With the right wired headphones, running can turn an ordinary experience into motivation.
For those of us who lace up our sneakers and hit the pavement or treadmill, it’s hard to overstate how important it is to find the best headphones to keep up with.
They need to be able to withstand sweat, stay safe during intense workouts, and deliver crystal-clear audio.
This guide is dedicated to helping runners, from the casual jogger to the marathon enthusiast, find the best headphones for their jogging hobby.
1. Sennheiser IE 200
Wired headphones are still the first choice for many runners.
The Sennheiser IE 200 might be a little too much for some runners, but they’re a fantastic choice thanks to their super-comfortable fit, thanks to the over-ear loops that keep them in place even during high-intensity workouts.
Comfort is key when it comes to running headphones, and the IE 200 doesn’t disappoint. These earbuds fit most people’s ears perfectly, and there are a ton of eartip options to choose from.
Combined with the over-ear loops, they’re a great way to keep the earbuds securely in place even when they pop out of your ears.
The IE 200 may not look like a runner’s dream on paper, but after a few minutes of wearing them, you’ll quickly see why they’ve earned this spot in our guide.
Sennheiser is known for the incredible audio quality of its headphones, so it’s no surprise that the IE 200 is one of the best-sounding wired earbuds around.
They don’t have the punchy bass that some runners seek out with over-ear headphones, but they’re still very enjoyable to listen to, regardless of what you’re running.
Plus, with the right fit, these earbuds do a great job of passively isolating you, which can be useful when you’re running at the gym or just zoning out.
2. ROVKING Wired Running Headphones
The ROVKING wired running headphones are the best value earbuds because they are affordable, yet they are noise-isolating, have comfortable ear hooks to keep the earbuds in place, are sweat-proof, have a built-in microphone, and can easily connect to all your devices including your laptop, smartphone, and MP3 player.
Runners tend to love these earbuds because they are so affordable, at less than $15, despite having so many cool features.
Even better, if you have a hard time finding earbuds that fit your small ears due to the small canal, you’ll love their interesting design.
This product is made with a smaller housing, making it lightweight and perfect for smaller ears.
Plus, it comes with multiple eartips in small, medium, and large sizes so you can find the perfect size without worrying about them popping out.
It can be very annoying to constantly have to take your phone out of your pocket to change tracks or radio stations while you’re running.
Or, when you need to lower the volume to talk to someone, it can be really annoying to have to take your phone out.
With these earbuds, you don’t have to worry about taking your phone out because the microphone and audio remote are already built-in and can be used on the wire.
You can use the remote to skip tracks, play or pause music, answer and end calls, and activate your voice assistant, and there’s also a button to press to use the microphone.
Speaking of the microphone, one reviewer was dissatisfied because it broke down relatively quickly. He also said that the audio quality was poor.
I think he bought a defective earbud. He should contact the manufacturer and send it back for a replacement.
Overall, the ROVKING Wired Running Headphones are a great choice for a budget-friendly pair of headphones.
Because they fit runners securely, don’t fall out of your ears during exercise thanks to the ergonomic ear loops, and are comfortable, durable, and lightweight in design.
3. Sephia SP3060 Wired In-Ear Headphones with Anti-Tangle Feature
The Sephia SP3060 Wired In-Ear Headphones with an Anti-Tangle Cord are ideal for listening to music while working out or running.
They come with 6 pairs of earpads that will stay in your ears no matter what happens. This helps block out ambient noise.
What we like about this product is its lightweight design which makes it easy to carry.
In addition, the attractive silver and black color makes the product stand out and look elegant. The high quality of the built-in materials enhances the durability of the product.
It comes with powerful neodymium 10mm magnetic earbuds that provide excellent sound clarity for all kinds of music genres.
The best part about these earbuds is that they help reduce external noise and greatly reduce sound leakage. It comes with a stylish protective case that makes it easy to carry and looks very stylish.
