Cycling is a great way to stay healthy and get in shape. If you’re an avid cyclist, then you know that it can be difficult to hear the world around you when cycling at higher speeds. Headphones are the perfect solution! Headphones for cycling come in many shapes and sizes so it’s important to find one that works best for your needs. Wireless headphones are particularly great because they won’t get caught on anything or tangle as easily as wired headphones would.
This blog post will take you through some of our favorite picks for wireless headphones specifically made for cyclists!
Table Of Contents
Key Features of Headphones for Cycling
There is a lot to look out for when buying cycling headphones. You need to consider both your listening comfort and your safety, but there are also other features that can make all the difference in how you ride.
Safety
To be a safe cyclist, you need to make sure that your hearing is good. Keep the volume low enough so that there’s no chance of missing oncoming traffic and car horns when it comes time for lane changes or passing.
Active noise-canceling headphones are impressive, but shouldn’t be used at the expense of having your wits about you when cycling with them.
Most Bluetooth earbuds and true wireless earbuds don’t totally block out sound so it is important to still hear traffic around you while biking. For peace of mind, though, bone conduction technology in our best picks for cyclists can keep your ears uncovered which means that they will also not feel too hot during a long bike ride!
Stability
Cycling can be quite strenuous and fast, especially if you are riding a long distance. We recommend specific sports headphones like in-ear headphones that will stay in place when there is lots of movement so the person cycling doesn’t have to worry about them falling out or being too bulky while they ride their bike.
The In-ear headphones come with ear wings for extra security and fit under helmets easily without getting caught on anything.
Durability
The need for durable headphones is a pain, but it’s worth the investment. Imagine how frustrating and inconvenient it would be to have your headphones break every few months because they weren’t sturdy enough? A good set of earbuds or over-ear models will last you much longer than cheaper options without sacrificing sound quality. Durability shouldn’t just mean that the material doesn’t tear easily; many items are made from rubber which can still get cut if not designed well! If you’re an active person who enjoys cycling in difficult terrains, then water-resistant models may suit your needs more so when compared with sweat resistance alone as these also resist wet environments like rain and snow conditions.
Wired vs. Wireless
Choosing wired headphones can save you the hassle of charging but if you’re a cyclist, it might get tangled up in your bike or clothing.
Wireless headphones are becoming more and more popular with active people like cyclists because they don’t tangle as much when moving around on your clothes or bike.
Key features of wireless headphones:
- You can move freely because there are no wires to get in the way.
- Sweat and water-resistant
- You can keep your music device (smartphone) in a bag for protection.
- In-line control and microphone for taking calls
- They need to be charged regularly.
We all know that technology is great, but it has come at a cost. The lack of cable and the freedom to enjoy music without your device attached are just two reasons why wireless headphones have become so popular lately. You can even use voice control for an added bonus on some models!
Battery and Bluetooth
If you’re going down the wireless route, think carefully about what battery lives will suit your biking routine. For example, if you like to cycle long distances on a regular basis and need something that’ll last more than two hours at a time – with no interruptions in sound or connectivity – then lithium batteries are for you!
How to Choose Headphones for Cycling
A cyclist’s needs are different than those of a runner; which is why it becomes important to know what exactly you’re looking for before purchasing a pair. Some cyclists prioritize features such as stability while others may be more concerned with sound quality and comfortability during long rides or runs.
How do Cycling Headphones Differ?
One of the most important considerations when buying headphones for cycling is whether sound or stability is more important. Some cyclists prefer to wear earbuds because they like being able to hear their surroundings and maintain a sense of situational awareness, while others might want something that’s secure enough not to be knocked off in traffic but will still allow them an escape from the outside world.
Good quality of sound is important, but if you’re wearing true wireless earbuds that keep falling out then it’s useless.
Cycling headphones are made to be as compact and lightweight as possible. They need to fit under a helmet, that’s why they don’t come in on-ear or over-ear models.
Consider Where (and How) You Will be Cycling
It is always important to be able to hear while cycling. However, in some areas, you might need it a little more than others. If you often cycle around busy traffic or bike paths with lots of other cyclists, open-ear wireless bone conduction headphones could work well for you since they don’t block your ear canal and allow ambient sounds like car horns or nearby conversations through instead (Coulton).
