5 Best Headphones and Earbuds

Which side are you on, do you prefer Headphones or Earbuds when working out? It seems to be about 50/50 in most gyms I go to. Here I will provide you with my opinion and several options for the Best Headphones and Earbuds. I’ll also throw in some ideas of what you can listen to while you’re working out to keep your mind focused.

If you’ve been going to the gym and it seems like something is missing or you just can’t get into your workout, bring your headphones so you can listen to what you want. It keeps you from hearing the gym blast “I like to Move it Move it!”, over and over again. Or that person that has to scream at the top of their lungs and grunt every time they deadlift. For me they kind of cut off everything around me so I can focus on what I’m doing.

Seems like a no brainer, but I’ve seen alot of people in the gym that don’t wear them and I always wonder how they can keep their motivation going thru the workout.

I don’t know about everyone else, but its almost impossible for me to work out without headphones. If I forget my headphones I will turn right around and get them as they are pretty much a requirement for me. If I’m doing any kind of cardio or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) the music in my head keeps me from thinking about being tired.

Whatcha Listening to??

What I’m listening to depends on what I’m doing. Anything but Country….if you listen to Country Music while working out you have more motivation than I do.

I prefer something fast paced if I’m running or doing a circuit. If you have a habit of running a short distance and getting bored, try listening to something with a beat you can match with your left foot, (or right if you prefer). I know some people that have a set playlist that starts off with a slow beat, then gradually increases with each song and towards the end slows back down to finish the run. I guess if you just want to really punish yourself until you throw up, you can end your run with some fast paced EDM.

Audiobooks on Audible also help me out a lot. I’ve listened to over thirty audiobooks while working out. Anything from David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me to Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover. One of my favorites is British SAS Dean Stott’s Relentless. Just hearing what others have gone through and overcome helps with motivation. Keeps me in check when I start to complain about callouses from deadlifting, when hearing about David Goggins doing pullups until the skin was falling off his hands.

Another great thing to listen to are Podcasts on Youtube. That’s where I first came across Dean Stott’s book, when he was a guest on Navy Seal Jocko Willink’s Podcast. Pretty sure there’s a Podcast about whatever you’re interested in. Try some of Joe Rogan’s Podcasts while you’re at the gym. There are definitely a few times where I busted out laughing by myself and had people staring at me in the gym like I was crazy.

Headphones or earbuds?

We had a big discussion the other day on whether its better to wear actual Headphones or Earbuds, and which ones everyone thought were the best headphones and earbuds pricewise. I’ve used so many different types in the last few years, but I do prefer something that is lightweight, sweatproof, and isn’t going to fall off.

I just recently purchased the Shokz Bone Conduction headphones because they’re light and waterproof and I wanted to try this Bone Conduction thing out. They are pretty awesome, I like them because they don’t cover my ears causing me to be completely deaf when I’m running outside.

Prior to these I had two pairs the PowerBeats which were my favorite for a while because the sound and bass in them is awesome and they are waterproof…and sweatproof. Yeah I sweat a lot. I also like the ear loop because they are pretty secure and don’t feel like they’re going to fall off.

I also have a pair of Skullcandy Hesh Evo Headphones but I’ve recently tried out the NEW Crusher Evo Headphones which is a few more dollars. I do like over ear headphones because the sound in them is awesome. I think they are great if I’m on the rower or bike, but when running or doing circuits I feel like they could fall or get knocked off. And they make my ears get super sweaty which gets annoying after having to take them off every few minutes to wipe everything off.

I had one pair of completely wireless ear buds, but one always felt like it was about to fall out and the last thing I wanted to be doing was fishing one of them out of the toilet or port-a-potty. And judging by how many single ones I’ve seen laying around on the floor in the gyms or parking lot, I feel like they’re just too easy to lose.

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5 Best Headphones

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1. SHOKZ Bone Conduction

I don’t know if I should put these in the “best headphones” category, but until I try out some other Bone Conduction brands and write a review, I’ll just leave this here.

