I'm making the switch to wireless earphones and I've tried the Sony WF-1000XM4 but they didn't fit comfortably in my ears. I'm on the hunt for a pair that sounds good, fits snugly and has noise-canceling ambient sound if possible.
Which Wireless Earphones Are Popular among Runners in 2023?
Julius on 19/01/2023 - 08:33
Last edited 19/01/2023 - 09:04
Last edited 19/01/2023 - 09:04
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Definitely, safety first when running. I remembered XM4s have that feature too. Never heard of bone conduction headphones, they're pretty new. Can you send me a link to the product you wear?
What I would like to wear — Shokz OpenRun
What I could afford (and ended up wearing) — some $40 no brand bone conduction headphones from Aliexpress that I can' seem to be able to find anymore.
I've been using the Shokz (https://www.amazon.com.au/AfterShokz-Conduction-Headphones-S…) for a few years and cannot fault them in the exercise context.
Shop around for deals, I think I paid somewhere around the $120 mark, but don't know if that is currently available (or likely to be in the foreseeable future).
I have been using Jabra Elite 75T, stays firmly in the ear even while spriting. Can't say the same Jabra Elite 3 though
I used to see plenty of 75T bargain posts. Has it been discontinued?
I take my XM3's out when I walk my dog and i find my ears get sweaty. I also find the in-ear ones tend to fall out when you pickup the pace. You need a smaller slim over the head set.
XM3s/XM4s get sweaty if you look at them funny. That faux-leather padding is an oven for your ears and a magnet for sweat and grime, not to mention it also deteriorates and starts to flake off really quickly if you're exposing them to the elements or a lot of rougher use.
They're horrendous for working out or doing anything other than sitting down and listening to an audio source; I seriously don't get the people who wear those at the gym, it's like a mini sauna for your ears.
I've had the XM3s for years and they're great in every other respect but the choice of material for the padding is just idiotic.
They really need some felt/cloth earcup covers but for some reason pretty much all circumaural BT ANC headphones go with this faux-leather material that looks like someone smeared Crisco all over it, after a day of typical use.What do you use mate for the gym/fitness?
have been using SoundPeats TrueAir series for the last 5 years and no complains.
I recently gave the SoundPeats Deluxe Air3 a try and overall they were comfortable in my ears and stayed put while running. However, I did experience some issues with the bluetooth connection as the music kept cutting in and out.
I find it hard to go past AirPods. I know they don’t fit all ears but for me, fit perfect & have never had them fall out.
ymmv but a popular runner hack for airpod (PRO) was to swap them around, and put it in upside down so it braces itself against the inner of your ear.
I haven't had any problems with earpod fitments so I'm sure these would be good too. Hopefully we see more 3rd gen bargains on this website in 2023.
I know this might be over the top or even un-OzBargain like but I got custom ear molds done up at Pacific Ears for the XM4 as none of the stock tips fit my ear canal.
How much did it cost you?
Around $250 which included a session to get your ear canal impressions done at an audiologist.
I know it's a bit much but I didn't pay a single cent for the XM4. Past experience with the custom ear molds of my Etymotics was good so I got them done.
The beats fit pro are great at running, they have a little hook that holds them snug.
I often do 10km runs with them and they don't budge and aren't uncomfortable.
Huh, interesting choice. A quick google search shows these have almost all the functions of the Airpods Pro.
i use airpods pro as well, but not for running. They fall out for me if I run.
shokz are good if you want to ensure full ability to hear what is around you
Otherwise I suggest looking at ear buds that have either an around the ear clip (like powerbeats) or an in ear 'wing tip' that wedges against your ear (like Beats Fit Pro). I only mention the beats because they are ones I know off the top of my head, not as recommendations - I'm sure there are plenty of other model that are 'better' or not hated by the cognoscenti (which beats are, on the whole).
The around the ear clips are very stable. They are a bit heavier than plain ear buds but its not really an issue. In fact, I often run in my powerbeats 3, which are connected by wires (not 'truly wireless') and fine them both very comfortable and much more practicable (less likely to be lost) than the truly wireless. These are no longer made but you can get them refurbished for around $140 and I think thats great value eg https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/bargain-deals-express-powerbeat…
I’m using Jabra elite 4 active. This is a post I did comparing them to other Jabra models
I’ve tried both for sound and fit when running:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13130814/redirAs an FYI I use them for running 3 times a week in addition to other exercise
I went the XM4's for cycling, turns out they're a bit too bulky for this.
Bought a set of Sennheiser CX Plus's and they're light and fit snugly. If i had it again would probably go for the momentums.
For runners I don't think noise-cancelling feature is a good idea but instead you'll want to hear ambient sound to stay safe on the road (assuming you are not just running on the treadmill). I've been using a bone conducting headphones over the past year and they are great (e.g those from Shokz). The sound quality can't be compared to headphones or IEMs though.