Choosing the best headphones is always a compromise. You could buy the most powerful, noise-cancelling, bass-pounding, ear-smothering units on the planet, but – from the lack of waterproofing to the risk of your ears overheating – they’d be absolutely useless for running.

Bone-conducting models, meanwhile, are lightweight, fit snugly on your noggin, and don’t shut out ambient sounds. Unfortunately, you generally have to sacrifice audio quality (particularly on bass notes) when you’re listening to your favourite tunes.

These OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are something of a hybrid, however. Bone-conduction specialist Shokz has built additional, more conventional air-based speakers into the headset to complement the sound being transmitted through your skull. But how does this new-look 'DualPitch' tech perform on the trail?

Design and features

Appearance-wise, Shokz (FKA AfterShokz) hasn’t reinvented the bone-conducting headphone wheel. You know the drill: two transducers hook over your ears, clamped to your head by a springy band, in this case constructed from silicone and a nickel-titanium memory alloy.

The OpenRun Pro 2s are available in three colorways – Black, Orange and a special orange/white edition endorsed by former marathon world record holder (and Shokz global ambassador) Eliud Kipchoge. You can also buy the headphones in Standard and Mini fits. This Shokz video can help you choose the right size.

Perhaps the biggest worry when you purchase bonephones is that the headband might break, rendering them utterly useless – as I discovered to my cost when someone (who shall remain nameless) trod on a previous pair, and revealed rather more of their internal electronics than I’d have liked.

These headphones are durable enough to survive being shoved in a daypack, though they do come with a reassuringly solid zip case to help keep them in one piece – a step up from the cloth bag you get with some models, like the Suunto Sonics . The case also has a slot for a charging cable.

Speaking of which, the OpenRun Pro 2 is charged via the now-standard USB-C connection, its power socket protected from the elements by a handy little rubber cover. At just a foot long (30cm), the cable supplied is a little on the short side – you’ll find your headphones dangle from many plug sockets – but USB-C has become so ubiquitous that you’re bound to have a longer version somewhere in the house.

Connectivity and sound

Pairing the headset with your device is as simple as turning it on, holding down the power/volume-up button until the LED indicator flashes blue and red, and looking for Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 in your Bluetooth settings.

Of course, that should be the bare minimum for any Bluetooth device, and for me the revelation was what came next.

Even using the out-of-the-box 'Standard' setting, the sound quality was a significant step up from any bone-conduction headphones I’d used before. Even bassier tones sounded good, with none of the buzzing that sometimes occurs at higher volumes.

Shokz claims that its new DualPitch technology uses the boney bit to handle the trebles and the mids, while the air speaker takes care of the bass. It sounds like jargon, but the OpenRun Pro 2s really deliver on the promise. In fact, when “Bass Boost” is switched on (via the Shokz app – more on that in the Operation section below), there really isn’t much to choose between these headphones and a set of in-air buds.

The range is good enough that you can keep listening a good distance away from your device. My standard test for Bluetooth devices is whether I can keep listening when I go to make a cup of tea in the kitchen at the far end of the house, and these bonephones pass with flying colors.

MultiPoint Pairing promises to allow you to switch your headphones between two devices seamlessly. I tested this out with my iPhone and iPad, and can confirm that the OpenRun Pro 2s transitions between a song and a TV show with minimal effort.

Operation

When you’re out running, you don’t want to be messing around with complicated controls. My main issue with the OpenRock X air-conducting headphones, for example, was the fiddly nature of the buttons, but there’s no such issues here – everything is intuitive and seemingly foolproof.

The left-hand transducer features a single multifunction button, which can be used to play/pause music and answer phone calls (one click); skip forward to the next song (two clicks); and skip back to the previous song (three clicks). The right-hand arm, meanwhile, is home to the volume controls, which also double as the on/off switch.

Although you can happily use the OpenRun Pro 2s without it, the Shokz app adds extra nuance to the user experience. As well as checking your battery levels, you can switch between four in-built audio modes (“Standard”, “Vocal”, “Bass Boost” and 'Treble Boost') or create your own bespoke EQ settings. You can also update the headphones’ firmware.

I’ve seen more sophisticated apps for comparable products, but this one is easy to use, and does most of the things you need it to.

On the trails

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones have become my go-to choice pretty much anytime I want to listen to music or a podcast. They’ve accompanied me on road runs in Bath, on trails in Cornwall, Devon and Staffordshire, and have also stepped up to the task when I’m walking into town, cooking or doing the housework – they’re particularly useful around the house because I don’t miss inevitable shouts of, “Dad, can I…?!”

The sound quality is consistently impressive. Spoken-word podcasts are loud and clear – though I’m not a fan of the Vocal setting, which can sound a bit tinny – while the thumping bass is welcome when you’re pushing yourself at the end of a long run. I get many hours of use between charges, and it’s also useful to know that plugging the headphones in for 5-10 minutes is enough to power them up for a couple of hours on the trails if you’re short on time.

As I have a large head I’ve been wearing the Standard fit. They clamp to my head perfectly, not so tight as to be uncomfortable, but snug enough to ensure they’re not going to fall off. They certainly feel less prone to unwanted shifting than my glasses, and I’m pretty sure they’d stay in place if I wore them on a rollercoaster – alas, I don’t have one readily to hand to put this hypothesis to the test.

There’s no question the OpenRun Pro 2’s IP55 IP rating for waterproofing (billed as sweat-resistant) is a step back from the IP67 of my old Shokz Aeropex model or the slightly cheaper OpenRun – presumably a consequence of introducing tiny grilles for the air-based speakers. But while a little more waterproofing would be good for peace of mind when using a relatively pricey product, these headphones have come through numerous downpours intact, and don’t seem particularly susceptible to rain damage.

As with all bone-conduction headphones, the Shokz OpenRun 2s can struggle to compete against background noise, whether it’s traffic, public transport or wind. Phone calls are particularly hard work when the weather gets gusty but, frankly, on the rare occasion that I need to make a call in blustery conditions I’ll go old-school and hold the phone to my ear.

And sure, it would be nice if they fit conveniently in the pocket of my jeans when I’m out for the evening, but that really isn’t what these headphones are designed for.

But these are minor niggles. Compromises are always a necessity with headphones, but frankly these are compromises I’m prepared to make for this genuinely impressive piece of kit.

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Bone-conducting headphones were a gamechanger for me when running, as I mentioned in my Suunto Sonic headphones review. Too many pairs of Bluetooth running headphones had become casualties to rain, sweat and/or breakage, while I loved the fact they allowed me to hear what was going on around me. I use my Shokz Openrun Pro 2 headphones so frequently that they’re now rather like sunglasses, in that I usually forget I’m wearing them when I walk into a shop or pub.

The OpenRock X should not, however, be confused with bone-conduction headphones. Instead, this is effectively a hybrid between traditional in-ear buds and 'bonephones'. Rather than sitting in front of your ears and transmitting sound to the eardrum via your skull, the speakers in these air-conduction headphones rest over the auditory canal, held in place by small adjustable arms that loop around the back of the ears. And, because they don’t require an alice band-like strap to anchor them to your noggin, they’re small enough to fit in your pocket when not in use.

It’s a neat concept but could air-conduction headphones win over a self-confessed bone-conduction zealot like me?

Design and features

The first time I took the OpenRock X headphones out of the box, it took me a couple of minutes to work out how to wear them. This is my problem rather than theirs, however, because a quick read of the instructions (and looking for the industry standard 'L' and 'R' on the earbuds themselves) would have made this perfectly clear. The arm is attached to the speaker unit by a hinge that rotates around two perpendicular planes, helping you get a snug fit on your ear.

They come in a bespoke carrying case/charging unit, which has a very satisfying slow-release action when you click the drawer open and shut. The case connects to power via the now-ubiquitous USB-C connector (you get another cable in the box to add to your collection), and works as a portable charger when you can’t get to a plug socket, giving you extra listening time when you’re on the go. An LED flips from red to blue when you’re fully powered up.

The OpenRock X headphones have a waterproofing rating of IPX5, which means they should stand up to low-power water jets – or, in outdoor terms, all but the heaviest of rain.

Connectivity and sound

The OpenRock X headphones were a doddle to pair with both my iPhone and my iPad. You can connect them to two devices simultaneously and switch between them fairly seamlessly. The Bluetooth range is good, with no loss of signal when I go downstairs to make a cup of tea.

To be fair, that’s the minimum I’d expect from any set of Bluetooth headphones or speakers. The sound quality, however, proved to be a really pleasant surprise.

With bone-conducting headphones you accept that you may have to sacrifice a bit of clarity and bass to enjoy their many other benefits. That’s certainly not the case with the OpenRock Xs, whose 14.2mm dynamic drivers impressed me from the very first bar of music I played. Songs sound good across the frequency range, and don’t distort at higher volumes. They also do a decent job on podcasts, my usual running companion of choice.

Operation

You control the OpenRock X headphones by means of a small button on each of the respective earbuds – more on that in the 'On the trails' section below. For more sophisticated settings you need the app, which I’ve found incredibly easy to use.

As well as allowing you to update the firmware on your earbuds, the app gives you plenty of ways to optimise your listening experience: you can adjust the left/right balance, turn on spatial sound, limit the maximum volume, and choose between three preset listening modes (Rock, Relax, Boom). You can also create your own bespoke sound profile.

Other handy app features include individual battery levels for the carrying case and the respective earbuds; auto power-off; and a 'find my…' function that prompts your headphones to make a VERY LOUD noise if they ever go AWOL. There’s also an in-built product manual just in case, like me, you’ve struggled to work out how to wear the things.

On the trails

The OpenRock Xs have accompanied me on many runs on road (mostly around Bath) and trails (rural Staffordshire, Cornwall), as well as walking around town and sitting on public transport.

In fact, it’s on buses and trains that you really hear their benefits over bone-conducting headphones, as air-conduction models shut out more of the inevitable engine-based racket – particularly if you take advantage the Boom mode, which is specifically designed to punch through background noise.

That said, the listening experience still isn’t great in strong winds, especially when making phone calls – despite OpenRock’s claims that the AI-driven, 4-microphone noise-cancelling tech will 'wipe out background sounds for clear voice pick-up, even in strong winds'. (This is an extremely minor criticism, seeing as making phone calls in the wind is a long way down my list of priorities – with or without headphones.)

The OpenRock Xs’ adjustable arms give enough freedom of movement to find a snug fit around your ears, while also offering enough resistance to keep them firmly in place. I’ve rarely felt they’re going to fall off, which is a massive advantage over many smaller, in-ear buds on the market. I’ll admit I haven’t explored the limits of the IPX5 rating in extremely wet conditions, as that’s a test you only get to fail once.

While I think you’d need to adhere to some very strict conditions to meet the manufacturer’s battery life claims, I’ve been impressed by the headphones’ longevity. A full charge will see the earbuds through several long runs, while the charging case gives you the freedom to go away for a few days without sacrificing a USB port in a power bank.

There is one thing about the OpenRock X headphones, however, that I’ve literally never got to grips with. The controls are an absolute pain to use when you’re out on the trails, with the two tiny buttons proving totally inadequate. Aside from being fiddly to find and press, the fact that the buttons are used to play/pause (a single quick tap), skip tracks (two or three taps to go forward and back, respectively), and adjust the volume (a long press on the left to go down, a long press on the right to go up) is incredibly frustrating. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve tried to make a podcast episode louder, been taken to a completely different podcast, and had to pause my run to get back to where I was. Controls can’t really be considered intuitive if you have to think before you press.

Generally, though, the OpenRock X headphones are an impressive piece of kit. They’re pricier than some other ear-conduction headphones on the market but there’s no question their impressive battery life and sound quality delivers on the trails. And while I’m not sure I’d swap my Shokz bone-conduction headphones for these air-conduction cousins, they’re a good alternative– especially if you want something that will fit in your pocket, or to use when taking the train or bus to your next adventure.

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Yep, you read that right, these Beats earbuds can monitor your cardiovascular health as you trek or run through the wilderness. Strange as it might sound, the high-tech Powerbeats Pro 2s feature sensors that pulse over 100 times per second to deliver an accurate, real-time heart-rate reading.

If this super-smart tech takes your fancy, then you're in luck, as these excellent headphones are now available for only $179.95 on Amazon, as the US retailer slashes hundreds of tech prices for Amazon Prime Day.

Along with heart-rate monitoring, there are plenty of other exciting features, perfect for outdoor exploration and trail running. They're rated IPX4 for sweat and water-resistance, so you can don your earbuds and head out for a rainy run or an intense workout in the sun.

While you're in the backcountry, you can choose to hear as much or as little as you like, thanks to the new Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes. And if you get a call mid-run, you won't have to reach into your pocket, as this device can pick up and end calls with a simple touch.

Sound-wise, Beats claims to offer a rich listening experience with its Personalized Spatial Audio, which tracks the movement of your head and adjusts audio accordingly.

This tech impressed our expert colleagues at TechRadar.

"I really rate this in Powerbeats Pro 2, thanks to the solid fit and seal the design promotes, particularly when listening to more acoustic tracks," said expert tester Becky Scarrot in her TechRadar review.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deals where you are:

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Do you love to race through the trails to your favorite music? Then you're in luck, as Apple's latest and greatest AirPods have hit their lowest price ever this Amazon Prime Day. Right now, you can get your hands on Apple's Pro 2 AirPods and run along to your favorite tunes for a record-low price of only $149 on Amazon.

These wireless earbuds are a significant improvement over their predecessors, boasting enhanced audio and plenty of handy new features. They're powered by Apple's adaptive audio technology, which adjusts sound levels based on your environment, to deliver the best audio experience possible.

After plenty of testing, our colleagues at TechRadar were blown away by this pair's "phenomenal" audio performance.

"It's hard to put into words how a pair of headphones can bring joy, because it's about how they enable a connection with the music that wasn't there before," said tech expert Gareth Beavis in his four-and-a-half-star TechRadar review.

"The way that the AirPods Pro 2 do this is a combination of factors: a clear ability to separate out different elements in the music, a strong ability to reproduce bass, a crispness in voice, especially, and all combined with excellent Spatial Audio playback and mind-blowing noise cancellation."

Along with excellent audio performance, the AirPods Pro 2 are a durable option for runners thanks to their dust, sweat, and water resistance, which comes in handy on harsh wilderness trails.

This epic deal is one of many available in the Amazon Prime Day sale. If you're after a cheaper pair of pods, the budget-friendly Apple AirPods 4 are now available for just $119.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's Apple Airpods deals where you are:

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Fancy listening to your favorite tunes as you run, swim, or hike through the wilderness? Shokz's versatile range of open-ear headphones is designed to help you do just that. It's super-smart models use the latest tech to transmit audio without sacrificing your senses, and are now up to £64 off this Amazon Prime Day.

Rather than lodging in your ear canal like regular earbuds, Shokz models sit outside, often wrapping around your ear with a hook design. There, they use the latest technology, like bone-conduction, to play your favorite music and podcasts without eliminating outside noise. This can be especially useful for runners, who need to have their wits about them to navigate and avoid collisions on busy trails.

Different Shokz models are suited to different activities. The best-selling OpenRun headphones are made for the trails and fit tightly around your ears, so are unlikely to fall off. Right now, they've been reduced to just £89 on Amazon.

If swimming's more your thing, check out the OpenSwim Pro headphones, which are suitable for depths down to 6.6ft (2m) up to two hours at a time. They're now down from £169 to just £135.

Continue reading for our top three deals or check out the Amazon Prime Day Shokz sale for yourself.

Shokz deals

More epic deals

Stick with Advnture for more handpicked deals from the Amazon Prime Day sale, which runs until July 11.

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Do you like to listen to music while you run, hike, or bike through the wilderness? Then check out the latest model from sports headphones specialists OpenRock.

