Best Workout Over Ear Headphones
Finding the Best Workout Over Ear Headphones can transform your fitness routine into an immersive experience. Whether you’re pushing through a high-intensity interval training session or jogging in the park, the right headphones can motivate you with crystal-clear sound and deep bass. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the Best Workout Over Ear Headphones that meet your needs? From sweat resistance and battery life to sound quality and comfort, we’ve curated a list of top contenders that stand out in the crowded fitness tech space. Dive in to discover your perfect workout companion.
Renowned for industry-leading noise cancellation and exceptional sound quality.
Features adjustable sensory bass, personal sound customization, and up to 40 hours of battery life.
Offers high-quality sound, durable materials, and a comfortable fit for long workout sessions.
Brings the critically acclaimed sound of the M50x to a wireless format, ideal for audiophiles who workout.
Features active noise cancellation, water resistance, and a secure fit, aimed at workout enthusiasts.
Offers exceptional noise cancellation, touch-sensitive controls, and a comfortable fit, making them ideal for focus and motivation during workouts.
Features Extra Bass for deep, punchy sound, noise cancellation, and a long battery life, perfect for energetic sessions.
Features adjustable noise cancellation, intuitive touch controls, and rich sound quality, suitable for active and casual use.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones are widely recognized for their exceptional combination of features, making them a top choice for both general use and workouts. Here’s a closer look at what makes them stand out:
Key Features and Performance
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation: The WH-1000XM4 headphones feature Sony’s advanced noise-cancelling technology, which effectively eliminates background noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. This is particularly beneficial for workouts in noisy environments, helping you stay focused on your exercise.
Outstanding Sound Quality: Sony has a reputation for delivering excellent sound, and the WH-1000XM4 is no exception. With high-resolution audio support and DSEE Extreme sound enhancement, these headphones provide clear, detailed, and dynamic sound, enhancing the enjoyment of your music, podcasts, or audiobooks during workouts.
Speak-to-Chat Technology: An innovative feature that automatically pauses playback when you start speaking to someone, without needing to remove the headphones or manually pause your music. This is convenient during workouts when you need to briefly interact with others.
Adaptive Sound Control: This smart function adjusts the sound settings based on your activity and surroundings, ensuring optimal audio performance whether you’re in a quiet room or out jogging in a busy park.
Long Battery Life: With up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, the WH-1000XM4 can last through multiple workouts and days without needing to recharge. Additionally, a quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback, which is incredibly convenient for those on the go.
Comfort and Fit: Designed with comfort in mind, the WH-1000XM4 features plush ear pads and a lightweight design, making them suitable for long listening sessions, including extended workouts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional noise cancellation enhances focus.
- Superior sound quality for an immersive listening experience.
- Long battery life supports extended use.
- Comfortable for long periods of wear.
- Handy features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control.
Cons:
- High price point compared to some competitors.
- Not specifically marketed as workout headphones, so while they are comfortable and offer great sound, they might not be as sweat-resistant as other fitness-focused models.
- Some users may find them bulky for intense physical activity.
In summary, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for those who value sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. While they’re not explicitly designed as workout headphones, their features make them a versatile option for both everyday use and physical activities. However, if your primary use is for vigorous workouts or if you’re particularly concerned about sweat and moisture, you might want to consider headphones specifically designed for sports and fitness.
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless headphones are renowned for their unique sensory bass feature, offering an immersive sound experience that’s especially appealing to bass enthusiasts. These headphones combine quality sound with innovative features designed for a dynamic listening experience, making them suitable for everyday use as well as for enjoying music during workouts. Here’s a detailed overview:
Key Features and Performance
Adjustable Sensory Bass: The Crusher Evo stands out with its adjustable sensory bass technology, allowing users to personalize the intensity of the bass to their preference. This feature can enhance the enjoyment of bass-heavy music genres, making workouts more exhilarating.
Sound Quality: Apart from the distinct bass feature, these headphones offer a balanced sound profile suitable for a variety of music genres. The sound is clear and detailed, ensuring a satisfying listening experience beyond just the low end.
Personal Sound with Skullcandy App: Through the Skullcandy App, users can take a quick audio test to create a Personal Sound Profile that tailors the audio to their individual hearing, enhancing the overall sound quality and making the music more vibrant and detailed.
40 Hours of Battery Life: With up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, the Crusher Evo is built to last through the longest workouts and days. Moreover, it features a rapid charge function that provides 4 hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.
