6 Best Headphones For Cycling

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Although going for the best Bluetooth headset cycling outside is not a good idea, they are perfectly OK when working on your turbo trainer or exercise bike inside. Indeed, if you’re working hard to burn calories and complete specific routines, there’s no better way to keep going than with your own private music or a playlist produced by cyclists. And if you get a set of ANC (active noise-cancellation) headphones, you’ll be able to block out everything – and everyone – around you.

Furthermore, many of us may eventually discover ourselves back on the gas pedal a little more often and a lot later in the year than we may ordinarily anticipate. A decent soundtrack can keep the legs spinning and make everything that indoor bike training pleasant – even fun.


There are several wireless cycling headphones on the market, ranging from in-ear earbuds to chunkier over-ear alternatives. Our round-up includes items from industry leaders such as Jaybird, and Apple, at prices to fit every budget and is followed with a guide to help you choose the best headphones for cycling as well as the best cycling Bluetooth headphones for you.

Best Overall

Best Bang For Your Buck

Best Budget

Product Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison chart to help you see the big picture:

 Products

Connectivity Technology

Battery Life

Water Protection Technology

Buy Now

Apple AirPods Pro

Wireless

24 hours of playtime

IPX4

AfterShokz Aeropex

Wireless

8 hours of playtime

IP67

Soundcore by Anker Spirit

Wireless

16 hours of playtime

IPX7

Jabra Elite Active 75t

Wireless

24 hours of playtime

IP57

Jabra Elite Active 65t

Wireless

15 hours of playtime

IPX6

Jaybird Vista True

Wireless

6 hours of playtime on a full charge plus 10 more in charging case

IPX7

Take a glance and choose.

1. Apple AirPods Pro

This is one of the best wireless headphones for cycling. But for bikers, the early AirPods had two big drawbacks. For starters, they lacked a waterproof certification, making them subject to perspiration and water damage from unexpected downpours. Second, although the non-sealing fit made us aware of our surroundings, it degraded sound quality in the wind. With an IPX4 water-resistance certification and Transparency Mode, the AirPods Pro addresses both difficulties.

The buds, which have silicone ear tips, fit in the ear canal but magnify outside noises using an external microphone. This pair is considered as the best earbuds for the wind noise in the whole marketplace. They’re a significant investment at little under a quarter of a grand, but the ANC (active noise cancellation) capabilities they provide are astonishing considering their small size.

Best Headphones For Cycling

Product Features

  • Active noise cancellation for immersive audio
  • Water and sweat resistance
  • Active noise cancellation for immersive audio You can instantly access Siri by saying, “Hey Siri.”
  • The battery life of the Wireless Charging Case is more than 24 hours.

If you’re tired of trying to drown out the awful music at your gym or the creaking of an old turbo trainer, these should do the trick. The sound quality is great, and the battery life is astounding given the drain of the ANC technology: the Pros must last 4.5 hours on a single charge, while a simple five-minute charge will offer you an hour of playing time.

Pros

  • Effective clarity and noise-canceling modes 
  • Ergonomic fit 
  • Great sound quality

Cons

  • Expensive

Accessories That Come With The Box:

  • Type-C USB cable
  • Charging case (wireless)
  • Three different Silicone type ear tips 
  • Documentation

Recent Feedback:

  1. Wow! I was never a fan of the old air pods. They were continually falling off. I’m very delighted Apple released them and that I delayed buying headphones. The sound is stunning, and the fit is flawless. (Reviewed on Amazon at the United States on November 2, 2019)
  1. Also with new transparency mode, I can enjoy music without fear of being hit by a vehicle on the street. Another victory for Tim Cook and his crew. (Reviewed on Amazon at the United States on October 31, 2019)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.5
  • Noise Cancellation: 9.5
  • Battery Life: 9.3

2. AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones with Sport Belt

You may need to be conscious of your surroundings, similar to how one set of headphones may be used in a variety of scenarios. This also falls under the category of best headphones for mountain biking. While it is acceptable to remain entirely isolated from distractions indoors, this is not the case outdoors.

If you bicycle or run outdoors while listening to music, you should really be able to listen to your surroundings. Aftershokz is well-known for its bone conduction technology, and the Aeropex is its most recent offering. Aftershokz transmits vibrations up your cheekbone rather than a speaker which sits close to your ear.

AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones with Sport Belt

Product Features

  • Comes with Aeropex bone conduction headphones and a sports belt to keep you hands-free and fashionable.
  • A moisture detection alarm is integrated to ensure safe charging.
  • Two noise-canceling microphones for crystal-clear calls
  • Maintain your connection and awareness of your environment.

