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Riding a bike can turn into a funny adventure if adding some driving beats to it. Luckily, wireless technology allows cyclists to enjoy their activity with a maximum comfort on the move. However, it’s not always easy to figure out what are the best headphones for cycling amongst hundreds on the market.
To address this issue, we outlined the five core criteria every cyclist should focus on when surveying the options. These are a secure fit, the IPX water resistance rating, the sound quality, noise isolation, and battery life.
A secure fit is the first aspect that everyone should learn about. Cyclists should make sure that the earbuds will stay firmly in the ears during sudden movements or won’t fall out at all. In this piece you’ll find out what helps cycling earphones not to slide off.
Best
TREBLAB XR700
Best headphones for cycling
Custom Adjustable Fit For Any Ear Size
XR700 feature special ear hooks that bend and keep the shape you want, giving you the most comfortable fit that's custom-molded to your ear.
Unique-HD Sound For Increased Energy
Newest Bluetooth 5.0 technology with True-HD sound and bass boost function will boost up your energy and make your workout truly effective.
The IPX water-resistance rating means the world when cycling in the rain. The higher the rating of the cycling earbuds is, the better the headset can withstand water jets. Thus, the scale of IPX comprises 0-8 levels, where 8 means the item can survive continual water immersion.
The sound quality is the number one question, whatever the activity is. But not all wireless earbuds deliver the music you’ll enjoy while cycling. That’s why it’s important to find out what makes the earbuds the best sounding ones.
It’s also crucial for cyclists to decide for oneself whether a complete noise isolation is necessary. Riding in traffic and being isolated from what’s going around might be dangerous. That’s why looking for passive noise cancelling headphones makes sense. Or, the earbuds without isolation at all can work for you as well.
As for the battery life, no one likes doing sports and thinking of the battery that’s about to die. This is why it’s absolutely possible to find cycling headphones with a solid battery lifespan.
Based on these characteristics, we made a list of wireless headphones that can become an integral part of your cycling routine. Without further ado, let’s get started.
11 Best Headphones For Cycling In 2021
- Adjustable ear-hooks
- IPX7
- Solid battery life
- Passive noise isolation
- True-HD sound and bass boost feature
- In-ear design not for everyone
- Might not fit under the helmet
Best Overall earbuds for Cycling
BEATS POWERBEATS PRO
- Driving bass
- Impressive battery life
- Quick charging
- Stable for tough workouts
- IPX4
- Not budget-friendly
- Large charging case
- Mids might sound unclear
- High-level water resistance
- Non-slip design with ear hooks
- Easy-to-press buttons when riding a bicycle
- High call quality
- Store 45 hours of total playtime
- May not fit under extra-large bicycle helmets
Best cycling headphones in 2021
Mobvoi Tic-Pods
- Affordable
- IPX5
- Easy controls on the go
- Average sound quality
- Modest battery life
- Lets external noise
- Little bass
Jabra Elite Active 65t
- IPX56
- Motion sensor for active lifestyle
- Customizable sound
- 4-mic technology
- HearThrough mode might fail with noise
- Price
Jaybird X3
- Reliable and durable build
- Over and under ear-fin design
- Customizable sound
- Quick charging
- Battery life
- No noise isolation
- Neckband is not for all
Aftershokz AS600SG
- Bone conduction technology
- IR55 rating
- Secure fit with a lightweight headband
- Decent sound quality
- No reduction in ambient noise
- Average battery life
iTeknic Wireless Earphones
- Impressive battery life
- IPX4 rating
- Balanced sound
- Sibilance at highs
- Lack in bass
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350
- Stable fit
- IPX5 water-resistance rating
- Great noise isolation
- Boosted bass
- Over and under ear-hook fixation not for all
- Noise coming from the cable
Bose SoundSport
- Unique shape ear-tips for a secure fit
- Adjustable wings
- Decent sound
- No IPX rating
- No noise isolation
Sony WF-SP700N
- Customizable sound profile
- Ambient noise mode
- Noise-cancelling mode
- Wings design not for everyone
- Wind noise if ambient noise mode enabled
Best Cycling Headphones - TREBLAB XR700 Pro
The XR700 Pro are the best Bluetooth headphones for biking due to their signature adjustable ear-hooks. They keep the shape cyslists need to ensure a secure fit. The earbuds come with 3 sets of silicone and 3 sets of expandable foam ear-tips for a snug in-ear seal. The XR700 has the IPX7 rating, the highest in this list. It means they withstand heavy jets of water. Thus, no sweat can damage them so that you can enjoy cycling to the fullest.
