Imagine going out on your bike without entertainment. It wouldn’t really be much of a bike ride without your headphones to listen to podcasts or music. It’s important to keep in mind that not every pair is going to give you the same experience. Some headphones will deliver better, crisper sounds that get you into the groove, and others will just fall flat.
There are headphones that fit great under your helmet, and some that don’t. Others may seem fine when you’re not cycling, but when you do, make too much wind noise. You shouldn’t have too much trouble though when you narrow down your search to quality cycling headphones. You can go even further than that and make the most ideal choices by going through our comprehensive guide of the best headphones for biking of 2022.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Headphones for Biking Review
1. Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
Product Highlights
Beat Flex Earbuds makes use of Apple W1 Headphone chip that provides low latency and gives you fast transmission. The range for the wireless can reach 33ft. Cyclists can also enjoy skip-free music and phone calls. This unit is compatible with a wide range of tablets and phones.
You are going to love that this is sweatproof and lightweight. Cyclists do not want to feel weighed down while traversing a long stretch of highway or trail. Sweaty and heavy headphones can interfere with this feeling.
Well, this pair of headphones should not give you that problem due to the sweat proofing feature. The design provides optimal comfort when running, walking, jogging, or biking. Cyclists do not have to worry about wires tangling or the ear pads falling off.
One of the best parts about owning a pair of these cycling headphones is the sound. HiFi stereo delivers high-quality crystal clear sounds. These will improve your cycling experience even more. You can enjoy the sounds of your playlists, listen to audiobooks, and get away from the noise of the real world.
If you are going to be exercising or training outdoors, these headphones are going to serve you well with their impressive battery life. You can continue enjoying music for up to 12 hours before you need to charge the unit again. This is more than enough time for your bike ride.
The Good
If you are the type of person who frequents the outdoors on their bikes, then you are going to love this one. You can groove to the beats and tunes of your favorite playlist without feeling like you are being weighed down in any way.
Say goodbye to those ordinary headphones that usually give cyclists a headache. No more tangling wires and heavy ear pads that slip off your head. This one latches itself onto your neck in such a comfortable way that you will not even know it is there.
The Bad
These headphones are so lightweight you may not feel them during your ride. The Beat Flex Earbuds is not noise-canceling and so you will be listening to more than the music.
Turning these headphones to full volume does not solve the problem either. You would not be able to make out the words of the song or audiobook you are listening to.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Stable connection
- Long battery life
Cons
- Highest volume is not high enough
- Doesn’t cancel noise
- Microphone doesn’t pick up voice clearly
2. COWIN Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Top that off with 30 hours of total playtime and we are close to declaring this the winner. Let us see what else it has to offer.
Product Highlights
The COWIN Headphone comes in a range of colors that include black, blue, green, purple, red, and white to suit your stylistic choice. Its leading-edge noise-canceling technology reduces the outside noise when traveling, cycling, or working.
Whether you are on a plane or in a busy street, you can keep to your thoughts, free from the noise of the outside world. Did we mention that noise-canceling works well in both wired and wireless modes?
You get crisp, powerful bass sounds that take your listening experience to the next level. The COWIN pursues top-notch sound quality for its customers. Plus, with the built-in microphone, you can take calls without having to stop pedaling.
The protein earpads and 90-degree swiveling cups offer more durability and comfort. This combination allows you to enjoy music to the highest degree while remaining in ultimate comfort for long hours. How long, exactly? If you go cycling for the entire day, the battery will still hold up.
The Good
If you are down for long hours of cycling and music, then you should get yourself one of these. These headphones would be perfect for those who love beautiful bass sounds without the interference of the outside world.
Having the wireless Bluetooth option makes this even better. It allows you to train and exercise without worrying about tangling wires. Run, bike, and jog for long hours without worrying about losing your groove with the COWIN Headphone.
The Bad
The noise-canceling feature is great, but not the best. If you are looking to cut off environmental noise from the surroundings completely, this may not be the ideal choice.