I purchased these almost a year ago and I love them. I always saw someone that I worked with that had them and once he let me try them out and I was hooked. They are super light but the sound is awesome. They are super secure around my head and have never given me the slightest feeling that they were going to slip off, so they’re perfect for whatever exercise you’re doing. The Bone Conduction technology is very cool and I prefer it over having an earbud stuck in my ear, or a headphone covering my ear completely.

When you put them on the sound is super clear and with the volume up its almost like having an earbud in your ear….but you can still hear everything that is going on around you. They’re perfect when you’re outside somewhere and you still like to have some kind of situational awareness. I don’t like to be completely cut off from everything when I’m out of the house.

The headphones charge completely in 90 minutes and have an 8 hour battery life. They are also sweatproof which I like alot because at the end of my workouts it usually looks like I was in the shower with my clothes on.

These in my opinion are the Best Headphones for what I do. If you’re very active in your workouts and need something lightweight secure and durable, try these out.

• Dimensions: 9.45 x 27.17 x 0.98 Inches
• Weight: 0.917 Ounces
• Model#: S803

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2. Bose QuietComfort 45

I had these Bose Headphones for about a year. They are super nice and the sound quality is amazing. I mean they are Bose, so I shouldn’t have been surprised. They are way better than the Skullcandy headphones, but you’re paying twice as much or more. I know alot of people that swear by these and this is all they ever use. Before i purchased them I had been told they were the best headphones available by several people, so I wanted to see, or hear for my self.

They are Noise cancelling so you don’t hear a damn thing while listening to music which is great if you prefer that. They do have an AWARE Mode that enables some outside sound to come thru. The battery life is nice at 20+ hours from a single charge. And if you’re in a hurry and forgot to fully charge them, a short 15 minute charge will last about 3 hours, so you can charge them in the car on the way to the gym.

The only issue I had with them is the same I had with the Skullcandy Headphones. I always have the feeling that they’re sliding off when jumping or running, and I just have sweat pouring from my ears.

But overall I think these are some of the Best Headphones. I would recommend them to anyone that wants a great set of over ear headphones. they are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.

• Dimensions: 3 x 7.24 x 6 Inches
• Weight: 15.5 Ounces ( about one pound)
• Model#: QC45

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3. Skullcandy Crusher Evo

I tried out these new headphones just a few weeks ago and I was impressed by the sound quality and comfort. The padding around the ears is softer than some other Headphones I’ve tried. But the first thing that popped in my head was how much my ears would sweat if I was working out.

BUT everything else was awesome. To me they sound almost as good as the Bose Headphones, but you know some die-hard Bose fan will say nothing compares. The battery life is ridiculous at 40+ hours after fully charged, which is better than Bose…The rapid charge feature is pretty amazing too at 4 hours after a 10 minute charge.

On this model there is a sliding knob made to control the level of bass which is kind of cool. The sound was awesome, they had my ears vibrating inside the ear pads. So if you like alot of bass with your music these are for you. I think they are amazing for half the price of Bose or Apple Headphones.

• Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 5 Inches
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Model: Crusher Evo

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4. Apple Airpods Max

I had to throw these in here for the Apple Fans. I’ve never actually purchased any Apple products myself, so I had to borrow these to test them out. And yeah just like everything else Apple makes, they are up there on the high end pricewise. But I’ve heard from alot of people that these are the best headphones out there, even better than Bose, so I had to try them.

Yes, they are nice, they look nice, feel nice, and the sound is pretty awesome. I mean they look super fancy, I feel like they are better suited for relaxing at home and listening to music or watching a movie. The ear pads are a soft fabric that doesn’t stick to my ears which I liked alot. But sweat…Seems like they would just absorb….

Just like most other Headphones they have Noise Cancellation, and a Transparency Mode that is similar to the AWARE Mode on the Bose that lets a little sound in so you’re not completely deaf to everything around you.

After a full charge they have 20 hours of listening time and the quick charge is 1.5 hours after 5 minutes of charging.

I do like the Automatic Head Detection feature which pauses your music when they are removed, and starts playing again once you put them back on.