The new OpenRock S2 open-ear earbuds are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hear their favorite tunes without sacrificing their senses as they dart through the trails.

Design

The S2 earbuds are made from ultra-light titanium and silicone materials, weighing just 7g per earbud, and clip onto your head with a handy HookClip design. The minimal weight will be welcomed by athletes who want to shave every gram while they push for that elusive PB.

Once they're on, the earbuds use OpenRock's own BassDirect technology to channel "low-frequency energy directly into the ear canal through a precision-engineered acoustic cavity", according to the brand.

Use in the wilderness

The S2 earbuds were designed with heavy outdoor use in mind. They offer an "advanced and enduring" sweat defence which redirects perspiration, while the BassDirect acoustic chamber has its own internal protection to avoid damage.

Although they're not suitable for swimming, an IPX5 waterproof rating and reinforced hydrophobic nano-coating mean you should be able to run in the rain without worrying about damage.

Battery life

The S2 earbuds boast a competitive battery life.

They can survive for up to 32 hours of total playtime on a single charge, including eight hours from the earbuds and 24 hours from the charging case. The case fully charges within one hour.

Price

The S2 earbuds are available for $98.99 (£79.99) on the OpenRock website.

At this price, the S2 earbuds are a cheaper alternative to other popular brands like Shokz. Top-end Shokz models like the OpenFit bone-conducting OpenFit 2 earbuds cost $179.95 (£179).

• The best running headphones: tested on the roads and trails
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Do you love listening to music as you run, hike, or bike through nature? Then check out the latest earbud models from headphones brand Shokz.

The new OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ earbuds sit around your ears so you can remain aware of your surroundings and listen as you move.

Price

The OpenFit 2 earbuds are available for $179.95 (£169) on the Shokz website and cost a similar amount to Shokz's other top-end devices, like the OpenSwim and OpenRun models.

They're also similar in price to earbuds from big-name brands like Apple, whose AirPods.

The OpenFit 2 earbuds aren't yet available, but are expected to sell for around $15 more.

Design

Rather than sitting in your ear canal like regular earbuds, Shokz models like the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ go just outside, using open ear technology to transmit sound without eliminating outside noise.

These Bluetooth earbuds come in a handy charging case, which provides two hours of charge in just ten minutes, according to Shokz. In total, both models can last for 11 hours of listening time with a single charge, and 48 hours with the charging case.

The OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ are made from plastic, silicone, and stainless steel and weigh just 0.3oz (9.4g) per pair, so you can race through the trails without anything to weigh you down.

They also feature an IP55 rating for water resistance. It's not enough to safely go swimming, but it will protect your pair from sweat and rain while you exercise.

Audio

The main differences between the OpenFit2 and OpenFit 2+ become apparent in the audio experience.

The OpenFit 2 model has two individual speakers in each earbud. Shozk claims that this design delivers a deep, resonant base, with crisp, higher-pitched sounds.

"By separating and processing sounds in different frequency bands, it produces more refined music details," says the brand.

The OpenFit 2+ earbuds use a top-end Dolby Audio system, which "surrounds you with lifelike audio," while you run, hike, or just going about your day, according to Shokz.

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Although a rather reluctant convert to music-assisted exercise (as someone who leans heavily towards trail terrain over road conditions, I like to hear the sounds of the woods and wildlife around me), I have been testing numerous models of running headphones and air pods recently.

It’s an increasingly busy and competitive category, and there are at least five different types of running ear pods and headphones for runners to mull over, but for people like me, who don’t want to shut the outside world out altogether, open-ear designs are a good option – especially models that allow you to pause tracks and lower the volume when you enter an interesting part of a route. Earbuds that allow peripheral sounds to come through are also safer for people who run on roads, and they are more likely to be permitted during organised events, whereas other models are often banned by race organisers.

Since they promise exactly this kind of functionality, I was looking forward to testing out the AceFit Earbuds from AceFast.

Design and features

The Acefit earbuds arrive in an impressive-looking, beautifully designed package, reminiscent of a high-end Apple Mac product. The good looks and smart presentation carry through to the storage and charging case, which is shaped like a perfect skimming pebble, opens like a clam and fits snuggly in the palm of your hand (or, more, importantly, in the pocket of your running shorts, jacket or hydration pack).

Although this storage/charging case is aesthetically pleasing and easy to carry, there are two downsides to it: there’s no visual indication that the system is charging (the Acefast logo doesn’t even illuminate) or how much charge it has. Even more weirdly, the socket is on the bottom of the case, so you end up with it upside down (no big deal, just a bit odd).

Inside the case are the left/right-specific earbuds, which hook around your ear so the speaker sits on your tragus, right at the entry to your ear canal. This conducts audio into your ear without blocking out surround sounds. The microphone is located on the bottom of the bud, so it can easily pick up your voice during phone calls and when using voice commands. A rounded counterweight sits at the opposite end to the speaker, balancing the bud and keeping it in place during exercise.

Connectivity and sound

The Acefit earbuds automatically connect with your phone (or other Bluetooth-equipped device) via BT V5.4 as soon as you liberate them from the case. Once you have them in position, you’re able to adjust the volume, skip through tracks, pause the sound or activate voice control by tapping the main part of the bud once, twice, three times or keeping your finger in place for a couple of seconds.

These actions are preset (and sensibly mirror one another – so tap the right ear to increase the volume, tap the left to decrease it) but if you download the app it allows you to change and customise the controls. Likewise, you can fiddle around with the audio levels here, lowering or increasing the bass levels for example, or setting a bespoke sound with the Custom EQ tab (which has an impressive 8 sliders to tweak).

On the trails

Of course, the only way to properly assess the performance of headphones and earpods intended for outdoor use is to strap on a pair of running shoes and hit the trails while soundtracking the adventure. And that’s what I’ve been doing for the last couple of months, running with the Acefits in various kinds of conditions, including wind and light rain.

The system is impressively light and comfortable to wear. The ear hooks are constructed from aviation-grade titanium wire, and the counterweight achieves a snug and secure fit, without the need for stabilizers. I found the buds stayed perfectly in place even when I was running over very rough terrain with obstacles to vault and jump over.

The battery life is reasonable (you get between five and six hours of tunes or talking time from the buds alone, or up to 25 hours if you take the case with you). I was impressed with the audio quality too, and the level of customization offered by the app (although the software, which looks quite intuitive to use, proved more problematic than promised when I did attempt to make changes).

Likewise, while I was able to use the tap-activated controls easily when sat at my desk, out on the trails it was a different story. To perform a clean tap in the right place while running takes a bit of practise, and because the control button is on the same part of the unit as the speaker, which hovers over your ear canal, it often just bounces rather than registering the tap and doing what you want it to.

Nevertheless, the sound was good, while it lasted… And here is the major problem. After three or four runs, the speakers on the Acefit earbuds I was testing started to crackle and glitch, before eventually giving up the ghost altogether. Acefit quote an ingress rating of IP54 for these earbuds, which means they should at least be able to cope with liquids being splashed on them, but in my experience the glitching started when I started to perspire and gradually got worse. It also once happened right at the start of a run, when gentle rain began falling. So, I can only conclude that moisture is what is causing the problem.

So far the fault has only been temporary. It means I have to relegate the buds to my pocket and rely on the sounds of the birds to inspire me onwards, but once I get home, wipe them off and send them for a little lie down in their case, they start working again. But still, this should clearly not be happening with a piece of kit supposedly designed for use during exercise (I know I’m a salty sweater, but come on…). It’s especially disappointing since these are not cheap earbuds. I have recently tested two other sets of running headphones/earbuds with the same IP rating, and they have worked fine, even in the rain.

As such, sadly I can’t recommend these earbuds for runners. They might suit non-sweaty hikers better.

Also consider

Comparison Table

For many people, listening to music is a prerequisite for running, and they struggle to find the motivation to hit the pavements, parks or trails without a soundtrack to invigorate and inspire them, or possibly a podcast to distract them the pain or drown out all the puffing and panting. Accordingly, there are an increasing number of excellent running headphones and air pods on the market, offering an ever-more sophisticated suite of features for the active audio slave.

There are at least five different types of running ear pods and headphones for people to choose from. It’s important to remember that having some sensory awareness of what is happening around you is very important from a safety point of view (hence why many races ban all or some kinds of headphones), which has led to the rise in popularity of bone conducting and open-ear technology. Many of these models are super expensive, but the first thing I noticed about the Tozo OpenEgo wireless open-ear headphones was the very reasonable price tag.

Can budget headphones offer the kind of rock steady performance required from runners and deliver top quality audio? There was only one way to find out. I have been running on streets and trails for the last two months while wearing the OpenEgos, and this is what I think of them.

Design and features

As the name suggests, the Tozo OpenEgos are wireless open-ear headphones, which means the speakers do not enter or cover your ear, allowing you to hear sounds such as the noise of approaching traffic, sirens and warning shouts (from race marshals or fellow runners). Instead, a left/right specific speaker sits on your tragus (the lumpy part of your ear, in line with your eyes, located directly in front of the ear canal).

These speakers are kept in place by a counterweight and a small flexi frame that curls around the main part of your lugs. The OpenEgos come with a pair of stabilizers, simple slide-on pieces of thin rubber, which are also left/right specific and feature a small tab that gently pushes against the back of your ear to help keep the speaker from bouncing around when you’re running. These do work very well (more details below) but you can also wear these headphones beneath most running hats and caps.

The OpenEgos come with a compact charging and storage box, which provides an excellent place to house these ear pieces during storage and transit. To recharge them, you place the headphones in the box, aligning the elements correctly (which is the only way they fit in), and plug in a USB Type-C cable (which comes included). The battery level is digitally displayed as a percentage on the exterior of the case, so you always know how much juice you have to play with.

With an impressive battery life of 30 hours on a full charge (when using the box – although Tozo claim 80 hours on their website), you can have tunes (roughly 1200 of them over that time) for the entire duration of even the most ultra of an ultra event (or just rest assured that if you forget to plug it in, even after a long day on the trails), there will still be some juice left in the tank for another session the next day. Without the box, you can expect 8 hours of audio action. It takes less than two hours to completely recharge the OpenEgos.

The headphones have an ingress rating of IPX4, which means they are splash proof and should be OK in light rain, but don’t go dropping them fully into water.

Connectivity and sound

The OpenEgos boast a 16.2mm dynamic driver that’s 14% larger than many other ear buds, delivering top-quality audio (especially for the price), with resonant bass and sharp treble notes.

The OpenEgo connects to devices (smart phones, watches etc) via Bluetooth 5.3 technology, with AAC and SBC codecs supported. The range is a very respectable 10 metres/30 feet. The Tozo App allows you to manage and customise your listening library and personal preferences, with presets delivering a tailored sound.

Directional sound technology, enhanced by dynamic low frequency, belies the product’s name and means there is very little sound leakage from the OpenEgos when you’re using them in busier scenarios. As a result, other people on train carriages will hate you less, and fellow runners who you do not wish to engage with don’t get to judge your choice of tunes. And this is despite the open-ear design, which means you can still hear sirens and other warnings when scampering along streets, or the directions/cautions of marshals during events.

The dual-mic system (assisted by some AI algorithmic necromancy I’m not going to pretend to understand, but which will probably contribute to the end of humankind in some form) strips out external noises, so you can hear and be understood when using the OpenEgo to take calls out on the trail (if you really must).

Operation

The OpenEgos boast a Smart Touch system, operated through a series of taps on one or other of the earpieces. This means you can change tracks, increase or decrease the volume, or activate voice command and accept calls while on the run, without having to stop and dig out your phone, or use your watch. For example, one tap on either earpiece pauses the tune you’re listening to. Two taps on the left earpiece takes you back by one track; two taps on the right skips you forward by one song. You can decrease the volume by pressing the left earpiece and holding it, and increase it by doing the same on the right. A similar set of actions allows you to accept (single tap either side), end (double tap either side) or reject (prolonged touch) phone calls, and to activate Voice Command systems such as Siri (three taps).

On the trails

I’ll start with a confession: it was only after running several times while wearing the OpenEgos, and getting a bit irritated by how much they moved around while I was tackling more lumpy, bumpy technical trails, that I discovered the stabilizers. (To be completely honest, until I read the instructions properly I thought these little rubber slippers were intended as dust caps for the speakers, and I was wondering why Tozo had made them so tight…) Once I started using the stabilizers correctly, I was very pleasantly surprised how effective these (extremely basic) extras are at keeping the ear pieces in place and reducing bounce. They don’t stop the units charging when they’re in the box either, so now I just leave them on (I’m not entirely sure why Tozo don’t send the OpenEgos out with these in place, but I guess non-runners don’t really need them).

The fit and feel of the OpenEgo earpieces is comfortable and non-intrusive. Once I was into my groove (and after I’d figured out the stabilizers), I essentially forgot I was wearing a device that was wrapped around each or my ears.

To operate the OpenEgos you basically just pinch the ear piece, which activates the unit, and then use the Smart Touch system detailed above to manage your music, as well as answering calls and accessing your voice assistant. While brilliant in theory, in practise I found this part fiddly. I’m not the most technical or dextrous person at the best of times, let alone when I’m running around in the wilds trying not to trip over, but I found the operating system of the OpenEgos to be either overly sensitive (activating or pausing when I didn’t want it to) or slow to respond, leaving me furiously tapping the side of my head while running (a likely looking a bit deranged). I can at least usually get the volume and pause controls to work, and they’re the features I require most often. Beyond that, I typically set the OpenEgos up how I want them before embarking on a run, and then just roll with it.

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I have found the sound quality to be really decent, especially considering the price point these headphones are available from. They struggle a little bit when you’re running into a headwind, but generally speaking the audio is really crisp, with good bass and treble levels.

I’ve been impressed with both the battery life offered by the OpenEgos, and also the ease and speed with which you can recharge them. The charging box makes them very easy to store and transport too – it easily slips into the pocket of a backpack or jacket.

I’m not one to take many calls while I’m out on the trails, but I have experimented with this feature extensively, and the voice and microphone is really excellent, with the noise reduction tech really doing its job.

Also consider

Update on April 2: This deal has come to an end, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more great deals like this and you'll be the first to know when we find one.

Shokz is the gold standard in bone conduction headphones and if you like to run with tunes but want to stay safe, we've got some good news. Right now, there's up to 31% off Shokz bone conduction running headphones in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. We rarely see discounts on these open-ear headsets, but for a limited time, you can pick up the new Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for only $149.95, or the great Shokz OpenRun Pro headset for only $124.95. The discounts also apply in the UK, so keep reading to find the best deal near you.

I got my hands on a pair of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2s last year when I was out in Chamonix covering the UTMB and even though I don't usually run with music, I was hugely impressed with the sound quality and my ability to hear other runners coming up behind me.

If you're not in the US or the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Shokz bone conduction running headphones near you.

US deals

UK deals

If you haven't tried them yet, bone conduction headphones are a great option for runners because they leave your ear canals open, meaning you can still hear what's happening around you, and identify where it's coming from (something that's not possible using noise-cancelling headphones with a 'through' mode). We've found Shokz to be light and comfortable with great sound quality.

If you're not in the US or the UK, here are today's best deals on Shokz bone conduction headphones near you, with prices updated daily.

• The best running headphones: our top recommendations to soundtrack workouts

At this point waterproof bone conduction headphones are nothing new, but we always love to see innovation. Step forward Suunto, which has just launched the Aqua Light model, a more streamlined version of its Aqua headphones, that still comes loaded with a wealth of features.

At just 1.16oz (33g), the Aqua Lights are fractionally lighter than Suunto's original Aqua version, weighing 0.07oz (2g) less. They offer everything we've come to expect from Suunto, with a 10 hour battery life off a full charge and three hour playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

Designed for swimmers and those who like their adventures wet and wild, they boast an IP68 waterproofing rating, tested to withstand up to two meters of depth (6.6ft) for two hours, meaning you can even take them snorkelling.