If that isn’t the case where most of your biking takes place then wired workout headphones may suffice because they are not as sensitive to wind noise from outside sources such as cars passing by on the road below them at high speeds which can lead to distortion if one doesn’t have appropriate soundproofing built into their helmet (Gadget Head).
Finding the best sports headphones for cycling can be tricky, as there are so many different features that you might want based on what kind of cyclist you are. For example, if your bike tour will last an extended period of time and require long hours in between rest stops, then it is important to look at Bluetooth headsets with longer battery life.
Best Headphones for Cycling
1. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 20h in case | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 2h 20min + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, BT-CVSD, mSBC | Water-resistance: IP57 | Features: EQ, “find my buds” feature, ambient aware
Jabra Elite Active 75t Bluetooth headphones are a pair of high-quality wireless earphones that have been engineered to sound great, no matter what you’re listening to. These stylish and sleek sounding ‘buds come with an app for customization which allows users to adjust the bass level according to taste. For all types of music lovers, these work best if they enjoy modern bassy genres!
Great ambient sound mode awareness is the reason why the Jabra Elite Active 75t make the top of any list. Although they have good noise isolation, you can use them with the HearThrough feature that allows users to hear their surroundings by diverting ambient sounds from a 4-microphone system.
Touch screen bike controls are great if you’re not wearing cycling gloves, but physical buttons make it much more convenient in that situation. The microphone also enables hands-free phone calls or voice assistant commands without having to fumble with the touchscreen interface when your fingers get cold and wet from being outside all day biking around campus!
Moreover, the 7-hour battery life and water/dust protection on the Toughpad make it perfect for mountain biking.
2. Beats PowerBeats Pro
Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 9h + 24h in case | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 1h + quick charge – Lightning | Mic & controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Ear hooks, H1 chip, volume controls on both sides
The PowerBeats Pro is the best bass headphone on the market for those who want a clearer, more deep sound. The Bluetooth Headphones have an emphasis on treble and lows which results in a V-shaped signature that is perfect for any music you may be listening to!
The ear hooks are a nice addition because they can fit nicely under helmets. They might create wind noise, but good isolation will help cut down on that.
These headphones weigh less than an ounce and come with a sleek, cordless design. The fit is snug but not too tight to be uncomfortable while blocking out the sound around you for maximum enjoyment of your music or podcast!
To protect your sports earbuds against all the elements, they have an IPX4 water resistance rating for rain and sweat protection. And since you’re a busy person who needs to stay connected on their bike, with built-in mics on each side of these headphones it’s easy enough to make phone calls or give voice commands when biking through cities like Prague!
With quick-charging capability, your battery can go from empty to completely full in less than an hour. Your phone will also last longer with 11 hours of talk time on a single charge (powered by the case).
3. Jaybird Vista
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 10h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC (with JBS1 chip) | Water resistance: IPX7 | Features: Ear fins, EQ, “find my buds” feature
The sound quality of these Headphones is top-notch. The EQ in the app lets you customize your audio output, and whether it’s for a party or just listening to music with friends, these speakers are perfect!
No need to be worried about the Vista’s durability as they come with an IPX7 water-resistant feature and military standard of ruggedness.
With the packaging, you get 3 different silicone ear gels for a secure fit during various activities. You can choose between two-sized ear fins to find your perfect match that will be comfortable and stay in place with no worries of it falling out!
4. AfterShokz Aeropex
Type: Bone conduction | Battery life: 8h | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 2h – Proprietary cable | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC | Water resistance: IP67 | Features: Moisture detect alert, EQ, multipoint
The sound clarity is respectable, and the frequency response is great for bone-conduction headphones. They’re currently the best option out there if you want a clear listening experience without putting any pressure on your ears when they go inside of them.