As a consequence, you can hear both the music and the surroundings. Aeropex is highly secure and pleasant since they do not clog into your ears thus they will not irritate you no matter how badly or long you go. These newest versions from Aftershokz are the most affordable we’ve seen, which makes it the best headphones for cycling.

We’re pleased with the degree of ambient noise we can hear after using them; it’s definitely far more than you’d receive trapped in a vehicle with the audio on. Therefore, this pair highly stands among the best aftershokz for cycling.

Pros

  • Excellent environmental consciousness
  • Waterproof
  • Exceptional real-world battery capacity

Cons

  • Low bass

Accessories That Come With The Box: 

  • Charging Cables with Magnets
  • Magnetic carrying case made of silicone
  • Two charging cables for USB
  • A set of soft earplugs
  • Manuals

Recent Feedback:

  1. I’ve been an AfterShokz client for a long time. I owned the titanium variant for two years before upgrading to the Air model. I didn’t believe they could be any comfier or sound any nicer, but this model manages to accomplish both. (Reviewed on Amazon at the United States on July 26, 2019)
  1. Aftershokz’ Trekz Air headphones were the best headphones for cycling they had created up to that moment, but then came Aeropex headphones. They offer a full range we’ve come to expect from Aftershokz, plus a whole lot more. (Reviewed on Amazon at) the United States on September 8, 2019)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.3
  • Noise Cancellation: 7.4
  • Battery Life: 9.5

3. Soundcore by Anker Spirit Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds, Deep Bass, IPX7 Water-resistant

The Anker Soundcore Life P2 is a low-cost set of best headphones for cycling which push far beyond their weight in terms of performance. You may use one ear on its own (ideal for outside riding) or both at the same time. You may even attach each ear to a different device, with the ear that comes out of the casing, first being the main ear and the second ear mimicking.

So, if you want to switch between listening on a laptop and listening on a smartphone, just pick up the matching ear first. The design holds the earphones in place and decreases the number of plastics in contact with your ear, making them pleasant to use for extended periods of time.

Soundcore by Anker Spirit Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds

Product Features

  • An elastic encircles the composite driver.
  • A custom algorithm that analyzes and amplifies bass in real-time.
  • Features an industry-leading sealing technique that prevents liquids and perspiration vapor from penetrating the case.
  • Improved with BassUp technology

The Spirit Dot 2 also checks all of the other fitness earphone criteria. They’re IPX7 water-resistant, the touch controls function with sweaty fingers, and a 10-minute charge provides an hour of audio listening, making it one of best wireless earbuds for biking.

Pros

  • Suitable for long-distance cycling.
  • Sweatproof and watertight
  • Two microphones
  • Each may be matched separately.

Cons

  • Comes with a bulky case and is not easy to carry

Accessories That Come With The Box: 

  • 5 different sizes of ear tips
  • AirWings come in three sizes.
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Small Charging Case
  • Manual

Recent Feedbacks:

  1. I adore these earphones! They are both comfy and sound fantastic! I’ve never been able to find a set of earphones that don’t slide off of my ears, but I haven’t dropped one since I dialed in the fit! (Reviewed on Amazon at the United States on July 4, 2020)
  1. I purchased them to serve as a stepping stone to AirPods. I enjoy that there are various earpieces or “wings,” and I find it to be extremely useful for calls in general. Their service quality is outstanding. (Reviewed on Amazon at the United States on March 27, 2021)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.1
  • Noise Cancellation: 7.7
  • Battery Life: 9.1

4. Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Navy – Wireless Earbuds for

On the Elite Active 75t, Jabra nailed the shape—these completely wireless buds fit test manager Dan Roe better than most others he’s tested. That’s because of the angular shape, which fits comfortably in the external ear canal. The sound quality is clean, dramatic, and rich, rivaling Apple’s AirPods Pro—but these Jabras are less expensive and have around 90 minutes greater battery life on a single charge. (The hear-through mode, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as amazing.)

They’re certified IP57 for dust and water resistance, which means they should be able to endure a sandstorm or a monsoon; this is particularly excellent news for Roe, who died from a pair of AirPods in six months due to his moist ears.

Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Product Features

  • 24 hours of battery performance (ANC on) with the compact charging case
  • Works with Siri, Google, and Alexa
  • Equipped with cutting-edge digital signal processing and cutting-edge beam technology.
  • They have a unique grip coating to keep them in place as you move.

Competing earphones from Apple, Bose, Jaybird, and others may provide greater sound, improved comfort, or amazing ambient awareness modes, but none of them do it all the better than the 75t. This is also considered as the best wireless earbuds for mountain biking in the market.