Anyone who's tried to use Bluetooth to play music while swimming will know that the water disrupts the signal. Happily, as well as a 5.3 Bluetooth playback for on land, the Aqua Lights also feature 32GB of MP3 audio storage, allowing you to save up to 8,000 hours of music and audiobooks.

The downloaded files can be managed through the free Suunto app, which includes a button customization feature, allowing you to tailor the controls to suit your preferences.

The Suunto Aqua Lights come in Tidal Black and Reef Blue colorways and are available for $149 from the Suunto website and in select stores across the US and Canada.

What is bone conduction?

Unlike traditional earbuds or over the ear headphones that sit inside or over the ear canal, bone conduction technology transmits sound through vibrations on the cheekbones, leaving the ears open.

Suunto says this design enhances situational awareness, allowing users to remain alert to their surroundings - an essential safety feature for runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

The company says bone conduction is particularly effective for underwater listening, as it bypasses the muffling effect of water on traditional speakers, delivering clearer sound.

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Fancy listening to music while you swim? Rather than sitting in your ear canal like regular earbuds, these Shokz waterproof headphones go just outside, using bone conduction technology to transmit sound without eliminating outside noise.

Right now, you can get a hold of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones for $149.99 at REI, almost $30 off their list price of $179.95. The deal runs until March 23.

With them, you can listen to your favorite tunes for up to two hours in depths down to 6.6ft (2m). This Bluetooth pair boasts a reliable IP68 waterproof rating, while the ear-hook design ensures that they'll stay on while you battle against strong currents.

They're also handy out of the water, with nine hours of battery in bluetooth mode and enough storage to keep 8,000 songs at one time.

The OpenSwim Pro headphones are a part of Shokz's open-ear range. Other models include the OpenRun Pro, built for runners, and the OpenMove headphones, which are designed for everyday use and light exercise.

Look below for today's best Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones deals where you are:

• The best running headphones: tested on the roads and trails
• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer

Resistant to sweat, water, and dust, these high-tech AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are a runner's best friend in the backcountry and well reduced for Black Friday.

Right now, you can snag the high-tech Apple AirPods Pro 2 for just $153.99, down 38% from their list price of $249, in a whopping Black Friday reduction of $95.

Aiming to provide an immersive listening experience wherever you are, the Pro 2s use intelligent noise control to block out distracting outside noise and improve sound quality. Meanwhile, Apple's own H2 chip kills distortion, delivering crisp, clear notes and a deep base.

Want to be aware of your surroundings in the wilderness? Simply turn on transparency mode to stop noise cancellation and hear the world around you.

In addition, the Pro 2s boast an extremely long-lasting battery life so you can keep listening for up to 30 hours, more than enough to power through lengthy runs in the backcountry.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Apple AirPods where you are.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, plenty of retailers from around the world will be offering big savings on Apple AirPods. Look below for the best deals where you are.

More great Black Friday deals

• The North Face: big reductions available on jackets, hoodies and other essentials
• Camping: keep cozy with great savings on tents, sleeping bags and other gear
• Hiking: the best deals from big-name brands
• Yeti: great deals on drink-ware
• Patagonia: Big savings available on base layers and waterproofs
• Arc'teryx: prices slashed for stylish winter jackets and softshells
• Garmin: Great savings on top notch Garmin sports watches

• The best running headphones 2024 tested on the roads and trails

Want to be aware of your surroundings while running, swimming, or cycling and still listen to music? Shokz claims to have the answer with its innovative open-ear headphones, now up to 32% off for Black Friday.

Rather than sitting in your ear canal like regular earbuds, Shokz headphones go just outside, using bone conduction technology to transmit sound without eliminating outside noise. Well suited to endurance athletes, these sports-specific headphones offer a crisp listening experience without sacrificing your situational awareness according to their creators.

Amongst the best Black Friday offers this year, you'll be able to find the OpenSwim Pro reduced by 20% to just $135. Boasting an IP68 waterproof rating, these durable swimming-specific headphones allow you to continue listening underwater in depths down to 6.6ft for up to two hours.

Don't panic if you prefer dry land activities, as the OpenRun Pro headphones have also been drastically reduced from their list price of $129.95 to just $89.95 –that's a saving of $40.

Weighing only 26 grams, these long-lasting running headphones are well-suited to trails in the backcountry, allowing you to enjoy music while keeping your wits about you in the wilderness.

Keep reading for all the best deals in Shokz big Black Friday sale. If you're upgrading your running kit, we're also keeping close tabs on all the best Hoka Black Friday deals on running shoes for you this week.

Hot Shokz deals

US Deals

UK Deals

After more epic deals? Check out the full US sale here and the full UK sale here. You can also see the best savings on Shokz headphones from Amazon and other retailers below.

• The best running headphones tested on the roads and the trails

Black Friday is weeks away but you can already grab Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 for just $189.99 at Amazon. 

Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 are in-ear headphones but have a 'Transparency' mode which has a similar function to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones and actively allows in noise around you, which makes them a safe and ideal choice for running or when you still want to hear your surroundings. 

Another interesting health feature on the AirPods is the world’s first hearing health experience – a scientifically validated Hearing Test, which allows users to keep tabs on their hearing health. They are also customizable to a wide range of ear shapes with four pairs of silicone tips included that make them perfect for all-day comfort.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 where you are:

• The best running headphones: tested on the roads and trails

Those of us who love running with headphones have grown to love bone conduction headphones. They allow you to get in the zone with your favorite running playlist, but leave your ears open to ambient noise such as traffic and the call of the wild, which solves a huge safety issue. 

The problem with bone conduction headphones, however, is that you simply can't get great bass with them, but all that looks set to change with the new Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones.

Shokz officially unveiled the headphones this week during the UTMB at Chamonix and while they look a lot like their predecessors, there are a few changes that are bound to get musical runners excited.

First and foremost, Shokz has incorporated both bone conduction technology and air conduction technology, which they say means a fuller sound and better bass without losing the vital safety aspect. We've tried them here in Chamonix in a  controlled environment and the tunes sound phenomenal, but we've yet to get them out on the trail to test them fully.

In addition, the OpenRun Pro 2 also boast a 12-hour longer battery life compared to the previous model's 10 hours, which means you can get more use between charges, and if you forget to charge yours the night before, you can reportedly expect 2.5 hours of listening on just five minutes of charge time. 

The Pro 2s can also pair to two devices, another new feature. We're looking forward to getting ours out on the trail soon and putting all this to the test. If you can't wait for that, the Shokz OpenRunPro 2s are available now, for $179.95 / £169.

Suunto Sonic headphones: first impressions

Bone-conducting headphones are one of those things you don’t know you need until you try them. Having written off numerous pairs of in-ear Bluetooth running headphones by heading out in the rain (an occupational hazard in the UK), I first went bonephone in the summer of 2021. I haven’t looked back since.

My Aftershokz (now Shokz) Aeropex quickly became my number one running companion, whether listening to podcasts (my usual audio accompaniment of choice) or – when I want to up the pace – working through the higher BPM end of my music collection. I’ve loved how I can use them on the road and still hear traffic and pedestrians, while their IP67 waterproof rating has kept them intact through numerous downpours. 

But what’s surprised me most is how often I use them when I’m not out running. It turns out bone-conducting headphones are invaluable when you’re out shopping, doing housework or cooking – especially when you know a “Dad, can you get me something to eat?” is never far away.

So, as a self-confessed bonephone evangelist, I was eager to try out a new model to see (or, rather, hear) if it was time for a change.

These Suunto Sonic headphones certainly looked like a good candidate, coming in at a comparable price point to the Aeropex’s successor, the Shokz OpenRun ($129 (US) / £129 (UK)), and with elegant, minimalist Black styling – we’ll admit that the jury is still out on the, ahem, striking Lime alternative. The promise of 10 hours of music per charge (versus the Aeropex’s eight) was also a big draw, but how would the Suunto Sonic perform on road and trail?

Suunto Sonic headphones: on the road/trail

The Suunto Sonics have been my go-to headphones for the last two months. They’ve been out on trails in the Canadian Rockies and rural Staffordshire, road-running in Bath, and accompanied me on too many mundane errands to count.  

The first test for any pair of headphones is comfort, and these undoubtedly fit the bill. They hook neatly over your ears, and – on my head, at least – the plastic band provides a Goldilocks level of elasticity. I’ve found the Suunto Sonics so comfortable I tend to forget I have them on.

Bluetooth pairing with phone, tablet and laptop is a doddle, and the range is good enough that I can wear the headphones at the far end of my house without any loss of signal. They can be charged in an hour using the supplied magnetic power cable, which is compatible with USB-A ports. You also get a nice black bag to keep your Sonics safe.

I’ve been less impressed, however, by the sound. Nobody’s buying bone conduction headphones for the ultimate aural experience – even if you wear earplugs (not supplied), they’ll struggle to compete with in-ear/over-ear models – but I’ve still found the Sonics’ performance a tad disappointing. To my lugs, they sound slightly tinny and trebly, and start to tickle at relatively low volumes, particularly on bass-heavy music. 

(Unfortunately, I haven’t found that adjusting the Sound Mode in the Suunto app makes a significant difference. There are two settings: Normal, “for various daily scenarios”, and Outdoor, “Higher volume, suitable for outdoor and noisy environments”.)

I also think these headphones could be more user-friendly. Even after two months, I find the volume buttons fiddly to operate with my thumb in a way I never have with the Aeropex – up feels like down, down feels like up – while I’m not a fan of the device’s audio communication. Perhaps I’ve been spoilt by too many headphones with spoken-word prompts, but – unless you’re fluent in R2-D2 – you may struggle to decipher the Sonic’s code of beeps and tones. Indeed, if you want to check your battery life, it’s much easier to look at your phone or the Suunto app.

But arguably the most disappointing aspect of the Suunto Sonic bone-conducting headphones is the fact they’re only waterproof up to IP55 (aka limited protection from dust and low-level water jets). Seeing as bonephones don’t require as many “holes” as conventional speakers (the only visible break in the surface is the microphone), this seems like an odd decision from Suunto, especially when competitor models offer superior IP67 protection. This means I’ve avoided wearing the Sonics in heavy rain, and makes them a much less attractive proposition for runners – especially in the infamously moist climate of the UK.

• How Advnture tests products

Shokz, maker of some of our favorite ever running headphones, has released two new models ready for your summer adventures: the waterproof Shokz OpenSwim Pro and

Headphones for swimming are always a tricky proposition. Not only do they have to be fully waterproof, they also have to contend with the fact that Bluetooth signals can only travel a very short distance in water, making it impossible to leave your phone at the side of the pool and have it transmit music to your ears while you swim.

Like the original OpenSwim that preceded it, the OpenSwim Pro gets around this issue by allowing you to transfer your music, podcasts and audiobooks to storage on the headset itself, removing the need to stream data while you're using it.

However, the new OpenSwim Pro has an unusual trick up its sleeve: it also has a Bluetooth antenna, allowing you to use it like a regular set of wireless headphones when you're out of the pool. That makes it a lot more versatile than other swimming headphones, and its waterproof build means you can wear it safely for outdoor adventures, no matter how hard it rains or how sweaty you get.

That versatility also makes it a great choice for triathlon training, letting you switch from MP3 playback to Bluetooth as you transition from swim to bike. You can change between the two modes at the press of a button, or via the Shokz app on your phone.

When in Bluetooth mode, the OpenSwim Pro also allows you to make phone calls, with four microphones, echo cancellation, and a vocal EQ mode to ensure voices on both ends are as clear as possible.

The headset is lightweight and flexible, and won't interfere with your swimming cap or goggles (just slip it on over the top). It has a flexible nickel-titanium alloy frame with a soft silicone coating for comfort, and to prevent skin irritation. A water resistance rating of IP68 means you can swim safely at depths up to two meters, and the headset offers up to two hours of playback in MP3 mode.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are available now for $179.95/£169 direct from Shokz, or from Amazon.

OpenFit Air

Last year, Shokz launched its first true wireless headphones, the Shokz OpenFit. Now the company has followed them up with the Shokz OpenFit Air, which offer the same benefits at a more affordable price.

Unlike other Shokz headphones, which use bone conduction, OpenFit headphones use a technology called DirectPitch, which directs focused sound waves into your ear canals without blocking them. The effect is similar, and means you can still hear ambient sounds and potential dangers around you (such as traffic) while enjoying your music.

Their nickel-titanium alloy ear hooks hold them securely around your ears without applying uncomfortable pressure, and no band around the back of the head. The OpenFit Air have a slightly shorter runtime between charges than the original OpenFit (six hours rather than seven), but will still last through a whole marathon and can be fully charged in one hour. The OpenFit Air also have a shorter standby time (10 hours rather than 30).

They are available now for $119.95/£119 direct from Shokz, or from Amazon. We're hoping to test the OpenSwim Pro and OpenFit Air and bring you full reviews of both very soon.

• The best running headphones: tested on the roads and trails

While you’re listening to your favorite tracks while out on a run, the devices pumping the music into your ears could simultaneously be listening to your heart and keeping tabs on your body temperature.

German audio equipment manufacturer Sennheiser has partnered with Finnish sports tech brand Polar (best known for its heart rate monitors and running watches) to integrate "sensors for real-time heart rate and body temperature tracking" into the latest Momentum-series earbuds. 

Data from the headphones is synced with your phone Bluetooth for storage and analysis. And since scientists seem to think music can make you run faster, you should be seeing some good results.

The new Momentum Sport Earbuds are also equipped with a custom Sennheiser “sport sound profile”, plus adaptive active noise cancellation and a “robust bass” that combined should deliver a level of audio immersion ideal for workouts – great for noisy gyms. When you're pounding the pavements, the semi-open design will allow you to hear potential dangers like traffic and cyclists.

The buds will resist sweat and splashes, with an official IP55 rating, and you should also be able to get a secure fit thanks to a choice of interchangeable ear fins and tips in different sizes.

The claimed battery life is 24 hours, though much of that comes from the case acting as a portable battery pack; it you don’t want to take the case with you on a run, the battery life is about five hours. On the other hand a 10-minute quick-charge can provide around 40-50 minutes of playback.

The Sennheiser Momentum Sport Earbuds come in olive, black or graphite colorways and are available for $329.95 / £279.99 via vendors such as Amazon now.

• The best running headphones: our top recommendations

Right now, you can get 20% off Shokz headphones in the Amazon Spring Deal Days event, including the Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headset with its rich bass, and the true wireless Shokz OpenFit, which direct sound waves into your ears without covering them.

Bone conduction headphones leave your ears open, allowing you to hear ambient noises like other runners, cyclists, traffic, and emergency vehicles. That's extremely important in a race where you need to be able to hear  ambulances, lead cars, and instructions from marshals, which is why these are the only type of headphones approved for use in all road races under the UK Athletics Rules of Competition.

Shokz is an official partner of England Athletics, and its open-ear headphones are some of the best when it comes to battery life and sound quality. They rarely go on sale, so these are some great deals not to be missed.

If you're not in the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Shokz headphones where you are.

If you're not in the UK, here are today's best deals on Shokz running headphones where you are.

• The best Garmin deals in Amazon's spring sale

Suunto has released a pair of new bone-conduction running headphones as a budget-friendly counterpart to the Suunto Wing launched late last year. The Suunto Sonic are slimmer than the Wing and lack the LED lights, but are otherwise very similar.

They are sweatproof and water-resistant, making them suitable for high-intensity workouts, and weigh just 30.6g thanks to their titanium and silicone build. That's 2g less than the Suunto Wing.

