Best headphones for cycling
The soul of the universe, the wings of the mind, and the life of everything are inspired by music. There would be no life without music. Is there any reason why cyclists should be denied this bliss?
You can combine these two activities by listening to music while riding; however, you need the best headphones for cycling to make it possible.
The sound of music distracts us from the fatigue and discomfort associated with physical exertion, reduces our perception of effort, and enhances endurance. We can be more optimistic about working out in a good mood.
Today, more and more riders ride alone and less in groups, and you might have seen people wearing headphones while riding. However, one pertinent question here is which headphones are best for cycling.
Cycling headphones should combine ease of use, comfort, durability, great sound quality, and waterproofing with features like easy access to controls.
Companies have designed bone conduction headphones while keeping the safety of the riders and headphones in mind. They transmit the sound via your cheekbones, which means your eardrums are free to hear anything around your surroundings, such as a bus approaching or a bicycle coming at you.
Some earbuds, too, offer complete transparency mode to the users. In this case, they use the function of a microphone and provide the sound along with the music being played while keeping you well aware of the surroundings.
Process of Choosing the headphones for cycling
The process of choosing the right headphones for your riding can be challenging. Many options are available, such as cabled or wireless, in-ear or bone-conducting headphones.
Various styles have their advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, they must possess certain essential qualities to make a good companion for a life on two wheels.
Cycling headphones must be clear and sweat-resistant, and stay put when you aren’t wearing them so that you are not worried that they will drop if you are on a rough road.
Best headphones for cycling
Technology has made it possible for you to enjoy your favorite soundtracks while on a bike. You can detect potential risks while singing along to your current audio addiction through these cycle-safe models. There is no holding back now!
From true wireless sports earbuds that completely eliminate the cable to Bluetooth wireless headphones, neckband headphones, and even wireless over-ear headphones for cycling enthusiasts, we compiled a list of the best cycling headphones. Let the music take you for a ride!
AfterShokz Aeropex
Aeropex bone conduction headphones from Aftershokx are the latest addition to the company’s bone conduction technology. They provide excellent sound quality and help riders stay aware while riding.
Sound Quality
Even though there are so few bone conduction headphones to compare them to, AfterShokz does live up to its claim that the sound is the widest dynamic sound bone conduction can deliver.
The Aeropex has PremiumPitch 2.0+ Stereo, which enhances the sound and makes it punchier without causing you to feel vibrations on your cheeks. We were very impressed with the quality of the sound produced by the Aeropex headphones.
Design and Comfort
It is known that Aftershokz produces great-quality wireless bone conduction headphones. The matte rubber material felt nice to touch, and the weight was light. These wireless bone conduction headphones can be worn comfortably between the cheek and ear, above the temporal region.
There is no contact with the back of the head since the Aeropex headband wraps around it without touching it. We found it extremely comfortable and secure, so no matter how hard or long you go, you will not have any irritated skin.
Long Battery Life
With the Aeropex, you get 8 hours of battery life from a single charge. When you switch it on, Audrey tells you whether your battery is full, medium, or low, so you can recharge as needed.
Connectivity
This headset pairs with the majority of Bluetooth devices without a hitch, and it also provides multipoint pairing, which makes it useful if you would like to use your headphones simultaneously with multiple devices. The headphones can also be used for phone calls, so if you get a call while cycling, you will be ready to answer it.
Among bone conduction headphones, we found the Aftershokz Aeropez to be one of the best headphones for cycling. Its low weight, superior sound, and lack of vibration on the upper jawbone make it ideal for riding.
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Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones
It is no secret that Jaybird is one of the industry’s most popular brands of workout headphones. If you are looking for an affordable pair of earphones for indoor or outdoor cycling, you can’t go wrong with the Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphone.
Sound Quality
There is no doubt that these headphones have an excellent sound profile. You can customize the sound profile in depth using the Jaybird MySound app. They have amazing sound clarity and punchy-enough bass.
It is remarkable how little audio leaks from them. You can listen to your music at a fairly high volume without having to worry about disturbing those around you.
Build Quality and Stability
A good build quality, the Tarah headphones are sturdy and should withstand a few bumps and drops without issues. Their shallow in-ear fit is secure to keep the buds in place even during intense workout sessions and also during strenuous exercise.
Having a wireless connection reduces the risk of tangles and trips caused by large audio cords.
Comfort
The ear tips do not go all the way into the ear canal, so the headphones provide reasonable comfort. They are also known as eargels, because they combine ear tips and stability fins into one unit.