Pros

  • Extended battery life
  • Excellent warranty
  • Excellent noise cancellation and sound isolation
  • A snug fit

Cons

  • No real IP rating can be found

Accessories That Come With The Box: 

  • 3 pairs of silicone ear gels
  • A USB Type-C cable
  • Leaflets with warnings and warranties
  • Charger Case
  • Manual

Recent Feedbacks:

  1. I’ve only had them for a few days, but they’re comfier than the 65t, and the longer battery allows me to use them for longer periods of time. The bass has been so powerful compared to the 65t that I’ve modified the sound profile to reduce the Bass Boost. The noises have become clearer and more distinct. (Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on November 24, 2019)
  1. For approximately a year, I tried Jabra’s elite active 65t and was very delighted with it. Five stars! (Reviewed on Amazon on the United States on January 7, 2020)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.1
  • Noise Cancellation: 8.9
  • Battery Life: 9.2

5. Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds – Copper Blue True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case

The Elite Active 65t has the same appearance as the normal Elite 65t model. Its earpieces are constructed of plastic and ergonomically designed; however, we felt them a little too hefty. The earpieces are not too far away from your ears and are pretty pleasant for brief listening sessions.

However, if you use them for further than an hour, the bulk becomes irritating. The earpieces’ build quality is excellent, and they feel substantial in the hand.

Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds

Product Features

  • The Jabra Sound plus app allows you to tailor your sound.
  • Awe-inspiring 4-microphone technology
  • Can connect to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant through voice command.
  • Provides genuine wireless stability in the third generation of these best cycling Bluetooth headphones.
  • Battery life of up to 5 hours on a single charge.

The IP56-rated Jabra Elite Active 65t features a 2-year limited guarantee against water and dust penetration. This implies that even the most strenuous training sessions should have no effect on the best earbuds for biking. They feature a highly solid fit and will not fall out when jogging or exercising.

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Dust and water resistance IP56
  • A snug and solid fit
  • High-end microphones
  • Clear, well-balanced sound

Cons

  • Bulky earphones
  • Difficult case

Accessories That Come With The Box: 

  • Charger case
  • A micro USB cord
  • 3 pairs of silicone ear gels
  • Warranty and cautionary leaflets
  • Getting Started Guide

Recent Feedbacks:

  1. Because this was not available on Amazon, I purchased it at Best Buy the other day. Since I use Android, I’ve been seeking something similar to the AirPods that will also function on Android. So far, this is the closest I’ve been able to discover. (Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on February 20, 2018)
  1. WOW! With my iPhone 7 and MacBook Pro, the sound is incredible. The setup was simple and fast. (Reviewed on Amazon on the United States on June 28, 2018)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.1
  • Noise Cancellation: 8.8
  • Battery Life: 9.1

6. Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Waterproof Earbud Premium Headphones – Black

The best Bluetooth headphones cycling are an excellent method to listen to music while cycling inside. There are no cables to obstruct the ride, and being willing to navigate with just one at a time may increase the listening time.

However, not all truly wireless best cycling earbuds feel comfortable in your ear. When you’re racing for the victory in a Zwift race, nothing is more aggravating than an earpiece that feels like it’s about to fall out. Jaybird Vista’s best headphones for cycling are completely safe. They will not budge, not even an inch, no matter what you do.

Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Waterproof Earbud Premium Headphones

Product Features

  • 20Hz – 20kHz response bandwidth
  • Provides 6 hours of content on a full charge
  • Three replaceable ear gel sizes
  • With the Jaybird iOS and Android apps, you have complete control over Vista’s 6-millimeter drivers.
  • The Jaybird app allows you to monitor your wireless headphones for cycling.

That security is provided by a tight seal in your ear, which has its own set of benefits. They are so perfectly sealed with Active Noise Cancellation that they may serve as earplugs if you require ear protection; yet, if you have to let the surrounding world in, double-tap to activate surround sense.

Pros

  • The lightest quality headphones are available on the market.
  • Superior Audio Quality
  • IPX7 water resistance
  • A 5-minute rapid charge provides 60 minutes of battery life.
  • A six-hour battery life.

