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Headphones and earbuds have become integral accessories to our workout routines in the modern age, and that means that finding the right pair for your next workout is just as important as finding the right pair of running shoes.
If you’re like us, we love to play our favourite beats and tunes whenever we workout. Not only does it help us get into the right mindset, but it keeps us focused and motivated throughout the whole session. Whether you’re in the market for your first pair of gym headphones or looking to upgrade your current pair, read our sports headphones buying guide from rebel now.
What Are Sports Headphones?
No matter where you’re working out, how you’re working out, or when you’re working out, it’s safe to assume that you’re likely doing it with a pair of sports headphones in your ear or headphones over your head, right? In today’s day and age, workouts have become an individualised, personalised experience—and one in which we listen to our favourite musical playlists, catch an episode of our favourite podcast, stream our favourite TV shows and movies, or catch up with a friend while we jog along on the treadmill.
With that in mind, headphones and earbuds have become integral accessories to our workout routines in the modern age, and that means that finding the right pair for your next workout is just as important as finding the right pair of running shoes. There are a wide variety of sports headphones available on the market today, and you can’t choose the right one without learning a bit more about each style, feature, and function that you’d want to look for in your next pair of sports headphones.
Sports Headphones Vs Normal Headphones
So, the jury is still out on the difference between sports headphones and normal headphones – or are they? Some people out there will swear that there is no difference between the two. Well, since most headphones and earbuds look relatively similar, the differences lie in the features they have.
Typically, sports headphones will be:
- A bit more lightweight
- They’ll usually be wireless and feature Bluetooth capabilities
- Contain water repellent technologies
- Include extra straps or connections to ensure that they stay in place while you exercise
Most sports headphones tend to keep things simple in terms of sound quality and wearability. They are likely to be small, which means they won’t contain the power required to pump your ears full of bass, and they are likely to be either in-ear earbuds or on-ear headphones.
Essentially, the three criteria that differentiate sports headphones from normal headphones are size, sound quality, and fit.
What Are the Best Sports Headphones for Fitness Enthusiasts?
So, there are a few different types of sports headphones that you might want to take a look at. These will span all three forms that we mentioned earlier – in-ear earbuds, on-ear headphones, and even over-ear headphones for light and solitary exercising. Let’s take a look down below to learn more about your options.
Best In-Ear Headphones
If you’re a big fan of earbuds and in-ear headphones, then you’ll be happy to know that rebel offers you a wide variety of options to choose from to help you power through every mile. Start with the JBL Endurance RUN Wireless Bluetooth Sports Headphones for an affordable pair of headphones specifically designed with runners in mind. From there, you can move on to Jaybird and the Tarah Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones for bumping bass and a comfortable fit.
Best Over-Ear Headphones
When it comes to over-ear headphones, you can count on heavy bass, stereo sound, and a studio-quality listening experience. Start small, sleek, and slim with Under Armour’s Train Wireless Training Headphones.
From there, you can bring things up a notch and try the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100. Featuring a durable headband that holds your over-ear headphones close to your ears and steady while you exercise, you can see just what it’s like to rock out to your favourite tunes in stereo quality while you run your next mile.
Best On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones usually come in two variants, either as a headphone that sits on the ear or as an earbud that features loops that hook onto your outer earlobe, which is especially useful for those intense, dynamic workout sessions. One of our favourite on-ear sports headphones is definitely the Under Armour Pivot Wireless Sports In-Earphones. Featuring sweat-proof technology, durable aluminium buds and 9 hours of battery life, these headphones are a must-have for any fitness enthusiast.
Also, don’t forget about the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100. Featuring clips that wrap around your earlobe, you’ll never have to worry about losing your tunes while you exercise.
Wireless Vs Wired
The age-old debate ever since the advent of digital technology continues to revolve around wireless vs wired. When it comes to sports headphones, the debate is still very much a personal choice.
While wired headphones will certainly offer you superior sound quality, wireless brings in a layer of safety and convenience that allows you to feel freer and more mobile during your workout. Again, depending on your own personal preference, you might want to try a cheap pair of each and see which works best for you.
Things to Consider
When purchasing your next pair of sports headphones, there are a few important factors that you would likely want to consider:
- Airflow and breathability: Firstly, you want to ensure that your headphones are breathable and provide proper airflow. Remember, you’re going to be exerting physical energy, and airflow is always critically important.
- Battery life: How long will the headphones last between charges? The last thing you want is for them to stop working halfway through your routine.
- Sound quality: As a rule, the larger the headphone driver, the better the sound quality. That being said, in-ear headphones will have a smaller driver compared to over-ear headphones but may offer similar performance due to their design.
- Noise-cancelling: This feature is extremely useful for high-noise environments—like busy gyms or running next to a peak-hour road. It can also be useful to stop distractions when you’re working out too.
All of the above should come into play when choosing your next pair of sports headphones.
Workout to your favourite beats and tunes with a pair of sports headphones from rebel now.