They are quite breathable. Since no heat is trapped, they do not make you sweat more while you wear them. Because you can’t mix and match tips and fins sizes, they have a lower range of adjustability.
Connectivity
In addition, the Jaybird Tarah headphones have excellent Bluetooth connectivity. They support Bluetooth version 5.0 and can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is helpful if you often switch between your phone and computer.
These is the best cycling headphones to give you an exhilarating listening experience. The Jaybird Tarah is perfect for sports and workouts with a great design and sound.
Check Price On AmazonPowerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds by Dr. Dre are designed for sports like cycling and workouts. They have a great shape that makes wearing them very comfortable and secure, unlike most other wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
Sound Quality
Combined with their energetic highs and deep and powerful bass, the Powerbeats Pro gives you the sound quality you expect from a sports or workout pair of headphones.
The Powerbeats Pro’s dynamic sound makes the music feel fast, fast-paced, and aggressive through them. They will be perfect for Apple fans who think AirPods lack bass.
Build Quality and Comfort Factor
The Powerbeats Pro sports headphones feature an adjustable hook, so they stay firm and stable while riding a bicycle. The hook also keeps them from slipping out when you are exercising.
There are four different sizes of ear tips so you can choose the right fit for you when working out with Powerbeats Pro, and the ear hooks are malleable, so you won’t have to worry about them moving around during a workout.
Connectivity and Pairing
With the H1 chip in Powerbeats Pro, the headphones will seamlessly connect with your iPhones and iPads for automatic playback and pause. These headphones also come with Apple’s Bluetooth 5 chip.
Therefore, Apple users will receive the same fast-pairing feature and always-on Siri, which will enable them to activate Siri by saying, “Hello, Siri,” rather than touching a button. Siri will also be able to accept calls or manipulate their music, which is extremely helpful.
Battery Life
Powerbeats Pro provides up to nine hours of continuous listening time, which can be extended up to 24 hours with the added additions of its charging case. That is more than double the duration of AirPods Pro without having to charge them.
Overall, we found the Powerbeats Pro’s combination of features made for a great exercise headphone while providing richer sound in a design that won’t fall out. It is ultimately a winning proposition and amazing value for the price.
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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
There is no doubt that the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are among the best on the market right now for having that wonderful cycling experience.
With its wide range of features and outstanding noise cancellation, Bose QuietComfort 35 II proves its popularity with travelers. Let’s examine a few features to understand why these headphones deliver what they promise.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancelation
In terms of sound quality, the QuietComfort 35 II has good sound quality, but the secret ingredient is noise cancellation.
A continuous listening process occurs with QuietComfort 35 II’s microphone arrangement in each ear cup. An equal and opposite signal is sent to your ears to cancel all the background noise. There are speakers that are capable of driving out all sorts of noise, canceling most background noise, and letting you drown in music.
Comfort and Design
They make up for what the QC35s lack in style in comfort. With all their features, the headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
With the earcups made from synthetic leather, the band wraps snuggly around your ears and seals the noise before you turn them on. You can choose between a number of colors to match your headphones.
Easy to Reach Controls
With QC 35 II, you will find an easy-to-use control panel with a power slider, a pairing slider, and volume up/down buttons. You can remap the left earcup’s Google Assistant button to enable or disable noise cancellation.
It is that convenient and works exceptionally well to have Google Assistant make phone calls, answer text notifications, and more without having to reach your home.
The QuietComfort 35 II is exactly what Bose promised it would be. They are active noise cancellation headphones with some of the best-sounding acoustics the company has ever produced. They also come wireless, allowing you to enjoy your music anywhere.
Check Price On AmazonJabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds
A classy-looking pair of in-ear headphones from Jabra, the Elite 7 Active is one of the company’s most distinguished products. This stylish pair of in-ear headphones from Jabra comes in navy, black, and mint colors and looks extremely luxurious.
These headphones are made from a special silicone material that makes them fit well and remain in place while you are cycling. Check out the other important features of the Jabra Elite 7.
Sound Quality
In addition to rich audio with plenty of bass, the Elite 7 Pros have a very neutral sound profile, meaning they are versatile enough for a wide variety of genres and content types. No distortion is apparent at high volumes, either.
In our experience, these headphones provide great, clear sound, strong noise cancellation, and a convenient hear-through mode. They deliver a good audio experience, and the app lets you customize the sound.