Like all bone-conduction headphones, they let you listen to music, podcasts and audio books while still remaining aware of ambient sounds and potential dangers like traffic and cyclists. Unlike noise-cancelling headphones with a 'through' mode, they also allow you to determine where the noise is coming from for extra safety.

Bone conduction headphones are also a popular choice for offices, and the Suunto Wing let you choose between indoor and outdoor modes to suit the situation. There are also dual built-in microphones for those times when you need to answer a quick call on the move, or join a video meeting at your desk.

The Suunto Sonic come in two colors, black and bright lime green, and are available now direct from Suunto in the US and UK, from Amazon in the US, and from Ordnance Survey in the UK. They will be on sale at Amazon UK later this month. They have a list price of $149/$129, while the Suunto Wing are $199/£169.

When we tested the Suunto Wing earlier this year, we appreciated their great sound quality (something that's sometimes a compromise with open-ear headphones), fast charging, and the ability to adjust audio settings in the Suunto app. We're hoping to put the Wing to the test soon as well to see how the two compare.

• The best running watches: our top recommendations, tested by experts

Meet the tester

Beats Fit Pro: first impressions

These Beats Fit Pro buds have achieved what all the other in-ear running headphones I’ve tested haven’t: they don't fall out. With three sizes of ear bud tips and a bendy arm that slots into your ear to secure the fit for fast running and thumpy, hilly trail running, these headphones stay comfortable for over two hours.

The sound quality is also as excellent as you would expect from Beats, for music, podcasts and calls. It’s easy to play, stop, skip tracks, call Siri and switch from noise cancellation mode to ‘transparent’ mode, which lets in some ambient sound. 

On a busy road you can immediately hear much more traffic noise and on the trails you’re suddenly reminded of the grit, grit, grit sound of your feet on the path alongside twittering birdsong. There’s also a woosh of wind noise on a blustery day, but the mics seemed to cope better with this than my favorite bone-conduction headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Pro. (That said, even the Fit Pro’s Transparent mode struggles to compete with bonephones if you really want to feel safely connected to your environment while outside.)

The battery life is not as good as many of its competitors, running at six hours rather than the more standard eight or 10, but the charging case is light enough to carry with you for an extra 18 hours of power. 

The headphones are only splashproof, but that’s good enough for most of the situations you’d be wearing these in – just don’t forget to take them out when you get in the shower!

Beats Fit Pro: on the trails

“Disaster!” I thought at first. “These pop straight out of my ears!” Then I lifted the charger case tray out of the way to reveal a set of smaller and larger silicone ear tips, nestled neatly like four blueberries next to the charging cable. 

As soon as I slotted the smallest ones on, I was able to twist the buds securely into my lugholes and hook the bendy wings into the outer ear – eureka! At last! These are the first pair of in-ear buds I’ve used that don’t wriggle their way out like little bugs determined to ping back into the undergrowth never to be seen again.

I was dead pleased and immediately took them on a local run here in Stamford, Lincolnshire, taking in both busy roads and trails to see how the Transparent mode compared to bonephones and over-ear headphones.

Unsurprisingly, this type of headphone still comes in last when it comes to hearing outside noise, but there’s most definitely a difference between the Active Noise Cancelling mode and Transparent. I won’t be ditching the Shokz OpenRun Pro yet, but I will be switching to these super light earbuds on windier days when my bonephones don’t go loud enough for me to hear my beloved podcasts on long ultra training runs.

• How Advnture tests products

Suunto has launched a new set of entry-level running headphones with boosted bass and a zingy lime green color scheme.

The Suunto Sonic (also available in black if you prefer a more understated look) are similar to the Suunto Wing headphones we tested late last year, but with a more budget-friendly price tag of $149/£129. The Sonic have a slimmer design, and are a couple of grams lighter thanks to the omission of the LED lights found on the Wing.

Made from titanium and silicone, they are sweat-resistant and should fit easily under a cap, or paired with a cycling helmet. The Sonic have added bass for richer sound, and their open-ear design means you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or audiobooks while remaining aware of the world around you.

You can pair the headphones with the Suunto app on your phone to switch audio modes to suit what you're listening to, and toggle dual device connection on or off.

New Suunto Race colorways

The Suunto Race GPS watch has also received a makeover for 2024, with three new colorways: amethyst, midnight, and birch. The Race launched in late 2023 in two shades, black and charcoal, and the new versions wrap all the same features up in a more colorful package.

Whichever version you choose, you'll get a bright AMOLED touchscreen display that's particularly good for maps, which works together with a digital crown for easy navigation through settings and menus on the move. Maps are available free, and can be downloaded directly to the watch through Suunto's mobile app.

The watch has a maximum battery life of around 40 hours in GPS mode, and 26 days in smartwatch mode. It's available in titanium or stainless steel, both of which are topped with sapphire crystal glass, and are water-resistant to 100 meters.

• The best running watches: all the latest models tested and rated

Where will they think to stick a fitness tracker next? (Please note, this is a rhetorical question.)

To be fair, earbuds with basic fitness-tracking capabilities are hardly a new concept – ever since the first generation of true wireless earphones were launched in the middle of the last decade, there have been versions available that could monitor your heartbeat. But they’ve never been particularly common.

Now Sennheiser are taking the concept up a gear or two with Momentum Sport earbuds, announced this week at tech industry jamboree CES in Las Vegas.

The German audio tech brand has joined forces with Finnish fitness tracking brand Polar Electro to craft the new earbuds, the first non-Polar product to utilize Polar’s Flow data analytics, offering real-time analytics and insights into workouts. 

They will use a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor and a body temperature sensor that will sync with devices and apps from Apple, Garmin, Strava, Peloton and Polar. 

For the first time users will be able to enjoy full access to Polar’s biosensing capabilities and data analytics – including body temperature – in a non-Polar product, giving them real-time insights during training and deeper offline analysis using the Polar Flow app ecosystem.

Other features include:

• A semi-open design for more natural awareness of surroundings
• An acoustic relief channel to minimize footstep noise, breathing and other body-borne distractions like microphonics
• Anti-wind mode
• An Adaptive Noise Cancelling mode to enable the wearer to adapt as their surroundings change
• Up to six hours of battery life, with a quick charge feature for added convenience

They don’t come cheap, though. At $329.95 / £259.99 they’ll cost significantly more than your average earbuds and a bog standard heart rate monitor combined. But you are getting that Sennheiser quality sound and access to Polar’s analytical suite.

Momentum Sport earbuds are set to go on sale globally from April 9, 2024.

• Are fitness trackers worth it? The pros and cons

Many runners like to wear headphones while running but when it comes to running races, this isn’t always allowed. We take a look at the reasons why headphones are banned in some running races, or not encouraged in other races.

Before we look at the reasons why some running races ban headphones, let’s consider why you might want to wear headphones – wired or wireless – when running.

Some runners like to run with headphones, such as AirPods, because of a range of benefits. These include motivating music, listening to trainers encouraging you to do different sessions and the distractions that listening to music or podcasts brings when you are working hard at your running or running longer, such as ultra distances. 

However, there are some potential issues to think about when wearing headphones while running, such as not being alert to dangers, including traffic or other people around you.

Another negative of wearing headphones while running is that you do not benefit from the mindfulness of running. Many runners also say they prefer to listen to the sounds of nature as they run. 

The reasons why running races ban headphones

So, when it comes to wearing headphones in running races, organizers might point to the above negatives as reasons why they ban runners wearing headphones.

The argument is that when runners wear headphones they may be less aware of their surroundings, whether this is fellow runners, race officials, traffic or potential other dangers and obstacles on the course. Even bone conduction headphones, which do not sit inside the ear, can cause distractions for runners and they are also not allowed in some running races. 

If runners are not aware of their surroundings this can increase the risk of accidents or collisions, especially when it is a race that is busy with entrants.

In addition, it is suggested that if you are listening to music or podcasts while running you might not be able to react to some signals that your body is sending you, such as fatigue, dehydration or poor fuelling. 

While it can sometimes be an advantage to have a distraction from fatigue during exercise, it can also be a danger if you are pushing yourself too hard or too fast and for too long, such as in a race. Ignoring the need to drink properly and eat enough can also lead to major health concerns when people are taking part in longer races.

Race officials would rather the runners are aware of their feelings, both emotional and physical, as well as what is going on around them so that they can participate in a race with the utmost safety. 

Apart from anything else, there will be races where volunteers and officials need to relay important information to runners, such as a sudden change to a course or poor weather ahead, and if people are wearing headphones and listening to music they may not hear crucial details.

Note that if you need to wear headphones for medical or psychological reasons, you should contact the event organizers to discuss.

What to do if races ban headphones for runners

You should check the rules of a race to see if you are allowed to wear headphones, or not. If you feel you really can't run without headphones, then you will need to find the races that do allow headphones.

If you do plan to enter a race than bans headphones, make sure you spend some time training without wearing headphones so that you are used to how it feels to run minus this running aid. 

• The best running jackets: stay warm and dry training this winter

Meet the tester

Suunto Wing headphones: first impressions

The Suunto Wing is the first pair of bone-conduction headphones (bonephones) from a brand better known for smart watches, and they’ve made a strong debut into their new market.

Firstly, the Wing is fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67), an excellent feature that puts them above industry leaders the $180 / £160 Shokz OpenRun Pro for outdoor use. Playback time at 10 hours (at 60% volume and without extras like motion control and LED lights) and quick-charge time is the same, but for only $19 / £9 more you also get a power bank giving you 20 hours of further playback time – thank you, Suunto! 

And there’s more for your money – you also get red LED lights on each side with a choice of off, on, flashing and SOS modes for higher visibility on night runs.

Downsides? The band is ever so slightly bigger, so people with smaller heads may find the earpieces aren’t as snug and therefore not always loud enough – press them to your head and you feel like you’re being deafened, so the problem’s not a lack of volume, just fit. The music quality is very good but not as good as on Shokz’ top model, and the volume and On/Off buttons are flush, making them harder to locate – especially with gloves on.

I'm still not sure motion control is useful when doing outdoor sports, as turning your head to cross a road, talk to a friend or look at a view can play havoc with playback. We can see how it might be useful when holding weights in the gym though, and it can be toggled on or off.

Suunto Wing headphones: on the trails

Oh Suunto, you have raised the bar! We’ve been trotting round our usual trails and road runs wearing these, plus doing household chores (podcasts get us through the washing up) and we are really impressed. For outdoor use, fully waterproof is perfect, so we fully salute that IP67 rating and wish our Shokz Openrun Pros were the same (although they haven’t faltered yet after a year of all-season use and frequent post-run showers). 

The power bank included with the headphones makes them excellent value for money if you don’t already own a portable charger. While not entirely necessary if you’re wearing other high viz items, the LED side-lights are a nice safety touch for night runs, especially as listening on-the-go can distract you, even with open-ear headphones. The flash setting should be faster, though, as the current slow flash leaves you with too much time unprotected by light. 

We keep trying, but we still can’t get the hang of motion control on any bonephones while out running; simply turning our head to cross the road sent our podcast off the rails. It’s so much easier just to press the buttons, or it would be if they weren’t flush to the housing – raise them a bit, please, Suunto so we can feel them mid-run and with gloves on.

The music sound quality is very good, but still nothing surpasses the OpenRun Pros we’re afraid. We’re pretty sure this is a fit issue rather than a loudness issue, but the Wings are quieter all round – for music, podcasts and calls – because they aren’t as snug a fit on our smallish head. If you press them against your head they’re plenty loud enough. This may be a non-issue for many runners, but it’s worth bearing in mind and trying a few pairs for size.

• How Advnture tests products

oladance Wearable Stereo B1 headphones: first impressions

These oladance Wearable Stereo B1 headphones are very interesting because their open-ear design bridges the gap between bone conduction and in-ear running headphones. 

The main advantage of these sound-wise over bone conduction headphones is the superior quality and volume of the music. However, they are similarly affected by strong wind noise when taking calls, and you can’t hear as much of the outside world as you can when wearing bone conduction phones.

But this does make them very useful for hikers, runners and any outdoors people who want to be aware of the world around them.

You can wear them one at a time, the battery life is long at 16 hours and you charge them in the case via the provided USB-C cable. It would be good if the case also contained some charge for travelling without access to mains power.

The double-tap function to skip tracks or a few seconds forward in podcasts is great, as is the hold-down command for accessing the voice assistant. However, sliding your finger up or down (either side) to adjust the volume or the position of the headphones is harder to get right while running.

oladance Wearable Stereo B1 headphones: on the trails

Surprisingly, despite our concerns over the design, these don’t fall off when you’re trail running! When you first put them on they feel like they might just jump off your ear if you turn your head sharply or thump down a steep hill, but they stayed put at all times through woods, quarries, fields and trails. You can also get an additional rubber sheath for them if you have smaller ears or experience any slippage, and sunglasses seem to work fine balanced just on top. 

Unfortunately, sliding your finger up or down (either side) to adjust the volume doesn’t work so well while running – it’s hard not to accidentally stop the sound with a single press as you try to locate the controls, then slide your finger up the touchscreen area while trying not to slow down or trip over.

It’s also difficult to scratch your ear or adjust the headphones without turning the sound off. With practice this obviously improves, but we find actual buttons are much easier to operate while moving at speed.

For such a high-priced product, you’d expect a better rating than splashproof to make the phones more suitable for use in the rain, and for the case to provide extra on-the-go charge. The other main downside is the gentle fuzz of the white noise that’s audible when you’re not listening to anything. This is only perceptible when you’re indoors, but it would be handy if you could power the headphones off without having to dig out the phone and use the app.

• How Advnture tests products

Right now, there's 31% off Shokz bone conduction running headphones in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event. These open-ear headsets rarely go on sale, but for a limited time you can pick up the great Shokz OpenRun headset for only $89.95, or grab the Shokz OpenRun Pro for $127.95.

I reviewed the Shokz OpenRun Pro for Advnture's sister site TechRadar when the headset launched early last year, and was so impressed I soon bought my own. Open-ear headphones can sometimes sound a bit tinny, but that's not the case at all with the OpenRun Pro, which deliver great bass with minimal sound leakage, so you can enjoy your dad rock running playlist without worrying about judgement from passers-by.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Shokz bone conduction running headphones near you.

Bone conduction headphones are a great option for runners because they leave your ear canals open, meaning you can still hear what's happening around you, and identify where it's coming from (something that's not possible using noise-cancelling headphones with a 'through' mode).

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Shokz bone conduction headphones near you, with prices updated daily.

• The best running headphones: our top recommendations to soundtrack workouts

H2O Audio TRI PRO Multi-Sport Headphones with Playlist+: first impressions

These running headphones have gone all in on versatility for people who want to take their tunes on various activities. Designed to be used for just about every sport from wild swimming to trail running and even fitting under a bike or ski helmet, you can wear these bone conduction headphones across just about every activity you’d want to do with music. The open ear experience delivers great sound when you’re above water, and decent sound underwater, while the bass is sometimes so strong it tickles your ears if you don’t turn the volume down. These are reasonably lightweight and comfortable when we’ve worn them for an hour on the trail, and they have no problems staying secure under water.

Like any bluetooth headphones, you can pair these with your phone and stream your tunes, but if you’re swimming or want to leave your phone at home, they have a Playlist function which essentially means you can record up to 8 GB of music and playlists onto the headphones themselves. Getting the music onto the headphones requires either playing it from your device via bluetooth or using the H20 Audio app, so it’s a little time consuming but a pleasant enough experience if you want to listen to some tunes while you work. Once they’re loaded up, you control everything via three small buttons just behind your right ear. It takes a little practice to figure out the controls, but you can probably figure most of it out without reading the instruction manual and it’s all reasonably intuitive.

Overall, we’re impressed with the sound quality and in theory, we like the versatility of these headphones, but in reality there might be too many options to get music onto them and it can all feel a bit complicated at first. The battery life doesn’t make for really long days on the trail, but works for daily runs and swims.