Pros
- Incredible bass
- Noise-canceling
- Built-in microphone
- Wireless
- Amazing battery life
Cons
- Not the best noise-canceling feature, but decent enough
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Product Highlights
The Bose QC 35 II does not give one mode of noise-canceling but a total of three modes depending on how much you want to detach yourself from reality. Having Alexa pre-configured means it is not only for listening to music, it is also for getting information, among many other things.
The dual-microphone system also rejects noise for crystal clear voice and sound pick-up. This is the most balanced headphone any cyclist can ever own. It gives great quality sound at any volume. There is hassle-free pairing, individualized settings, easy updates, and more.
The Good
If you are a cyclist that has a busy schedule, you will find the Bose QC35 a heaven-sent. Have you ever gone biking, running, or jogging and felt like you should not have because there is still a ton you need to prepare for? Well, you are not the only one. But this should not stop you from proceeding with training or exercise.
You can prepare and talk to people at the same time, without the hassle, by taking advantage of this amazing pair of headphones. And during the time between these important conversations? You can listen to great-quality music or audiobooks.
The Bad
You would think there was not a bad thing to say about this one. This is incorrect. Despite its high performance on almost all levels, Bluetooth does tend to act up. When it does, the Bluetooth auto disconnects, which can get annoying and does interfere with your listening experience.
Pros
- Superb noise-canceling technology
- Ultimate comfor
- Great sound quality at any volume
- Sound-rejecting microphone
Cons
- Bluetooth has a tendency to auto disconnect
4. Sony WHXB700 Wireless Headphone
Product Highlights
This impressive Sony creation gives you the ultimate listening experience. It has a digital noise-canceling feature that you can not find in most headphones. It gives an individualized, virtual soundproof experience that will take your cycling sessions to the next level.
Consistent, high-quality music can change everything, and that is exactly what you get with this model.
You can activate the Alexa voice assistant with a touch and give you easy access to music, information, and so much more. If someone calls your attention while you are wearing this, cover the right ear cup to turn down the volume and make conversation.
It also auto-adjusts the noise-canceling feature to suit your activity so that you get the best sound experience.
The Sony noise-canceling headphones are a must-have. easy touch controls, ergonomic features, and long battery life. They are foldable for effortless listening and travel comfort.
The Good
It comes with a carrying case, audio cable, and charging cable for the wired connection option. You fold your headphones, then place them inside the carry case for super easy storing and traveling.
The Bad
According to Sony, this has the best noise-canceling feature. It does not offer any new noise-canceling. It is great like all the previous models were, but it is not exceptional.
You are still able to hear some of the things that are going on in your surroundings when using this pair.
Pros
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- Noise-canceling
- Quick-attention mode
- Touch controls
Cons
- Noise-canceling is not 4 times better as Sony claims
5. iJoy Matte Finish Premium Rechargeable Wireless Headphones
Product Highlights
These headphones have an extended frequency range and deep, accurate bass. The five-button control means operating this model is easy enough.
There is the play, pause, answer, and hang-up button. There is also the equalizer button, the previous-track-volume-down button, and the next-track-volume-up button.
Ear cups are also fitted over your ears well so audio is isolated from external sounds and your listening experience gets taken up a notch. The iJoy Premium Rechargeable Wireless is a great choice given its price range.
You have a few more things to be happy about with this pair, that is for sure. It has a pre-configured radio receiver, mic, and plug-in for a micro SD card.
The Good
It has good quality sound given its price range, decent bass, and a five-button control that makes it easy to operate. It also cancels out noise pretty well and is easy to travel with. All you have to do is fold and place it in your bag.
The Bad
Take extra care not to overcharge this pair of headphones since it tends to catch fire when you do. Noise-canceling is good, but if you are expecting it to block all outside sounds, then you are going to feel disappointed. You may want to choose the more expensive Bose or Sony ANC headphones for that.
Pros
- Great quality sound
- Five-button control
- Wireless
- Foldable
Cons
- Not the most reliable charging
- Doesn’t completely cancel out noise
6. Shokz OpenRun
They have several different types of headphones that are suitable for cycling, but these are their most advanced pair yet.