The XR700 support AAC sound protocol that works great for an iPhone. They deliver True-HD sound. Bass lovers will find their sounding amazing at lows. The listening experience is protected with passive noise isolation. Herewith, you can still hear ambient one. The battery life is solid - up to 9 hours on a single charge. The Bluetooth version is 5.0. - the latest one, which makes them the best Bluetooth headphones for biking.
+ Pros:
- Adjustable ear-hooks
- IPX7
- Solid battery life
- Passive noise isolation
- True-HD sound and bass boost feature
- Cons:
- In-ear design not for everyone
- Might not fit under the helmet
Best for bass - Beats PowerBeats Pro
The earbuds will let you feel confident when wearing a helmet since they are lightweight, wire-free, and comes with ear-fins for a secure fit. The IPX4 rating means they won’t be damaged because of rain or sweat.
The sound quality is pretty decent with the emphasis on bass and treble. These biking headphones are particularly compatible with Apple devices due to AAC audio codec.
There’s no active noise cancellation, which is absolutely fine since it is important to be aware of the surroundings when cycling. Usually, when the earbuds comes with ear-tips, a tight seal they provide might serve for the buzz reduction. In this case, the PowerBeats come with 4 sets of silicone ear-tips. Besides, good bass and treble might overshadow outside sounds.
The battery life is about 9 hours on a single charge and 24 hours with the charging case. It makes the pair one of the best headphones for biking on the market.
+ Pros:
- Driving bass
- Impressive battery life
- Quick charging
- Stable for tough workouts
- IPX4
- Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
- Large charging case
- Mids might sound unclear
Best cycling headphones in 2021 - Treblab X3 Pro
Are you now on your two-wheeler and wish you had the best Bluetooth headphones for biking to ride in style? Wishful thinking aside, you can grab Treblab X3 Pro and kick-start your cycling trip with music.
From a tight yet soft fit to spectacular water-resistance, these truly wireless earbuds are made for cycling from the get-go. Have you always dreamt of reveling in mountain biking? Or you can’t resist riding in the rain? The X3 Pro’s IPX7 rating and non-slip design have got you covered. While their ear hooks prevent the earbuds from getting out of the ears, their souped-up build minimizes any water damage risk when it’s raining.
Besides being durable, the earphones boast audiophile-friendly control buttons on each bud. So, with the X3 Pro, you can skip tunes or answer calls while practicing one-hand cycling. Oh, they can also be your best Bluetooth headphones while biking since their mic is jim-dandy. Even when it’s windy, those on the other side will hear you clearly.
+ Pros:
- High-level water resistance
- Non-slip design with ear hooks
- Easy-to-press buttons when riding a bicycle
- High call quality
- Cons:
- May not fit under extra-large bicycle helmets
Best affordable - Mobvoi Tic-Pods
These are 100% headphones for bicycle since they let ambient noise let in making cyclists aware of what’s going on around. However, silicone ear-tips might provide some noise reduction during cycling. The sound is balanced with no emphasis on bass. The battery life is not impressive - about 4 hours. But the charging case gives another 14 hours, which makes 18 hours of playback in total. The Tic-Pods are also IPX5 rated.
The Tic-Pods allow managing easily touch controls on the buds’ stems, enabling digital assistants, and making calls on the go. In general, these bicycle headphones are worth considering because of the pack and a low price.
