Need buying advice for jogging?

[groove-agent]

Hi all,

I’ve been researching options for some headphones/ in ears for jogging but can’t seem to come up with any solutions.

I currently have the 1st gen AirPods and didn’t mind them for jogging until I bought a pair of wireless Audoo-Technica ATHM50s and now can’t stand the AirPods for music. To me they sound quite harsh and trebly. I like them for taking calls but not so much for music.

I’ve considered some Bose in-ears but while jogging I need to be able to hear the environment for safety reasons.

My concern with in ears are also the sound pressure that’s in my ears. I’ve tried the Shure SE215 which sound good but once you get a good seal they feel uncomfortable. This is my worry with the AirPod Pros

Im also considering wired or wireless over-ears.The best set I’ve had for jogging were some Sony behind the neck on-ears but you can’t buy them anymore.

If anyone here is a jogger and can recommend a good sounding solution I’d really appreciate it.

 

[oMc]

I have a pair of Powerbeats Pro for running / going to the gym and I like them a lot.

 

[Schranke]

Have you tried the AirPods Pro? how does they sound to you?

Personally I use them for runs in the city and I find them quite good. When ANC is disabled they still let in enough sound so that I can hear cars and bike bells, keeping me aware of the surroundings. I do however not blast music into my ears at a ridiculous high volume as the clearness of the sound is good.

And then they are brilliant for going to the gym as well compared to a set of AirPods/wired headphones as the ANC allows me to kill a lot of background noice when listening to podcast or audiobooks during a long cardio session.

 

[NME42]

When it comes to safety, I would go for bone conduction headphones from Aftershokz. I love them.
Sound quality is of course worse than inears, but this is no issue for me as long as I can hear everything around me well. Even use them on the bike, mainly for podcasts.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

When it comes to safety, I would go for bone conduction headphones from Aftershokz. I love them.
Sound quality is of course worse than inears, but this is no issue for me as long as I can hear everything around me well. Even use them on the bike, mainly for podcasts.

I been very curious about those.

 

[NME42]

I been very curious about those.

Really recommend those. The middle price model (Trekz Air) are often discounted at Amazon here in Germany for about 30% off. IMHO they offer the best package for less than 90€.
But again: HiFi fans will be disappointed. Also nothing for a gym where you do not want to hear the noise around. For that I use my AirPods Pro in NC mode.

 

[groove-agent]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

My first instinct was the AirPods Pro, but I've seen on these forums people complaining about them hurting their ears. It probably depends on your ear canal I guess. I know when I tried the Shure 215s in-ears I found them uncomfortable. The second worry I have is with the sound quality. I don't think I've seen any review saying that the sound quality is "excellent". I'm coming from the AirPods 1 and am not happy with the lack of bass/ harsh trebly sound. I know that if you get a good seal in your ear you can get more bass, but then you have to worry about problem #1 listed above.

This is why I'm almost thinking of getting some on-ears like the Beats Solo 3 or something like that.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Really recommend those. The middle price model (Trekz Air) are often discounted at Amazon here in Germany for about 30% off. IMHO they offer the best package for less than 90€.
But again: HiFi fans will be disappointed. Also nothing for a gym where you do not want to hear the noise around. For that I use my AirPods Pro in NC mode.

What about wind? Can you still hear music or phone conversation well, while riding a bicycle or electric scooter?

Thanks for the replies everyone.

My first instinct was the AirPods Pro, but I've seen on these forums people complaining about them hurting their ears. It probably depends on your ear canal I guess. I know when I tried the Shure 215s in-ears I found them uncomfortable. The second worry I have is with the sound quality. I don't think I've seen any review saying that the sound quality is "excellent". I'm coming from the AirPods 1 and am not happy with the lack of bass/ harsh trebly sound. I know that if you get a good seal in your ear you can get more bass, but then you have to worry about problem #1 listed above.

This is why I'm almost thinking of getting some on-ears like the Beats Solo 3 or something like that.

My Airpods Pro are definitely much better than my previous Gen 2 Airpods, when it come to sound. I think you should give the Airpod Pros a try, then return them if you don't like. I'm only in my second day of owning the Airpods Pro, and now I understand why Apple was so enthusiastic about letting people try them on in Apple stores.