H2O Audio TRI PRO Multi-Sport Headphones with Playlist+: in the field 

I don’t typically listen to music when I run, though on the rare occasion that I’m forced to road run I do like some tunes or a podcast and I’ve slowly made my way from wired headphones to non-wired headphones in the form of my AirPods. However, every time I wear them out I worry about the possibility of hundreds of dollars worth of tech bouncing out of my ear and down a drain.

When I was offered the chance to test out these headphones, I was intrigued. I’m generally in favor of over ear headphones that don’t completely block the noise of traffic, and I’ve always fancied listening to music while I swim. I’ve had these out now on five runs and one half mile swim.

Here’s how they performed:  

Comfort and fit

It's not as though I can't feel these headphones when they're on, but I love not having anything inside my ears, which starts to ache after a while and they’re not uncomfortable, at least up to an hour which is as long as I’ve worn them. They’re pretty lightweight at just one ounce and sit over my ears with the speaker just in front of my ears. They don’t feel tight but when I shake my head they don’t move at all, and they didn't budge when I was swimming either (I wore them over my cap).

I wouldn’t ever listen to music on my bike or skiing, but just for testing purposes I’ve tried these on while wearing my bike helmet and I’m surprised to see they work with a helmet.

Sound quality

For running, the sound quality is great. I’m actually barely aware of ambient noise compared to my other bone conduction headphones. The only time I realize that they’re actually bone conduction is when I wear them in the subway – the sound of the train almost totally blocks out my podcast, but that’s to be expected with these headphones. If anything, the bass can be a little too much and I’ve had to turn them down to stop the vibrating in my ears.

When I wore them swimming, the sound quality was naturally diminished, but it wasn’t awful and it still made me swim for longer than I usually would. It was more disrupted doing breaststroke, when my ears were going in and out of the water, than doing the crawl.

Ease of use 

These aren’t the easiest headphones to use. Because the manufacturers had loaded up some music for me, I was able to just put them on and hit play and figure out the control dials mostly on the first go without reading the instruction manual, but towards the end of my swim I did find myself listening to what seemed to be an advert for H20 or an audio instruction manual and I couldn’t seem to escape that menu. Once I read the manual, it all became a little easier, though the controls are a bit fiddly and if a song comes on too loud and I’m in a hurry to turn it down, I end up skipping back a track. 

As far as I can tell, there are at least two and possibly three ways to load music onto them, which actually means recording audio rather than transferring it. I tried playing music from my phone whilst the two were connected via Bluetooth, and that went well although it records at the volume you play it at, so my first song is really loud. I thought this seemed like a total pain, since you have to sit through every song, but actually it was easy enough to do while I was working. That said, I can’t really see the point in playing a whole podcast just so I can play it again on the trail. Though you can do the job with the headphones off, you’ll need to place them carefully on a pillow otherwise they vibrate, which is distracting.

The other way I tried was to download the H20 Audio app, which ultimately seemed to involve the exact same process, except you’re controlling it via the app, and this is how you can manage music and delete songs you no longer want. 

I believe you can also drag and drop songs you already own (not from streaming services) onto the device on your computer, however it’s been a while since I owned a laptop full of music files so I wasn’t able to test this function, though it sounds easiest. I did plug it into my MacBook which had no problem recognizing the headphones.

Overall, if I was only going to wear these running I think I’d decide that loading music was too much effort and just use Bluetooth, but of course Bluetooth isn’t so easy under water. For dry land activities, a drawback of using Bluetooth is that you can’t skip forward when using streaming services like you can with preloaded music.

Battery life

Out of the box, these lasted for about two hours and 40 minutes of running and a half hour swim before needing to be charged, but I’m pretty sure they weren’t fully charged upon arrival. Either way, they last me a few uses each charge though I can’t see them being great for someone who’s looking to spend a long day out on the trail.

H2O Audio TRI PRO Multi-Sport Headphones: the bottom line

These headphones come with a lot of options and functionality, but in doing so, they might be too complicated for users who just want to listen to music. That said, the sound quality is good and if you’re seeking a pair of headphones that you can wear in the water as well as on dry land without totally blocking your ears, you might want to look into these.

• How Advnture tests products

Though we love listening to the ambient sounds of nature when we’re on the trail, we know there are lots of great reasons why you might want to wear running headphones when you’re on the go. The right playlist can really help motivate you when you start to flag on the uphills, you might be using the time to listen to lectures or you might need to monitor work messages and not want to keep checking your phone.

Whatever your reasons, when you’re lacing up your trail running shoes, you’ve probably already made your mind up about whether or not you want to run with headphones, so the only question that remains is what type of headphones do you want? 

Do you want to keep things simple and affordable and use a good old fashioned pair of wired headphones that plug into your phone, or turn your Bluetooth on and enjoy the technological genius that is wireless headphones? Read on to discover all the pros and cons of wireless vs wired headphones for running to help you make up your mind.

Wireless vs wired headphones: sound quality 

Let’s start by saying that the sound quality of your headphones depends on the model you buy, but there is one aspect of wired headphones that can affect your listening experience that doesn’t apply to wireless models, and that’s the wire itself. If you’re running with wired headphones, the wire will rub against your running top and that can make an annoying rustling noise.

That said, we’ve encountered some models with a microphone, which are usually wireless headphones, that pick up the sound of the wind.

Wireless vs wired headphones: staying power 

It doesn’t matter how good the sound quality is on your headphones if they keep falling out, and headphones that refuse to stay in can be the result of a few reasons, which we discuss in our article on running with Airpods. 

However, one thing is for sure – if your wired headphones fall out when you’re running, at worst, it’s annoying. If your wireless headphones fall out when you’re running, you might never see them again, which is annoying and expensive. If you’re dead set on wireless headphones, make sure you place them properly and consider wearing a running headband over the top to hold them in place. 

Better yet, consider a pair of headphones that hook over the top of your ear, like bone conduction headphones, which stay put.

Wireless vs wired headphones: ease of use 

Using headphones shouldn’t exactly be rocket science, but wireless models can add a little more complexity. With wired headphones, you just plug them in and go. 

Wireless headphones require a Bluetooth connection, which works anywhere in the wild and the world for that matter, but sometimes your wireless headphones will refuse to connect, which means you’re standing around at the trailhead fiddling with your phone when you just want to be running.

Furthermore, if you’ve got yourself a fancy pair of wireless headphones where you can tap to skip or pause, you might accidentally stop your playlist trying to secure your headphones, but that’s a minor irritation and happens less as you get used to them.

Wireless vs wired headphones: battery life 

We increasingly live in a battery-powered world, where every trip involves carrying at least three chargers, and a pair of wireless headphones only adds to this collection of tangled wires that is modern life. Wireless headphones aren’t difficult to charge, but if you forget, you might find they die half way through your favorite podcast. If you’re going out on longer runs, choose a model like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which have a battery life of 10 hours. 

Wireless vs wired headphones: functionality 

Your basic set of wired headphones has one function, and that’s to transmit sound into your ears, though you can pay a little more for a pair with a microphone. Wireless headphones can have all sorts of functions, from letting you skip songs with a touch, taking calls, reading your text messages to you and even pairing with your GPS watch to track your heart rate like the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro. 

Wireless vs wired headphones: durability 

The durability of your headphones will depend on the model, but there are a few factors that might undermine your headphones’ lifespan. Moisture isn’t great for either type – with wireless headphones, the sweat on your head and inside your ears might cause damage over time, while with wired models its moisture getting into the headphone jack on your phone on a rainy day that can cause issues.

Additionally, the wire on your wired headphones won’t last forever, especially if you tend to wind it up and shove them in the pocket of your running jacket between uses.

Wireless vs wired headphones: price 

This one’s easy – you can pick up a pair of wired headphones at any gas station for about $10 if you just want a cheap pear. Cheaper, generic models of wireless headphones are beginning to emerge, but they’re not that cheap and a good pair can run into the hundreds of dollars. 

Wireless vs wired headphones: the verdict 

Both wireless and wired headphones will get the job done when you’re out on the trails, but we think this one really comes down to cost and functionality. If you want to save money and are too fussed about having loads of extra features, a pair of wired headphones is your best choice, even if it means you sacrifice a little sound quality and durability. 

If you want to be able to take calls when you’re running or just tap to pause, you’ll want to fork out for a techy pair of wireless headphones – just remember to keep them charged up and secure them properly so they don’t roll off into the bushes never to be seen again.

• Trail running tech: the best gadgets for off-road adventures

If you’re a runner that loves to rock out to your favorite playlist, or enrich your brain with a little podcast action while you’re out on the roads or the trail, there’s no doubt that you’ll want a good pair of running headphones. These days, however, there are so many different types to choose from.

Do you want headphones that cancel out all other noise or a pair that let you know when a car is coming up behind you? Do you want the best listening experience possible, or is lightweight packability the most important feature to you? In this article, we walk you through five of the main types of headphones for running so that you can tune in at any pace.

1. Over-ear headphones 

If you’ve been around for a while, over-ear headphones are basically the original headphone, with a plastic headband and speakers that partially or fully cover your ears. 

Because these headphones don’t go inside your ear, they’re widely considered one of the most comfortable types of headphones. They are unlikely to fall off while you’re running and provide the best listening experience.

That said, they’re obviously not the lightest type, nor are they particularly packable, though you can at least wear them around your neck when you’re not using them. They do eliminate ambient noise making them a hazard for busy roads or shared use trails, and they can get a bit sweaty when you’re running.

2. In-ear headphones 

These are exactly what they sound like – headphones that extend into your ear canal. The part that goes inside your ear is usually covered with silicone for comfort. These are really common, lightweight and easy to carry in the pocket of your running jacket, and they can be really affordable too. The sound quality can be pretty good, although don’t expect these to be akin to over-ear headphones. 

However, there are also some drawbacks for runners – primarily, you won’t be able to hear any ambient noise like traffic on the roads or a mountain biker coming up behind you on the trail. If you have a wired model, when the wire subs against your running top, that noise may get picked up by your headphones and slightly ruin your listening experience. They’re also considered the least hygienic and can get pretty waxy with use.

3. Earbuds 

Earbuds are similar to in-ear headphones, and in fact that might be what you think of when someone says in-ear headphones, but there is actually a slight difference. Earbuds are made from hard plastic and do not actually extend into your ear canal, though they do sit just inside your ear. If you own an iPhone, you’ll have a pair of earbuds that came for free with your phone.

Like in-ear headphones, earbuds are lightweight and easy to cart around, and the sound quality is pretty good. Some that are “smart” will even allow you to take phone calls while you’re wearing them, though make sure you’re staying in zone 2 if you're trying to conduct meetings while you’re running. Earbuds will let in a little more ambient noise than in-ear headphones, which makes them a little safer for running outdoors, though a little less desirable for listening experience.

The main downsides of earbuds are that the hard plastic can become pretty uncomfortable if you’re wearing them for a long run, and because they don’t sit all the way inside your ear they can fall out more easily which means they can get lost if they’re wireless.

4. Open-ear headphones 

Much as the name suggests, open-ear headphones don’t block your ear canal at all, allowing runners to hear ambient noise and rock out at the same time. These have a hook that goes over the top of your ear, and a small speaker that sits near your ear canal.

The most basic open-ear headphones just have a speaker that sits near your ear, while technological advances have produced subtypes of open-ear headphones, such as bone conduction headphones, which we’ll cover below.

In general, open-ear headphones are thought to be more hygienic, since they don’t get all waxy in your ear or transmit dirt from your pocket into your ear, and of course they allow for more ambient sound which is thought to be safer for runners. They won’t fall out, unless you’re doing a headstand, and they usually come in a small charging case to keep them safe when you’re not using them.

However, it’s safe to say that the sound quality isn’t as great as it is with headphones that go inside, or completely cover your ears.

5. Bone conduction headphones 

Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro are a type of open-ear headphones that are becoming increasingly popular among runners. These are a subtype of open-ear headphones, that loop over the top of your ears, while the speaker rests on your cheekbone just in front of your ear.

Hit play and the headphones send vibrations through your cheekbones and straight to the cochlea in your inner ear, bypassing your ear canal, eardrum, and the three tiny bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that usually transmit vibrations from the air.

Bone conduction headphones stay a lot cleaner than any model that goes inside your ear and they’ll never fall out, plus you can always hear what’s going on around you. However, the sound quality may not yet be as good as other types of headphones on this list, and because of the vibration, you may prefer to keep them on at a lower volume, which can further reduce your listening experience.

• Best trail running shoes: speed and grip

Shokz OpenFit: first impressions

After the success of bone conduction headsets like the OpenRun Pro, Shokz has branched out into true wireless sports headphones with the OpenFit – lightweight buds with an open-ear design and no metal band around the back of your head.

Shokz is the biggest name in bone conduction headphones for running, cycling, and any other activity where you want to enjoy your music while still hearing ambient noise. They're the only type of headphones permitted in many races, because you can still hear instructions from marshals and emergency vehicle sirens while wearing them.

The OpenFit are a little different to the company's previous headphones, because rather than bone conduction, they use a technology called DirectPitch that directs sound into your ear canal without covering it. It's an interesting new take, and one that's designed for comfort.

Instead of a wire band to clamp them around your head, the OpenFit are held over your ears more gently with springy memory wire hooks covered in soft silicone. The drivers sit on top of your tragus (the part of your ear close to your head, in front of the ear canal) but leave your ear mostly open.

They're super light too, weighing around 8.5g each. By contrast, the OpenRun Pro headset tips the scale at 29g. The older headset certainly isn't heavy, but the difference is noticeable.

The OpenFit are supplied in a wireless charging case, which keeps them topped up between runs and is itself charged using a USB-C cable. The headphones should last around seven hours on a full charge (you'll head a bleeping notification when they're running low) and popping them into the case between runs can keep them going for 28 hours. If you accidentally leave them out, charging them in the case for just five minutes will give you an hour of music playback.

At $179.95 / £179, they're the priciest headphones in the current Shokz lineup, but in line with other premium earbuds. They're much less than the Apple Airpods Pro, and about the same as the Google Pixelbuds Pro.

Shozk OpenFit: on the road

I've used Shokz headphones for years and been impressed by the improvement in sound quality over the years, particularly when it comes to bass reproduction, but the OpenFit blew me away. The sound is exceptionally detailed, and you'll find yourself picking out new nuances in your favorite tracks.

I'm always a bit conscious of sound leakage when I'm running; after all, does anyone else really need to know I'm enjoying Slipknot in zone two? I was concerned that the design of the OpenFit might be particularly leaky, but thankfully that's not the case. Your questionable taste in nu-metal or dad rock can be your little secret. Because these aren't bone conduction headphones, you don't get the faint tickling sensation with heavy bass, either.

You can tweak equalizer settings through the Shokz mobile app, which is available free for iOS and Android. The app also provides firmware upgrades, so even if you're happy with the default settings, it's well worth installing and running it when you first receive your OpenFit buds.

The touch controls generally worked well. Double-tapping either OpenFit headphone will pause or play your music, or allow you to answer a call. Tapping and holding the left bud will skip back a track, and holding the right one will skip forward. If that doesn't feel natural, you can customize the options a little in the Shokz app, but your choices are quite limited and it's a shame there's no volume control (it's one of the features I use frequently on my OpenRun Pro headset).

It took a little while to get used to the way the OpenFit feel on the move. Usually running headphones are firmly plugged into place, so having ones just sitting on your outer ear can feel a little odd at first. Just trust the design; they're not going anywhere until you actually unhook them.

The true wireless design makes them more comfortable for cyclists, too. Shokz headsets are OK for riding, but the band can get in the way of your helmet straps. There's no such problem here.