+ Pros:
- Affordable
- IPX5
- Easy controls on the go
- Cons:
- Average sound quality
- Modest battery life
- Lets external noise
- Little bass
True Wireless - Jabra Elite Active 65t
The Jabra Active 65t are the IPX56 rated, which makes them ideal headphones for bike riding. The brand claims they were designed particularly for an active lifestyle thanks to an integrated motion sensor. In-ear design promises a stable seal in the ears.
The sound can be customized with the help of the Jabra Sound+ app. The ambient aware mode in it enables HearThrough mode that defines how much cycling fuzzbuzz is allowed to hear here and now. The battery lasts for 5 hours on a single charge and gets an extra 15 hours from a super portable charging case. The Active 65t wireless headphones for biking allow cyclists making seamless calls thanks to the 4-microphone technology.
+ Pros:
- IPX56
- Motion sensor for active lifestyle
- Customizable sound
- 4-mic technology
- Cons:
- HearThrough mode might fail with noise
- Pricey
Best sound quality - Jaybird X3
The headset can boldly join the list of the best wireless headphones for cycling due to patented silicone ear-fins and “universal fit with helmet compatibility”. Herewith, the ear-fins feature over and under ear-fit options for a snug fit.
Users can customize the sound with the MySound app and enjoy music for up to 8 hours on a single charge. The battery gets quick charging. Thus, a 15-minute charging gives an hour of playtime. The brand states the X3 bicycle earphones feature hydrophobic nano coating that keeps wet away.
+ Pros:
- Reliable and durable build
- Over and under ear-fin design
- Customizable sound
- Quick charging
- Battery life
- Cons:
- No noise isolation
- Neckband is not for all
Great value - Aftershokz AS600SG
The AS600SG stands out for bone conduction technology that delivers music through the jawbones to the ear canals. This way, the ears are open to outside sounds for optimal situational awareness. The earbuds also IP55 rated, which means they withstand significantly dust, sweat and wet. The battery life is about 6 hours, which is enough for the average cycling session. All these aspects make them the best Bluetooth headphones for cycling.
The headset features a lightweight and adjustable headband that ensures a tight, comfortable hold. The manufacturer claims that PremiumPitch and LeakSlayer technologies reduce sound leakage and add to an excellent audio reproduction. However, some reviews say that the AS600SG cannot compete in stereo quality with traditional Bluetooth earbuds for cycling. Therefore, the sound here is experience based.
+ Pros:
- Bone conduction technology
- IR55 rating
- Secure fit with a lightweight headband
- Decent sound quality
- Cons:
- No reduction in ambient noise
- Average battery life
Best battery - iTeknic Wireless Earphones
If you’re aiming at Tour de France, then these wireless headphones for cycling will help prep for the competitions. They stand out for an extraordinary battery life - up to 24 hours. The iTeknic come with various sizes of internal ear-hooks and silicone ear-tips so cyclists can get the most comfortable fit. The ear-tips also add to passive noise isolation and distinctive bass.
The earbuds feature the SBC and aptX audio codecs for high-quality sound reproduction. In general, the sound is balanced and rather good. But at highs, you can feel sibilance. The iTeknic bike earphones are IPX4 rated as many from this list. It’s enough not to be damaged because of rain or sweat.
+ Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- IPX4 rating
- Balanced sound
- Cons:
- Sibilance at highs
- Lack in bass
Best noise cancelling - Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350
The BackBeat FIT 350 pack a punch in the list due to their above-average passive noise isolation. They seal out almost all ambient noise around you. The silicone ear-tips do not enter too deeply into the ears and meantime go a great job with isolation. However, the feature might be unsuitable for cyclists who ride in busy streets.
The ear-hooks that need to be fixed behind and over the ears provide the most stable fit for any workout intensity. Additionally, ear-tips with wings add to it effectively.