Build Quality
While Jabra Elite 7 Pro is made of high-quality materials, they tend to feel cheap compared to other Jabra earbuds. They are mostly made of sturdily constructed plastic and are IP57 certified, protecting them from dust and water.
Stability
Despite the fact that these cycling headphones do not contain stability fins, they stay put throughout even the most vigorous workouts and rides. To ensure an optimal seal, three different-sized ear tips are provided.
Battery Life
Its long battery life makes the Jabra Elite 7 Pro good for longer listening time. Even with ANC, the buds last eight hours and 30 hours with the case. The case offers fast charging, with five minutes of charging, giving the buds an hour of listening time.
For the price, the Elite 7 Pro provides an excellent all-around true wireless experience, with features like wireless charging and weatherproofing you will see on much more expensive units. We recommend avoiding these if you are looking for the best performance, but so far, they are a great pair of headphones for cycling.
Check Price On AmazonOtium Bluetooth Headphones
They are available in black and white and have a wireless range of ten meters. The Otium Wireless Bluetooth Headphones is a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Sound Quality
These are good-sounding headphones. The bass is solid, the midrange is clear, and the treble is crisp and clear. If you want to listen to music with many basses, these are the headphones for you.
Build Quality
A small LED on the right earpiece can be used to charge and pair the headphones, which is their greatest feature; the case is strong and well-built.
These earpieces are IPX7 waterproof rated, so they are sweatproof and are ideal for working out, running, cycling, and working out in the gym. The buttons on the right earpiece feel pleasant and positive, and they are easy to identify by touch.
Design
These headphones were developed for sports and outdoor activities, so the right earphone has a color-changing LED that changes depending on what you do. The buttons are easy to use, and they have a pleasant feel.
Comfort
With only 9 g in weight, these headphones are lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for sports and everyday use. Otium Bluetooth headphones are very comfortable and lightweight for sports and everyday use.
As a result of our testing of the Otium Bluetooth Headphones, we found that they are great for sports or daily use. They are also lightweight, comfortable, and sweatproof, making them ideal for sports or any other activity.
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Bose SoundSport Wireless Pulse
These Bose SoundSport Pulse wireless earphones for cyclists and exercisers enable you to listen to your music while you exercise and monitor your heart rate. They have the reputation and power of the Bose brand behind them.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of these in-ear Bluetooth headphones appears quite good compared to similar category headphones. They have good sound quality in the high and mid ranges and have a good bass response.
Build Quality and Comfort
In addition to being very comfortable to wear, the SoundSport Pulse Wireless has an open design. I do not mean that the earpiece has to be jammed into your ear; the bud hands loosely but securely, thanks to Bose’s Stay-hear+ ear tips.
Built-In Heart Rate Monitor
Several choices make the Pulse a great choice, but the feature that makes it stand out is its built-in heart rate tracker.
It is a really cool idea; it is a smooth plastic numb built into the left earbud. The nub presses into the flesh of the ear with enough force to detect heartbeats automatically.
It is worth noting that we think the Bose SoundSport Wireless Pulse Earphones are worth every penny if you value excellent sound quality. They will truly enhance your riding experience.
Check Price On AmazonApple AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro offers enhanced sound quality, noise cancellation, and support for spatial audio features if you are looking for a truly wireless earbud that integrates with your iPhone.
Using the headphones in the saddle for long periods of time is easy and comfortable, thanks to the design of the ear tips. In addition to their comfort, they are also unobtrusive and make it easy to forget you have them in your ear.
Size and Fit
In addition to being significantly smaller and lighter than their competitors, the AirPods Pro feature slightly larger earbuds with silicon ear tips designed to help prevent passive noise cancellation.
With their added size, they also fit more securely in your ears. The headphones feature replaceable silicone ear tips that are relatively easy to replace.
Sound quality and Active Noise Cancelation
Considering the AirPods Pro’s compact design and Active Noise Cancellation, they are one of the best-looking earbuds on the market. They also support Spatial Audio, a feature that distinguishes them from their competitors.
A new spatial audio feature is available in iPadOS 14 and iOS 14. The AirPods Pro is an outstanding quality piece of equipment, providing deep, powerful bass, a crisp high and mid-range, as well as crisp and clear speech.
Microphone Quality
We see more and more people talking on the phone via their AirPods than their phones these days. That says a lot about their microphone. It is really good for picking up human voices.
AirPods Pro is our recommendation if you are interested in buying a pair of active noise-canceling headphones, and the sound quality is excellent.