Having been caught in multiple summer downpours, I can happily vouch for their water resistance. They're rated IP54, which means they're able to withstand splashes but not immersion in water or jets, so they're not suitable for swimming, but Bluetooth signals don't carry well underwater so that would be a non-starter anyway. If you're looking for a set of open-ear headphones for the poo, the Shokz OpenSwim are a solid option.

While testing the Shokz OpenFit, I found that ambient noise wasn't quite as clear as it is when I'm wearing the OpenRun Pro. I can easily hold a conversation while wearing the  OpenRun, but not so much with the OpenFit. I can still hear traffic and cyclists approaching from behind, but the OpenFit generally seem to block out a little more noise. It makes sense because (the OpenFit cover a little of your ear canal, and don't bypass it like a bone conduction headset), but it's worth bearing in mind.

Overall, the Shokz OpenFit are an excellent pair of running headphones, and well worth investigating if you find most bone conduction headsets uncomfortable or awkward. You might not get quite the same degree of spatial awareness, but you'll still hear enough to keep yourself safe, while enjoying superb sound quality.

• How Advnture tests products

Cleer Arc II Sports headphones: first impressions

The Cleer Arc II Sports running headphones have so many great features it’s hard to know where to start. So let’s begin with the fundamentals: great quality audio. Music, podcasts, radio, it all sounds great, and the advantage of an open-ear headphone is the superior quality to bone conduction headphones while still retaining the ability to hear noises from the world around you while you exercise.

The Cleer Arc II Sports headphones’ next fantastic feature is the water-resistance level, which, at IPX5, is higher than most of the competition. This means you’re safe from the equivalent of blasts from moderate-pressure water jets at all angles – in other words, driving rain on the top of a mountain. 

The battery life is plenty for running up said mountain too, offering up to eight hours of use, plus (and this is the really genius part) an extra 35 hours for ultra running thanks to the extra charge stored in the headphones’ 100g / 3.5oz case. And when you’re not wearing these headphones and you store them away, the case also blasts the buds with UV-C light to rid them of harmful bacteria, which is another giant plus point.

Then there’s the Cleer Arc II Sports’ dedicated app, which you can use to adjust the headphones’ EQ, check battery levels, customize the controls and even access the motion control for hands-free operation. 

The Cleer Arc II Sport headphones also, importantly, cling securely to your ears for running and hiking over the toughest terrain.

Cleer Arc II sports headphones: on the trails

We’ve been really enjoying wearing these headphones for ultra training, thanks to the long battery life and charging case combo, while the great waterproof rating of IPX5 makes us feel secure to train in any weather. Listening to a podcast about your race is a great way to stay motivated for multiple hill reps if you don’t live in a mountainous area! 

We like the way you can customize some of the controls in the app, but it would be nice to be able to personalize the volume adjustment, because we found that we would often accidentally turn off the music while attempting to use the double tap and hold method, especially when running. 

The turning and nodding your head motion control can work for trail running if you’re not on super tricky ground, but the only options here are for answering and hanging up/declining calls, and to skip/play previous tracks. The trickiest function on touch-screen headphones – and frustratingly the one we use most often – is adjusting the volume to counter wind noise, traffic noise and adjust for podcast recording volume vs adverts, so we’d rather be able to do that more easily, or even no-handed.

Using the app to adjust the EQ to your own liking makes for a superior listening experience too, though it would be nice if Cleer wrote a little explanation for each setting; we’ve been using Rock with Smart Sport EQ turned on which we’re assuming turns on when you up the pace, but we’re not really sure of the intricacies of the different sound modes! There seems to be a bit more reverb on the Sport EQ and a clearer treble on the Rock setting…

You still hear the effects of strong wind noise on a phone call in a gusty Lincolnshire field, even with the Enhanced Anti-Wind noise function turned on, but we have yet to meet a headphone that doesn’t suffer from this. There is also a slight white noise fuzz on the lowest volume – and even with no playback – if you find yourself in a quiet setting. The only downside we found with these is that they are a little tight on the left ear, which makes them hurt after an hour or two. That said, everyone’s ear is different and this may not affect you at all.

• How Advnture tests products

For Amazon Prime Day, you can get the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones for just $125.95. That's a saving of 31% off the regular price, and the cheapest these superb bone conduction headphones have ever been.

I tested the Shokz OpenRun Pro for Advnture's sister site TechRadar last year, and immediately went and bought my own pair. They transmit sound to your inner ear using vibrations in your facial bones, leaving your ear canals open so you can hear what's happening around you while you run. That's incredibly helpful for general safety, and essential for races where they're often the only type of headphones permitted.

If you're not in the US, scroll down for the best deals on the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones where you are. You might also want to check our Advnture's roundup of the best Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals for offers on running watches.

What really sets the OpenRun Pro apart from the competition, in my opinion, is the sound quality. I love running to rock, and these are the only bone conduction headphones I've found that really deliver when it comes to bass. They're super light and comfortable too, and I can easily wear them for hours without any discomfort or pinching.

If you're not in the US, here are the best Shokz OpenRun Pro deals where you are:

• Best Amazon Prime Day camping deals: hand-picked for you

The next generation of Apple AirPods may come with a host of health and fitness features, including temperature sensing and hearing tests. The news comes via Bloomberg's resident Apple expert Mark Gurman, who often gleans insider info about upcoming products and services from his industry contacts.

Many running headphones (such as the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro) already include some fitness tracking features, with heart rate monitoring being the most common. Optical heart rate monitors work by shining a light on your skin and then analyzing the properties of the light that's reflected back. The ear is a particularly good place to measure your heart rate (potentially better than a GPS watch) because once an earbud is in place, there's almost no light from external sources. Unlike the wrist, the ear won't be affected by gripping motions, and doesn't move like your arm does when you run.

It looks like Apple is planning something different. As James Stables of Wareable explains, next-gen AirPods could offer health features that work in tandem with your Apple Watch, rather than duplicating its functions. So rather than keeping tabs son your pulse, the new earbuds could work with your watch's hearing health tools (which warn you if environmental noise levels are too high) and perform a hearing health check that can give you early warning of developing problems.

It's also been suggested that the upcoming AirPods may include a temperature sensor, which could help with menstrual cycle and fertility tracking, give an indication of whether you're overtraining, and potentially even provide an early warning that you might be starting to get sick.

There's no guarantee that these tools will come with the next iteration of AirPods Pro and Max – not least because it would mean going through the time-consuming process of FDA approval. However, Gurman's sources are often reliable, and it'll be very interesting to see what's included when the new earbuds launch next year.

• Best GPS watches: the latest models from Apple, Garmin and more tested

9 Digital Super Q3: first impressions 

The 9 Digital Super Q3 are far cheaper than top-end bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, yet they boast a function none of the supposedly best running headphones have.

We’ll get to that in a moment, but let’s first look at the basics. They weigh a respectable 32g and they’re very water resistant, rated IP67. They're covered with smooth-but-grippy silicone that keeps them nice and secure on your head and on a full 1.5 to two-hour charge they last for eight hours, which is up there with much pricer alternatives.

The on/off button and volume controls under the left side are raised high enough that they’re reasonably easy to find with running gloves on and not mistake for the charging port, and there’s another easy-to-find function button on the left ear piece. 

These 9 Digital bone conduction headphones have all the functions you’d expect from more expensive models, including volume, the ability to skip tracks back and forward, and activate your phone's voice assistant. However, the function I'm thrilled about is called 'skip to forward song'. With a triple-click you can skip forward through music or an irritating podcast advert by a few seconds. We haven’t seen any other bonephones with this very useful function. Why? Are they in league with the podcast advertisers? I don't know, but I love it.

9 Digital Super Q3: on the trails

Sadly, the excitement ends when you take the 9 Digital Super Q3 out in the noise of nature. Yes, the sound quality is better than a very basic pair of $20 bonephones we were also testing at the same time, but music still sounds very tinny and like it's playing far away in an echoey room.

You also have to have the volume on as loud as possible to hear a podcast or phone call, even in light wind, which causes a slight buzzing sensation on your cheekbones. It’s not the most pleasurable of listening experiences while out running on the roads and trails and the wind noise of cycling at any great speed would rule these out for sure (see also: headphones vs the sounds of nature). 

During a call, my recipient reported a crackly, sometimes intermittent sound, even light wind. When we connected to a higher-priced headphone without telling them, they immediately reported a much better sound experience, along with a sigh of relief.

It’s a shame because the 'skip to forward song' function on these super-low-priced bone conduction headphones is such a great feature. However, if you aren’t too bothered about sound quality and want to wear them indoors or in good, still weather, you might get on well with these.

• How Advnture tests products

Haylou PurFree BC01: first impressions 

The Haylou PurFree BC01 bone conduction headphones weigh a nice, light 28g and are rated IP67, which means they are very waterproof, always a good thing when you’re looking for the best running headphones.

Playback time is eight hours on a full charge of 1.5 hours, there’s a handy 10-minute quick-charge option which gives you two hours of playing time and you can find out how much juice is left in the battery at the press of a button.

The charger has a unique magnetic attachment connecting the bonephones to your regular USB port so you’ll need to make sure you don’t forget it on trips away. The Haylou PurFree BC01s have all the usual bonephone functions – volume, skip tracks back and forth, activate voice assistant, etc – and they also boast a dual-device connection; so, for example, you can watch a film on your laptop but not miss out on an important call on your phone. 

The buttons are all also in sensible places: volume clearly on the right and another easy-to-find function button on the left earpiece. For the price of £100 the sound quality is very good – you can hear music, podcasts and take phone calls clearly in a wide variety of outdoor conditions including light wind and rain, though they cope less well in high wind (see also: headphones vs the sounds of nature).

Haylou PurFree BC01: on the trails

The moment I changed to these from my previous test pair of cheaper bonephones my long suffering sister-in-law – on the other end of a phone call – said, “Oh that’s a lot better now!” Indeed, I had to turn the volume down two or three levels because the sound of the call was overall a lot louder – I didn’t need it on max anymore even if there was a slight wind. That meant it wasn’t buzzing in my cheeks either. 

The sound quality with the Haylou PurFree BC01 is good, and had I not experienced the £160 Shokz Openrun Pro, I might even have been totally happy with these. The main difference in sound quality between these and the top-end Shokz is that music and podcasts do still sound quieter on the same volume level – a little far away.

Music is good enough to listen to happily but it’s missing some fullness; it sounds thinner, a little bit tinnier with less bass. You have to turn them up louder than the Shokz when it’s windy too, or you could use the foam earplugs they supply you with to help cut out wind noise. The microphone also needs a little more wind protection for calls in more exposed locations.

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Fitbit has registered a new patent for a heart rate monitor that could be built into a pair of headphones and track your pulse from inside your ear canal. The patent for in-canal heart rate monitoring apparatus (document reference US 11666235 B2) was first submitted in 2020, but only published by the US Patents and Trademarks Office this week.

The hypothetical headphones might not just track your pulse, either. According to Fitbit's documentation, data collected "may comprise motion data regarding the wearer's movements, ambient light, ambient noise, air quality, etc, and/or physiological data obtained by measuring various physiological characteristics of the wearer, such as heart rate, perspiration levels, and the like."

It's all interesting stuff, and this wouldn't be Fitbit's first foray into audio. In 2017, the company launched the Fitbit Flyer – a pair of running headphones designed to connect to the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch. However, there have been no more releases since, and the Ionic with withdrawn from sale in 2022 after reports of the device overheating and burning users' skin, leaving the Flyer grounded.

The Fitbit Flyer was generally well received thanks to its powerful sound, and its successor could sound even better. Google bought Fitbit in January 2021, so the second-generation Flyer could use the same tech found in the Google Pixel Buds Pro, such as active noise cancellation, a full five-band EQ, and volume EQ that tweaks the tuning as you turn the volume up and down.

Of course, a patent isn't a guarantee that we'll ever see a finished product. If you want a pair of fitness-tracking headphones right now, the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro get my personal seal of approval. When I tested them for Advnture's sister site TechRadar, I was generally impressed by their bass-heavy sound and active noise cancellation.

Heart rate measurements were higher than those recorded by my GPS watch, but for monitoring trends they worked well enough – and they can check the alignment of your cervical spine and warn you if you're slouching.

• Best Garmin watch: all the latest models tested and rated

AirPods have become so commonplace I no longer bat an eyelid when I pass someone in the street having an animated conversation with themself. I bought a pair of Pros a couple of years back for recording yoga classes during lockdown, but it never actually occurred to me to run with them until last year, when I couldn’t find my regular old wired running headphones and I was heading out on the trail. After all, they’re an expensive piece of equipment and I wasn’t convinced they wouldn’t fall out and bounce into the undergrowth, never to be seen again. But I decided to give them a go and after a few runs wearing them, I think there are definitely some pros and cons to running with AirPods. Read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages, plus how to keep yours from falling out when you’re moving fast in your best trail running shoes.

Running with AirPods: the pros

There are a few good reasons why a lot of runners have embraced the switch from regular running headphones to earbuds like AirPods. First, the lack of a wire flapping around is a huge plus. I don’t know about you, but I’m forever snagging my cord on bushes when I’m running on an overgrown trail only to feel my headphones popping out, and when I tuck the cord into my running jacket to avoid this, I often tuck it too tight which means they pop out when I turn my head. Annoying.

Next up, AirPods have a touch-control function, which means if you just want to pause the music for a moment to hear whether that rustling is coming from you or a mountain lion, you don’t have to remove them or pull your phone out. They also pair with your Apple watch, if you have one, and you might find it easier to control your playlist from your watch without breaking stride.

AirPods are really portable, with no annoying wires to untangle with every use and a neat little carrying case that’s also a charger, which means it’s easy to bring them with you on any run or hike. Plus, the battery lasts for up to five hours if you’re just listening to music or a podcast (and not talking) which should get you through even a long run.

Running with AirPods: the cons 

As with all running technology, there’s bound to be a few downsides to running with AirPods, not least of which is that if they fall out on the trail, you don’t have that handy wire to make sure they don’t go bouncing off into the bushes or a nearby river. I have a lot of friends who are now the proud owners of only one Airpod because of how easy they are to lose, and it’s an expensive mistake to make.

Further, even though we mentioned their great battery life, there is the obvious factor that they do indeed rely on a battery, meaning that they’re limited in a way that regular wired headphones aren’t.

Finally, though your AirPods are water-resistant, they’re not waterproof, so you’ll want to take some precautions if you’re a big sweater or running in hot weather – keep reading for some tips.

Why do my AirPods fall out when I run?

Basically, your AirPods probably fall out when you’re running due to the existence of anatomical difference. AirPods come in one size, while ears come in all different shapes and sizes. My mum’s ears look like a pretty normal pair of ears, but the woman has literally never been able to find a pair of headphones or even ear plugs that will stay in. 

However, it is possible that you’re just not placing them in deeply enough or properly, so if you’ve already shelled out for a pair and you want to make it work, make sure you’re putting the right bud in the right ear, the left bud in the left ear. Press the bud in gently but firmly, and rotate it so that the stem fits in the natural groove above your earlobe (if you don’t have one, this may be part of the problem).

How do you secure AirPods while running?

If you’re sure that you’re placing the AirPods in the right way and they still keep pinging out, there are a few things you can try. First, if they’ve become greasy with use (think, natural oils from your skin, sweat, insect repellent and sunscreen from your ears) you might find that all they need is a quick wipe with a damp cloth to clean them. You should also give the insides of your ears a wipe while you’re at it, since that might be the problem.

If the above doesn’t work, I’ve heard of runners using waterproof tape to keep their AirPods in place, though honestly, taping anything to my ear doesn’t really appeal. What I’ve found to be the most effective is to place my AirPods in my ears, then cover them with one of my running headbands. This helps keep my AirPods in – and if they do fall out, they don’t go far – and also helps to wick away sweat which means my ears don’t get all greasy. Problem solved.

