Best headphones for runners Bose SoundSport Wireless Jabra Elite Active 65t V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless BeatsX
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: These are very comfortable in-ear wireless Bluetooth sports headphones that are sweat-resistant and sound great. The earphones fit securely thanks to winged tips. They work decently as a headset for making cellphone calls and have an auto-off feature to preserve battery life.
The bad: The earpieces protrude noticeably from your ears (they’re a little bulky but don’t feel heavy). The cost: $150
The bottom line: They are the most comfortable, best overall in-ear Bluetooth sports headphones you can buy right now. Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: These are fully sweat-resistant, truly wireless earphones that fit comfortably and securely. They sound excellent, perform reliably and are great for making calls, with two microphones in each earpiece. Battery life is decent at five hours, and the included charging case delivers two extra charges. A quick-charge feature allows you to get 1½ hours of juice from a 15-minute charge.
The bad: The relatively tight, noiseisolating fit isn’t for everyone. The motion sensor doesn’t have much use at this point. The cost: $190
The bottom line: The truly wireless earphones are the best alternative to Apple’s AirPods, but the step-down non-Elite model will save you a bit of cash. Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: These sound excellent for in-ear wireless headphones. They’re sweat-resistant and sturdy, and the included ear fins and tips allow you to get a secure, tight seal, even while running. Battery life is good at up to 10 hours.
The bad: Cords are a little long and the noise-isolating design prevents you from hearing traffic while running or biking. The cost: $170
The bottom line: Quibbles aside, these are great sounding in-ear wireless headphones that make for excellent everyday and sports headphones. Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The BeatsX are comfortable, lightweight, water-resistant, neckband-style Bluetooth headphones with a secure in-ear fit and good sound quality. They pair instantly with Apple devices, roll up to fit in an included carrying case, and charge quickly with Lightning, not MicroUSB. The bad: Slight treble push; cords may be a bit long for some users. The cost: $100 to $150
The bottom line: The slickly designed headphones are appealing and offer a lot of the “magic” of Apple’s AirPods in a more conventional, sports-friendly design.