Check Price On AmazonMOING Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
While listening to your favorite music, camping, mountain biking, or participating in outdoor sports, the Moing Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones let you hear surrounding sounds while keeping you safe from potential danger.
Design
These headphones for cycling come with an in-built reflector that provides you safety and visibility both while running or cycling, or traveling or going mountain biking, especially at night time. The headphones are made in such a way as to keep the details of a professional sportsperson.
Comfort and Fit
In addition to their familiar wrap-around design, Moing Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones are made of thinner metal than most models so that they won’t weigh as much as others. In addition, the snug and comfortable fit is enhanced by the smaller on-bone pads and padded ear hooks.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The battery life is comparable with pricier devices, allowing you to use the device for six hours on a single charge. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is available on both devices and a microphone built right into them for taking phone calls.
To conclude, we recommend the MOING Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones only if you want a taste of bone conduction headphones on a tight budget. Because they are a budget option, align your expectations with them.
Check Price On AmazonWANFEI Bone Conduction Headphones
It provides seamless music playback and crystal-clear calls thanks to bone conduction technology, an open ear design, and many useful features.
The sports lover has been kept in mind when designing them. Check out their best features, and let us tell you what you need to know.
Sound Quality
You’ll be able to hear your surroundings more quickly and stay aware of your surroundings with WANFEI headphones, as they have a louder column and deeper bass.
Bluetooth headphones that deliver premium sound through the cheekbones deliver a sound experience like no other.
Usage
The bone conduction technology in Bluetooth headphones transmits excellent sound through the cheekbones. In contrast to over-ear headphones, WANFEI wireless running headphones fit comfortably on the ear.
They are also IP55 water- and sweat-resistant and lightweight silicone, making them the perfect choice for sports.
When you run, cycle, or wear glasses, WANFEI headphones stay on your ears thanks to their ergonomic surround and streamlined sinking design.
Battery Life
With these headphones, you won’t need to worry about charging them and can enjoy extended hours outdoors without worry. They last seven hours on a single charge for music and calls.
We found the WANFEI Bone Conduction Headphones to be well worth their price after testing them for all parameters.
They won’t fit on large heads, so we found that the only drawback was that they wouldn’t fit on small heads either. The open-air design of their buildings sometimes allows the ambient sound to enter. I think it’s a good value for the money.
Check Price On AmazonThings to Consider When Finding the Best Cycling Headphones
If you’re a cyclist, you know that cables are a strict no-no or that the fewer the cables, the better, so wired headphones won’t work. Keeping yourself safe when riding outdoors is of utmost importance.
In order to hear children playing, traffic approaching, sirens, or dogs coming at you from ahead, you must be able to hear them. In any case, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot have your cake and eat it too.
It is essential to look for headphones that are sweat-proof for indoor cycling. However, for cycling outdoors, looking for headphones that use bone conduction technology rather than plugging in your ears is essential.
When looking for the best cycling headphones, it is crucial to consider various factors.
Sound Quality
Cycling headphones should have excellent audio quality. If you are buying a pair of headphones for cycling, you will want those to sound great too.
In an outdoor environment, ambient noises, such as roads and wind, will negatively affect your hearing ability, so you need to select a product that produces loud, clear sounds.
In order to meet the standard for all three frequencies –bass, midrange, and treble – you should choose headphones that are capable of meeting the standard.
Ambient Sound
Listening to music or talking on the phone while cycling can be very distracting due to ambient noise. You are less likely to be distracted with headphones that can effectively reduce ambient noise.
The ambient noise will be reduced if you ride in the woods, but not in cities where there is heavy traffic. It may not be wise to cancel the ambient noise when riding outdoors completely.
Battery Life
If you are going to use your headphones while riding a bike for a long time, you should look for a set with long battery life. 10 hours is sufficient for a cyclist to take a complete ride with his headphones, listening to music for the entire time.
A quick-charging feature on your headphones can dramatically boost the battery life in just five to ten minutes, which is an essential feature for people on the go.
Comfortable Fit
Most people face the issue of earache when they wear any kind of headphones, which is an issue that makes them uncomfortable also, those wireless headphones do not fit properly.
If you are going for a long ride and use such wireless headphones for cycling, that would keep you uncomfortable all the time. Therefore it is necessary that those headphones must fit in properly.
Moreover, the materials and breathability of headphones’ ear cups also affect their comfort level. Using too firm or not breathable materials will cause your ears to overheat and irritate. Be sure to choose soft materials on the skin that allow enough airflow to pass through your ears.
