighting the following companies:
- Xiaomi is a well-known Chinese brand that produces innovative and affordable functional gadgets;
- Sony is a famous Japanese brand that invests a lot of effort and money in maintaining high-quality and clear sound;
- Samsung is a transnational corporation specializing in the production of electronics and household appliances, characterized by high quality and reasonable price of devices;
- JBL is a popular American company that produces modern headphones in a youthful design with support for good bass;
- Sennheiser is a German brand, perhaps one of the best headphone manufacturers, distinguished by its reliable build and very high-quality sound.
Huawei Honor Sport AM61
Inexpensive wireless headphones for running.
13th place in the ranking of the best sports headphones goes to the budget model Huawei Honor Sport AM61 ($34), wireless vacuum headphones with a cord. The developers replaced the neckband with a wire with a length adjuster. The model is quite light, has good autonomy (11 hours), but this is also a minus, the battery acts as a counterweight to the control panel. All this makes the Huawei Honor Sport AM61 wireless headphones a model aimed at fast running or active workouts in the gym.
MEE audio X7 Plus
Some of the best headphones for sports in 2021
Third place, bronze in the ranking of the best headphones for sports, goes to MEE audio X7 Plus ($120) - wireless in-ear headphones for sports, with an excellent price-quality ratio. The price of this model is quite average for its segment, for which the owner receives a comfortable and secure fit, a laconic design and good sound. However, these headphones are not suitable for bassheads.
Main characteristics
- Type: wireless
- Emitters: dynamic
- Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 100 dB
- Resistance: 16 Ohm
- Weight: 14 g
- Bluetooth version: 4.1
- aptX and AAC HD support
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Battery charging: 2 hours
Equipment
- Headphones
- Charging cable
- 3 pairs of replaceable ear pads
- Hard case
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Not bad for Bluetooth headphones. Not enough bass, but without strong distortion at all frequencies.
- Convenience. Long workouts without discomfort are guaranteed for you.
- Design. Interesting, clearly not Chinese appearance. Chrome inserts, the shape of the cases and high-quality materials are pleasing to the eye.
- Bluetooth connection quality.
- Microphone placement.
Xiaomi Mi Collar Bluetooth Headset
Wireless headphones for training and fitness.
Xiaomi Mi Collar Bluetooth Headset ($59) - wireless in-ear hybrid headphones for training and fitness. The sports Bluetooth model with a neckband offers battery life up to 8 hours without charging, aptX support and good sound for its price and category.
A rather laconic and universal design, good build quality allow you to listen to music on headphones not only while jogging or in the gym, but also in normal everyday life, especially since the Xiaomi Mi Collar Bluetooth Headset has a decent microphone that can be used for calls or conversations.
Due to their shape and design, wireless headphones from Xiaomi are only suitable for jogging, fitness and yoga.
Marshall Minor II Bluetooth
Wireless earbuds with a signature design for the gym and fitness.
The eleventh place for the best sports headphones of 2021 goes to the Marshall Minor II Bluetooth ($153), wireless sports in-ear headphones with a battery life of up to 12 hours. High-quality assembly, signature recognizable design, smooth and detailed sound, impressive autonomy - classics from Marshall. An additional cable loop fastening ensures a secure fit.
Due to the way the Marshall Minor II Bluetooth fits, it is better suited for relaxed gym sessions or jogging.
By the way, if in-ear headphones are not suitable for you, then we have prepared a rating of the best in-ear headphones.
Main characteristics
- Form factor: in-ear, wireless
- Emitter diameter: 14.2 mm
- Weight: 22.5 g
- Battery life: up to 12 hours
- Charging time: 2h
- Fast charging: 20 minutes for 2 hours of work
- Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset
- Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 117 dB/mW
- Charging connector: microUSB
- Bluetooth 5.0
- aptX support
- Range: 10 meters
Equipment
- Headphones
- Charging cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. The sound quality is very good: the headphones sound detailed and natural, there is even a stage. For wireless models, it is a very worthy competitor in terms of sound. True, the headphones are not for bassheads.
- Appearance. Classic Marshall design.
- Connection quality.
- Autonomy. Operating time: 12 hours. Full charging time is 2 hours. Excellent result.
- Landing. Marshall Minor II Bluetooth - wireless earbuds suitable for sports. Headphones are required when trying on. It’s not clear why, but for some people they fit perfectly and easily, while for others their ears feel pressure and quickly get tired.
- Set. There is no cover or case included, but it would have been nice considering the price.
- Price.