Built-in Tile Finding Technology: A unique addition to these headphones is the built-in Tile finding technology, which allows you to track down your headphones if they ever get lost, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Comfort and Durability: The Crusher Evo is designed with long-wear comfort in mind, featuring plush ear cushions and a lightweight build. The headphones also fold down into a compact form for easy storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique adjustable sensory bass provides a personalized listening experience.
- Long battery life with rapid recharge capability.
- Personal Sound Profiles through the Skullcandy App enhance audio performance.
- Built-in Tile technology for easy location tracking.
- Comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Cons:
- The intense bass feature may not appeal to all listeners, especially those who prefer a more balanced or neutral sound profile.
- Not specifically designed for sports or workouts, so while they are durable, they may not offer the same level of sweat or water resistance as some fitness-focused models.
- The bulky design might not be ideal for all types of physical activity.
In conclusion, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless headphones are a fantastic choice for those who prioritize deep, immersive bass and long-lasting battery life in their audio devices. While they may not be explicitly marketed as workout headphones, their durability and comfort make them suitable for casual fitness activities. If you’re a bass lover looking for headphones that can deliver a powerful sound experience during your workouts, the Crusher Evo could be a great fit. However, for high-intensity or outdoor activities, you might want to consider headphones with specific sports-oriented features.
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition
The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition headphones are a premium offering in the market, known for their exceptional sound quality, durability, and unique design. Tailored for audiophiles who do not want to compromise on style or performance, these headphones also cater to fitness enthusiasts looking for robust, high-fidelity sound during their workouts. Here’s a closer look at what these headphones have to offer:
Key Features and Performance
Hi-Res Audio Certification: The Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition is certified for high-resolution audio, which means it’s capable of delivering sound quality that’s significantly better than the standard CD quality. This is particularly appealing to audiophiles and anyone looking to enjoy the nuances of their music.
50mm Dual-Diaphragm Drivers: Equipped with large 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers, these headphones offer a vibrant, balanced sound with deep bass, vivid mids, and crisp highs. The separation between the bass and the mids/highs ensures that the bass doesn’t bleed into other frequencies, maintaining clarity across the spectrum.
Codex Support: This edition supports advanced audio codecs, including AAC and aptX, for better sound quality over Bluetooth. This ensures that you get the best possible wireless audio performance, whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or taking calls.
Durability and Comfort: The Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition features a durable steel frame and virtually indestructible Steelflex headband. The headphones also come with memory foam cushions that provide comfort for extended listening sessions, making them suitable for long workouts or travels.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Offering up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, these headphones can easily get you through a day of use. They also feature multi-device pairing, allowing you to switch between sources effortlessly.
Passive Noise Isolation: While not equipped with active noise cancellation, the design provides natural noise isolation by passively sealing out external sounds. This can be beneficial for maintaining awareness in outdoor environments while still enjoying your music.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior sound quality with Hi-Res Audio certification.
- Robust build quality and unique, customizable design.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions, with plush memory foam cushions.
- Supports high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs for improved wireless sound.
- Passive noise isolation helps focus on your music without complete disconnection from the environment.
Cons:
- Lack of active noise cancellation may be a downside for those seeking complete ambient noise reduction.
- The battery life, while adequate, is shorter compared to some competitors offering 20+ hours of playback.
- The premium build and sound quality come with a higher price tag, which might not fit all budgets.
- Can be perceived as bulky for some users, potentially affecting comfort during high-intensity workouts.
The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition stands out for its exceptional audio performance, durability, and unique design. These headphones are a great choice for users who prioritize sound quality and style in their workout gear. While they offer substantial passive noise isolation and comfort, it’s important to weigh these features against the lack of active noise cancellation and the price point to determine if they’re the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT brings the acclaimed sound performance of the iconic ATH-M50x professional studio headphones to a wireless form factor, making them a versatile choice for music enthusiasts and professionals alike. These headphones combine Audio-Technica’s renowned sound quality with the convenience of Bluetooth technology, offering an exceptional listening experience whether you’re on the move, working out, or simply enjoying music at home. Here’s an in-depth look at what they offer:
Key Features and Performance
Exceptional Clarity and Sound Quality: The ATH-M50xBT features large 45mm drivers and a sound profile that mirrors the original ATH-M50x. This setup delivers exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. The sound signature is well-balanced, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, these headphones offer convenient wireless connectivity and excellent signal stability. They support aptX and AAC codecs, ensuring high-quality sound transmission without the constraints of wires.