The inventors of bone conduction technology have made it possible for you to hear ambient noise. Without having to worry about losing the ability to isolate your sound. When a person is using this type of hearing device, they’re able to get audio signals through their facial bones rather than just relying on what can be heard when air travels directly into one’s ear canal or via vibrations from direct contact with the eardrum and ossicles in order for sounds waves propagate nerve impulses that result in auditory perceptions like balance and posture.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist or just looking for an outdoor break, these earbuds are great. They provide 8 hours of playtime, and they’ll stay in your ears no matter what kind of intense activity you get into.
The Bluetooth is ultra-reliable, so you can keep your device tucked away in the bag.
5. Anker Soundcore Life P2
Type: Bone conduction | Battery life: 8h | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 2h – USB type C | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC | Water resistance: IPX7
The Anker Soundcore Life P2 cycling headphones are a budget-friendly pair of earbuds that sound great and have an exceptional bass performance.
They promise up to seven hours of continuous playback, although at with volumes required for our indoor cycling setting, we found this time ran closer to around five hours. With the charging case, this time extends to offer 40 hours of battery life and a fast charge means little downtime between listening sessions.
You can choose whether you want one ear or both ears with this device- two pairs of headphones in one! You don’t have to decide which side is for your left or right hand – simply put on whichever ear feels most comfortable at any given time! And if it’s not easy enough just trying different sides, when there are competing sound sources (such as a laptop versus a phone) find out first what will come out of its own case before picking up either set so that you’ll be able to switch between devices seamlessly without going back into menus.
These headphones offer a secure fit for your ears that we’ve tested over bumpy gravel terrain without issue. We’re not sure if they would be as effective in the wild, but with their diminutive size and lack of a find-me beacon, you should probably keep them close to home or risk losing these tiny companions forever!
Best Affordable Headphones for Cycling
6. TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 30h in case | Noise canceling: No | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: HSP HFP A2DP AVRCP | Water resistance: IPX8 Waterproof | Features: Multipoint, mono mode, Qi charging, auto play-pause feature
Are you tired of wires getting in your way?
The TOZO T10 wireless earbuds are the perfect solution for people who want to listen to music without being tethered by a wire. These earbuds provide high-quality sound and offer playtime that lasts for over 6 hours on a single charge. They also come with an easy-to-use charging case that can be charged via USB cable or power bank, so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
You’ll love how these wireless earbuds stay securely in place even when you’re working out, cycling, running errands, or commuting on public transportation. And they’re sweatproof too! Whether it’s raining outside or if you’re just feeling hot and sweaty from cycling, these headphones will keep going strong no matter what type of activity you’re doing. Plus they work great for phone calls too! No more having to hold your phone up close while talking – just answer the call with one touch and then put it back down again once finished!
7. EarFun Free Pro
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 25h in case | Wireless range: 50ft (15m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX5 | Features: ANC, ambient aware, ear fins, mono mode, touch controls
For a budget earphone, the EarFun’s sound performance is surprisingly dynamic and detailed. Despite being far from neutral, these make for an excellent listening experience while still maintaining good value-for-money.
These earbuds are great for people that live in a city or travel often. They have one of the smallest housings around, so wind noise isn’t really an issue with them! The mic is also fairly resistant to the elements providing clear call quality- perfect if you’re always on your phone while walking out and about!
If you love your music, then the best way to make sure it stays with you is by getting ear tips that stay put. The included ones are great and offer a secure fit so they don’t fall out when riding in traffic or on bumpy terrain. Plus, these provide better noise isolation than regular headphones because of their active noise cancellation capabilities- which means fewer background noises will interfere!
With Bluetooth 5.2, you’ll never have to worry about the audio cutting out on your ride because of a bad connection again!
Conclusion
There you have it. We hope you’ll get something that will be best suitable for your needs. It’s great to have some motivational music on in the background when you’re cycling. It’s also good to be able to stay connected and take calls while riding, but make sure it doesn’t distract from your safety!
We have discussed some of the best headphones for cycling. All the headphones are superb but some may have extra features. If you got bucks in your pocket and want some durable and quality headphones. Then AfterShokz Aeropex and Jabra’s headphones will be the best option to go with.
Moreover, if you want some best earphones without breaking the bank you can check out Tozo T10.
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