Whether you’re pounding out the miles on a long ride, or just listening to some tunes to help pass the time, good cycling headphones are a must-have. But with so many different styles and types available, it can be tricky to know which pair is right for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of biking headphones available, and highlight the key features you need to look out for when choosing your perfect pair.
What kind of headphones are available for cyclists?
Over-ear headphones are the bulkiest type of headphones, but they offer the best sound quality and noise isolation. They can be a bit hot and sweaty in warm weather, though.
On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter than over-ear models, making them a good choice for cyclists who want decent sound quality without the bulk. They can also be more comfortable in warm weather than over-ear headphones.
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, are small and lightweight, making them a popular choice for cyclists. They fit snugly into your ear canal, providing good sound isolation from external noise. This can be a great benefit when riding in busy traffic or on noisy roads. However, some people find that in-ear headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Bone-conduction headphones sit outside your ear and use vibrations to send sound waves through your bones to your inner ear. This means that they don’t block out external noise as well as other types of headphones, but can be a good choice if you need to be aware of what’s going on around you while riding.
Wired or wireless?
Wired headphones are the traditional type of headphones, and they tend to be cheaper than wireless models. However, they can be a bit of a hassle to deal with when biking, as the wire can get tangled or caught on your clothing.
Wireless headphones are becoming more popular for biking, as they offer the convenience of not having to deal with wires. However, they tend to be more expensive than wired models, and the battery life can be a limiting factor.
What to look for when choosing headphones for cycling
Comfort is key: Make sure the headphones are comfortable to wear, especially when biking for long periods of time. You don’t want them to hurt your ears or fall out while you’re riding.
Consider the fit: Headphones that stay in place while biking is a must-have. Look for earbuds that fit snugly and securely or headphones with an adjustable band.
Safety first: Always make sure you can hear surrounding sounds, like traffic or other cyclists while biking. Choose headphones with volume-limiting features, or keep the volume down to a safe level.
Also, you can try bone-conducting headphones which will sit outside your ear and won’t block out any surrounding noise. These can be a great option if you need to be aware of your surroundings while biking.
Go wireless: tangled cords are the last thing you want when biking. Look for wireless headphones or earbuds that use Bluetooth technology.
Weather resistance: If you’ll be biking in all kinds of weather, look for headphones that are waterproof or sweat-resistant.
Sound quality: Of course you want your music to sound great while biking. But keep in mind that outside noise can interfere with the sound quality of your headphones.
Battery life: If you’re using wireless headphones, make sure the battery will last long enough for your biking session.
Durability: cyclists are tough on their gear. Look for headphones that can withstand being dropped or crushed.
Price: Headphones range in price from budget-friendly to high-end. Decide how much you’re willing to spend, and look for headphones that fit your budget.
What headphones can we recommend?
Treblab XR700, AfterShokz Aeropex, Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro.
Conclusion
The best headphones for biking are the ones that fit your needs and budget. Be sure to consider comfort, fit, safety, sound quality, and battery life when choosing a pair of headphones for cycling. And go wireless whenever possible to avoid tangled cords!