Cons

  • Inference of Bluetooth is high in the urban areas

Accessories That Come With The Box: 

  • Wear Eargels (3 sizes)
  • USB Type C Charging Cable
  • Charger case
  • Manual

Recent Feedbacks:

  1. I’ve already used Jaybird Vistas as everyday drivers for a long time—at work, for exercises, and for vacation. I appreciate the option to recharge them in this case, and I can generally go through a whole workday on one charge. (Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on August 6, 2019)
  1. I enjoy how the program allows you to apply multiple sound profiles to the Vistas. I’ve really utilized it to adapt to the genre of music or the ambient surroundings that I’m in on occasion. (Reviewed on Amazon on the United States on September 16, 2019)

Ratings Out Of 10:

  • Sound quality: 9.4
  • Noise Cancellation: 9.1
  • Battery Life: 9.4

Important Considerations Before Purchasing Cycling Headphones

When it comes to selecting the best earbuds for cycling, you’ll need to evaluate what your cycling usually comprises since there are so many different types of rides, each with its own set of requirements that will decide whether headphones are appropriate or not. If you just want to use your headphones inside, look for the best headphones for commuting that are waterproof and sweatproof, as well as have good sound quality.

If you want to use them while driving, use caution and opt for the best earbuds for mountain biking that allow you to hear the outside world just as well as if you weren’t wearing any at all. When automobiles are racing by, the last thing you want is to be deaf to your surroundings.

If you want to ride outside, search for the best earphones for bikers for a pair with several controls that allow you to change the track/volume/etc. without having to pull your phone out of your pocket each time.

Consider your other needs for headphones, such as if you’ll be using them for business video calls. If this is the case, you should seek for a pair that can handle several Bluetooth connections, allowing you to switch between your phone and computer without having to remove and repair; best over the ear wireless earbuds or the best headphones for riding motorcycle may be handy riding the bike, but would they be troublesome in other scenarios, such as traveling or commuting, since they can’t be slipped into your pocket?

We can’t tell you which would be the best commuting headphones are perfect for you, but thinking about your needs will get you halfway there. 

Safety

When it comes to headphones and bikers, safety comes first, particularly for road riders who need to hear what’s going on around them and be attentive. Although active noise-canceling headphones are fantastic, they should not be utilized at the expense of being alert when cycling.

Best wireless earbuds for cycling do not entirely filter out sound and allow you to hear traffic around you. In this case, the best bone conduction headphones for cycling are appropriate since they keep your ear canals open and transfer sound via your cheekbones.

Durability

Purchasing a long-lasting pair of headphones is vital for people who lead an active lifestyle. Water-resistant headphones with a high IPX rating are ideal in this circumstance since you may be sweating heavily or stranded in rainy weather.

Look for the best cycling earphones or headphones for cycling that can resist inclement weather.

What Do IP Ratings in Headphones Mean?

You’re constantly working, getting good exercise, and sweating profusely. With that in mind, you’ll want to be sure you’re not going to ruin your earphones by sweating on them, so look at the IP rating. But what exactly is an IP rating, and what do the values mean?

IP is an abbreviation for ingress protection, and it is a basic grade that indicates how waterproof and dustproof something is. A low IP rating may be useful while riding with a fan directed at your face, but it will not be useful when swimming. Whatever your requirements are, the IP rating simply allows you to match your requirements to the product you are buying.

There are two numerals after the letters “I” and “P.” In certain cases, instead of two numbers, there is an X followed by a number. The first position is a dust prevention measure. The second position is a water-protection metric. If an X appears in either spot, it indicates that the product has not been tested for that grade.

No testing implies no protection; it simply means no testing. Dust ingress is often not evaluated on headphones. Still, since waterproofing might imply sealing the internals, they may be adequate in many dusty circumstances. Alternatively, a lack of an IP certification does not automatically imply a lack of water resistance. Jabra does not have an IP certification; however, the internals has nano protection that will keep them dry in specific situations.

Some folks work up a lot more sweat than others. Determine your level of comfort. Consider the design as well. A genuine wireless headset is more prone to fall into the water, but an over-ear headphone is better at collecting water. Therefore, equipping yourself with the best headset road bike or the best earphones for motorcycle is very significant. 

Consider Categorizing Music by BPM

Music and performance are inextricably interwoven. The link is so powerful that studies demonstrate that increasing the beats/minute of your music might improve your exercise. If you listen to the correct music, you can cycle further and faster without increasing the apparent effort. It’s also quite simple to get the desired BPM.

If you utilize Spotify, there are a number of sites available, such as playlistmachinery.com, to assist you in finding the ideal BPM. The easiest method to manage it on YouTube Music, Apple Music, or Amazon Music is to search for your chosen BPM. A fast search will have you hear the precise pace that corresponds to what you are just doing day. So always go for the best headphones for riding a motorcycle.

Is There Something Else I Should Keep An Eye Out For?

Look for the best earphones for cycling that are either water-resistant or, at the very least, water-resistant since you don’t want perspiration to harm them. If you’re searching for a pair of in-ear headphones that are the best bluetooth headphones for biking make sure they come with a wide range of bud sizes so you can find the ideal fit for your ears.