To me the sound was the same as the Bose Headphones. It wasn’t anything amazingly superior in my opinion. I think the “always listening” Siri and the Spatial Audio feature for movies and TV is one of the things that makes them so expensive, and just because they’re Apple…

So in the end, yes they are great headphones. I feel they’re more suited for home use rather than the gym, but I have seen a few people working out with them and they say they’re the best headphones they’ve ever had. For the price they better be…

• Dimensions: 6.64 x 7.37 x 3.25 Inches
• Weight: 13.6 Ounces
• Model: Airpods Max

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5. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony has been upping their game in the last few years. I remember having some Sony Headphones back in 2003 that weren’t that great. They’ve definitely come a long way, along with every other brand and now they’re almost at the top of some people’s list as the best headphones. They’re not as expensive as the Apple Airpods Max, but they aren’t the cheapest either.

These headphones are pretty sleek looking. They have “soft fit leather” ear cups which pretty much feels like rubber and a thinner headband than most, so your headphone hair won’t be as bad. Kind of like Apple’s Siri, these have Alexa at your command.

A cool feature these have is the Instant Pause/ Play, which pauses your music when the headphones are removed and starts again when they are put back on. Similar to Apple’s Automatic Head Detection feature.

The Auto Noise Cancellation Optimizer adjusts based on your environment which is different from other headphones. After a full charge you’ll get 30 hours of battery life and the quick charge gives you 3 hours of listening time after only 3 minutes or charging after being completely drained.

Damn, these are super nice and not as pricey as the Apple brand. When I quit being cheap I might buy some of these for myself instead of borrowing them. I’ve always been a fan of Sony, I think they just kind of fell out of the picture when Bose and Apple starting making headphones. But they’re back in the running with these.

• Dimensions: 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 Inches
• Weight: 8.8 Ounces
• Model: WH1000XM5

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5 Best Earbuds

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Like I stated above, I am a big fan of earbuds. They are just more secure, convenient, comfortable, easy to travel with, and aren’t as expensive as over the ear headphones. I’ve used so many different brands over the years and they just keep getting better and more advanced.

1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Of course Bose is at the top of the list again. They do have some high quality stuff and have been in the game for a while. These have controllable Noise Cancellation and also the Transparency Mode which does allow some sound in. That’s good when you have a Chatty Cathy workout partner and you don’t want to be completely rude.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds come with three soft silicone tips so that you can choose a size that fits snugly in your ear. The touch controls are pretty cool, just tap, swipe, or press to change the Noise Cancellation settings, volume, pause, and play. Bose’s reputation for exceptional sound quality is upheld gracefully by the QuietComfort Earbuds. The drivers deliver a crisp and balanced audio profile, emphasizing both lows and highs without compromising on clarity. The deep, punchy bass is a delight for bass lovers like me, while the midrange and treble ensure that every note and lyric is perfectly rendered.

One cool thing I like is after fully charging, you get 6 hours of listening time. But the case provides an additional 12 hours when you place the earbuds back inside. So you get a total of 18 hours.

After experiencing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, I can confidently put them up there as one of the best earbuds money can buy. Bose has truly outdone themselves with the QuietComfort Earbuds, and for any music lover seeking the ultimate audio sanctuary, these earbuds are an absolute must have.

• Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1.5 Inches
• Weight: 0.317 Ounces
• Model: QuietComfort

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2. Beats Powerbeats Pro

These are MY second favorite for working out, after the Shokz Bone Conduction.

As a very active individual who enjoys both music and fitness, finding the perfect pair of wireless earbuds has been crucial for my lifestyle. The Beats Powerbeats Pro caught my attention with their promises of superb sound and a secure fit. After several weeks of intensive use, I can confidently say that these earbuds have been an excellent addition to my daily routine.

The design of the Powerbeats Pro is sleek and sporty, reflecting their intended use for active users. The earbuds are well-constructed and feel durable enough to withstand the rigors of workouts and outdoor activities. The ear hooks provide a secure fit that keeps the earbuds in place during intense movements, which is something I’ve struggled with when using other earbuds in the past. I found the ear tips comfortable and did not experience any discomfort or ear fatigue even during extended wear.