For a pricier option, you can buy hooks for your AirPods which hug the tops of your ears and keep them in.

Can I run in the rain with my AirPods?

As previously mentioned, AirPods are water-resistant but not waterproof. This means that they will stand up against a light rain, but if you’re running in heavy rain, you should probably leave them at home and go old-school instead. If your AirPods are at all damp after use, which they probably will be after running, it’s important to dry them properly with a tissue or soft, dry cloth before returning them to the charging case. They may also lose some of their water-resistance over time.

Is it safe to run with AirPods? 

The issue of whether or not it’s safe to run with AirPods doesn’t, of course, stop with just AirPods – any time you’re running with headphones in your ears, you miss hearing the warning signs of impending traffic, mountain bikers, falling trees and bears. For this reason, I actually prefer running with bone conduction headphones, which loop over your ears and rest just in front of them, leaving your ear canals open, and saving my AirPods for work. Check out the Shokz OpenRun Pro – they let you rock out to your favorite playlist or train your brain with an informative podcast without blocking out ambient noise. 

LG has launched a pair of sports headphones that clean themselves automatically while recharging in their case post-workout.

Even the best running headphones can be kind of disgusting when you think about it. Unless you opt for bone conduction headphones, you're going to wind up with all kinds of sweat and dirt on objects that you're pushing into your ears. It might not ever result in an ear infection, but it's still not a particularly pleasant thought.

That's where the LG TONE Free Fit TF8 come in. According to LG, the UVnano+ charging case kills 99.9% of bacterial on the soft parts of the earbuds in 10 minutes. 

The buds offer IPX7 water resistance, letting them shrug off sweat and rain, and have perforated silicone 'fins' on the edge to hold them in place while you're running while still allowing air circulation.

LG promises good audio quality as well, with virtual surround sound to immerse you in your favorite tunes while you're training hard. The TONE Free Fit TF8 also  offer active noise cancellation to block out distractions, with two microphones that detect ambient sound so it can be effectively masked. If you need to take a call or want to use your phone's virtual assistant, a third microphone picks up your voice.

The LG TONE Free Fit TF8 are available now for $199.99 direct from LG

• Headphones vs the sounds of nature: what's best when you're running?

Apple is expected to reveal the Airpods Pro 2 at its product showcase event this fall, and it's been suggested that they could be packing some impressive fitness tracking tech – possibly even enough to let you leave your best GPS watch at home (at least sometimes).

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg News, a dependable source of insider info on Apple products, has dropped some interesting hints about the second-generation Airpods Pro. According to Gurman's sources, the new buds might completely forego the characteristic stems of Apple's previous in-ear headphones, making them into more compact and rounded like the Google Pixel Buds.

Interestingly, it sounds like Apple is planning to cram even more tech into those small buds. In 2021, Gurman reported that the headphones' new chip won't just offer improved noise cancelling, but will work with an optical sensor to provide heart rate monitoring for use during workouts too.

Run to the beat

Monitoring heart rate inside the ear makes a lot of sense, and has several advantages over measuring it from the wrist like a sports watch. There's less light to cause interference with the optical sensor, you don't have to compensate for horizontal swinging movement, and there's better circulation. Many of the best running headphones already capitalize on this, such as the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro, Bose Soundsport Pulse, and Jabra Elite Sport. If anything, it's a surprise that Apple hasn't jumped in sooner.

As Amazfit has demonstrated, it's also possible to equip a pair of true wireless earbuds with an accelerometer that detects the characteristic bouncing movement of running and starts tracking heart rate automatically, calculate footsteps, and even estimate distance. 

Unfortunately, Gurman recently backtracked on his initial report, and now suggests that the next-gen headphones will arrive with improved spatial audio, but without heart rate monitoring. 

That's unfortunate. Apple has been making real progress turning the Apple Watch into a genuine Garmin alternative for runners with the addition of a triathlon mode and running power from the wrist, but the ability tot rack basic stats without any watch at all could be a real boon for runners who prefer to hit the streets and the trails unencumbered, and only check their data one they're back home.

Gurman's sources aren't infallible though, so we'll be keeping our fingers crossed to a fitness-focused set of headphones when the Airbuds Pro 2 land in the fall.

• Best Garmin watches: find your ideal training tool

The best running headphones allow you to listen to your favourite tunes, audiobooks or podcasts when you get out onto the sidewalks, park paths and trails. We've tested heaps of running headphones to bring you our pick of the very best. Say goodbye to annoying wires, music that cuts out when you're sweating and to earpieces that don't stay in place.

Of course, when you lace up your best trail running shoes and set out on a run, it's good to be able to hear what's going on around you, especially where traffic is involved. The earbuds we've chosen here have a 'through' mode that allows you to still hear your immediate surroundings via built-in microphones. Bear in mind that this doesn't give you the best sense of the direction a sound is coming from, so you'll still need to be on alert when crossing roads and cycle paths.

For us the best running headphones are the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which have an open-ear design that lets you hear the world around you, while still delivering great sound quality with plenty of bass. These are bone conduction headphones, which means your ear canals are left open so you can still hear potential hazards. They won't be to everyone's liking though, so read on for our six top recommendations.

Meet the expert

The quick list

The best running headphones overall

Shokz (formerly known as Aftershokz) is the biggest name in bone conduction running headphones, and when you try the OpenRun Pro, you'll see why. Although they're a great choice from a safety point of view, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings, bone conduction headphones are usually seriously lacking when it comes to sound quality. Not the OpenRun Pro. This headset (a successor to the original OpenRun) has new bass transducers and when we tested them, the difference was remarkable. The sound was easily on par with regular earbuds, but without obscuring the outside world.

Shokz has also repositioned the charging port so the headphones are easier to power up, and the control buttons are slightly larger and easier to tap while you're on the move. One thing that hasn't changed, though, is the overall shape and comfort. There's no pinching at all, and the OpenRun pro don't budge or bounce even when you're powering up steps or tackling a technical descent.

The only real downside was that we could sometimes feel a faint tickling sensation when we turned up the volume, but this only happened when we were enjoying some seriously heavy music on our runs. Only metalheads are likely to notice it, and even then it's not too distracting.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro review

The best running headphones for fit

The best thing about the Beats Powerbeats Pro ear buds for adventurous runners is that the hoop over the top of your ear pretty much guarantees they will stay in place however gnarly the terrain. This, combined with four different eartip sizes, ensures a great fit for all. Battery life is excellent at nine hours, plus double that from the somewhat large charging case, and you can adjust volume and change track from either ear.

Being an Apple product they pair faster with other Apple tech, and you can use Siri with them. Many trail runners will like the fact that they don’t totally cancel all ambient noise, so you can hear some surround sounds from the landscape you’re running across. The splash-proof IPX4 rating is good enough for most adventure situations, but don’t drop them in a deep puddle, as they are not completely waterproof. The sound quality is good – not overly bass-heavy – but there is no option to alter the EQ to your personal tastes.

The best running headphones for run tracking

Amazfit is well known for making affordable fitness trackers and smartwatches, and it's also branching out into running headphones. The Powerbuds Pro don't just feel and sound good, they also track vita stats as you run.

These smart headphones will detect when you break into a run, and track your heart rate, pace, and distance automatically. The results aren't as accurate as you'd get from your best GPS watch (distance is calculated using an accelerometer rather than satellite positioning), but if you prefer to run without anything on your wrist it's an excellent option.

When you're not sweating it out on the trails, the Powerbuds Pro will be looking out for your health. It's all too easy to end up slumping over your desk at work, but these little earbuds can detect when your head is out of alignment and warn you that you're putting your neck at risk. This doesn't happen automatically (you have to choose when to check your posture), but it's a handy tool and it can be very alarming to hear that you're putting so much strain on your cervical spine, you might as well be carrying a toddler on your head.

The best running headphones for comfort

These super light, dust-resistant and waterproof running headphones are brilliant for exploring. There are three sizes of grippy eartip to ensure a good fit for most ear-shapes and they fit very close to the head. The quick recharge function is longer and the battery life is on the shorter side compared to others in this test, but 7.5 hours from the headphones is still good, and with the streamlined case only weighing 35g it’s very easy to take that extra 20+ hours of charge with you.

The Jabra Elite Active 75t have fully customizable sound levels through the Jabra Sound+ app, and you can use Siri and Alexa too. Trail runners will enjoy the HearThrough mode which allows ambient sound through, however ultra runners can’t use one bud at a time to extend battery life on long races as removing and re-inserting one earbud automatically pauses and resumes playback.

The best running headphones for bass

The OpenFit are different from other Shokz running headphones. They still leave most of your ear canal open, allowing you to hear noises like traffic and cyclists around you, but rather than bone conduction, they basically use tiny speakers that funnel sound straight into your ears. That might sound like a recipe for sound leakage, but surprisingly that's not the case, and other runners will be totally unaware of your workout soundtrack.

Sound quality is exceptional, too – particularly if you enjoy plenty of bass, as I do. The Shokz OpenFit are some of the few running headphones that really do justice to your music, and even beat a lot of non-sports headsets I've tested over the years.

The only downside is that they don't allow quite so much ambient sound through as bone conduction headphones, so I'd be less inclined to use them for races or shared bike/footpaths. 

Read our full Shokz OpenFit review

The best running headphones for rain

The Haylou PurFree BC01 are a great option if you like the idea of bone conduction headphones, but your budget won't quite stretch to the Shokz OpenRun Pro. These are a little more affordable, and should serve you well provided conditions aren't too windy.

Haylou's headphones are well designed, with excellent water resistance to protect against rain and sweat, and a grippy silicone coating that helps them stay firmly in place. The buttons are much easier to find than those of some other headsets we've tested too, which means starting, pausing, and skipping tracks isn't a headache.

The sound quality isn't quite as good as that of pricier running headphones, and you may find that your favorite tunes sound a little tinner than usual. We were also told that the built-in microphone picked up quite a lot of wind noise during calls, so you'll want to position yourself accordingly so the other person can hear you clearly.

Read our full Haylou PurFree BC01 review

Running headphones comparison table

How to choose running headphones

1. Size/fit

The best running headphones first and foremost need to be secure and not drop out as you hammer around the trails, twisting your body in all different directions and fighting your way through various patches of undergrowth. For some, the in-ear earbud design will fit perfectly (look for different sizes of eartip to get the most accurate fit) but others will welcome the more secure styles that hook over the ear.

2. Comfort/weight

Some running headphones have an earbud that inserts directly into the ear hole, whereas a bone-conducting headphone sits just outside. Some might find the in-ear buds can be tiring after a few hours, so if you can’t bear something being inside your ear for too long, bone-conducting headphones might be for you. Lighter is better too, but with most of the best running headphones on the market right now there is not much to choose between them here.

3. Battery life

No matter how long your runs are, the longer the battery life the better, so you can reduce the faff of charging. Many of the earbud designs charge within their case, which is a super nice feature – simply take the fully charged case with you for an extra power boost on the go. If you run longer distances like ultras, how you charge the headphones will be an important factor for you – look for earbuds you can use one at a time to extend battery life even further.

4.  Functions

At the most basic level a pair of running headphones should give you the option to pause and skip tracks and adjust the volume, but some can also take calls and pair with smartphone features like Siri, so decide how whizzy you need your headphone tech to be before you buy.

5.  Personalization

Sound is very subjective – one person might love a heavy base while another prefers a different balance entirely, and different music suits different EQ levels too. Some headphones give you the ability to completely personalise the sound through an app, or there might be a choice of a few EQ levels, and others just dole out a set sound. If sound quality is of the utmost importance to you, choose a pair of headphones with the ability to fully personalise EQ.

6. Protection level

Each headphone will have an IP rating to show how dirt, dust and water-resistant they are. Usually sports headphones designed for outdoor activities like running will have a good level of protection against sweat, grit and light showers or splashes, but not many are fully waterproof enough to take swimming with you or survive complete emersion dropped in a lake, so check the IP rating carefully if this is one of your requirements. There are two numbers after the letters IP (which stand for Ingress Protection), the first relates to how dustproof the headphones are (often you just see an ‘X’ here, because it’s not a major factor for headphones) and the second number tells you how waterproof there are. The higher the numbers the better: IPX4 means a pair of headphones are merely splash-proof, while IP67 mean they are fully dust-proof and totally waterproof.

7.   Price/value

Price varies wildly with running headphones. You can wing it with a cheap knock-off on Amazon from little-known companies for about $30, but if you want the security of excellent sound quality, durability and good customer service if anything goes wrong, you might prefer to invest in a more expensive pair from a well-known brand.

How we test running headphones

We take each pair of running headphones out on the roads and trails for multiple runs to see how they perform in real life. We start with a full charge and see how long it takes for them to run flat, then compare that to the manufacturer's claimed battery life.

We test headphones with a variety of different types of music to reflect real conditions, and at various volumes to pick up any issues like noticeable vibration (for bone conduction headphones) or distortion. For headphones with built-in microphones, we make calls in still and windy conditions,and we practice using each pair of running headphones' controls on the move to see how responsive they are, and how easy to use while moving.

For more details, see how Advnture tests products.

Shokz OpenRun Pro: first impressions

The Shokz OpenRun Pro are bone conduction headphones, which means they sit against your cheekbones and leave your ear canals open during use. That means you can still hear what's happening around you while listening to music or podcasts, and (importantly) pinpoint where it's coming from. 

Shokz (formerly known as AfterShokz) is the biggest name in bone conduction headphones, and if you've used one of its headsets before then the look of the OpenRun Pro will be instantly familiar. They feature two transducer pads that sit just in front of your ears and transmit vibrations to your cochlea while bypassing your eardrum. These are connected by a thin, flexible band that holds them in place with just enough pressure to stop them moving during workouts, without ever feeling uncomfortable.

The OpenRun Pro make several improvements on earlier Shokz designs, including small tweaks like a repositioned charging port that's now easier to use, and larger buttons for skipping between tracks, changing the volume, pausing and restarting audio, and taking calls.

The biggest improvement, however, is the addition of new bass transducers for improved sound quality. Most bone conduction headphones are seriously lacking in the bass department, which is a shame for runners who prefer to train with a driving beat to help maintain a good cadence, but the Shokz OpenRun Pro are the exception.

The headset is charged using a USB cable with a proprietary magnetic connector. Unlike true wireless earbuds there's no charging case to keep them powered up, but battery life is very respectable; Shokz quotes up to 10 hours on a single charge, which should be fine even for marathon training.

The OpenRun Pro were available in black and blue colorways at launch, and Shokz expanded the options with pink and beige in June 2022.

Shokz OpenRun Pro: on the road

The Shokz OpenRun are the best running headphones I've tested to date, and that's no mean feat. Bone conduction headsets are great for safety (and are the only type of headphones permitted at many races), but choosing one usually means accepting a big drop in sound quality.

That's not true with the OpenRun Pro. If, like me, you find there's nothing more satisfying that hitting the pavement or the trails with a pounding rock playlist, you'll immediately notice that the OpenRun Pro's sound quality easily rivals traditional in-ear headphones. There's very little in the way of sound leakage too, which is impressive.

If you crank up the volume all the way then you might notice a slight tickling sensation where the transducers touch your skin, but it's not a serious problem and only noticeable if you pick a particularly heavy track.

Call quality is good as well. Shokz has improved its microphones for the OpenRun Pro, and it's an upgrade that's paid off.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro are water-resistant, and will be fine when subjected to rain and sweat, but aren't suitable for swimming. For that, you'll need the Shokz OpenSwim, which also allow you to store music on the headset itself (a sensible choice since Bluetooth signals transmit very poorly in water).

The open-ear design and subsequent lack of noise cancellation mean they won't block out distractions on public transport unless you also carry a pair of earplugs. If you want a set of headphones that will perform well for both running and blocking noise then you'd be better off with the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro.