A quick-charge feature is definitely something you’ll enjoy, particularly if you realize your headphones are dead at the eleventh hour – some pairs of headphones for biking can provide a season’s worth of music after just a few hours on a single charge, and those are from the best headphones for biking.

Safety Issues

One thing we must all recognize is that cycling with earbuds on will impair your overall road traffic safety. How much is it? This is determined by a number of variables, including:

  • Where are you planning to ride your bike?
  • What time of day do you ride?
  • How noisy is the music, podcast, or audiobook you’re listening to?

The “where”: Being able to hear your surroundings is secondary whether you’re on a mountain bike trail or on a protected cycling route. However, if you’re sharing the road with motorized cars, you should prioritize your safety – purchase the best bluetooth headphones for mountain biking with ambient mode or bone conduction, or experiment with wearable speakers.

The “when”: early mornings and late nights imply calmer roads, but also less-trustworthy drivers; if you’re cycling side roads at these times of day, you may enjoy a little more sound immersion, but keep in mind that it’s always a risk.

The “How Loud”: We all prefer rich bass, and a higher level makes us move quicker, but unless you’re on a well-protected route, you shouldn’t turn up the volume too high. Don’t endanger yourself by muting the noises around you and not getting the best wireless earbuds for motorcycle.

In contrast to standard headphones or the best earphones for motorcycle riding, which transmit sound via the ear canals, bone conduction technology transmits music through the cheekbones. You may listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks with complete awareness and comfort since nothing is within or over your ears.

For cyclists who wish to be aware of their surroundings, bone conduction headphones and the best motorcycle earphones are perhaps the best options. Of course, this comes as a cost: bone conduction headphones cannot sound like a nice set of in-ear earbuds or buds. However, the quality of bone conduction headphones is rising year after year, and the best headphones for peloton bike featured above have a fairly great sound!

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Some FAQs About Cycling Headphones

Many people say that listening to songs while cycling is dangerous. While this is true, there are steps you may take to keep yourself (and people around you) safe. A decent set of cycling headphones should enable you to hear your music as well as your surroundings. This is often accomplished via the use of distinctive open-ear designs or background sound mode. Bone conduction technology is used in several open-ear headphones. This directs music to the inner ear through vibrations on your head and cheekbones, bypassing the eardrums and allowing your ears clear to hear what's going on around you.
Every rider should wear a security helmet with tail lights, as well as a decent set of protective glasses that filter out both debris and dangerous UV rays. These two pieces of equipment are essential for remaining safe when cycling and should be considered while buying for a set of cycling headphones—wearing a helmet, glasses, and headphones at the same time may be tough. Therefore, getting the best earbuds for helmets is a must. But It might be painful if there isn't enough space to fit them all on your head. If this is an issue for you, you may want to consider a helmet with built-in headphones or sunglasses with built-in headphones. As the names imply, both come with built-in headphones, so you don't have to bother about finding a set that fits. If you don't want to use equipment with built-in headphones, a compact lightweight set that hugs your head snugly will function best with protective gear. Just be careful to avoid anything heavy.
Headphones that don't fit correctly might rattle about and create pain when using. It might be inconvenient to constantly adjust them, particularly on extended journeys. The best cycling headphones will fit perfectly and can be adjusted as needed. - Size: Because you'll be wearing your best bluetooth earbuds for cycling with a helmet and safety eyewear, they shouldn't be too big. An excellent pair is lightweight and unobtrusive, so they don't put a strain on your head. - Adjustability: Being able to modify your headphones to your preferences is always a plus. Headphones aren't always one-size-fits-all thus the option to customize the fit to your head shape is a useful feature.
You can listen to music while cycling while being aware of what is going on around you. You may control the volume so that you can listen to the music while also hearing your surroundings. Some of the finest cycling earbuds have applications that enable you to customize the sound profile and noise invasion level.
Wearing headphones while cycling is quite pleasant provided; they are some of the best biking headphones. To do this, they may have ear hooks, ear tips, and an adjustable band. Because they consider people's lifestyles and associated demands, the best headphones for cycling usually come with accessories that assist users to find an appropriate fit.

Conclusion

After all, the best headphones for cycling should be durable due to dependable materials, water-resistant, and comfy. They must also sound well in order to provide you with a fantastic listening experience while on the go. If you’re looking for the best headphones for bike riding, suitable models may be found among the gear offered below. The battery life and highly portable charging case of the offered models might also amaze, significantly increasing the listening duration. However, it is up to you to determine if isolation is essential since riding safety is critical.

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