The Powerbeats Pro deliver powerful and bass-forward sound, which is ideal for my preference for energetic and motivating music during workouts. The bass response is particularly impressive and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to my favorite tunes. For workout sessions and casual listening, the sound quality is more than awesome.

The earbuds boast an impressive 9 hours of continuous playback, and the charging case extends that to a total of 24 hours, making it suitable for long trips or busy days. The fast fuel charging feature is incredibly convenient, offering about 1.5 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge – perfect for when I’m in a hurry.

Pairing the Powerbeats Pro with my devices was a breeze, and the Bluetooth connection has been reliable with minimal dropouts. The earbuds also offer physical controls on each earpiece, allowing me to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and manage calls without reaching for my phone.

As someone who works out regularly, the IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating is a game changer. I no longer worry about damaging the earbuds during intense workouts which has given me greater peace of mind.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds have proven to be an excellent companion for my active lifestyle. The secure fit, impressive battery life, and sweat resistance make them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. The bass heavy sound signature might not be for everyone, but its perfect for my choice of music when working out. I highly recommend the Powerbeats Pro to anyone seeking durable, high quality earbuds that can keep up with an active lifestyle.

• Dimensions: 2.3 x 3.8 x .09 Inches
• Weight: 0.64 ounces (18.1 g)
• Model: Powerbeats Pro

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3. Apple Airpods Pro

With an impressive suite of features and a legacy of excellence, the AirPods Pro 2 promise to redefine your audio experience.

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation take noise cancellation to new heights. Their advanced ANC technology blocks out external sounds, creating a serene environment for immersive listening. Whether you’re in a crowded coffee shop or commuting on a noisy train, the AirPods Pro 2 ensure you’re fully immersed in your favorite tunes or podcasts.

Adaptive EQ technology fine tunes the audio output based on the shape of your ears, ensuring a customized listening experience. Combined with high-fidelity audio drivers, these earbuds produce crisp highs, rich midranges, and deep bass. The result is a well-balanced sound signature that brings your music to life.

The AirPods Pro 2 boast a refined design that guarantees a comfortable and secure fit. With three different sizes of silicone ear tips included, you can find the perfect fit for your ears, ensuring hours of comfortable wear. Whether you’re running, working out, or simply relaxing, these earbuds stay securely in place.

The AirPods Pro 2 create a surround sound effect with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support making you feel like you’re in the center of the action. Whether you’re watching movies or playing games, this feature adds a new dimension to your entertainment.

Stay connected to your surroundings without removing your earbuds with Transparency Mode. With a simple tap, the AirPods Pro 2 let in ambient sound, allowing you to have conversations or be aware of your environment without interrupting your audio playback.

Combined with a comfortable and secure fit, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and innovative features like Spatial Audio and Transparency Mode, these earbuds provide an unparalleled listening experience. If you’re an Apple enthusiast or simply seeking top of the line wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 are a solid investment that delivers on both style and substance.

• Dimensions: 0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 Inches
• Weight:  (each): 0.19 ounce (5.3 g), MagSafe Charging Case: 1.79 ounces (50.8 g)
• Model: Airpods Pro (2nd Gen)

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4. Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony has mastered the art of delivering stunning audio, and the Linkbuds are no exception. Equipped with powerful drivers and advanced audio processing, these earbuds produce crisp highs, deep bass, and well-balanced midranges. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite tracks, podcasts, or streaming movies, the Linkbuds deliver an immersive and true to life soundstage.

Escape into a world of pure audio bliss with the Sony Linkbuds’ exceptional noise canceling capabilities. The advanced ANC technology effectively blocks out external noises, allowing you to focus solely on your content. From bustling city streets to noisy commutes, the Linkbuds ensure an uninterrupted listening experience.

Sony has paid meticulous attention to comfort, ensuring the Linkbuds sit snugly in your ears for hours of wear. The ergonomic design, combined with multiple ear tip options, guarantees a secure and personalized fit for every user. Whether you’re exercising or just relaxing, the Linkbuds stay comfortably in place.