Long Battery Life: The ATH-M50xBT boasts up to 40 hours of continuous use on a full charge, making them ideal for long listening sessions, extended travel, or multiple workouts before needing to recharge.
Comfortable Design: Maintaining the professional design of the original M50x, the ATH-M50xBT has contoured earcups that seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. The earpads and headband are made from professional-grade materials, ensuring durability and comfort during prolonged use.
Touch Control and Voice Assistance: The left earcup features touch control, providing convenient access to voice assistance (Siri or Google Assistant) and music playback controls. This makes it easier to change tracks, adjust volume, or take calls without reaching for your device.
Built-in Microphone: A high-quality, built-in microphone enables clear hands-free calls, enhancing the versatility of these headphones for everyday use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality sound with excellent clarity and balance.
- Long battery life suitable for extended use.
- Comfortable, durable design ideal for long listening sessions.
- Convenient wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0.
- Supports high-quality codecs (aptX, AAC) for better sound over Bluetooth.
Cons:
- While comfortable, the over-ear design can be bulky for some users, potentially affecting portability.
- Not specifically designed as workout headphones, so they may not be as sweat-resistant as other fitness-focused models.
- Some users may miss active noise cancellation, which is not featured on these headphones.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones are an excellent choice for those seeking the professional sound quality of the ATH-M50x in a convenient, wireless format. They are well-suited for a variety of uses, from critical listening to casual music enjoyment during workouts. Their durable design, long battery life, and excellent sound make them a compelling option for audiophiles and everyday listeners alike. However, if you’re looking for headphones with specific workout features like water resistance or active noise cancellation, you might want to explore additional options tailored to those needs.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a significant step forward in the company’s lineup of premium headphones, offering top-notch noise cancellation, superb audio quality, and innovative features that set a new standard for what users can expect from wireless headphones. These headphones are designed for those who demand the best in noise cancellation, whether for focus, travel, workouts, or enjoying music in peace. Here’s a detailed overview:
Key Features and Performance
Unrivaled Noise Cancellation: The Bose 700 headphones feature adjustable noise cancellation levels, allowing users to fine-tune the amount of ambient noise they want to block out. This makes them incredibly versatile for various environments, from the quiet of a home office to the bustle of a city street or a noisy gym.
Crystal Clear Audio and Calls: Engineered with proprietary active EQ technology, the Bose 700 delivers lifelike audio that remains balanced at any volume. The clarity of calls is equally impressive, thanks to an innovative microphone system that isolates your voice from surrounding noise.
Intuitive Touch Controls: The earcups offer touch-sensitive controls for easy management of volume, calls, and music playback. This user-friendly interface enhances the overall experience, making it seamless to interact with your headphones.
Personalized Environment Control: Through the Bose Music app, users can customize their listening experience by adjusting noise cancellation levels, managing Bluetooth connections, and accessing software updates.
Comfort and Design: The Bose 700 headphones boast a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel headband and angled earcups for a perfect fit. The comfort level is enhanced by the lightweight build and soft, plush ear cushions, making them suitable for extended wear, including long workout sessions.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Offering up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, these headphones are designed to keep up with your day. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable connection and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation with adjustable levels for personalized control.
- High-fidelity audio quality for an immersive listening experience.
- Sleek, comfortable design suitable for long periods of use.
- Intuitive touch controls and access to voice assistants for easy operation.
- Robust battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons:
- Premium price point, making them an investment.
- Some users may find the design bulkier compared to in-ear options, especially for workouts.
- While durable, their premium construction may require extra care during intense physical activities.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 represent a significant achievement in the realm of wireless headphones, combining exceptional noise cancellation capabilities with high-quality sound and user-friendly features. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a premium listening experience, whether for work, leisure, or fitness activities. However, given their price and design, they may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those looking for headphones specifically tailored to sports or exercise. Nonetheless, for users who value noise cancellation and audio quality above all, the Bose 700 headphones are hard to beat.
Sony WH-XB900N
The Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are part of Sony’s EXTRA BASS™ series, designed to deliver deep, punchy bass for an enhanced listening experience. These headphones are a great choice for bass lovers looking for a combination of powerful sound, noise cancellation, and wireless convenience at a relatively more accessible price point compared to Sony’s flagship models. Here’s a detailed look at their features and performance:
Key Features and Performance
Extra Bass Technology: The WH-XB900N headphones are engineered with Sony’s EXTRA BASS™ technology, which enhances low-end frequencies for a resonant, deep sound signature. This makes them particularly appealing for genres such as EDM, hip-hop, and pop.