Product Highlights
These are among the lightest headphones available weighing 26 grams, so are very comfortable to wear. Yet they are also very sturdy, so ideal if you like to do lots of cross-country tracks.
These fit underneath your helmet and come with IP67 waterproofing.
They also sound great, but the bone conduction technology makes these stand out from some of the other headphones you can wear when cycling.
Unlike the Shokz Aeropex headphones, this model now comes with a quick single charge function feature. So you will have up to 1 1/2 hours of listening time even though you have only charged them for 10 minutes.
This is a lovely addition because you only have to wait a short time before you begin using them again. When charged, you will be able to use them for a long time as they come with 8 hours of battery life.
The Good
They produce a wonderful sound, and yet you will still be able to hear others on the road. Yet, even if there are a lot of ambient noises around you, this will not interfere with what you are listening to. This is the one reason why this makes these so safe for cyclists to wear.
The Bad
These are somewhat bulkier in comparison to other earbuds even though they weigh very little. Also, the way they vibrate against your cheekbones feels a little odd. But over time, you get used to this.
Pros
- The improved sound
- They are comfortable to wear
- This pair of cycling headphones comes with a great quick single charge function
- Controls are larger so are easier to use
Cons
- Vibration from them is much more noticeable
- They are the most expensive pair of OpenRun headphones available
7. Sony WI-SP510
Product Highlights
Sony delivers on many of the promises they make, including price.
Like other models that make up Sony’s range of sports personal audio devices, these are sweat-resistant and comfortable to wear. Plus, you will not have to worry about them falling out when doing any strenuous activity as they fit into your ears.
They have a solid construction and a great battery life.
The Good
These are very punchy at the lower end, and come with the extra bass. The audio produced by these wireless headphones is solid.
The neckband design contains the drivers and ensures that the buds remain in place.
Plus they have increased battery life for up to 15 hours. This is almost double that of the original incarnation of these wireless headphones.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the white noise you hear from these headphones is quite high. So you may find listening to podcasts and audiobooks more difficult.
Although the neckband is flexible, the hard plastic is a little uncomfortable against your neck. But over time this issue should go away.
Pros
- Come with a strong battery life
- Have a solid bass audio
- Find them very comfortable to wear because their lightweight and fit over the ears
Cons
- The noise floor on these is too high
8. Anker Soundcore Life P2
Like AirPods, these come with their case and a USB-C charger.
Product Highlights
Made from plastic you will see as soon as you take them out of their case how similar in design they are to Apple’s AirPods. There are dedicated nozzles to better fit your ears in comparison to AirPods.
The right earbud has a button that allows you to have control over various functions. These include raising or lowering the volume, skipping, or changing tracks.
These are ideal for cycling as they sit well in your ears, and will not get in the way when you put on your helmet.
Pairing them with your smartphone or other smart devices is simple. Take them out of their case and turn them on then open the Bluetooth menu on your smart device and allow it to search for them. This process only takes a few minutes to complete.
The Good
These only come with a battery life of around 6 hours, but their quick charging facility which takes 10 minutes, allows you an hour’s playback.
This pair of Anker Soundcore Life P2 wireless earbuds provide you with pretty good audio for a pair at such an affordable price. Bass notes are boosted, and you can pick out some not all details of any music you listen to.
The Bad
Unfortunately, when it comes to filtering out any external noises, these are not that great. Fitting them with a pair of foam ear tips can help to improve this problem. You will have to buy the foam ear tips on top of these wireless earbuds, as they do not come as an extra.
Although these have a four-microphone array, be aware that when it comes to making or receiving calls these do not work very well. you will be better off stopping and taking any calls on your phone.
Pros
- These are lightweight
- Come with fast charging facilities
- Are IPX7 water-resistant
- Utilize Bluetooth 5.0, SBC, and aptX technology
Cons
- May find when trying to use the buttons that you need to push them quite hard
- Microphone quality is somewhat lacking
9. Power Beats Pro Wireless Earbuds
With their adjustable hook design, the Powerbeats PRO sports earbuds from Beats will remain in place even when on your bike. Plus the reinforced design of these helps to make them feel more solid compared to some other earbud brands.