The Linkbuds boast an impressive battery life, providing 8 hours of listening on a single charge. Additionally, the included charging case offers another 16 hours on the go, which is awesome for travelers and daily commuters. Quick charging capabilities provide you with an hour of listening time after only 5 minutes.

Navigating with the Sony Linkbuds is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive touch controls. Play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer calls with simple gestures.

The Linkbuds are designed to withstand your active lifestyle, featuring an IPX4 water resistance rating. This means they can handle splashes and sweat, making them perfect companions for workouts and outdoor activities.

The Sony Linkbuds stand out as a wireless audio marvel, delivering exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, comfort, and user-friendly controls. Whether you’re an avid music lover, frequent traveler, or fitness enthusiast, these earbuds cater to all your audio needs. Upgrade your audio game with the Sony Linkbuds today.

• Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.56 x 3.39Inches
• Weight:  (each): 1.45 ounces (41.1 g)
• Model: WF-1000XM4

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5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

The Galaxy Pro 2 earbuds boast an elegant and sleek design. The compact, ergonomic shape ensures a snug fit in the ear, offering excellent passive noise isolation. The build quality is top notch, with a premium feel that exudes durability. The IPX7 water and sweat resistance provide peace of mind, making them ideal for sweaty workouts or outdoor activities.

The Galaxy Pro 2 earbuds deliver an exceptional audio experience with rich, well balanced sound and deep bass. The dynamic drivers offer crystal clear highs and mids, making every instrument and vocal pop with clarity. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tracks or watching movies, the immersive soundstage will undoubtedly impress audiophiles and casual users alike.

The ANC feature on the Galaxy Pro 2 earbuds is highly effective in blocking out external noises, allowing you to focus on your audio without distractions. Additionally, the Ambient Sound mode is incredibly handy for those moments when you need to be aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. Both features can be easily toggled using the Samsung Wearable app, which also offers various customization options.

The Galaxy Pro 2 earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for all users. The lightweight design adds to the overall comfort, making them easy to wear for long periods.

The battery life of the Galaxy Pro 2 earbuds is impressive. With ANC enabled, they easily last up to 6 hours on a single charge, and the charging case extends that to a total of 28 hours. The fast charging feature is a game changer, providing about 2 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge. This convenience is perfect for users who are always on the go.

Pairing the earbuds with my smartphone is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing easy playback control and call management. Although it takes a bit of time to get used to the various gestures, once mastered, they become second nature.

With exceptional sound quality, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit, they offer a premium audio experience for music enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Whether you’re a Samsung device owner or not, these earbuds are worth considering for anyone in search of high-quality, feature-rich wireless earbuds. Samsung has set the bar high with the Galaxy Pro 2 without breaking the bank.

• Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.98 x 1.09 Inches
• Weight:  (each): 1.98 ounces (56.1 g)
• Model: Pro 2

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Conclusion

The decision between choosing the best headphones and earbuds ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Throughout my comparison, I’ve discovered that each option offers its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

Headphones provide an immersive and rich audio experience with their larger drivers and over-ear design. The comfort they offer during extended listening sessions is unmatched, and their noise isolation capabilities create a secluded audio environment. For audiophiles and those who prioritize sound quality above all else, headphones are a top notch choice.

On the other hand, earbuds offer unmatched portability and convenience. Their compact size makes them easy to carry around, and they are perfect for on the go use. Many modern earbuds with the advanced features like active noise cancellation and transparency modes, cater to users who value adaptability and situational awareness. Additionally, their sweat and water resistance make them ideal for sports and fitness activities.

It’s worth noting that some individuals, like myself, may find themselves owning both headphones and earbuds, utilizing each for different scenarios. This allows me to have the best of both worlds, enjoying premium sound quality at home with headphones and the convenience of earbuds when I’m on the move.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice between headphones and earbuds. It boils down to what matters most to you – sound quality, comfort, portability, and cost. My recommendation is to try out both options if possible and determine which one aligns better with your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you opt for the immersive experience of headphones or the portability of earbuds, investing in a high-quality audio device will undoubtedly enhance your music enjoyment and overall listening experience.