Earbuds and bone conduction headphones are great alternatives if headphones are not your cup of tea.
Durability and Build Quality
It is also important to keep the strength of the headphone in mind when buying a pair of headphones for cycling.
A tough case will better protect the electronics inside. If you drop your headphones accidentally, they will be less likely to break.
You must always buy waterproof headphones to ensure your headphones remain protected from dust, moisture, or other environmental factors.
They should also be packaged in a protective case so you can store and protect them when it is not raining.
Waterproof and Sweatproof
A sweatproof pair of headphones can be a great choice for people who enjoy bicycling as a workout activity. It is important to note that sweatproof headphones do not necessarily mean waterproof.
If you regularly cycle in bad weather, consider waterproof headphones with an IPX6 or IPX7 rating. Most wireless earbuds for working out have both sweat proofing and waterproofing.
Microphone
Make sure you have a high-quality microphone in your headphones or earbuds if you frequently make phone calls. It should be clear enough to pick up your voice and block the wind noise.
Excellent audio quality and well-balanced sound can be obtained from the headphones you choose if they have a reliable microphone.
Easy to Control
While cycling, you would like to use voice assistants, such as Alexa or Siri. You will need easy-to-control headphones to avoid constantly reaching for your voice.
There are headphones as well as earbuds that come with easy-to-use controls on the back for adjusting the volume, making calls, and skipping tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling Headphones
How to listen to music safely while cycling?
Cycling with music is a constant debate among cyclists. Both headphones are definitely a bad idea. But are there other options? Yes, there are.
Using bone conduction headphones, which deliver sound through your cheekbones instead of your eardrums, is the best way to enjoy the rhythm while cycling outdoors.
You should keep your volume down when cycling, and if you need to adjust it while riding, you should pull off the road before making any changes.
The Bluetooth speaker can also be attached to anything available and used as an audio source.
It will fit on your backpack or the handle of your bicycle. Keep an eye out on the road and listen to your favorite band or singer while cycling.
Which AirPods are considered best for cycling?
Several factors to consider when answering this question, including your budget, ear size, lifestyle, and choice.
In our opinion, Apple AirPods are excellent cycling earbuds, with a secure fit, excellent sound quality, and a transparent mode than avoids too much loss of sound quality.
How to keep headphones attached to your ears while cycling?
There is a common problem that cyclists face with their earbuds falling out, so you must take care of a few things in order to prevent this from happening. The right way to wear your earbuds is indicated on the packaging.
It is important to choose the right ear tips while cycling to prevent this problem from arising. You can prevent problems with earbuds falling out in the long run if you choose headphones with ear hooks and ear fins as stability accessories.
Are there any rules against cycling with headphones?
California, Delaware, and Maryland are the only three states that ban the use of headphones on bikes (although Maryland allows the use of headphones on bike lanes).
Four other states permit cyclists to ride with headphones in only one ear, including Florida, Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia.
In all other 47 states, headphones are perfectly legal. However, you should exercise your own judgment as with everything else.
How Many Types Of Headphones For Cycling Are There?
Different types of headphones are available in the market for bikers, but not all are recommended for cyclists. Some main factors that skip a few of the headphones from the list are their design and other extra features.
You will be wearing a helmet while cycling, which is why some headphones cannot be considered for this purpose, especially on-ear or wired headphones, etc. These headphones are not suitable at all.
Moreover, other such features are necessary to support you during the trip. Some outstanding characteristics of such headphones are sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Besides, it must have all the necessary features to support you during your trip. You should look for outstanding Bluetooth connectivity, sound quality, etc.
The 3 types of headphones are ideal for cyclists:
· Earbuds
· Bone conduction headphones
· In-ear monitors
Conclusion
The complete list is being provided to you, and this list contains 10 different headphones for cycling. Each of these models is stunning and has its own qualities and features, which head out pretty well. Like in cycling, safety is the top priority; similarly, in the case of headphones, it is the safety of the headphones and the rider.
For this very reason, the AfterShokz Aeropez bone conduction headphones are at the top as they have great sound quality, and you would be able to hear whatever is going around you without being completely disturbed by it.
However, when it comes to battery life, the Powerbeats Pro beats everyone in this race as they have the most extended battery life and can last for hours.
But when it comes to transparency and the clearest sound you can get through the earbuds, then the Apple AirPods Pro deserve their popularity.
So, you can check all the features of these wireless headphones and get the right one for your outdoor activities.