As for the sound, they feature the mSBC codec - a modified version of SBC audio codec, universal for Apple and Android devices. The earbuds deliver quite pleasant sound with emphasis on bass. Even at highs and mids, the audio reproduction is clear enough. These best headphones for bike riding are durable thanks to quality materials and IPX5 water-resistance rating. The battery life is up to 6 hours.
+ Pros:
- Stable fit
- IPX5 water-resistance rating
- Great noise isolation
- Boosted bass
- Cons:
- Over and under ear-hook fixation not for all
- Noise coming from the cable
Best signature design - Bose SoundSport
The SoundSport can also join the list of the best bicycle headphones since they stay firmly in the ears during sudden movements. They come with the ear-tips of unique shape for a tight seal in the ears and adjustable wings that give stability and strong hold.
The sound is pretty decent, particularly thanks to the Active EQ technology that allows sound profile customization. The brand claims it is water resistant, and a hydrophobic cloth withstands moisture. But there’s no attributed IPX rating. The battery life is up to 6 hours.
+ Pros:
- Unique shape ear-tips for a secure fit
- Adjustable wings
- Decent sound
- Cons:
- No IPX rating
- No noise isolation
Best microphone - Sony WF-SP700N
These best bike headphones stand out for a custom-built listening experience. To customize the sound profile, you can use an app-based equalizer. Also, you can set up ambient sound mode and enjoy the mix of music and external sounds. It is designed essentially for cyclists as safety measures. However, there’s also the noise-cancelling mode to block the outside world at all.
A snug fit is ensured with the wings that hold the buds firmly in place. The WF-SP700N feature the IPX4 rating and lasts up to 3 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours with the charging case.
+ Pros:
- Customizable sound profile
- Ambient noise mode
- Noise-cancelling mode
- Cons:
- Wings design not for everyone
- Wind clutter if ambient noise mode enabled
Conclusion
The best headphones for riding a bike should be durable thanks to reliable materials, water-resistant and comfortable after all. They also need to sound well delivering you an amazing listening experience on the move. If you’re after bass, you can also find the relevant models amongst the gear presented here. The presented models can also impress with the battery life and super portable charging case expanding the listening time drastically. However, it’s up to you to decide whether isolation is necessary since safety in riding is important.
Here’s a comparison table for you to get the whole picture:
| Headphones for Cyclists |
Price |
Water protection |
Connection |
Battery Life |
Mic and controls |
|
Under $100 |
IPX7 |
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 |
Up to 9 hours |
Yes |
|
|
Beats PowerBeats Pro |
under $250 |
IPX4 |
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 |
Up to 9 hours |
Yes |
|
Mobvoi Tic-Pods |
Under $150 |
IPX5 |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 4 hours |
Yes |
|
Jabra Elite Active 65t |
Under $200 |
IPX6 (IP56) |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 5 hours |
Yes |
|
Jaybird X3 |
Under $100 |
n/a |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 8 hours |
Yes |
|
Aftershokz AS600SG |
Under $100 |
IR55 rating |
Wireless Bone conduction technology |
Up to 6 hours |
Yes |
|
iTeknic Wireless Earphones |
Under $20 |
IPX7 |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 24 hours |
Yes |
|
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350 |
Under $80 |
IPX5 |
Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 |
Up to 6 hours |
Yes |
|
Bose SoundSport |
Under $100 |
IPX4 |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 6 hours |
Yes |
|
Sony WF-SP700N |
Under $100 |
IPX4 |
Wireless Bluetooth |
Up to 9 hours |
Yes |
How to Choose the Best Cycling Headphones
When looking for the perfect headphones to use while cycling in- our outdoors, one needs them to be just perfect. It is essential to consider not only such features as comfort and sound quality, but also safety and stability of the device. Although some features are considered a must, other are adjustable and depend on various factors.
Consider the location and style of your cycling
The ability to hear the noises is essential for one’s security no matter where the training takes place. However, some locations require an even more meticulous approach to choosing the right headphones’ features.
