Top 11 Best Headphones for Cycling in 2023

Cycling and music often go hand in hand, as the right tunes can significantly enhance the experience of hitting the road or trails. The importance of having the perfect pair of headphones to accompany every ride cannot be overstated, whether it's for daily commuting, weekend adventures, or training for the next big race. However, with countless options available, it can be quite challenging to find the ideal pair.

We will have the opportunity to test and explore numerous headphones, learning the ins and outs of what cyclists need in terms of audio quality, safety, and comfort. That's why we have put together this comprehensive guide to help fellow cyclists find the best headphones tailored to their specific needs. We'll delve into the essential features, review the top models on the market, and discover how to choose the perfect headphones to elevate your cycling experience.

So, let's gear up and pedal to the beat as we embark on this exciting journey to find your perfect cycling headphones!

Best

TREBLAB X3 PRO

Best Headphones for Cycling

9h play + 4 charges

Passive noise-cancelling

IPX7 water resistant

Compatible with ALL devices

Fast Pairing With IOS or ANDROID

The X3 Pro Bluetooth headphones with microphone can pair with any device within a 33ft range so you can keep running.

IPX7-Rated To Endure Any Sport or Activity

The X3 Pro wireless sweatproof headphones rest securely around your ear with no-slip ear hooks when you're in motion.

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Essential Features for Cyclist-Friendly Headphones

Navigating the vast array of headphone features can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find the perfect match for your cycling needs. Here, we'll focus on the essential features that you should look for when selecting cyclist-friendly headphones. Remember, every rider's priorities may vary, so consider your specific needs and preferences when evaluating these features.

Safety and Awareness

When cycling, it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings for both your safety and the safety of others. Open-ear or bone-conduction headphones are excellent options for maintaining situational awareness. Keep in mind that on-ear headphones may not be compatible with helmets, making them less suitable for cyclists. Look for headphones that allow you to hear ambient noise while still providing a pleasant audio experience.

Comfort and Fit

Headphones that stay securely in place during rides are essential for cyclists. Look for options with an ergonomic design, secure ear hooks, or customizable ear tips for a snug fit. Consider how the headphones will feel during extended rides, whether they're lightweight, and if they're compatible with wearing sunglasses or a helmet. Wireless or true wireless options are generally more suitable for cyclists, as they eliminate the inconvenience of tangled cords.

Water and Sweat Resistance

Cycling in various weather conditions and intense workouts can expose your headphones to moisture. It's essential to choose headphones with a water resistance rating that can withstand sweat and light rain. Look for a minimum rating of IPX4, which offers protection against splashing water. Higher ratings like IPX6 or IPX7 provide even better protection against heavy rain and water submersion, ensuring your headphones can endure harsher conditions.

Battery Life

As a cyclist, you'll likely be on the road for extended periods. Therefore, your headphones should have a battery life that can keep up with your rides. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge. Some models offer quick charging capabilities that provide hours of playback with just a short charge time, ensuring you'll never be without your tunes during a cycling break.

Durability

Cycling headphones should be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, including bumps, drops, and exposure to the elements. Look for materials like reinforced cables, sturdy housings, and robust build quality to ensure your headphones can endure the rigors of outdoor cycling.

Wireless Connectivity

Tangled cords can be a nuisance and even a safety hazard while cycling. Opt for wireless or true wireless headphones to avoid distractions and ensure smooth rides. Bluetooth connectivity should provide a stable connection without audio drops or interference. Look for Bluetooth 5.0 or later, which offers improved range, reduced latency, and more efficient power consumption.

Easy-to-Use Controls

Cyclists need headphones with intuitive controls that can be easily managed while on the move. Look for options with accessible, tactile buttons or touch controls that allow you to adjust volume, change tracks, or answer calls without fumbling or taking your eyes off the road. Voice assistant integration can also be a plus, allowing you to control your headphones hands-free.

Less Critical Features for Cyclist Headphones

Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is designed to block out ambient noise, which can be useful in noisy environments. However, for cyclists, it's crucial to remain aware of traffic, pedestrians, and other potential hazards. Prioritizing safety, it's better to look for headphones that allow you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music.

