What makes for a good running headphone? For starters, it should be wireless, because who needs a wire getting in the way, right? Secondly, they should give you a secure and comfortable fit. Decent sound is also a requirement, as are durability, decent battery life and reliable performance. With those criteria in mind, these are four headphones CNET has tested that are well-suited for running.
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Bose SoundSport Wireless
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/bose-soundsport-wireless/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The SoundSoundSport Wireless is a very comfortable in-ear wireless Bluetooth sports headphone that’s sweat-resistant and sounds great. The earphones fit securely in your ears thanks to winged tips. The headphone works decently as a headset for making cellphone calls and has an auto-off feature to preserve battery life.
The bad: The ear pieces protrude noticeably from your ears (they’re a little bulky but don’t feel heavy).
The cost: $149.00 to $149.99
The bottom line: The Bose SoundSport Wireless is the most comfortable, best overall in-ear Bluetooth sports headphone you can buy right now.
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Jabra Elite Active 65t
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/jabra-elite-active-65t-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Jabra Active Elite 65t 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 5 hours and the included charging case delivers two extra charges. A quick-charge feature allows you to get 1.5 hours of juice from a 15-minute charge.
The bad: The relatively tight, noise-isolating fit isn’t for everyone. Motion sensor doesn’t have much use at this point.
The cost: $189.99
The bottom line: The Jabra Active Elite 65t truly wireless earphones are the best alternative to Apple’s AirPods, but the stepdown non-Elite model will save you a bit of cash.
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V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/v-moda-forza-metallo-wireless/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless sounds excellent for an in-ear wireless headphone. It’s 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: $169.99
The bottom line: Quibbles aside, V-Moda’s Forza Metallo Wireless is a great sounding in-ear wireless headphone that makes for an excellent everyday and sports headphone.
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BeatsX
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/beatsx-earphones-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The BeatsX is a comfortable, lightweight, water-resistant, neckband-style Bluetooth headphone with a secure in-ear fit and good sound quality. It pairs instantly with Apple devices, rolls up to fit in an included carrying case, and charges quickly via Lightning, not MicroUSB.
The bad: Slight treble push; cords may seem a bit long for some users.
The cost: $99.91 to $149.99
The bottom line: The slickly designed BeatsX is an appealing neckband-style wireless headphone that offers a lot of the “magic” of Apple’s AirPods in a more conventional, sports-friendly design.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Executive Editor David Carnoy and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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