The Best Wireless Earphones For Working Out
Wireless earphones & wireless headphones are the height of convenience. Compared to traditional corded headphones, they offer greater flexibility, providing you with a superior listening experience. Traditional headphones often required users to wrestle with knotted wires before listening to music or taking calls. Wireless technology has changed that entirely. With no cords to worry about, earbuds are always ready for immediate use, offering a smooth, effortless audio experience that prioritises convenience. As fitness enthusiasts know, this enhanced mobility is extremely beneficial to anyone with an active lifestyle.
Whether you're hitting the gym or going for a jog, wireless earbuds provide unmatched freedom of movement. Unlike wired headphones that can snag, bounce, or pull during activity, wireless earphones offer a secure experience, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals uninterrupted. Scroll down to learn more, or check out the best wireless earphones for workouts here.
Key Features to Look For in Workout Earphones
Before purchasing your next pair of wireless workout earphones, make sure that they offer the following key features…
- Secure Fit: Good workout headphones should strike a balance between a secure fit and lasting comfort. Whether you prefer over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, or bone-conduction designs, the key is stability during movement. A properly designed pair will stay in place throughout your activities, allowing you to focus entirely on your workout without the distraction of readjusting your gear.
- Water/Sweat Resistance: While you may or may not be exercising around water, you are still likely going to be building up a sweat; which means you need earphones that can withstand a bit of moisture. Headphones lacking adequate water protection are at risk of sweat infiltration, which can damage internal circuitry over time. Even if the headphones remain functional, their sound quality may degrade, and in rare cases, there could be a risk of electric shock. While over-ear headphones might be less susceptible to this issue, it's still wise to avoid exposing expensive gear to moisture unnecessarily. So if you need your headphones for fitness-focused activities, water resistance is critical. Many models feature higher IPX ratings, which measure a product's ability to resist water. The higher the number before the “X,” the better the protection against sweat or water damage. Opting for headphones with a suitable IPX rating ensures better durability during workouts.
- Battery Life: Look for headphones with a long-lasting battery to avoid interruptions during extended workouts or outdoor sessions. A solid battery life ensures consistent performance, whether you're on a long run or commuting to the gym. Quick-charging capabilities can also be a lifesaver for last-minute charges before a workout.
- Sound Quality: High-quality sound is essential for an immersive and motivating workout experience. Look for headphones that deliver crisp, distortion-free audio with a balanced frequency range. Strong bass can be particularly energising during high-intensity sessions, keeping you in rhythm with your favourite tracks.
- Noise Isolation/Transparency Modes: For a more focused workout, consider headphones with passive noise isolation. This feature, achieved through design elements like snug-fitting earbuds or over-ear cushions, helps reduce external noise naturally, without relying on active noise-cancellation technology. If you’re jogging, or doing any other activity where you’d like to maintain situational awareness, then you may prefer something with transparency mode, which allows external sounds, like traffic or conversations, to be heard without removing the headphones. This feature balances safety and convenience, especially for runners or cyclists navigating busy environments. Testing headphones in various environments can help you determine whether they meet your sound quality expectations for your workout settings.
- Comfort & Lightweight Design: When it comes to workout headphones, comfort is key to maintaining focus and performance. A well-fitted pair ensures they stay securely in place during activities, from jumping rope to yoga inversions or running. Discomfort or pain is a clear sign that the headphones might not be the best option for you. Ensuring a proper fit is essential to enjoying your workouts without distraction. Remember, a lightweight design reduces strain during long workouts, ensuring maximum comfort and mobility. This is particularly important for high-intensity activities, where bulky headphones can cause fatigue or become a distraction. Lightweight models let you focus on your performance without added weight.
Our Top Picks For Fitness Earphones
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW True Wireless Earphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW True Wireless Earphones feature 9 mm drivers, delivering clear, full-range audio with deep, powerful bass, enhanced by acoustic ducts behind the drivers for improved low frequencies. Alongside exceptional sound quality, the ATH-CKS50TW earbuds excel in convenience, offering up to 20 hours of continuous use on a full charge. The multifunction buttons on each earbud let you control music, volume, and calls, as well as select noise-cancelling and hear-through modes to block out or allow ambient sounds.
Beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Earphones
The Beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Earphones combine exceptional sound with full freedom of movement. With Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), they block out ambient noise while preserving sound quality. Transparency mode allows external sounds to blend in when necessary, making them ideal for office or travel use. Powered by a strong driver and codecs like aptX Adaptive and AAC, they deliver excellent audio. Qualcomm dual 2-mic cVc ensures clear call quality in both mono and stereo modes. Featuring comfortable silicone eartips in multiple sizes, plus extra foam tips for sports, provide a secure fit. Google Fast Pair enables quick connection, and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri are supported, thanks to Google and Apple certification.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT Wireless Noise Cancellation
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT Wireless Noise Cancellation features advanced digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology, offering superior ambient noise reduction. Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity allows for touch and swipe controls on the earcup, while 40 mm drivers with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating deliver exceptional audio quality. A quick hear-through function lets voices pass through, and a fold-flat design ensures portability. Exclusive memory-foam earpads provide added isolation. With up to 35 hours of continuous Bluetooth and ANC use on a full charge, the headphones also support the Audio-Technica Connect app for easy control. The package includes a 1.2 m cable, USB charging cable, airline adapter, and carrying case.