High-Resolution Audio

While high-resolution audio provides a superior listening experience, it's not as crucial for cyclists. The focus should be on maintaining awareness and safety on the road. As a cyclist, balanced sound quality that doesn't drown out ambient noise is more suitable.

Extra Features

Simplicity is key when you're on the road, as you don't want to be distracted by complicated controls or features. Look for headphones that are easy to use, allowing you to focus on your ride.

Aesthetic Design

While stylish headphones might be appealing, the focus should be on practicality, comfort, and safety when choosing headphones for cycling. Sleek designs and fashionable colors might be a bonus, but they shouldn't be the deciding factor when selecting the right headphones for your rides.

Which Headphone Features Matter Most for Different Cycling Environments?

Are you wondering how the importance of certain headphone features may vary depending on your cycling environment? As your cycling preferences and locations change, so does the significance of specific headphone features. In some cases, certain features become more critical, while others may be less essential. To help you make an informed decision, we've created a table outlining the importance of various features based on whether you prefer indoor, outdoor, or a combination of both cycling environments.

After extensive research, hands-on experience, and hundreds of hours of testing, we've gathered invaluable insights into the world of cycling headphones. We understand the nuances that make certain headphones more suitable for cyclists than others. As a result, we're excited to present our carefully curated list of the 11 best headphones for cyclists. These top picks cater to various preferences and needs, ensuring that you'll find the perfect pair to enhance your cycling adventures while prioritizing safety, comfort, and performance.

11 Best Headphones and Earbuds For Cycling In 2023

HEADPHONES

TREBLAB XR700

4.3 out of 5

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POSITIVES

• Best headphones for cycling
• Adjustable ear-hooks
• IPX7
• Solid battery life
• Passive noise isolation
• True-HD sound and bass boost feature

NEGATIVES

• In-ear design not for everyone
• Might not fit under the helmet

BOTTOMLINE

Best Overall earbuds for Cycling

HEADPHONES

BEATS POWERBEATS PRO

4.6 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Driving bass
• Impressive battery life
• Quick charging
• Stable for tough workouts
• IPX4

NEGATIVES

• Not budget-friendly
• Large charging case
• Mids might sound unclear

BOTTOMLINE

Best for bass

HEADPHONES

Treblab X3 Pro

4.4 out of 5

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POSITIVES

• 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

NEGATIVES

• May not fit under extra-large bicycle helmets

BOTTOMLINE

Best headphones for cycling in 2023

HEADPHONES

Mobvoi Tic-Pods

3.8 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Affordable
• IPX5
• Easy controls on the go

NEGATIVES

• Average sound quality
• Modest battery life
• Lets external noise
• Little bass

BOTTOMLINE

Best affordable

HEADPHONES

Jabra Elite Active 65t

4.1 out of 5

POSITIVES

• IPX56
• Motion sensor for active lifestyle
• Customizable sound
• 4-mic technology

NEGATIVES

• HearThrough mode might fail with noise
• Price

BOTTOMLINE

True Wireless

HEADPHONES

Jaybird X3

3.5 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Reliable and durable build
• Over and under ear-fin design
• Customizable sound
• Quick charging
• Battery life

NEGATIVES

• No noise isolation
• Neckband is not for all

BOTTOMLINE

Best sound quality

HEADPHONES

Aftershokz AS600SG

4.5 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Bone conduction headphones
• IR55 rating
• Secure fit with a lightweight headband
• Decent sound quality

NEGATIVES

• No reduction in ambient noise
• Average battery life

BOTTOMLINE

Great value

HEADPHONES

iTeknic Wireless Earphones

4.6 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Impressive battery life
• IPX4 rating
• Balanced sound

NEGATIVES

• Sibilance at highs
• Lack in bass

BOTTOMLINE

Best battery

HEADPHONES

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350

4 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Stable fit
• IPX5 water-resistance rating
• Great noise isolation
• Boosted bass