 

[NME42]

What about wind? Can you still hear music or phone conversation well, while riding a bicycle or electric scooter?

While running wind is disturbing but it is still possible to understand a podcast. On the bike a strong headwind makes listening a pain.

 

[groove-agent]

Thanks very much for the info. Do you find the AirPods Pro uncomfortable in your ear when trying to get a proper seal? Does it feal like they create pressure in your ear canal?

What about wind? Can you still hear music or phone conversation well, while riding a bicycle or electric scooter?





My Airpods Pro are definitely much better than my previous Gen 2 Airpods, when it come to sound. I think you should give the Airpod Pros a try, then return them if you don't like. I'm only in my second day of owning the Airpods Pro, and now I understand why Apple was so enthusiastic about letting people try them on in Apple stores.

 

[Schranke]

Thanks very much for the info. Do you find the AirPods Pro uncomfortable in your ear when trying to get a proper seal? Does it feal like they create pressure in your ear canal?

Not aimed at me, but having used the AirPods Pro since January I do not find it uncomfortable to have in ear with NC on for extended periods of time. As for pressure, not anything I notice without sitting down and being aware of it.

If you really want something with a lot of bass, I know JBL make some wireless models with plenty (my dad has a pair, JBL Tune120 TWS) but I am not sure on how they fair when running as I haven't tried them for it.

EDIT: about the uncomfortableness, it seems to be really individual, some people just doesn't have a good fit. But for some it looks like 3rd party foam buds makes a big difference.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Thanks very much for the info. Do you find the AirPods Pro uncomfortable in your ear when trying to get a proper seal? Does it feal like they create pressure in your ear canal?

It's very comfortable for me. I forget they are in my ears, just like the regular airpods. Haven't felt any pressure in my ear canal, and the seal test tells me I have a proper seal. But everyone will have a differ experience. My ears are on the small side.

 

[TorontoSS]

I find them great for running. i didn't like the non pro versions for running though. Mostly them being long hit my earrings too often. I use transparency mode when running outside in my neighbourhood. I used to use the ANC a lot more but somehow with covid 19 i barely do. I guess because you're not commuting as much. on trains i'd keep ANC on, and transparency mode on when walking around. The seal is good too.

I'd recommend for running.

 

[Keniutek]

Get the Jabra Elite Active 75t's and thank me later

 

[groove-agent]

On a quasi-whim, I was in Staples and took the plunge on the AirPods Pro. At first try I hated the seal in my ears, and started feeling a little nauseous because of the pressure. The bass notes were almost painful. However I kept at it and tried the different sized tips and found a decent fit which was fairly comfortable. I figured the worst case scenario is I can use smaller tips and the fit would be similar to the regular AirPods if the seal got to me.

For anyone else thinking about the same and wondering about the sound quality, getting the seal will get you more bass. There is more definition in the high-mids, but still a little trebly compared to over ears. However, I'm fairly pleased with them so far.

 

[Schranke]

On a quasi-whim, I was in Staples and took the plunge on the AirPods Pro. At first try I hated the seal in my ears, and started feeling a little nauseous because of the pressure. The bass notes were almost painful. However I kept at it and tried the different sized tips and found a decent fit which was fairly comfortable. I figured the worst case scenario is I can use smaller tips and the fit would be similar to the regular AirPods if the seal got to me.

For anyone else thinking about the same and wondering about the sound quality, getting the seal will get you more bass. There is more definition in the high-mids, but still a little trebly compared to over ears. However, I'm fairly pleased with them so far.

Nice, let us hear how they are after a few runs
Good tip is to wipe the tips of after a run, especially if you are a little sweaty.

 

[iSayuSay]

This is a topic I'm interested in. I have a dying Beats X and planning on jumping in with AirPods Pro (ANC/Transparency, IPx4 certification is a feature I really like) for my daily runs (4 - 6 miles on average). Does it stay on your ear after a long session? Or do you have to constantly fix and push APP back into the ear because it's slipping due to sweat and constant strides?

I do nothing crazy, and mostly need a good earphones merely for running and I need it to stay in. Do you think APP is a good choice?

