Sports Headphones

Nothing is as motivating as your favourite music or podcast while running, but then your earphones must sit firmly, be sweat-resistant and offer you crystal clear sound. Regular earbuds are not designed for that: they fall out with intensive movement, cannot withstand sweat or rain and offer insufficient comfort for longer runs. Special sports headphones are built for exactly those circumstances: a firm fit, sweat resistance and smart technology that keeps you safe and motivated kilometre after kilometre.

The range runs from in-ear sports earbuds with earhooks to open-ear models with bone conduction technology for maximum ambient sounds. The main selection criteria are the fit and type of attachment, the IPX water resistance rating, the type of sound technology and the battery life. Also view our complete range of running equipment for all accessories you need as a runner.

Why special sports earbuds instead of regular ones?

Regular earbuds are designed for use at rest, not for movement. With intensive running they vibrate loose, become saturated with sweat and offer no stable fit for prolonged comfort. Sports earbuds are specifically developed for sporting activities: ergonomic fit with earhooks or wing tips, sweat-resistant material and an IPX rating that protects against rain and perspiration. Some models also offer transparency mode or open-ear technology through which you continue to hear your ambient sounds for safe running in traffic.

Which sports headphone suits you?

The right choice depends on how you train, how important safety and ambient sound are to you and whether you prioritise comfort or sound isolation. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You run a lot in traffic or on busy paths and want to keep hearing your surroundings: Choose open-ear earbuds with bone conduction or air conduction technology. With bone conduction sound is transmitted via vibrations through your cheekbone to your inner ear, keeping your ears completely free. With open-ear air conduction small speakers hang in front of the entrance to your ears. Both variants give you complete awareness of your surroundings while you still hear music or coaching.

You want maximum sound quality and are not bothered by ambient sound during training: Choose in-ear sports earbuds with passive sound isolation. These seal your ear for maximum sound experience. Note that when used in traffic you are always aware of the reduced ambient sounds.

You run in rain or sweat intensively and want no worries about water damage: Check the IPX rating of the desired model. For running in rain you need at minimum IPX5. If you train regularly in heavy precipitation or want to use the earbuds while swimming, choose IPX7 or higher.

You do triathlon and want earbuds that remain comfortable while cycling: Choose a model with a stable earhook or behind-the-neck attachment that does not conflict with your cycling helmet. Open-ear models are also ideal during cycling for ambient awareness. Also view our range of triathlon clothing for a complete race kit.

You do long endurance runs and do not want to deal with charging interruptions: Check the total battery life including the charging case. Many sports earbuds offer 6 to 8 hours of playback time per charge. For marathon training and long endurance runs a model with at least 8 hours battery life per charge is recommended.

What types of sports headphones are there?

Open-ear earbuds with bone conduction

Bone conduction earbuds transmit sound via vibrations through your cheekbone to your inner ear. Your ears remain completely free, so you always hear your ambient sounds. Ideal for running in traffic, on unpaved paths and for athletes who prefer not to seal their ears. The sound quality is slightly less bass-heavy than in-ear models but for spoken content, music and coaching more than sufficient.

Open-ear earbuds with air conduction

With open-ear air conduction small speakers hang in front of the entrance to your ear without sealing the ear. Your ambient sounds are not blocked and the fit is for many athletes more comfortable than in-ear models. Good sound quality combined with complete ambient awareness.

In-ear sports earbuds with earhooks

In-ear sports earbuds seal your ear for maximum sound isolation and sound quality. Earhooks provide a stable attachment that does not come loose even with intensive movement. Ideal for athletes who want maximum sound quality and consciously choose sound isolation during training.

Over-ear sports headphones

Over-ear sports headphones offer the best sound quality and are comfortable for prolonged use. Less suitable for running because of the weight and mobility, but ideal for strength training, cycling on the exercise bike or other sports where your head moves less. Also read our blog starting with running for more tips about your running equipment.

The IPX rating: what does it mean?

The IPX rating is an international standard that indicates how well a device is protected against water and moisture. For sports earbuds this is one of the most important specifications.

IPX4 is splash-proof: protects against sweat and light rain from all directions. The minimum for sports use.

IPX5 is water-resistant: protects against water jets. Suitable for running in heavy rain.

IPX7 is waterproof up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Suitable for use when swimming in shallow water and heavy downpours.