When cycling indoors or on a training track, one does not necessarily need to pay attention to any noise. Therefore, wired workout headphones with a feature of noise canceling might come in handy in order to fully focus on the training process.
Cycling around the city, where the traffic is typically bigger, calls for a different choice. One of the best options would be a wireless bone conduction, as it allows to focus on cycling without the need of constantly adjusting the device. Moreover, such headphones do not block the ear canal, keeping the outside noises loud enough to hear in case of an emergency.
Cyclists who prefer long-distance training wish to rely on their headphones to stay charged long enough to play the music continuously throughout the whole training. The key feature for such headphones is their battery life.
Which time of day do you prefer for cycling?
The time of the training is also important for choosing the right headphones. For instance, cycling in the evening might be more convenient and pleasant for some people, but the visual perception of the surroundings significantly worsens because of the lack of natural lighting. Consider buying headphones without noise canceling to stay safe.
Morning cycling often means a heavier traffic in the streets. Choose wireless headphones that will not block your movement and reaction.
What do you typically listen to while cycling?
One does not always need an impeccable sound quality while cycling, especially if only listening to music. However, when it comes to an audiobook or a podcast, this feature becomes much more significant. Consider the loudness of what you are listening to so that your ride is both safe and comfortable.
The Most Important Features of Headphones for Cycling
Although sound quality is vital for many sportsmen, it is far from being the only feature to pay attention to. These are the key indicators to consider when searching for the perfect headphones set.
Is it safe to use noise canceling?
Noise canceling is an extremely convenient option, as it makes the training more fun and joyful. Nonetheless, it is extra important to remember that this feature can only be turned on when cycling on a specialized track or indoors. Cycling outdoors requests being able to hear any traffic noise – you cannot enjoy listening to music at the expense of your life’s safety. One needs to always stay present and concentrated of what is happening around them - otherwise, cycling may be hazardous.
Wired vs. wireless – what to consider?
For an active sport such as cycling, it is essential that the headphones should not block one’s movement amplitude. Wired headphones are advantageous in terms of not having to regularly charge their battery, but they are only appropriate for cycling on a stationary bike, for instance, in a fitness center. In any other case, such headphones might tangle, and it is not always easy and fast to adjust them back to the right position.
Wireless headphones are a great option, especially considering how such models have enhanced for the past few years. These imply an absolute freedom of movement, which is always a pro. More than that, wireless devices allow cyclists to keep their phone in a bag instead of attaching it elsewhere, they are often water- and sweatproof, and most models have special controls for answering a call while training. Hence, wireless options are preferrable in most cases.
The importance of a stable connection
The headphones for cycling should be reliable enough to constantly play titles without any interruptions, especially if the distance of cycling is relatively long. That is why it is better to opt for devices with an enhanced Bluetooth feature.
Battery and charging options
This point is similar to the one described above. For a convenient and pleasant training session, it is vital that the headphones do not die in the middle of a distance. Trust us, you do not want the music or a podcast to end a few minutes before the track’s end. Pay attention to such feature as battery life – it shows how long the headphones can be continuously used after being fully charged. The minimum battery life should be five hours – do not choose headphones that can work for a shorter amount of time. Consider headphones that provide you with an opportunity to quickly charge them in a case. This can be done in the process of training, and it can be useful even if the battery gets uncharged.
Sound and Microphone Quality
The quality and loudness of the sound is one of the most important features for most sportsmen. It is especially significant if you prefer listening to a podcast or an audiobook. The sound quality of the mic is also vital if you often answer phone calls while cycling. Make sure that the headphones have a wind noise reduction feature – this can greatly improve the quality of your phone calls while cycling outdoors.
Why shall headphones for cycling be sweatproof?
Cycling is an activity that fully incorporates the whole body. Therefore, one can hardly avoid sweating while training, especially if cycling outdoors and the weather is hot. Luckily enough, most of the modern devices have a feature of sweat protection. This not only restricts the headphones from falling out of one’s ears, but also lengthens the life of the headphones. They will simply serve you for a longer time if they are not constantly touching dust and liquids!
