A good pair of headphones can make a stationary cycling workout more enjoyable, and they can also help you concentrate on your workout.
Do you know which headphones are the best, considering the ones that offer good sound quality, fit well, are sweat and weather-resistant, and can withstand the toughest workouts?
This article will help you decide which headphones will work best for your needs. However, please have in mind that you must choose a pair that doesn't cut the outside noise completely, due to the fact that safety should be your main concern.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundSport | Best Overall |  |
| Urbanears Stadion Active Wireless Bluetooth Headphone | Budget Pick |  |
| AfterShokz Air Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Bose SoundSport
Pros:
- Very good audio quality
- Wireless: Bluetooth and NFC pairing aided by voice prompts
- Safe to use while riding
- Lightweight, convenient and portable
- Sweat and weather resistance
Cons:
- The battery life can damage in time
- You can only pair up with one device at a time
These Bose SoundSport wireless earbuds are the perfect choice for riding; the wireless design ensures comfort and stability for those long hours while you are on the road. With excellent sound quality, this device can last up to 6 hours battery life per charge. It’s easy to pair with your phone and has an interesting ‘find my buds’ feature for when you lose your earbuds. You can choose your favorite from 3 colors.
2. Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones
Pros:
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Fast Fuel
- Good wireless distance
- Sweatproof
Cons:
- The charging system might damage in time
- Sweat may cause the battery to lose its charge and not reconnect
These Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones are an excellent choice for their price. It ensures a good quality sound and guarantees up to 12 hours of battery life while you enjoy your riding. They are designed to deliver comfort- you can pause, skip or restart tracks without taking your phone out of your pocket.
3. Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
Pros:
- Transmits accurate smart features from your phone
- Tracks your pulse
- Comfortable earbuds
- Compatible with many fitness apps
- Wireless range up to 30 feet
- 5 hours of wireless power
Cons:
- Probably heavier than any other Bluetooth headphones
- The battery life can be considered too short
As a very new cyclist, Bose was the last thing on my mind, but these headphones are so high in quality that I had to try them myself. Sound quality, comfort, features, and waterproofing are the major pros of these headphones.
The design is extremely well thought out and the earbuds even fit my small ears just fine. However, you must keep in mind that the Bluetooth connection doesn't cover a very big distance.
4. Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
Pros:
- Great Battery Life
- Secure fit and comfortable earbud design
- High-quality true wireless earbuds with great sound
- Sweat resistant
- 4 built-in microphones for calls
- Comes in a variety of 5 colors
Cons:
- Bluetooth connectivity could be improved
- The charging case might damage in time
The Jabra Elite Active 65t is a pair of wireless earbuds that even though they’re designed to be very small, still sound better than the AirPods.
Available in a variety of 5 colors they come with a charging case that provides an additional two charges, and they’re water and sweat-resistant, making them suitable for almost any activity.
They are secure-fitting earbuds that provide dependable in-ear stability and you have the option of personalizing your sound on the Jabra Sound plus app.
5. JayBird X3 Sport Bluetooth Headset
Pros:
- Mini Wireless buds
- Can be used continuously for up to 8 hours
- Stays firmly in ear thanks to silicone ear-tips
- No wires, no earpieces to fall out and get lost
- Sweatproof- perfect for commuting
Cons:
- Waterproof coating starts peeling off in time
- Battery life can damage in time
This JayBird X3 Sport Bluetooth Headset is the perfect choice for those looking for functionality, unbeatable comfort, and incredible sound quality. Due to the fact that the earbuds can even be worn underneath a helmet, it's the perfect choice for cyclists. Moreover, the smaller frame is more convenient to handle and ensures a comfortable fit for different ear sizes.
It comes with a hydrophobic nano-coating which makes the whole earbud waterproof, preventing sweat, snow, and rain from affecting your sound trip. It also has a compatible MySound app where you can customize every aspect of your sound.
6. AfterShokz Air Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Pros:
- Six-hour continuous use battery life
- Multipoint pairing
- Made with durable reflective material
- Sweatproof
- Comes in 4 colors
Cons:
- The on/off button may damage in time
- Some users complained about the sound quality
These AfterShokz Air Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones are a perfect choice for riders due to the patented bone conduction technology that delivers audio through the cheekbone, therefore, it ensures safety by keeping you connected and aware of your surroundings.
7. Urbanears Stadion Active Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
Pros:
- Stretchy coils adapt to the shape of your head
- Comes in 4 colors
- Battery life lasts to 7 hours
- Built-in reflectors to ensure night visibility
- Comfortable
Cons:
- The on/off button may damage in time
- Not sweatproof
The Urbanears Stadion Wireless are a great option for cyclists due to the fact that its design helps you take in the sounds of the weather outside, the traffic and the surrounding environment of your neighborhood on your bike without having to take them off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you wear headphones while cycling?
Technological advancements in the realm of headphones have enabled cyclists to enjoy their favorite tunes on the road.
For cyclists, finding headphones is a tricky business, however, when choosing the right option for your needs, you must consider a device that ensures safety while riding, doesn’t hinder performance, and sounds good.
Headphones are generally meant for casual listeners, not for the avid cyclist.
However, over the years, many companies have built headphones that provide the best sound quality while still being safe, comfortable, and cycling-specific.
Wearing headphones while riding a bike can substantially improve your experience, but also increase your and others' risk. You can cycle to your favorite songs, listen to podcasts, or stay in touch with your cycling buddies.
There are a few cycling headphones that you need to stay away from and those are low-quality headphones that can cause damage to your ears and your hearing.
It is important to choose a pair of headphones that allow you to hear the noises of your environment while riding. That's why having the right kind of headphones can make your cycling experience a much more pleasurable one. We recommend you limit your use of headphones to stationary bikes to avoid dangerous situations in traffic.
Is it illegal to bike with headphones in Australia?
Unfortunately, it’s all too common to hear about cyclists that are involved in an accident and the reason is the fact that they were a headset.
Even though it is allowed to use your phone as long as you use it via a pair of headphones that allows free movement to your hands, many believe that using a headset when cycling is a distraction and can cause you to miss a warning sign and crash.
Conclusion
We needed to find the best headphones for cycling as there are so many earbuds on the market, but not many can survive your sudden acceleration or heavy sweating as you push your limits during that training ride. We reviewed all of the top options so you don’t have to!
We also recommend that you take a look at our article on the best waterproof earbuds too, so that you will be able to swim or cycle even if you have sensitive ears.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundSport | Best Overall | |
| Urbanears Stadion Active Wireless Bluetooth Headphone | Budget Pick | |
| AfterShokz Air Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones | Upgrade Pick | |