The best headphones for cycling won’t just be the same as the best headphones as these headphones need to be able to let you enjoy your favourite music on your bike, without putting you in any sort of danger from traffic or other hazards you may encounter.
Cycling with headphones in is definitely a very discussed topic, some are against it and some are for them, but that has not stopped manufacturers as there are many products on the market that have been specifically designed for listening to music whilst you’re riding or running.
What Makes Great Headphones for Riding?
There are bone conduction and open-ear air conduction headphones that have been specifically designed in a way such that they keep your ear canals unobstructed so that you can remain aware of approaching cars, pedestrians as well as other riders.
What sets the best headphones for riding apart from others is that they are able to combine audiophile-level sonic performance perfectly with a stable fit to ensure that they stay firmly in place even on the roughest trails.
Another factor that is extremely important is the battery life of these headphones because if music is important for you out on your rides then you most definitely don’t want them to die on you if you decide to embark on a long day’s ride, that is if they’re bluetooth of course.
Top 5 Headphones for Riding
Sony LinkBuds Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Advanced features
Cons
- Short battery life
- Can struggle with extreme traffic noises
Price: $149
The Sony LinkBuds emerge as an exceptional wireless headphone option tailored for cyclists, hailing from the brand that pioneered in-ear headphones back in 1982.
Despite their small size and a weight of merely 4g per bud, these headphones deliver remarkably detailed and expansive sound quality. Their figure-of-eight design, with an open centre, allows ambient noise to filter through while the small fins, available in four sizes, assist in keeping them secure during active movements.
These headphones boast an extensive range of features, a well-designed app, and exceptional sound performance, setting a high standard in their class. Additionally, their competitive pricing aligns well with the quality on offer, and Sony’s commitment to minimising plastic usage across the package is commendable.
However, the headphones’ battery life is relatively short, lasting only 5.5 hours, and they might struggle to compete with louder traffic noises, which could be seen as downsides to an otherwise stellar product.
Shokz OpenFit Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Detailed sound quality
- Good battery life
Cons
- Some bass distortion
- Expensive
Price: $180
The Shokz OpenFit earbuds left our tester impressed, showcasing an innovative design, well-balanced audio performance, and a consistently secure fit.
Utilising air-conduction technology positioned just above the ear canal entrance, these earbuds employ DirectPitch technology to deliver sound directly to the eardrums. This ensures high-quality audio without compromising on road safety—a critical aspect for cyclists.
Our tester found the experience of listening to favourite music using the OpenFit buds truly captivating. They offer a comfortable fit that inspires confidence during long rides or runs, seamlessly accommodating helmets and glasses. With a commendable battery life of seven hours, these earbuds prove reliable for extended use.
While they deliver a full and impactful bass response, our testing revealed a slight issue with flabby distortion in this aspect of the sound quality, which was notable during the testing phase.
Shokz OpenMove Headphones
Pros
- Amazing fit
- Sound is very clear
Cons
- Louder wind noises
Price: $100
The OpenMove bone conduction headphones by Shokz, formerly known as AfterShokz, earned a well-deserved spot on our best list based on our testing experience.
Similar to their sibling, the OpenRuns, these seventh-generation headphones from AfterShokz boast a more budget-friendly price tag. Despite this affordability, they excelled in our audio testing, delivering impressive sound quality. Additionally, they provided a comfortable fit without interfering with the reviewer’s helmet or glasses.
With a reasonable battery life of six hours, these headphones showcase practical longevity. However, it’s worth noting that they are not fully waterproof, and when cycling at higher speeds, they showed signs of struggling against wind noise.
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
Pros
- Rain-proof
- Long battery life
Cons
- Wind noise can affect the sound quality
Price: $130
Shokz has established expertise in crafting bone-conduction headphones, and their OpenRuns emerge as a top-tier choice.
Featuring the PremiumPitch 2.0+ audio technology, these headphones provided our tester with an impressively robust listening experience. Positioned on the cheekbones, they allow for clear reception of traffic noise, ensuring awareness of surroundings during use.
The OpenRun headphones incorporate a sprung-titanium band that comfortably rests around the nape of the neck, conveniently avoiding interference with helmets or glasses. Their IP67 waterproof rating ensures durability against inevitable encounters with downpours.
With an eight-hour battery life, these headphones offer substantial usage time, complemented by a convenient fast-charge function. However, they showed some struggle in managing louder ambient noise—an issue commonly encountered with bone-conduction and open-ear headphones.
Jabra Elite 7 Active
Pros
- Great build quality
- Good app
Cons
- Some experience issues with the fit
- Sub top-tier sound quality
Price: $180
Jabra’s wireless in-ear headphones designed for cyclists and runners opt out of ear hooks or fins, instead relying on Jabra’s ShakeGrip technology to maintain stability during use.
However, our tester found this design aspect to be a drawback, struggling to achieve a consistently secure fit, which impacted the overall experience.
For users with compatible ear shapes, these headphones offer impressive qualities. The headphones are supported by a comprehensive app offering a multitude of customization options, boast high-quality construction, deliver ample battery life, and offer sound quality comparable to most competitors in this price range.
Yet, considering superior sound quality and more universally accommodating fit options available elsewhere, these headphones narrowly missed securing a spot on our best list.
Final Words
Choosing headphones for cycling requires a careful balance between immersive audio and road awareness. Headphones designed for riding prioritise safety by allowing ambient sounds to filter through. Each model mentioned offers unique features catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on striking a balance between sound quality, comfort, and ensuring awareness of your surroundings while enjoying music on the road.
Check out our article on the best waterproof headphones.
And here are even more headphones and gadgets for an active lifestyle.