4. Bose SoundSport Wired
This is great for those who don’t like in-ear headphones that stick in their ears. They stay in place thanks to Bose’s wing-shaped StayHear Tips.
What makes these earphones useful for runners is their open-ear design, which filters out some sound.
We mentioned earlier that it’s important for outdoor runners to be aware of their surroundings, as noise can be a harbinger of danger, and these earphones let sound through.
This is another reason to take it outdoors, as it is sweat and weather-resistant. The microphone allows you to switch between calls and music with a single touch.
The focused sound is made possible by what Bose describes as TriPort headphone technology, which produces a wide range of sound, including deep, natural bass that envelops your senses.
5. MEE audio M6
The sound quality is pretty good, considering the price. Perfect for all the bass-heavy music that is most popular among sportsmen.
You can choose between 3.5mm or USB-C versions with or without a microphone and control module.
The ergonomically rounded and smooth plastic makes it comfortable for long workouts. Plus, the memory wire folds into the ear hook (the cable that goes over your ear) to provide stability while running.
With the right eartips, you get fantastic noise isolation that blocks out most of the surrounding noise. However, it is not as good as the best noise-canceling earbuds.
Thanks to the IPX5 (water-resistant) rating, it can withstand sweat and rain, making it perfect for indoor or outdoor jogging.
If you are looking for wired running headphones, the MEE audio M6 is the best value for your money. Or, for more alternatives, check out the best wireless earbuds for running or the best headphones for running.
6. JBL Endurance Sport Headphones
The JBL Endurance Sport headphones are a great choice for wired earbuds because of their flexible flip-book, two-way design.
You can wear them behind your ears or in your ear canal. They are ergonomically designed, lightweight, secure, sweat-resistant, and have a one-button remote control.
Not only are these earbuds from JBL incredibly affordable at under $20, they’re also a groundbreaking new addition to the category.
They’re designed bi-directionally, so if you want to keep them in your ears, you can do so. Or, if you want to keep them behind and outside your ears, the dual design allows for that.
Overall, I have no problem recommending the JBL Endurance Sport Headphones.
The innovative features, the fact that they come in four sizes of eargels, the fact that they come in black, blue, red, yellow, and turquoise, and the comfort they provide make these earbuds a great choice for all types of runners.
7. JVC HA-EBR80
The sound signature is balanced. The midrange is clear and well-defined. The bass is not strong, and some may complain that it lacks bass. If you like bass, there are other bass alternatives on this list.
The JVC is a classic in-ear earbud without ear tips. It sits on your ear, so it doesn’t touch your ear. Yes, it does. This makes for poor noise isolation, but better cognition.
The soft rubber ear hooks ensure a snug fit and hold in your ears. You can use them for both running and working out. If you don’t like the in-ear feel and need cognition, check out these.
FAQs
Is it bad to wear headphones while working out?
There’s nothing wrong with wearing headphones while working out. Listening to fast-paced music has been shown to help with physical performance. As long as you’re safe, wear headphones.
Is it better to work out with earbuds or headphones?
Earbuds are better for working out. Earbuds are smaller, lighter, and more stable while you’re moving, so they’re better for most workouts.
Larger headphones are more comfortable, so they’re better for long gym sessions where you’re lifting weights, but they’re less likely to fall out, so they’re not ideal for fast workouts.
Can I work out with wired earbuds?
You can work out with wired earbuds, but the wires shouldn’t get in the way. Basic exercises like weight lifting, cardio, and running are fine. However, exercises that require wide, fast movements can tug on the cord.
Are all workout headphones bass-heavy?
Most workout headphones have a bit of bass-heavy sound because that’s what people prefer. The bass provides energy and rhythm to running and lifting.
Also, shaking while moving causes vibrations that reduce low-frequency audibility. So increasing the bass helps even out your auditory perception during exercise.
Are wired headphones good for running?
Wired headphones are good for running as long as they are securely attached to your head and there are no issues with the cable.