There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing the best running headphones. The style of headphone affects how comfortably it fits in the ear while running, so this is one of the primary considerations. Other factors include durability, cord length, moisture resistance and sound quality.
The first step to choosing the best running headphones is deciding which style to buy. There are a number of different types of headphones, including earbuds, neckbands, sport hooks and "on ear” varieties. Each has its own positives and negatives. Aside from the type of headphone, it’s also important to judge the length of cord required. The taller you are, the longer the cord you’ll need, especially if you plan to keep the music player in your pocket while running.
Earbuds are probably the most common type of headphones in the early 21st century, but they are generally not recommended for running. This is because they can easily become dislodged by the constant vibrations. Neckbands are similar to earbud headphones but come with a strap around the back of the neck. This is designed to stop the headphones from coming out while running, making them popular among runners, but the band can rub on the neck.
One of the best types of running headphones are sports hooks. These also have an earbud design but with a hook attached to each earphone. The hook loops over the ear and stops the headphones from coming loose while running. It can be difficult to adjust the hook but, when fitted correctly, these are probably the most secure.
There are a number of other considerations when choosing the best running headphones. Unlike regular headphones, running headphones need to be able to stand up to the constant vibrations of jogging. For this reason, it’s essential to choose a durable pair. Runners sometimes find themselves running in the rain, and the headphones will naturally get sweaty, so waterproof headphones also are important.
Something that is often overlooked when choosing running headphones is sound quality. Durability and comfort are important, but if the headphones are too quiet or produce poor quality sound, then listening to music becomes far less enjoyable. You should try to look for headphones that have a good bass sound, because this is often an indicator of quality. If you run next to loud roads, then try to choose running headphones that have a high maximum volume without a noticeable loss of quality.