Product Highlights
They come with a strong reinforced design and are also water resistant. Unlike some other earbuds, these have an IPX 4 rating so even when you get sweaty out on a ride or get caught in a storm, they will work fine.
Another great feature that you will not find with many other earbuds is that you can use these either together or separately. Plus they can be controlled separately as each earbud has volume and track control features.
These feel comfortable to wear and they remain in place because they hook over your ears. Even if you are out for a long ride, you will find that they will stay in place.
The Good
The H1 Apple Bluetooth chip ensures a good connection is maintained between the earbuds and your Bluetooth device.
Another great feature is that these earbuds, unlike Apple’s AirPods, are suitable for not only using iOS devices but also android ones as well.
The Bad
The sound these earbuds produce is great, but they do not come with a transparency mode feature. It is not possible to increase the amount of external noise.
Pros
- The sound quality is better than that of AirPods
- Are both sweat and water resistant
- Have a great battery life
- The controls on both earbuds are amazing
Cons
- They do cost more than AirPods
- They do not fit inside your ears
- Cannot charge with a USB-C, only charges via a Lighting charger
10. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Not only are they comfortable, but they are customizable for all kinds of weather.
They may cost more than some others we discuss here but they come with certain extras. With these, you get three pairs of silicone ear tips, a charging case, and a USB-C charging cable. Plus they also come in a range of different colors.
Product Highlights
Since their launch, these Jabra Elite Active 75t have had a few upgrades. They come with a wireless charging case now, but you do pay extra for this.
There is a great upgrade that includes ANC (Active Noise-Canceling) capabilities
As these earbuds from Jabra support both AAC and SBC audio codecs you now have the opportunity to connect them to two devices at the same time.
The Good
If you listen to anything on these at a moderate volume level, expect the battery to last for around 5 and half hours before it needs recharging. If you turn them off when not using them then you should get an extra 2 hours of playback.
These come with an IP57 rating so not only are they sweat-resistant, but they still work when they get wet.
The Bad
Before you can use their ANC feature you will need to install the Jabra Sound+ app on your smartphone. Once you have installed the app, you can then set up the ANC.
The sound is pretty good, but the bass noise is a lot more prominent. The only way to help reduce this is by tweaking the earbuds’ EQ levels.
Pros
- Provide a secure and comfortable fit
- Have an IP57 rating
- Come with customizable options
Cons
- You will not be able to use the left earbud separately from the right one
- You may find the bass is too much
11. Aftershokz Aeropex
When out for a ride, Aftershokz Aeropex headphones allow you to hear what is going on around you.
Product Highlights
These are easy to use with only three buttons.
The thing that sets these headphones apart from others is that they do not rely on speakers to send sound into your ears. Rather they use bone conduction technology that sends the sound from them through bones in your skull.
These earbuds are connected by a band that can stretch so it fits around different-sized heads. Also unlike other earbuds, you do not push them inside your ears. Instead, you place them in front of your ears. They should be sitting resting on your cheekbones.
The exterior of these contains rubber to help them to remain in place.
The Good
For such a reasonably priced pair of headphones, these come with a battery life of eight hours. The case includes an LED light that shows you whether the battery is charged or not.
As these do not block out any noise to your ears because they do not sit inside them, this is a good thing. If you would prefer to wear headphones that reduce the amount of external noise you hear there are plenty of other options available.
The Bad
You need to move these earbuds up a little if you want to hear the music better.
This is average for making or receiving calls. You may find it difficult to hear what you are saying because they will also hear any noise in the background.
Pros
- Great for cycling as they leave your ears uncovered
- Comfortable to wear
- Come with an IP67 rating
- The sound quality is good even with bone conduction technology
- Reduced risk of developing any kind of inner infection
Cons
- Does not come with a proprietary charging point
- Each time you press a button they make an annoying beeping sound
- Microphone quality is poor
- They do not come with a mobile app and have limited EQ functionality
Buyer’s Guide
What extra features do you need from your headphones? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself when trying to search the market for the ideal pair. This section aims to help you understand the top features of headphones for cyclists.