Convenient controls for a more comfortable ride
When choosing wireless headphones, make sure they have all the controls you wish to use. These might include the quick options of skipping a track, pausing it, or answering an unexpected phone call from an acquainted. Not only is it convenient, but it also improves the safety of your training, as you will not need to take your phone out of a bag each time you have to use it.
Durability of the headphones
No matter how convenient and technologically advanced headphones are, it makes little difference if they can only be in active use for a couple of months. Choose the headphones with a prolonged durability (starting with a year or more), and you will be able to forget the urge to look for a new device for a long time!
What is IPX rating and why it is important to cyclists
IPX shows the level of the device’s protection against objects such as dust, water, and so on. It is a vital rate, as it affects how long the headphones can be exploited. For example, IPX7 is a great rating. It indicates that the headphones can be submersed in water one meter deep and stay at such a depth for half an hour.
Consider what you need your headphones for
Will you only use them while training or are you looking for headphones which can also be used in everyday life? Think about how often you will use the device in advance in order to not be disappointed by the headphones’ battery life or durability afterwards.
Choose the headphones that will not block your movement
As already mentioned above, headphones for cycling or any other active sport should be designed to firmly stay in their place and not fall out. It is important that you do not need to adjust them often, as you shall stay focused on the training process. This is why ones of the best options are over ear or neckband models. These offer the most convenient fit for the cyclist’s head.
Are the headphones compatible with safety gear in use?
Every cyclist, no matter the experience or skills, should use a certified protective helmet. It is essential for one’s safety and cannot be forgotten of. Wearing a set of headphones and a helmet at the same time might not be convenient, as a head does not provide enough space to fit all the required gear. Consider choosing a helmet with build-in headphones not to worry about the headphones of the right size. If this option is somehow not for you, the perfect decision is a small headphones set that does not take up much place. Such handphones should fit your ears and head perfectly.
What are the Best Alternatives for Classic Headphones or Earbuds?
Bone Conduction Headphones
The main difference of bone conduction headphones compared to the traditional models is that they deliver the sound through one’s cheekbones instead of using the ear canals for this matter. They are advantageous as they do not block outside noises, making the training safer and you – aware of your surroundings and traffic. However, such headphones have a worse sound quality, so you will not be able to fully enjoy a podcast or music. Bone conduction headphones are a great option for cycling outdoors, especially under the circumstances of heavy traffic.
Portable speakers
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional headphones or earbuds while cycling, Bluetooth speakers may be a good option. They allow you to hear the traffic around you and are legal to use in many areas.
FAQ
Can cyclists wear headphones?
Sports lovers can wear headphones while riding a bike and enjoy the beats. However, it’s crucial to pick the best Bluetooth headphones for biking since not every pair is convenient for such activity. In this case, a cyclist should pay attention to a fit, water-resistance, sound quality, noise isolation, and the battery life. These are the main characteristics that will define a successful user experience.
Is It Dangerous To Wear Headphones Cycling?
Cycling and meantime wearing headphones might be dangerous if they isolate absolutely a cyclist from the outside world. Since this kind of activity requires situational awareness, user should rather look for passive noise isolation. The majority of the best wireless headphones for biking allows the surroundings being heard for users’ safety.
Can I listen to music while cycling?
You can listen to music while cycling and still be aware of what’s going on around. You can adjust the volume level so that you can enjoy the tracks and meantime hear the surroundings. Some of the best earphones for cycling come with the apps that allow customizing the sound profile and noise invasion level.
Is it comfortable To Wear Headphones Cycling?
It is absolutely comfortable to wear headphones when cycling if they provide a secure fit. To achieve that, they might come with the ear-hooks, ear-tips and an adjustable band. The best bicycle headphones always come with the accessories that help the users find an ideal fitting since they consider people’s lifestyle and related needs.
Check our blog post about top headphones for skiing in 2021.
