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 Bluetooth earbuds that fit as snugly as your sneakers, deliver rich sound, and perform well in buckets of sweat. And if a flailing arm has sent your iPhone tumbling down the treadmill one too many times, you know you want something wireless as well.
But before you sprint to the store, read our tips on finding The Best Bluetooth earbuds. 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?
Earphones for Exercise
For the gym, you’ll generally want Bluetooth earbuds. 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.
Bluetooth earbuds 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.
Totally Wireless
There’s a new breed of completely Bluetooth earbuds out there, including the Bragi Dash and Samsung Gear IconX. Like Apple’s AirPods$159.00 at Apple, these are truly wire-free Bluetooth earphones, in that there’s no cable connecting the earpieces, which are separate from each other. But the Dash and Gear IconX are far more secure in your ears than the AirPods, making them better for exercise. They also double as fitness trackers, with sensors to track your activity and heart rate while you work out, another trend we’re starting to see more of.