If, however, you're looking for a set of headphones to keep you entertained on walks and hikes, the OpenRun Pro are easy to recommend. At $179.95 / £159.95 they aren't cheap, but they're solidly built; I've been using them since their launch in January 2022 and have so far experienced no problems or signs of wear.

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Anker Soundcore Sport X10: first impressions

The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 (available direct from Anker or from Amazon) are some of the best running headphones we've tested thanks to their smart folding design that allows them to hook securely over your ears during a workout, but still fit neatly into a tiny charging case. It's a smart design that makes them super compact when not in use, and the twisting section moves easily but feels durable.

Interestingly, there are no touch controls on the buds themselves. Each one has a small button on top that you can customize using the Soundcore smartphone app, but that's all. This was quite a surprise for a pair of modern sports headphones.

The case is charged using a USB-C cable, which is supplied in the packaging, and opens easily with the press of a button on the front (no need to pry it open with your fingernails). The button also contains a small LED display to show the case's current charge level.

On the tech front, the Soundcore Sport X10 offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which makes them well suited to gym workouts where you want to get in the zone, or blocking out distractions at work. Unlike many of the best running headphones, they also have wind cancellation, which aims to solve the problem of roaring air that often occurs when you're running using ANC-equipped earbuds.

All this comes for a surprisingly affordable price of just $79.99 / £89.99 – and you certainly get a whole lot of bass for your money.

Anker Soundcore Sport X10: on the road

What I appreciated most about the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 was their ability to deliver proper, resonant bass during a workout. I'm a big fan of bone conduction headphones thanks to their ability to let you hear ambient sound around you during a workout, but they really struggle to deliver the driving beats that can help you maintain good cadence during long training sessions. This is something Anker Soundcore products are known for, and if the audio profile isn't quite to your liking, you can tweak it using the accompanying mobile app.

The hooks of the headphones themselves are soft and proved comfortable even during long training sessions. If they don't immediately feel right, you can turn them a little to achieve a better fit. The fact that the control button is on top of each earbud means you won't press it into your ear when tweaking the volume or switching tracks, which is a welcome bonus.

You can activate ANC by pressing and holding the button on either earbud for two seconds. This will drain the power a little faster, but I was nevertheless impressed by the Soundcore Sport X10's battery life. In my tests they lasted for the full eight hours promised by Anker when playing without ANC, and six hours with, though it's worth bearing in mind that cranking up the volume will decrease that.

The buds also have a transparency mode that uses their built-in microphones to admit ambient noise. though this never works as well as having your ears open due to the inability to pinpoint where a sound is coming from, but Anker's buds perform better than most, admitting surprisingly detailed sound.

I'm usually wary of using true wireless headphones for running due to the possibility of them simply dropping out partway through a workout, but the Soundcore Sport X10's hook-over design meant this was never a problem. Even before I experimented with the different silicone tips and found the ideal size, they never felt like they were about to budge.

Anker promises that the Soundcore Sport X10 are sweat resistant, and I had no trouble using them in the rain either. For me, the biggest drawback was that the connection to my phone sometimes dropped out briefly in areas with a lot of interference. I live near a large railway station, which often causes trouble with Bluetooth headphones when I run too close, but some headphones are more affected than others and the Soundcore Sport X10's audio skipped more than most.

However, that's a minor grievance, particularly if you don't often work out close to a major transport hub. It wasn't something that happened when I was out hitting the trails or roads further afield. They also paired with my phone extremely quickly and easily, and reconnect the second they're removed from their case, though unlike some other true wireless sports headphones (such as the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro), the audio doesn't pause when you remove them from your ears.

Overall, if you enjoy decent bass during your workouts, I think you'll enjoy the Soundcore Sport X10, and will likely be able to overlook the slight inconvenience of their physical controls and lack of auto-pause. If you're not into pounding beats then you might like to consider something more nuanced, but these headphones are well designed, solidly built, and great value for what they deliver.

• How Advnture tests products

Shokz, maker of some of the world's best running headphones, has given its top-end headset a refresh for the summer months. In addition to the standard black and blue colorways, the OpenRun Pro is now available in pink and beige as well.

Shokz (known as Aftershokz until January this year) specializes in bone conduction headphones. Unlike conventional earbuds, which sit within your outer ear, and headphones that totally enclose your ears, these leave your ear canals open so you can still hear what's happening around you while also enjoying your music, podcasts, or audio books.

Although many in-ear headphones have a 'through' mode that uses an external microphone to pick up ambient sound and mix it with the audio streaming from your phone or running watch, this doesn't allow you to hear which direction the noise is coming from. Is there a car approaching from behind, or is it passing on your right? Can you hear children playing on the opposite side of a fence, or are they just around the corner?

With bone conduction headphones, you keep your spatial awareness, letting you stay aware of your surroundings while running, hiking, or cycling outdoors.

How bone conduction works

Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro work by sending vibrations through your cheekbones to your inner ear, directly to the cochlea – a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure.

The vibrations cause small ripples in this fluid, which causes tiny hairs to bend. These hairs release an electrical signal, which is transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brain where it's processed and interpreted as sound.

Sound from bone conduction headsets usually lacks the depth you'd get from more conventional running headphones, but the OpenRun Pro has improved bass transducers that do a noticeably better job at transmitting low frequencies.

Zepp, the parent company of sports tech brand Amazfit, could be working on a set of sports headphones that will detect when your mind begins to wander, and use techniques like calming audio to help you regain your focus.

A newly published patent application registered with the US Patents and Trademarks Office describes a brain-to-computer interface that detects electrical signals in the brain using a type of electroencephalogram (EEG), then assesses your cognitive state, and gives you feedback to change your brain activity. For example, if you're meant to be concentrating and your mind starts to wander, your earphones could play sounds to bring your attention back to the task at hand.

"A wandering mind may be considered to be in a different spatial and/or temporal context," the application says, "For an example, while studying, the user might start thinking about the vacation that the user is going to have a month from now or the user could be thinking about that conversation the user had with a friend two days ago. Those events can be classified as mind-wandering events because the user is thinking about things that are not in the immediate environment and/or are not a current task.

"A focused state may be defined as thinking about (eg, focusing on, etc) things that the user is currently doing and are currently in the user's immediate environment."

Mind-reading earbuds?

The idea might sound far-fetched, but it's actually quite plausible, and there are already 'brain sensing' devices on sale that are intended to help calm a racing mind. The Muse S, for example, is a soft headband with a set of sensors that sit against your forehead and monitor EEG activity.

The headband pairs with a mobile phone app, which includes a variety of interactive meditation and mindfulness programs featuring audio cues that change in response to brain activity. For example, one meditation session features the sound of rainfall in a forest. If your mind is calm, the rainfall will lessen and you'll hear the occasional bird. If your mind wanders, the sound of rain will increase, prompting you to focus on your breathing.

Amazfit is no stronger to building unusual tech into its sports headphones, either. Last year, the company launched the Powerbuds Pro – a set of true wireless earbuds designed for use at the gym, on the trails, and at your desk. While you're working, active noise cancellation blocks out distractions, and you can make calls using the headphones; built-in microphones. Unusually though, the earbuds also contain a tiny accelerometer that can detect the position of your head in relation of your cervical spine, and warn you if you're slumping in your chair.

The accelerometer also comes in to play when you're exercising, detecting when you've started to run and estimates your speed and distance, while an optical heart rate sensor tracks your pulse. 

The tech described in the new patent application would also be a logical addition to the Amazfit Zenbuds, which are tiny earplugs that play soothing sounds at night to help you drift off, and monitor your heart rate and movement overnight to track your sleeping patterns. During the day, they can lead you through guided meditation sessions and mask distracting noises.

A patent application is no guarantee that we'll see Amazfit's brain-sensing tech in a pair of running headphones, but it's certainly possible that a set of focus-enhancing earbuds could be on the way.

• Best running headphones: enjoy music and podcasts on the move

What are bone conduction headphones? The name is a tad gruesome to the uninitiated – they might conjure up thoughts of skeletons and electrical circuits – but they’re actually a super useful way to hear both music and ambient sound (like road traffic and nature) while you run. This is because the speakers loop over your ears and rest just in front, leaving your ear canals open rather than plugging them shut and blocking out everything else.

Why would you want to hear ambient sound?

The main answer to this is safety – situational awareness is essential when you’re running, especially when you’re on the road and need to hear the traffic. That also goes for train crossings and built up areas with pedestrians, bicycles and kids all over the place. It’s also useful to hear friends that might be shouting to you from across the street, or faster runners or cyclists approaching from behind.

It can also be nice to enjoy the sounds of nature when trail running, mountain biking, or wild swimming (some bone conduction headphones are fully waterproof). Birdsong filters through to provide a backing track to your podcast, and the breeze rustling your hair also registers between the beats of your favourite song.

Wherever you are, hearing the outside world as well as your music or podcast helps you feel connected rather than spinning off into a little world of your own to be suddenly awoken with a jolt by the thunder of a truck going past a little too close .

How do bone conduction headphones work?

Bone conduction headphones work by creating vibrations that travel along your cheekbones and straight to the cochlea in the inner ear. This bypasses the ear canal, eardrum, and the three tiny bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that usually transmit vibrations from the air.

The cochlea is only the size of a garden pea and is in a spiral shape like snail’s shell; (its name comes from the Ancient Greek word kokhlias which means 'snail'). It's filled with fluid, and any vibrations it receives (either from bone conducting headphones or via the usual sound wave route) send ripples through it which moves tiny hairs inside. When these hairs bend, they release an electric signal to the auditory nerve which is sent to the brain and interpreted as sound. Fascinating, isn’t it?

How good are bone conduction headphones?

The current generation of bone conduction headphones provide very good sound for music, podcasts and phone calls. Although it has improved tenfold, we have to be entirely honest here – the sound quality for music is not quite as good as in-ear or over-ear headphones and earbuds – find out more in our guide to the best running headphones. That said, it is definitely very listenable. For podcasts and talking on the phone, we find bone conduction headphones comparable to normal headphones.

At the highest volume you can feel a slight buzz from the vibrations, which can feel tiring within an hour, so most people will prefer bone conduction headphones on a low to medium volume setting. Luckily you are only likely to need the highest volume setting if you are running next to a road with heavy traffic splashing past in the rain, or in high winds.

What are the advantages of bone conduction headphones?

Apart from providing the safety of increased situational awareness, bone conduction headphones are also more hygienic than earbuds – rather than sitting inside your ear and collecting wax, they sit just outside. There are no wires, as they connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, they never fall out like earbuds can, and there’s never any pressure or irritation from having something inside your ear.

Can bone conduction headphones cause damage to the inner ear?

In the same way that regular headphones can cause damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear if used incorrectly, bone conduction headphones are also capable of causing damage to the cochlea if the volume level is too high for too long. The bone conduction headphones we have tested don't go as loud as the regular headphones, but you should still be wary of using the highest volume setting for more than a few minutes at a time.

Using any headphones for hours at a time can give you tinnitus, and other rare symptoms some people have felt with bone conduction headphones are dizziness and vertigo due to the slightly buzzing vibrations at the higher volumes felt for too long or due to the headphones sitting in the wrong place. The headphones should sit just over the ear so that the end presses gently on the cheekbones just ahead of the ear. You might need to move them slightly to find the comfiest fit.

• Headphones vs sounds of nature: what's best when you're running?

Wireless earphones can now do it all. Thanks to advances in Bluetooth technology, batteries and waterproofing, you don’t have to worry about wires getting in the way when you want to listen to music when running, hiking or cycling. 

As well as their performance in terms of staying connected and sounding great over a good number of hours, the best headphones for outdoor sports need to be able to resist water and sweat and plenty of shocks from you pounding the ground. Safety is also a factor. Noise-canceling headphones are great on a plane but when you’re out there running or cycling, it’s important you can listen out for danger, usually in the form of approaching cars. Here are the headphones we recommend.

Bottom line

Get a good pair of wireless headphones and you can take your music, podcasts and audiobooks with you wherever your adventure takes you even if it’s raining hard or you are going for the burn. Once you ditch wires, it’s hard to go back. Our choice of wireless headphones that are waterproof and tough enough for your outdoor adventures are Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones V5.0. They stay connected, the battery life is good and they resist whatever the elements throw at them.

If you want to be aware of your surroundings, important when running or cycling, these Bone Conduction Headphones are a good choice. The tech works well, leaving your ears uncovered but the music pumping and they are good for phone calls too.

It can be a tough choice when it boils down to headphones vs the sounds of nature. We runners typically love the outdoors and if you're a trail runner, it's highly likely you'll have an appreciation for the backcountry, nature and the sounds that come with it.

However, running to a beat also gets a lot of us going. There's something undeniably uplifting about those moments where your soundtrack and the trail conspire to almost push you forward. Or, it might be that you like to use the time you spend running to listen to an audiobook or a podcast.

There are so many running headphones available now, with options ranging from old school to wireless ear buds that wedge into your lugholes. Some promise to block out the surrounding sounds, while others assure you you’ll still be able to hear a certain amount of the surrounding noise, such as the rhythmic pound of your trail running shoes on the ground. But, should you even wear them for running in the first place? What do you stand to gain and lose?

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The argument for the sounds of nature

• Sensory immersion in nature is a postive, giving you time and space to think
• Headphones block out the sound of traffic, which is a safety concern
• Some races ban the use of headphones

The purists will argue that, when you are exploring off-road in wild surroundings, it’s madness to block out the chirrups of birdsong, the whistle of the wind through the trees and the splash of fast flowing streams. Sensory immersion in nature is precisely why we run in such places, isn’t it? 

Even if you’re not fortunate enough to regularly run on remote singletrack, there’s a strong argument against blocking out the sounds of traffic and other people in cities and towns, due to safety concerns. You can’t hear a friend or foe approaching from behind if you’re ensconced fully in your own pool of sound.

For some people, running is a way of exorcising all the hectic and stressful elements of the day and clearing their heads. Many runners claim to regularly solve work and life problems while on the trails, and some creatives say they have their best ideas while out running without any artificial distractions.

Headphones are even banned in many races, so competitors can focus on the race, hear important safety instructions from marshals and warnings from fellow runners, and enjoy the cheering from the spectators.

The argument for headphones

• Many runners find strength and motivation listening to music or a podcast
• Uplifting, energizing music has been proven to even improve pace when running

However, so many runners also find strength and motivation in listening to music or podcasts while they run. There are plenty of running-orientated podcasts out there, like Go Mountain Goats, Wild Ginger Running and Trail and Error, or you might want to catch up on the news, a comedy show or the latest interesting scientific discovery. Listening to podcasts is a fantastic way to multi-task if you’re the type of person who likes to ingest a constant flow of information – even while training.

As well as chat, uplifting, energizing music is a fantastic and scientifically proven way to stay motivated and even up your pace while running. Listening to music with a quick beat and a positive, upbeat mood in your headphones can perk up a dull run that you’ve done many times before, speed up a commute home in the rain and block out the incessant city noise that’s been driving you to distraction.

For some long-distance and ultrarunners, music can make all the difference to whether they feel like they can continue, when fatigue and tiredness are pushing them to the point of capitulation.

The verdict

• Bone-conducting headphones allow you to listen to music without blocking external sound
• Whether or not you wear headphones on a run is entirely up to you

Headphone use remains a subjective issue – if it works for you, go for it (unless you’re running in a race where they’re banned) – but it’s no longer a completely binary debate. Bone-conducting headphones that sit just outside the ear hole allow you to hear music and podcasts without blocking any outside sound.

The sound quality (especially music-wise) is not quite as good as the in-ear headphones, but this style really do give you option of exploring the best of both worlds - your own choice of music/podcast, and surround sounds. Find out more in our headphones test.