IPX8 is fully waterproof to greater depths. The choice for swimmers who want to hear music underwater as well.

For most runners IPX5 is sufficient. If you also train while swimming or in extreme weather conditions, choose IPX7 or higher.

Wireless or wired?

Virtually all modern sports earbuds are wireless via Bluetooth. Wired models have virtually disappeared for athletes due to the movement restrictions a cable brings. Wireless earbuds give you complete freedom of movement, no cables getting in the way and a stable Bluetooth connection that works with virtually all smartphones and sports watches. Combine your earbuds with a sports watch for a complete data-driven training setup.

What to look for when buying?

Fit and attachment type

The fit is the most critical criterion. Earbuds that fall out during running are not only irritating but also dangerous if you lose them. Preferably choose a model with an earhook or behind-the-neck attachment that is not dependent solely on the fit in your ear canal. Test the fit before buying or carefully check the return policy.

IPX rating

Minimum IPX4 for running. IPX5 or higher if you regularly train in rain. IPX7 or higher if you want to use the earbuds while swimming as well.

Sound technology and ambient awareness

Choose open-ear technology if you run a lot in traffic or on busy paths. Choose in-ear if you prioritise maximum sound quality and sound isolation and consciously train in an environment where ambient sounds are less relevant.

Battery life

Check the battery life per charge in playback mode. For most runners 6 to 8 hours per charge is sufficient. For marathon training and longer endurance runs choose a model with at least 8 hours of playback time per charge or a charging case that offers multiple extra charges.

Bluetooth version and connection stability

Bluetooth 5.0 or higher gives a more stable connection with less interference than older versions. Also check whether the model is compatible with your smartphone and sports watch.

Our advice: Choose open-ear earbuds if you regularly run in traffic or on public roads. Ambient awareness is not only comfortable but also a safety issue. Bone conduction and open-ear air conduction models offer the best combination of music enjoyment and situational awareness. Combine with a running hat or cap for extra comfort in cold or rainy weather.

Who are sports headphones suitable for?

• Runners who want to hear music, podcasts or coaching during their training sessions without compromising on comfort or safety.
• Triathletes who also want to use their earbuds while cycling and at the transition for motivation and coaching.
• Athletes who train in traffic and combine ambient awareness with music enjoyment via open-ear technology.
• Marathon runners and long distance runners who need comfortable earbuds for hours with sufficient battery life.
• Athletes who also train in rain or wet conditions and need waterproof earbuds.

Combine your sports earbuds with the right running shoes and running jacket for a complete and comfortable training kit.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about sports headphones

What is the difference between bone conduction and open-ear earbuds?

Bone conduction earbuds transmit sound via vibrations through your cheekbone to your inner ear without the speakers being in or in front of your ear. Open-ear air conduction earbuds hang small speakers in front of the entrance to your ear without sealing the ear. Both variants let ambient sounds through but work via a different sound technology. Bone conduction has slightly less bass response, open-ear air conduction sits closer to the entrance of the ear for a warmer sound.

What IPX rating do I need for running?

For running we recommend at minimum IPX4 for protection against sweat and light rain. If you regularly train in heavy precipitation, choose IPX5. If you also want to use the earbuds while swimming, you need at minimum IPX7.

Are sports earbuds also suitable for triathlon races?

For the running section of a triathlon sports earbuds are fine to use. For swimming most models are not suitable unless they have an IPX7 or IPX8 rating. Also check the race rules of your organisation; at some triathlons the use of earbuds during cycling is not permitted.

How long does the battery of sports earbuds last?

That differs per model. Most sports earbuds offer 6 to 10 hours of playback time per charge. Many models come with a charging case that provides 2 to 4 extra charges for a total usage time of 20 to 40 hours. Always check the playback time per charge specifically before choosing on total capacity.

Do sports earbuds with earhooks not fall out during intensive running?

Earhooks are specifically designed to prevent that. The hook goes around the ear so the earbuds are anchored regardless of the movement of your head and body. With the correct size and fit, earhook models remain stable even during sprint intervals and terrain changes.

Can I also use sports earbuds for strength training or on the exercise bike?

Yes. Sports earbuds are widely applicable for all sporting activities. For strength training in-ear models with good sound isolation are pleasant. For cycling on the exercise bike open-ear models are more comfortable because your head moves less and you can still hear ambient sounds.