1. Safety
A cyclist’s top priority should always be safety. This should be considered when choosing any biking accessory.
When selecting headphones, choose the one that is not going to pose problems for you on the road. You do not want to deal with dangling wires or slippery earpads that could slide off and block your vision. These can make your cycling experience terrible and put you at risk of accidents.
2. Stability
How long and how well can your pair of headphones serve you while training or exercising outdoors? If you plan on biking for several hours, would the headphones’ batteries be able to hold up? Does it provide great quality sound across all volumes?
These questions address the consistency and the stability of the headphones you are planning to buy. Considering this important factor means fewer troubles for you down the road.
3. Durability
Cycling headphones have to be of very high quality to withstand the perils of the outdoors. The sun, the wind, the sweat, and all the other elements. Headphones for biking have to be durable. This means they need to have a long battery life, include quality materials, and have top-notch technology.
Here is another important factor to look for when searching the market for the ideal cycling headphones.
4. Wired vs Wireless
You will find that most modern headphones offer both wired and wireless options. Wireless brings another level of convenience for cyclists. They no longer have to deal with wires tangling or hindering their movements. Of course, you will still want the wired option to be there in case you want to listen to your favorite playlist or audiobook at home.
5. Battery and Bluetooth
Long battery life and top-notch Bluetooth technology combined mean a convenient charging experience. Cyclists have to pay extra attention to Bluetooth and battery life as it influences the quality of their journey. You do not want a model that has poor Bluetooth technology, with a tendency to disconnect, or a battery that empties. that is not going to make for a great listening or cycling experience, at all.
How To Choose The Right Headphones For Cycling
When it comes to choosing the perfect headphones for when you go cycling, there are many factors to consider. Evaluate the sound quality, comfort, and stability.
There are certain features that yours should come with, then there are others that you can opt for that meet your particular needs.
But there are other factors you need to consider that will help to determine which headphones you should buy when you go out for a cycle ride. Let us look at what some of these are.
Think About The Location And Type Of Cycling You Do
Being able to hear noise is essential to help keep you safe when out for a ride on your bike. Certain locations mean you need to be sure that you are wearing the right headphones.
If you are going to be only using your bike on a cycle track then you do not need to concern yourself with paying attention to the noise around you. You can opt for a pair of wired headphones with noise-canceling that could prove handy as they will allow you to focus on your training.
Of course, if you are going to be cycling around where you live then this means you need to choose something different. Opt for ones that allow you to focus on your cycling without the need for you to have to adjust your headphones’ sound. In this case, opt for a pair that comes with wireless bone conduction technology.
These types are suitable as they do not block your ear canal, so you will still be able to hear noises that are around you in the case of an emergency.
If you are someone who likes to go for long cycle rides you will want to opt for the kind that has long battery life.
Consider The Time Of Day When You Like To Go Cycling
This is a very vital thing to consider when it comes to selecting the right headphones for your needs.
You may be someone who likes to go out cycling in the evening because it tends to be a lot quieter and cooler. But some people find they are not able to see as well because there is little natural light.
As for those who like to go out for a ride in the morning when traffic tends to be a lot heavier, you should choose a good set of wireless headphones. Not only will these types not block any moves you make but also will ensure that your reaction time towards any danger is not reduced.
It is best in this situation you choose a pair that will remain in place and do not need adjusting too often. The best type of headphones are ones that go over your ears or include a neckband. They both provide you with a more convenient fit for your head.
What Do You Like To Listen To
When it comes to headphones for cycling, you do not always need a pair that comes with high-quality sound.
If you prefer to listen to podcasts or audiobooks then the quality of the sound becomes a lot more important.
You need to think about how loud you like to listen to things. It is best to select a pair that does not mean you need to turn up the volume as high as it goes to listen to anything on them. Choose a pair that allows you to set the sound at a comfortable level. This ensures that you are still able to hear what is going on around you to keep you safe.