Beats Flex
Inexpensive workout headphones with built-in controls
★★★★☆
RUB 4,990
price may vary
WATCH IN M.VIDEO
Size and weight: 102 x 15 x 864 mm, 20 g Battery life: 12 hours Bluetooth range: 9 meters Waterproof: No
pros
- Great connectivity and Siri performance
- Stable battery life
- Ideal for movies and podcasts
Minuses
- Sound could be better for music
- No IP rating
You can save some money by ditching the TWS headphones and opting for the Beats Flex instead. They still connect via Bluetooth and have a cable connecting the two earbuds that dangles behind your neck when in use.
The Beats Flex can bounce when you run, but for more static forms of exercise this isn't a problem, and the built-in controls offer a convenient alternative to having to take out your phone to skip tracks or adjust the volume.
The main drawback is the lack of IP-rated waterproofing, so you should stick to gentler workouts with the Beats Flex. However, the buttons are waterproof and we didn't have any sweat issues during more strenuous testing.
Meizu EP52
Wireless In-ear Running Headphones with Neckband and Sporty Design
The top five best sports headsets are opened by Meizu EP52 ($40) - inexpensive, wireless, vacuum headphones, with powerful bass and a neckband. The model looks stylish and is great for sports. The red accent and metal panels on the cases instantly attract attention. Interestingly, there is also a gray option if you plan to use the headphones for more than just jogging. For their modest price, Meizu EP52 also offers aptX support and IPX5 protection.
Meizu EP61 Flow
Hybrid wired running headphones with good sound.
Meizu EP61 Flow ($88) - hybrid, in-ear, wired running headphones, with high-quality sound and beautiful appearance.
This model stands out for its stylish design, secure fit in the ear, and high-quality, low-bass sound. An excellent model for jogging at an affordable price.
Main characteristics
- Form factor: in-ear, hybrid
- Emitter type: 1 dynamic + 2 reinforcement
- Weight: 22.7 g
- Resistance: 32 Ohm
- Frequency range: 10 – 30000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 105dB (at 1KHz)
- Maximum power: 5 mW
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm (straight)
- Remote control: volume +/- (works only on Android) and start\pause
- Cable length: 1.18 m
Equipment
- Headphones
- 6 pairs of ear pads
- Hard case
- Airplane adapter
- Documentation
Video review
- Sound. Headphones for running sound interesting and ambiguous. Bass lovers should definitely not take a closer look at this model.
- Design. Meizu tried hard and distinguished the headphones from competitors in the same price category.
- Set. Decent, pleased with the presence of foam ear pads and a carrying case.
- Cable. Looks short-lived.
JBL Endurance DIVE
Sports, bright headphones for swimmers.
The ninth place of the best headphones for sports deservedly goes to the JBL Endurance Dive ($70) - these are in-ear sports headphones from the American brand JBL, which are suitable for swimming. They are wireless, inexpensive, lightweight and stylish, with IPX7 water protection.
By the way, for fans of this brand, we have a rating of the best wireless headphones from JBL.
Main characteristics
- Speaker: 10mm
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz dB/Pa: -20 dB
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Battery: 120 mAh
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Working time: 8 hours
- Talk time: 7 hours
Equipment
- Headphones
- One set of silicone ear pads
- Three sets of earbuds
- Silicone case for storage and carrying
- Charging cable
- Documentation
Video review
- Landing.
- They charge quickly and work for a long time.
- They don't waste time. They turn on instantly, and within two seconds your music is already playing.
- Fits in a small pocket. They are very compact and lightweight, fit into a miniature silicone case and take up almost no space.
- Headphones need to be measured before purchasing. Some people find the ribbed ear tip to rub their ears.
- You have to get used to them in the pool.
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100
The best headphones for running!
Sixth place in the TOP of the best headphones for sports goes to a model designed for running - the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100 ($115) are designed specifically for running training.
The creators have introduced Always Aware technology into the headphones, which allows you to protect the consumer while running over rough terrain, as well as during any other workout. The device does not completely block the ear canal, which allows you to hear what is happening around you. Moreover, moisture protection according to the IP57 protocol guarantees long-term and full performance even during the most intense workouts; the headphones are reliably protected from sweat and splashes of water.
Main characteristics
- Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 94 dB
- Harmonic distortion: 3%
- Weight: 22 g
- True wireless
- Membrane diameter: 13.5 mm
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Work profile support: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
- Range: 10 m
- Talk time: 5 hours
- Working time: 5 h
- Battery life in case: 10 hours
Equipment
- Headphones
- Case/case
- Documentation
Video review
- Landing. Special loops for secure fit in the ear.
- Always Aware technology.
- Autonomous operation up to 5 hours.
- IP57 protection. The headphones may be immersed in water for short periods of time.
- Convenient headphone control.
- Volume level.
