Overview
When cycling or running, wearing headphones can be a terrific way to pass the time. Some riders prefer to listen to music while riding, while others prefer to listen to a good podcast. However, the discussion about using headphones while riding or jogging can be...loud.
On the one hand, some say that wearing headphones while cycling or jogging reduces your awareness of your surroundings and is therefore harmful. On the other hand, some argue that if it's acceptable for cars to zoom about in a metal box while listening to the radio and conversing, it's also acceptable to listen to headphones while cycling or running.
We look at the Best headphones for running and cycling in this post to help you decide if they're perfect for you when you're out on the bike or jogging.
Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most crucial features to look for in a pair of headphones if you want to listen to a good audiobook while driving. Some truly wireless headphones have quick charging capabilities, which are useful for topping off your battery when you stop for a coffee. With most wireless headphones, the case also serves as a charging pack, which is useful when you're out in the middle of nowhere and need a little extra juice. Wireless headphones have a battery life of about eight hours on average. Water And Sweat Resistance
For the same reason that you keep a rain cape in your jersey pocket, your riding headphones must be able to endure any type of weather. They must also be resistant to the corrosive effects of sweat. Headphones, like most tech, have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that indicates how well they protect against external contaminants like dust and water. When just dealing with water and not solids, the IP or IPX uses a sliding scale from one to nine. This means protection against dripping water and sweat on the lower end of the scale. At the top end, you can get protection from high-pressure nozzles that shoot hot water. IPX7 is a common grade for wireless headphones. This indicates that the headphones are waterproof for up to 30 minutes when submerged in water (3 feet). This should reassure you that your headphones are equal to the task of dealing with a little rain and perspiration. Some headphones have a lesser rating, but most are built to resist a light rain shower.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is usually the one area where you get exactly what you paid for. It takes a lot of audio technology to get decent sound quality with earphones that are no bigger than a quarter. Although no completely wireless headphone can equal the pure bass tone of over-ear headphones, some come close with a well-balanced sound. Many cyclists choose to listen to podcasts and audiobooks while riding long distances where sound quality is less critical. When riding with headphones, wind noise can be a concern, and some headphones are better than others at cutting through the air. Wind noise is generally reduced as the profile becomes lower and more polished.
Comfort And Stability
It's pointless to have the best features, music quality, or battery life if the headphones aren't comfy to use while riding. You'll also need headphones that stay in your ears during your workout. The most secure headphone hook designs are over-ear headphone hook designs, however, even most in-ear wireless earbuds stay tight once you've found the perfect earbud for your ear shape.
1. Is It Safe To Ride A Bike While Listening To Music Through Headphones?
Intuitively, filtering out background noise while riding a bike appears to be a risk. De Waard et al's findings imply that listening to music slows reaction times. It may be claimed that drivers would have the same effect. Earphones are better suitable and safe in less congested cycling situations than in congested city streets, according to common sense.
2. Is There a Way to Reduce Wind Noise?
When wearing earbuds, wind noise is unavoidable. When wearing headphones, there are even items that attach to the helmet straps and work as a windbreaker.
3. Are there any laws prohibiting the use of headphones while driving?
Only seven states in the US regulate the use of headphones while riding a bike, and two of them, California, Delaware, and Maryland, expressly prohibit it (although Maryland allows their use on bike lanes). Bicyclists in the other four states, Florida, Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia, can only use one earphone. Any of this means that wearing headphones is entirely legal in all of the other 47 states, however, as with anything, you should use your best judgment.
The Best headphones for running and cycling combine superb sound quality and safety features that help you hear what's going on around you, whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or even trying to learn a foreign language. The priority is to keep everyone safe. As a result, the AfterShokz Aeropez bone conduction headphones are unquestionably superior. Sound quality is adequate while still allowing you to hear everything that is going on around you.
Our top picks