NEGATIVES

• Over and under ear-hook fixation not for all
• Noise coming from the cable

BOTTOMLINE

Best noise cancelling

HEADPHONES

Bose SoundSport

4.4 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Unique shape ear-tips for a secure fit
• Adjustable wings
• Decent sound

NEGATIVES

• No IPX rating
• No noise isolation

BOTTOMLINE

Best signature design

HEADPHONES

Sony WF-SP700N

3.7 out of 5

POSITIVES

• Customizable sound profile
• Ambient noise mode
• Noise-cancelling mode

NEGATIVES

• Wings design not for everyone
• Wind noise if ambient noise mode enabled

BOTTOMLINE

Best microphone

TREBLAB X3 PRO - Best Headphones for Cycling

The X3 PRO are an excellent choice for cycling headphones thanks to their secure over-ear fit. The flexible earhooks and 7 different ear tip sizes ensure the X3 PRO stays put during even vigorous cycling sessions. With an IPX6 rating, the X3 PRO can withstand heavy splashing and sweat without damage.

"The X3 PRO have a very comfortable and secure fit. The earhooks keep them firmly in place whether I'm cycling or at the gym. No worries about them falling out." (review from https://www.treblab.com/)

"These have great sound quality and work well for biking. The ambient sound feature allows me to hear traffic while still enjoying my music." (review from https://www.amazon.com/)

The X3 PRO utilizes AAC and aptX audio for optimal sound quality. With 40mm drivers, they deliver powerful bass and crisp treble. An ambient sound mode allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. Battery life reaches 35 hours for talk/music or 100 hours standby. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a reliable wireless connection.

Beats PowerBeats Pro - Best Cycling Headphones with Great Bass

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. These headphones could really top the list of the best cycling headphones.

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 it. 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. 

Treblab X3 Pro - Best Wireless Earbuds for Mountain Biking

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 in ear headphones 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.

Were top 1 on the list of best best cycling headphones in 2023.

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.

Mobvoi Tic-Pods - Best Earbuds for Cycling

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. 

Jabra Elite Active 65t - Best True Wireless Cycling Earbuds

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. 

Jaybird X3 - Best Wireless Earbuds for Cycling in terms of Sound Quality

The headset can boldly join the list of the best 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. 

Aftershokz AS600SG - Best Cycling Earphones for the Money

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. 

iTeknic Wireless Earphones - Best Battery Life Wireless Headphones for Cycling

If you’re aiming at Tour de France, then these best cycling headphones 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 wireless 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.

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350 - Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for Biking

The BackBeat FIT 350 pack a punch in the list of the best headphones for cycling 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 wireless 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.

Bose SoundSport - Best Signature Design Earbuds for Biking

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. 

Sony WF-SP700N - Best Headphones for Biking with Microphone

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. 

Are Your Headphones Legal? Navigating the Patchwork of Headphone Laws Across America

Can Bicyclists in California Wear Headphones?

In California, bicyclists are prohibited from wearing headphones that cover both ears while riding. According to California Vehicle Code Section 27400, "A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears." The law specifically states that you cannot wear a headset or earplugs that cover both ears while operating a bicycle.

What about other states?

As for the other states, here's a table summarizing the headphone laws for cyclists across the USA:

Keep in mind that laws can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the latest regulations in your state before hitting the road with your headphones.

Conclusion

Many reviews out there ultimately suggest that choosing the perfect headphones for cycling depends on personal preferences and comfort. If you've already found a pair that suits your needs and feels great during your rides, no arguments might sway you. However, if you're open to elevating your cycling experience and adding some magic to your rides, our comprehensive article and expertly curated list of the best models is the way to go. We've put in hundreds of hours of research, testing, and careful selection, so you don't have to start from scratch.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to upgrade your cycling audio game. We encourage you to explore our top picks, paying particular attention to the Treblab XR700, which stands out as an exceptional choice for cyclists. Give them a try and let the sound of your favorite tunes accompany your journeys, making each ride even more memorable. Discover the magic of cycling with the perfect headphones today!

Top Headphones and Earbuds for Cycling - A Comparison Table