Active Noise Cancellation: Equipped with active noise cancellation, these headphones can effectively reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or work in peace. The noise cancellation is adjustable, enabling you to tailor it to your environment.
Wireless Connectivity and NFC: Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication) support offer a quick and easy way to connect your devices wirelessly, ensuring a seamless listening experience without the hassle of cables.
Voice Assistant Integration: The WH-XB900N supports voice assistant features, allowing easy access to your phone’s voice assistant with a simple touch. This adds convenience for tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or getting directions without needing to handle your phone.
Touch Sensor Controls: Intuitive touch controls on the earcup let you play, pause, skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls with a simple touch or swipe.
Long Battery Life: Offering up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, these headphones are designed to keep you listening all day long. Plus, a quick charge feature gives you up to 60 minutes of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.
Comfortable Design: The WH-XB900N features a sleek, foldable design with soft, cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband for comfort over long listening sessions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced bass response for a dynamic listening experience.
- Effective noise cancellation for immersion in music.
- Long battery life and quick charging for extended use.
- Intuitive touch controls and voice assistant compatibility for convenience.
- Comfortable, foldable design for ease of use and portability.
Cons:
- The emphasis on bass might not appeal to those looking for a more balanced or neutral sound profile.
- Noise cancellation, while effective, may not be as powerful as that of higher-end models like the WH-1000XM4.
- Some users might find the touch controls sensitive or less precise compared to physical buttons.
Overall, the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offer a compelling mix of features for those who prioritize deep bass, convenience, and noise cancellation. They strike a balance between performance and affordability, making them an attractive option for everyday use, travel, and light workouts. While they excel in delivering a bass-heavy sound and comfortable wear, users looking for audiophile-grade accuracy or the ultimate noise-cancelling performance may want to explore higher-end options.
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2
The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are a noteworthy entry in the competitive market of noise-cancelling headphones, offering a blend of comfort, sound quality, and innovative features tailored for productivity and leisure alike. As the successor to the original Surface Headphones, the second iteration brings improvements in battery life, sound quality, and Bluetooth connectivity, making them a compelling option for those in the Microsoft ecosystem and beyond. Here’s a closer look at their features and performance:
Key Features and Performance
Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): One of the standout features of the Surface Headphones 2 is the ability to adjust the level of noise cancellation through intuitive on-ear dials. This allows users to precisely control how much external noise they want to block out, from complete isolation to allowing some ambient sound for awareness of surroundings.
Sound Quality: The Surface Headphones 2 deliver a balanced and rich sound profile, with improvements over their predecessor for a more refined audio experience. They are well-suited for a variety of music genres, podcasts, and video content, offering clear vocals, detailed highs, and respectable bass.
Omnisonic Sound: Microsoft’s Omnisonic sound technology aims to create an immersive listening experience, enhancing the spatial quality of audio and making it feel more encompassing.
Battery Life and Fast Charging: With up to 20 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, the Surface Headphones 2 are built for all-day use. Additionally, they support fast charging, providing almost an hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
Intuitive Controls: The headphones feature innovative control dials on the ear cups for adjusting volume and noise cancellation levels, offering a user-friendly and tactile way to manage audio settings. Touch controls are also available for playback and calls.
Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: For users invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, the Surface Headphones 2 offer integration with Microsoft 365, facilitating voice dictation and live captions in Office apps for enhanced productivity.
Comfort and Design: The design remains largely unchanged from the first generation, with a comfortable, adjustable headband and plush ear cups suitable for extended wear. The headphones also maintain their sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adjustable active noise cancellation allows for a customizable listening environment.
- Balanced sound quality suitable for a wide range of audio content.
- Intuitive controls, including unique on-ear dials for volume and ANC adjustment.
- Good battery life with fast charging capability.
- Comfortable design for long listening sessions.
Cons:
- While improved, noise cancellation may not quite match the top competitors in its class.
- The sound quality, though balanced, may lack the depth and clarity offered by more audiophile-focused brands.
- Some users may find the headphones bulky for travel or physical activity.
In summary, the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are a solid choice for those seeking a versatile pair of noise-cancelling headphones with unique features like adjustable ANC and seamless integration with Microsoft 365. They offer a comfortable fit, intuitive controls, and a balanced sound profile, making them well-suited for work, travel, and casual listening. While they face stiff competition from other premium headphones in their price range, their unique offerings make them a compelling option for users who prioritize ease of use and integration with Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools.