10 Best Headphones for Cycling
Do you love cycling and need a personal audio solution that’s reliable? Then read this buyer’s guide until the very end and you’ll find a number of great choices across the different price categories. The marketplace is packed full of excellent sports headphones that can give you access to high-quality audio while on your bicycle. We have broken up our products list into 3 price categories to simplify things. This enables you to find the best products that are within your budget.
Budget |
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AUKEY Latitude |
4.8/5.0 |
Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Battery life: 8 hours |
Durable and secure fit. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Aftershokz AS600SG |
4.8/5.0 |
Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Battery life: 6 hours |
You can hear ambient noise. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Bose SoundSport Pulse |
4.7/5.0 |
Weight: 0.8 ounces |
Battery life: 6 hours |
Amazing audio quality. |
Check Amazon |
Items by price:
This guide contains a buying factors section that will give you an idea of what must be considered before pulling the trigger on a purchase. You’ll notice that cycling headphones have a number of desirable features that can improve the overall experience. It’s a good idea to ensure that you understand what each of these features contribute and how they are implemented in each product.
We are confident that by the time you finish reading this buyers guide you’ll have a great idea of what to buy to meet your specific requirements. It’s an informative read that will come in handy now and well into the future.
Buying factors to consider
Ergonomic features
Brand
Noise isolation and cancelation
Audio quality
Bluetooth connectivity
10 Best Headphones For Cycling
Make and Model | Weight | Battery life | Price Check |
---|---|---|---|
AUKEY Latitude | 0.48ounces | 8 hours | Check Price |
Phaiser BHS-750 | 0.64 ounces | 8 hours | Check Price |
SENSO Bluetooth Headphones | 0.16 ounces | 8 hours | Check Price |
Aftershokz AS600SG | 0.48 ounces | 6 hours | Check Price |
Bose SoundSport | 0.8 ounces | 5 hours | Check Price |
Jaybird X3 | 0.48 ounces | 8 hours | Check Price |
Plantronics BackBeat Fit | 0.8 ounces | 8 hours | Check Price |
Sennheiser CX SPORT | 0.48 ounces | 6 hours | Check Price |
Bose SoundSport Pulse | 0.8 ounces | 6 hours | Check Price |
Jabra Elite Sport | 2.88 ounces | 4.5 hours | Check Price |
Best headphones for cycling under $50
Are you looking for a budget option that will not put a big dent in your wallet? In this category you’ll find a selection of impressive headphones that are suitable for cycling. The impressive array of features includes wireless connectivity, competitive audio, waterproof, and noise isolation.
However, to enjoy a premium audio experience you need to look at the pricier categories. The features there are implemented with a lot more accuracy and the frequency range of the headphones is also improved.
1. AUKEY Latitude
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
The AUKEY Latitude is a solid purchase for cyclists that want an affordable personal audio solution. The price of just under $30 gets you a number of impressive features that allows this product to compete with higher priced options on this list. It comes in 3 different colors: black, blue, and red.
These are Bluetooth enabled and come with up to 8 hours of battery life. The stand by time is 240 hours and you only need to spend 90 minutes in order to achieve a full charge. A wireless connection removes wires that can get in the way while cycling. An over the neck wire is included that allows you to hang the headphones on your neck while not in use.
The ergonomics of these headphones is another highlight that adds to the value for cyclists. A mix of low weight and highly comfortable ear hooks means you’re getting an experience that will not lead to frustration. Wearing them for multiple hours will not be a cumbersome process.
A nano-coating is used to provide a water resistant design. Therefore, you can cycle in the rain and not be concerned about any moisture damage to the inside of the headphones. These can also be used for general workouts and going to the gym.
A drawback of the AUKEY Latitude is the lack of powerful audio drivers that can produce immersive audio at higher volume levels. Furthermore, while the fit is comfortable it might not be as great when compared with other entries on this list.
To summarize, the AUKEY Latitude is a solid choice for the budget buyers that is looking for an affordable option that still manages to deliver quality. The combination of the secure fit, Bluetooth connection, and water resistant feature means you’re getting a well-executed product for cyclists.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 8 hours |
The Pros |
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Durable |
Secure fit |
You can hear ambient noise |
The Cons |
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Battery life could be longer |
2. Phaiser BHS-750
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
Are you in the market for affordable and reliable headphones that has all the features a cyclist could want? Then consider buying the Phaiser BHS-750 which is priced at just under $40 and has a number of well-implemented features for sports enthusiast and cyclists. There are a number of colors to select from, which includes black, purple, yellow, blue, and red.
They are completely sweatproof – a feature that can come in handy when you are riding in the rain or are sweating due to the work you’re putting into the pedals. The Liquipel Nano Coating protects the products from all moisture. Also the earbuds are magnetic and that allows the product to be worn around the neck in a convenient manner as both units attach to one another.
The 8mm speakers produce HD sound that comes with powerful bass. This allows you to get into the music in an immersive manner while cycling. The T-400 M memory foam tips create noise isolation to help block out the ambient noise and perhaps the wind as you’re riding at high speeds.
The secure fit ensures the Phaiser BHS-750 will not fall out readily while taking a ride. Adjustments will not need to be executed regularly, which alleviates a lot of the frustration of wearing headphones while riding. They are Bluetooth enabled headphones that come with 8 hours of battery life.
To conclude, the Phaiser BHS-750 is a solid choice that comes with all the features you’d expect to have as a cyclist. At this relatively low price point, it is hard to find a drawback and it can compete with significantly higher price cycling headphones.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.64 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 8 hours |
The Pros |
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Competitive price |
8 hours of battery |
Comfortable |
The Cons |
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None due to the low price |
3. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
The SENSO Bluetooth Headphones is another great budget choice that can lead to an immersive audio experience while taking a bike ride. For the price of around $30, you’ll enjoy plenty of features that in previous years were typically found in much higher priced product.
Bluetooth 4.1 is included that comes with noise suppression technology. The battery life is 8 hours and there is 240 hours of standby time. Furthermore, it only takes 90 minutes to charge the product and the quality of the connection is very reliable.
The HD high fidelity audio is competitive and does not represent the budget product. You may find yourself comparing the audio quality with much higher priced products. It goes to show that you don’t have to put a huge dent in your wallet to find a great product.
A 1 year manufacturer’s warranty is included that comes with a 30 day money back guarantee with no questions asked. This should give you confidence in the product that it works as described.
There are a few drawbacks that must be considered. The first is the lack of noise isolation, which can reduce the immersive aspect of the audio. Also, the ear hook might be a design that is not to your liking, but keep in mind that it contributes to how secure the fit is.
To summarize, the SENSO Bluetooth Headphones is a great option for budget buyers that are looking for something that won’t cost too much. The combination of the well-implemented Bluetooth technology, great audio quality, and secure fit means you’re getting headphones that are convenient for cyclists.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.16 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 8 hours |
The Pros |
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Secure fit |
Affordable price |
8 hour battery life |
The Cons |
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Noise isolation could be better |
Best headphones for cycling under $150
This category represents good value for the money as you get industry leading features at an affordable price point. The quality of the audio and implementation of the Bluetooth here is what makes these headphones competitive enough to make this list. A number of industry leading brands can be seen here, which means you can buy in confidence.
Take a careful look at the variety of features here to see which model best fits your requirements.
4. Aftershokz AS600SG
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
These Aftershokz make use of innovative bone conduction technology to deliver the personal audio solution. Bone conduction works by creating vibrations at the point of contact and pass those vibrations via your jawbone to the inner ear canal. This comes with some unique advantages and some disadvantages too that we will explore further on in the review.
The advantage of bone conduction is that you’ll be able to hear ambient noise extremely well. In fact, with these headphones, there is no reduction in ambient noise due to the position of the contact points – on the jawbone and not the ears. It takes some time getting used to this alternative method of wearing headphones.
The Bluetooth connectivity is excellent as you can enjoy audio with a very minimum amount of distortion and there is up to 6 hours of battery life at a time. Connectivity with iOS and Android smartphones is simple and can be paired up in a straightforward manner.
Audio quality is excellent when you consider that these are bone conduction headphones. Overall this type of product cannot compete in the audio quality department with regular headphones, but these Aftershokz do an excellent job of competing.
One of the disadvantages of this product is the average battery life of 6 hours as others on this list provide up to 8 hours. Those who only take short bike rides might not feel like this is much of an issue. Also, the audio quality is not of industry leading quality and it may take time getting used to the bone conduction setup.
To summarize, these are one of the best bone conduction headphones on the market and provide excellent value for the cyclist. The excellent Bluetooth connection, comfortable secure fit and durability means you’ll want to use these for a long time to come.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 6 hours |
The Pros |
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Durable |
Secure fit |
You can hear ambient noise |
The Cons |
---|
Battery life could be longer |
5. Bose SoundSport
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
Bose is one of the premier audio brands in the world and the SoundSport is an excellent addition to their line-up. It’s a high quality audio experience that is constantly balanced at all volume levels. Even at a loud volume level you’ll enjoy audio that’s captivating and can provide an immersive experience.
The connectivity is wireless and there is 5 hours of battery life per charge, which is not competitive compared to some of the other options on this list. Furthermore, the water resistance rating is IPX4, which means you can take a ride in the rain and not be worried about water causing damage to the headphones.
The comfort of these Bose headphones is another highlight as StayHear+ Sport tips are used. You’ll be able to ride for hours without the feat that the headphones will fall out of place. The eartips are soft and will not damage your years after multiple hours of use.
Included in the package is a circular soft pouch that can be used to store the headphones while not in use. Also, there is an app that can help you customize the audio experience to your liking. This app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
A drawback of the product is that it sticks out quite far out of the ears. This means it can get caught and looks kind of weird. Also when you compare it to the Apple AirPods and Jabra Elite 65’s they are larger in size.
To summarize, the Bose SoundSport is a solid choice for cyclists that are looking for a comfortable experience that will deliver exceptional audio quality. Bose is a brand that can be trusted to deliver an audio experience that’s among the best out there.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.8 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 5 hours |
The Pros |
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Secure fit |
Durable |
Waterproof |
The Cons |
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Stick out far |
Bulkier than other options |
6. Jaybird X3
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Are you looking for Bluetooth headphones that can be comfortable to use while taking long bike rides? Then the Jaybird X3 might be one of the better choices in the marketplace for the price. The combination of excellent audio, a comfortable fit, and Bluetooth technology means you’re getting a great package.
The patented silicone ear tips provide a secure fit that keeps the headphones locked in place. You can move your head around vigorously and there will be no dislodgement. The quality of the fit means you can quickly forget that you’re wearing anything at all and simply enjoy your personal audio experience.
They are sweatproof, which means if you’re sweating due to a tiring bike ride, then you cannot worry about the sweat causing damage to the product. There is a hydrophobic nano-coating that blocks the moisture from entering the insides of the headphones.
These Bluetooth enabled headphones have an 8 hour battery life, which should be sufficient for the majority of bike rides. However, if you love to ride for longer periods, then you’ll need to keep an eye on the battery life to ensure it lasts the entire day. There is also a control box on the line that allows you to alter the volume and skip tracks in a convenient manner.
A few drawbacks are evident in this product that you should understand before pulling the trigger on a purchase. The signal quality of the Bluetooth device could be better as sometimes there is a bit of distortion. Furthermore, the audio quality in the bass department can be improved so that more impactful audio can be enjoyed.
To summarize, the Jaybird X3 is an excellent choice for cyclists that are looking for a personal audio solution to enjoy on bike rides. The mix of 8 hour wireless connectivity, great audio, and a secure fit means this product is built for the bike ride experience.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 8 hours |
The Pros |
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Long battery life |
Secure fit |
Good value for money |
The Cons |
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Bass could be better |
Small level of audio distortion |
7. Plantronics BackBeat Fit
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
These Bluetooth headphones are excellent for taking bike rides in a practical and convenient manner. You can enjoy excellent music or listen to a podcast that can take the boredom away from long bike rides. It’s just like jogging and enjoying a personal audio solution to help get into the groove.
The headphones have a flexible design that will remain stable throughout the entirety of your bike ride. The secure fit is stable and can withstand sudden head movements. This means you won’t have the hassle of constantly readjusting the headphones while riding. Furthermore, a safety orientated tip is included where you can hear the surroundings extremely well while enjoying the personal audio. You’ll be able to hear potential dangers while cycling that will help you avoid collisions.
The battery life of the Bluetooth headphones last for 8 hours, which means you can go on a very long bike ride and enjoy music the entire time. The quality of the Bluetooth connection is excellent and expect a minimal amount of distortion.
As an added bonus these headphones come with a waterproof rating of IP57, which means it can withstand 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the specific waterproof performance of each headphones will vary.
There are a lot of positives to the Plantronics BackBeat Fit, but there are also a few drawbacks. The design might not be for everyone as the rigid loop might be too cumbersome for some. Also, the control button at the ear can be a bit difficult to get used to and sometimes lacks the response you’d want.
To conclude, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit is a solid offering that can compete with any addition to the marketplace. It is a great item to take when going for a bike ride that will provide reliability and excellent audio.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.8 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 8 hours |
The Pros |
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Long battery life |
Secure fit |
Durable |
Waterproof |
The Cons |
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Physical design might not be for everyone |
Control buttons can be cumbersome |
8. Sennheiser CX SPORT
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
The Sennheiser CX SPORT is a solid option for cyclists that want the confidence of buying from a premium audio brand. The black and yellow design has a sporty look – it is also practical due to the nature of the fit. The higher price for this piece of technology means there is food for thought with this particular purchase.
Sennheiser is known for excellent audio and it doesn’t let you down here. The Qualcomm apt-X processing leads to a high fidelity sound that can be appreciated by even the most demanding buyers.
The secure fit means you’ll be able to enjoy a bike ride without having to repeatedly fiddle with the headphones. Just put them inside the ear canal and get on with your bike ride. The band allows the product to be worn around the neck when not in use.
The Sennheiser CX SPORT is splash and water resistant, which is ideal when you want to ride in the rain. Don’t worry about moisture based damage as you can make use of the warranty if that happens.
The implementation of Bluetooth is excellent, but you only get 6 hours of battery life. This could be improved when you consider that plenty of cheaper products are capable of delivering 8 hours of battery life.
A few downsides of this product includes the lack of color selection and that the app lacks a lot of functionality. Furthermore, some users have reported problems with the fit, but this problem depends on the individual.
To conclude, the Sennheiser CX SPORT is a solid option for cycling enthusiasts that are ready to invest in a premium audio brand. Sennheiser has released excellent products over the years with an enviable level of consistency.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.48 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 6 hours |
The Pros |
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Secure fit |
Premium brand |
Excellent audio |
The Cons |
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Battery life could be longer |
More color selection is desirable |
Best headphones for cycling under $200
Do you have a big budget to spend on the best headphones for cycling? Then the under $200 category is where you should be looking at. Industry leading brands feature here that provide immersive audio and an ergonomic design. Cyclists that are looking for the best audio on the move should invest in headphones from this category.
9. Bose SoundSport Pulse
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
The Bose SoundSport Pulse is an upgrade over the previous version as it has one key distinguishing feature, which is a heart rate monitor. These headphones are perfect if you don’t already have a heart rate monitor or if you want to shave off weight. However, the cost of these headphones represents a bigger investment than the majority of the offerings on this list.
The headphones offer a secure and tight fit that locks them into place. The earhooks allow for a comfortable fit that will make them a joy to wear for long periods of time while cycling. Furthermore, the band bridging each earbud means you can wear the product as a necklace around your neck when not in use. This is convenient as you don’t have to stop cycling to remove the headphones from your ears and continue cycling.
An app that comes with the product can be downloaded onto your smartphone to improve the audio experience. Both the iOS and the Android platforms are compatible with the Bose app. Use it to personalize your settings so that you don’t have to do so every time you turn the device on.
The quality is one of the big differentiator here and where Bose shines as a Brand. Clarity is maintained at all frequency and audio levels. The Bass is amazing and the high frequencies are excellent too. You’ll instantly love the audio quality and never want to go back to an inferior product.
A disadvantage of the product is the overall cost to value ratio. You’ll find competitive products at a much lower price point that represents a better deal. This item is pricey and reserved for those that can spend a lot more to get a bit extra performance.
To conclude, the Bose SoundSport Pulse is one of the best cyclist headphones that can give you a superb experience. The heart rate monitor provides a unique aspect that gives it a competitive edge over all other headphones on this list. However, be prepared to pay a premium as the cost is almost $200.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 0.8 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 6 hours |
The Pros |
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Secure fit |
Heart rate monitor included |
Amazing audio quality |
The Cons |
---|
Battery life could be better |
Expensive |
10. Jabra Elite Sport
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
The Jabra Elite Sport has an interesting design as there is no wire between the earbuds to provide an around the neck band. Each earbud can be stored in the carrying case, which provides a minimalist design, but at the same time, it’s much easier to lose them. Be aware of this when cycling at high speed and trying to handle the product at the same time.
The battery life is relatively short at 4.5, but you can use the carrying case to charge them and obtain an additional 9 hours. Bluetooth is available and provide an excellent stable connection. You can listen to audio for hours with the minimal amount of distortion.
The Jabra Sport Life app allows for a personalized fitness setup and there is a heart rate monitor too. Customizing the audio experience allows you to enjoy music to your preferences during the duration of a long bike ride. Have a look at the settings at home so that you understand what’s available during the bike ride.
The product has a IP67 waterproof rating, which means you can cycle in the rain without the fear of damage. These can also be used for general exercise and going to the gym. The secure fit that has a minimalist design also contributes to these uses.
A few drawbacks are present that should be understood before pulling the trigger on a purchase. The primary battery time is short at only 4.5 hours and the product is expensive. You can get lower cost headphones that can get the job done equally well.
To summarize, the Jabra Elite Sport is a solid choice for those that are willing to pay extra for high performance and premium features. The secure fit and minimalist design might be the most attractive feature that leads to a buying decision.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 2.88 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Battery life: 4.5 hours |
The Pros |
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Minimalist design |
Excellent audio |
Impressive app |
The Cons |
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Battery life could be better |
Expensive |
Contents
- Items by price:
- Buying factors to consider
- Ergonomic features
- Brand
- Noise isolation and cancelation
- Audio quality
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 10 Best Headphones For Cycling
- Best headphones for cycling under $50
- 1. AUKEY Latitude
- 2. Phaiser BHS-750
- 3. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
- Best headphones for cycling under $150
- 4. Aftershokz AS600SG
- 5. Bose SoundSport
- 6. Jaybird X3
- 7. Plantronics BackBeat Fit
- 8. Sennheiser CX SPORT
- Best headphones for cycling under $200
- 9. Bose SoundSport Pulse
- 10. Jabra Elite Sport
These are all bluetooth & so you didnt give any options for people using an lightweight sports mp3 player such as sandisk clip
bluetooth for cycling isnt a no-brainer, there are some distinct disadvantages. If you need to remove one or both earbuds due to traffic, or whatever, then this type of neck cable design will get lost without being in ear all the time. A cable running up through your shirt allows you to remove the earbuds & they can dangle. Its much easier to do this than to try & operate a device which you have to take out of a pocket to pause the music.
Wind noise caused by air passing over the air bud is the number one problem i face with ear buds for cycling, yet I never see this issue addressed in reviews… Do other cyclist have this issue? Or am I just faster than you guys? 😉
I guess I do see it addressed vaguely in the review of Phaiser BHS-750, but I would love to see more of a focus on it. My 2 cents.
Me too. Wind is annoying when answering a call, but somehow producers of headsets are oblivious.
Spot on. That is exactly the number one problem. Riding around 35kmh it’s all wind noise I hear.
Totally agree. I am still looking…