Sennheiser CX True Wireless
The Sennheiser CX True Wireless deliver crystal-clear sound with deep bass, easily adjustable to suit your personal preferences. Designed for comfort, their ergonomic shape and intuitive controls provide a seamless listening experience at home, work, or on the go. With the TrueResponse Transducer, enjoy superior audio quality wherever you are. The Bass Boost and Built-In Equaliser, accessible via the Smart Control App, let you tailor the sound to your liking. Passive Noise Cancellation helps you focus, while the ergonomic design and four ear adapter sizes ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Customizable touch controls make managing audio, calls, and voice assistants simple, and their IPX4 splash resistance ensures they perform even in the rain.
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds seamlessly switch between premium noise cancelling and natural ambient sound to enhance your listening experience. They adapt to your environment with Adaptive Sound Control, automatically adjusting settings based on your location and activity. These ultra-light (4.8 grams) earbuds are designed for all-day comfort with secure silicone tips. The AI-based noise reduction ensures clear calls, while the 5mm driver unit and Integrated Processor V1 deliver rich, immersive sound. Supporting High-Resolution Audio Wireless, they offer superior sound quality with LDAC technology, and DSEE Extreme™ upscales compressed music for fuller sound. Voice pickup and Speak-to-Chat features pause music when you speak, resuming once your conversation ends.
Key Feature Comparison Chart
MODEL | BATTERY LIFE | IP RATING | FIT STYLE | FEATURES |
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW True Wireless Earphones | Up to 20 hours of continuous use. | IPX4 | In-Ear Fit | Automatic power-on, fast pair convenience, Qualcomm TrueWireless Mirroring, and more. |
Beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Earphones | Up to 11 hours. | IPX4 | In-Ear Fit | ANC and Transparency Mode, excellent microphone with Qualcomm cVc for impressive speech intelligibility, and more. |
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT Wireless Noise Cancellation | Up to 35 hours with active noise cancellation enabled. | N/A | Over-Ear Fit | Digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology, bluetooth 5 wireless technology, fold-flat design for easy portability, more. |
Sennheiser CX True Wireless | Up to 9 hours. | IPX4 | In-Ear Fit | Sennheiser Sound Control app, strong bass, clear mids, and well-defined treble. |
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds | Up to 6 hours of use with active noise cancellation enabled. | IPX4 | In-Ear Fit | Immersive sound quality with Integrated Processor V1, high quality noise cancelling and natural ambient sound, ultra-clear call quality, more. |
How to Choose the Right Model for Your Workout
When shopping around for workout headphones, make sure you factor in the following considerations:
- Comfort: Comfortable headphones are crucial for extended use. Lightweight designs, secure ear hooks, and customizable fittings prevent discomfort or slipping during exercises, ensuring you can focus on your routine without distractions.
- Noise Isolation Vs Open Design: Noise isolation uses the headphone’s design to block out external noise, providing a more immersive listening experience, particularly during intense workouts. Unlike open-ear designs, which allow external sounds in, noise isolation creates a more focused audio experience, but it may compromise situational awareness. Alternatively, open-ear headphones rest outside the ear canal, enabling you to hear your surroundings while enjoying music. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where situational awareness is essential, as well as for workouts like yoga where you might need to follow spoken instructions.
- Durability: Sports headphones need to endure intense activities, sweat, and exposure to elements. Opt for models made with water and sweat resistant or materials, and consider silicone or rubberized textures that enhance grip, ensuring they stay in place during vigorous exercise.
- Battery Life: A reliable battery life of 4–6 hours is essential for uninterrupted workouts, with charging cases offering added convenience.
- Bluetooth: Wireless bluetooth connectivity ensures freedom of movement, eliminating tangled cords for a seamless workout session.
- Budget: When selecting workout headphones, it's essential to find a balance between price and features. Budget-friendly models may lack some premium features, but they can still offer good sound quality and comfort. Minidisc offers a wide range of wireless headphones at different price points that can be browsed here.
- Warranty & After Sales Support: A solid warranty and reliable after-sales support can give you peace of mind, especially for fitness headphones that undergo regular wear and tear. Look for brands offering long-term warranty coverage and accessible customer support to address any issues after purchase. Minidisc offers unmated advice and support, in addition to a 21 Day Change of Mind Returns policy (terms conditions & apply).
Conclusion
Ultimately, wireless workout earphones provide an unparalleled convenience by eliminating tangled wires, allowing for unrestricted movement during exercise. They offer a secure, comfortable fit and often include features like water resistance and long battery life, making themve lifestyles. You can browse Minidisc wireless headphones here, or head over to our website to check out our many other audio products and services. Got a question? You can get in touch with us directly via our contact page.