Key Takeaways
- Water resistance is a must – you want IP57 or higher to protect against sweat while working out.
- A good fit is important, so choose earphones with fins, hooks, or snug-fitting ear tips.
- Active noise cancelling helps you stay focused and productive even in a noisy gym.
Music and podcasts can really change how you enjoy fitness, whether your goal is to bench press 300 pounds or simply improve your overall health. Personally, music transforms a lifting session from a grind to a heroic struggle with moments of triumph. I would probably continue to lift without a soundtrack, but the idea is hard to wrap my head around.
But don’t just throw on some random headphones before you head out. Serious exercise can put a lot of strain on your audio equipment, and the earbuds that came with your phone could leave you disappointed or even injured. There are many factors to consider when buying exercise headphones, but the most important ones are:
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1 Sweat/water resistant
Absolutely necessary
This is arguably the most important feature. Without adequate waterproofing, sweat will eventually seep into the headphones and damage the internal circuitry. Even if the headphones continue to function, it can ruin the sound and pose a risk of electric shock. I was injured by several of the headphones reviewed. Over-the-ear headphones seem to be less susceptible to this risk, but don’t try your luck with accessories that cost hundreds of dollars. I’ll be honest, I’ve seen people wearing AirPods Max to the gym, which is the heaviest product at $549 with the least waterproofing.
Without adequate waterproofing, sweat will eventually soak into any headphones.
At the very least, anything you wear while working out should be IPX4 rated to withstand light splashes. I’ve had IPX4 earbuds fail, so I highly recommend something rated IP57 or higher to withstand temporary submersion. The gold standard is IP68, but this isn’t strictly necessary unless you plan on going in the pool.
Please note that water resistance will decrease over time with repeated exposure to liquids, you may be able to reduce the effects of this by cleaning and drying your headphones after every workout. Use a lightly damp cloth or paper towel to clean.
2 Secure fit
Don’t live in fear
Speaking of AirPods, Apple’s basic earbuds are also popular for workouts, but they shouldn’t be. Not only are they poorly waterproof, but the earbuds are prone to falling out. If they fall into a gap while running or hiking, it could be disastrous. At the gym, it’s still frustrating to have to stop whatever you’re doing to put your earbuds back on.
Quality workout earbuds should have fins, hooks, or a sticky surface (like Jabra’s Elite 8 Active). Good ear tips also help, but only if they fit snugly in your ear canal. The best solution I’ve seen is the hooks on Apple’s Powerbeats Pro. I’ve only had an earbud pop out once, but that was by accident. You’ll probably be fine doing sit-ups while hanging upside down.
Fit can also be an issue with over-the-ear headphones. Some headbands are prone to slipping because they’re made of the wrong material or don’t fit tight enough. You should try them on in the store, if possible.
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3 Active Noise Cancellation
Stay focused
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is okay if you’re working out in a relatively quiet environment or need to be aware of cars and motorbikes, but it’s a must-have in large commercial gyms. The sounds of weights, machines, and conversations can be distracting, not to mention the mediocre music blasting from the gym’s speakers. It’s hard to get inspired by top 40 pop and generic house remixes.
If you can afford it, buy headphones with a “transparency” mode that you can toggle at will, which will give you situational awareness when you need it, but it’s polite and efficient to take your headphones off when someone is trying to talk to you.
Four Deep Bass
Let the music set the pace
Metal, industrial, rap, EDM – bass-heavy music is a staple of most workout playlists. It keeps you moving and gets your adrenaline going. With the right tunes, you might even achieve a new personal record.
Many modern headphones, especially those from name brands costing $100 or more, have decent bass, but be careful with the reviews. They don’t have to be weak, but they also don’t have to be so heavy that they drown out the mids and highs. This has been an issue with Beats headphones for years, but models like the Beats Fit Pro seem to have fixed it.
Five Bluetooth 5.0 or later
Free yourself from your phone
Jabra/Pocket Lint
Thankfully, it’s hard to find headphones with Bluetooth 4.x these days, but you should double check that the headphones you buy have 5.0 or later. Why? The main reason is range. 4.2 is up to about 200 feet (60 meters), while 5.0 can reach up to 800 feet (240 meters). This means that at the gym, you might be able to leave your phone in a locker and still get a clear signal, depending on the obstacles. For this to work, both your phone and your headphones need to be 5.x.
5.x-powered devices also support higher bandwidth and multi-point connectivity, the latter of which lets you pair with multiple devices simultaneously, so you can switch between your phone, tablet, and PC with minimal effort.
6
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7 aesthetics
Cool factor matters
Beets / Pocket Lint
Many of us may not want to admit it, but we want to look as good as possible when we work out. We’re all self-conscious about our bodies, and looking good gives us the confidence to push ourselves.
Assuming that’s true for you, it makes sense to consider how stylish a pair of headphones look when you’re shopping. Of course, looks aren’t your top priority, but if wearing stylish headphones makes you feel good, there might be some practical benefits to your health.
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FAQ
Q: Are over-ear or on-ear headphones better?
Over-the-ear: Over-the-ear headphones are an endangered type, and for good reason: they don’t block out enough outside noise and they’re not very safe.
Q: Should I buy wireless earbuds or over-ear headphones?
Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference, but wireless earbuds are probably your best bet: They’re less likely to heat up or sweat than over-ear headphones, there’s no headband to adjust, and they’re less likely to bump into things, though of course the lack of a hook could cause the earbuds to fall out.