What Kinds Of Controls Do They Come With
When choosing such devices, you must ensure that they come with all the controls you will need. Look for ones that allow you to skip or pause whatever it is you are listening to. Also, ones that allow you to answer calls.
Not only does it make things a lot easier and more convenient for you, but it will also help ensure you stay safe when out for a ride. You will no longer need to stop and take out your phone to carry out such things.
What Is Their IPX Rating
This is a key feature you need to be looking at if you love to go off-road on your bike.
The IPX rating will tell you how much protection the headphones you are considering buying come with against water and dust. So if you are someone who likes to spend time out exploring the countryside around you, these are great because you will be able to ride through rivers or streams and go off over dusty tracks without any problems.
Choose a pair with a high IPX rating as this will ensure that they will last for some time before you need to think about replacing them. If you are going along tracks that also include some water features, choose a pair with a rating of IPX7. Such can stay submerged in water up to a depth of one meter for around 30 minutes.
Think About How you will Be Using Them
Are you going to only be using them when you are out cycling, or will you want to use them every day? If you intend to use them all the time then choose a durable pair with long battery life.
Are They Compatible With Your Helmet?
When wearing such devices, there will still be enough room for you to put on your bike helmet. In such situations, it is best to either go for earbuds or the kind that includes a neckband.
FAQs
1. Can you ride a bike with headphones?
Riding and wearing headphones has always been a contentious subject in the cycling community. Some members think that this can distract the senses that warn us of impending road disasters. Others, on the other hand, would argue that listening to music on headphones provide motivation and a means to escape the noise of the surroundings.
The controversy is mostly centered on one thing－rider safety. People talk about banning headphones because of the dangers it can pose for the rider and those around them. While this may have been true for the older earphones, the newer, more technologically advanced models have found a way to comprehensively address this gap in safety. And while these current versions do not one hundred percent guarantee safety, they do significantly increase a cycler’s chance to ride safer and more responsibly.
Here are some qualities you should look for in headphones to help ensure a safe riding experience: high battery power, sweat and water-resistant technology, a design that focuses on safety and comfort, and varying levels of noise-canceling control.
2. Are bone conduction headphones safe?
You’ve probably heard about the term “bone conduction” in areas such as audiology and otolaryngology. However, this is a relatively new concept in electronics. Unlike air conduction earphones, these ones don’t completely block noise from the immediate surroundings. They don’t block your ear canal, which is why you stay connected to what’s going on around you and be able to listen to music at the same time. It is because of this that bone conduction headphones are considered safer than their air conduction counterparts. To find out more about bone conduction headphones checkout our article bone conduction headphones pros and cons.
3. Can you ride a bike and listen to music at the same time?
The answer to this is generally a resounding yes. However, if you have prior issues with hearing, you may want to consult your doctor before making a decision. It’s important to get the all-clear from your physician before getting on your bike and driving down the highway.
If you aren’t set back by impaired hearing, you should still consider the safest possible way to listen to music while riding your bike. The latest headphones address this issue in so many ways. They’re smartly designed, implement the latest technology, and are sweat- and water-resistant to prevent from slipping off your face and blocking your vision when wet.
4. Is it legal to cycle with headphones?
Regardless of whether or not you think it’s safe to cycle with headphones, plenty of areas have declared it legal to use headphones over both ears when riding. Of course, you can’t avoid for some regions to have their own stipulations, such as allowing their drivers, including bike riders, to cycle with headphones covering only one ear. Some are even less forgiving, completely prohibiting the use of headphones when driving on the road.
Conclusion
While all of our candidates for best cycling headphones of 2022 were impressive, there were clear standouts that you simply couldn’t deny. These two pairs of headphones took us to a completely different level in terms of safety, noise-canceling technology, design, comfort, and other features that heightened the whole cycling and listening experience. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones and Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones engaged in a tight battle that was barely won by the latter. Sony’s creation simply had fewer weaknesses and therefore gave the everyday cyclist more peace of mind. Now, that’s a priceless feature that we all look for in our accessories.
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