 

[groove-agent]

Almost a week in, I'm struggling with the AirPods Pro. I've been trying the different tips and can't seem to get a good seal in my right ear. While trying to get a seal, it actually hurts my ears. As I walk the sound swishes because they're slightly jostling around with the impact of each step.

While I can start looking into third party tips, I feel like I really shouldn't have to go through so much effort to make these work. I should have trusted my instincts and avoided in-ears that require cramming stuff inside my ear canal. It seems unnatural when you think about it, and somehow I feel I could be damaging my ears somehow using these. Of course I understand that everyone's ears are different and these just might not work as well for different people. I know I use an extra large motorcycle helmet, so maybe I need to try to see if someone sells XL tips for these.

At this point I have to decide if I"m going to try messing with third party tips, or order some on-ear, behind the neck jogging headphones and sell the AirPods Pro to a friend. A good set of on-ears will sound better because there is more space for the electronics, and room for a larger driver in the earpiece, plus larger batteries that require less frequent charging.

 

[ajaan]

Seem so individual for ear pressure/hurt. Two of my friends have to have noise cancelling off because it makes them feel sick. I don't notice it.

I've found Beats Solo Pro 3 great for jogging, but the mic is no where near as good at the AP Pro. Whereas my right AP Pro falls out after several minutes of jogging.

If anyone has found any on or over ear headphones with a great mic for calls, then please let me know. Bose 700, Sony HN-910, Beats Studio3 and Solo Pro3 have all been pretty poor when I've tested them.

 

[groove-agent]

Seem so individual for ear pressure/hurt. Two of my friends have to have noise cancelling off because it makes them feel sick. I don't notice it.

I've found Beats Solo Pro 3 great for jogging, but the mic is no where near as good at the AP Pro. Whereas my right AP Pro falls out after several minutes of jogging.

If anyone has found any on or over ear headphones with a great mic for calls, then please let me know. Bose 700, Sony HN-910, Beats Studio3 and Solo Pro3 have all been pretty poor when I've tested them.

Similar to your friends, I get nauseous but it's when I don't have transparency mode on.

I tried them last night while taking the dog for a walk and as usual couldn't get a seal in my right ear with the largest tip in. After the walk my ear canals hurt for about 15 - 20 minutes. So frustrating I spent all this money on these and can't return them because I didn't buy them from the Apple store.

I tried looking for extra large foam tips for a short period of time last night but couldn't find any. Most of the 3rd party tips seem to have mixed reviews so I'm almost ready to give up on the AirPods Pro and am now leaning towards some on ears. I might post in a separate thread to see if anyone can recommend tips for someone with large ears.

I'm too thinking of the Beats Solo 3 headphones at the moment to replace the AirPods Pro.

FYI, I had a set of Bose Sound True Over Ears and it was great for calls. However, these are disontinued, and are wired.

 

[Schranke]

I tried them last night while taking the dog for a walk and as usual couldn't get a seal in my right ear with the largest tip in.

How does a smaller size work in the side where you can get a fit? most people I have heard with the problem has solved it by going down in size instead of up. Remember you don't have to use the same size tip on both sides.

 

[KayEm6419]

This is a topic I'm interested in. I have a dying Beats X and planning on jumping in with AirPods Pro (ANC/Transparency, IPx4 certification is a feature I really like) for my daily runs (4 - 6 miles on average). Does it stay on your ear after a long session? Or do you have to constantly fix and push APP back into the ear because it's slipping due to sweat and constant strides?

I do nothing crazy, and mostly need a good earphones merely for running and I need it to stay in. Do you think APP is a good choice?

Hello iSayuSay,

Have you considered the PowerBeats Pros? I use and highly recommend them. I'm a distance speed walker, and much prefer these to my APPs for this purpose. They stay put, sound great, block enough noise so I'm just safely aware of traffic. They're IPX4 rated & have long battery life. I really appreciate the full complement of controls on board. Each bud separate.

Case is unbelievably big - the one & only point against.

Hope you find a set you love.
Happy trails!

~KM

 

[groove-agent]

How does a smaller size work in the side where you can get a fit? most people I have heard with the problem has solved it by going down in size instead of up. Remember you don't have to use the same size tip on both sides.

Yes, I've tried going up and down, and doing different tips in each ear.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I have found running with the Powerbeats Pro to be much better than my AirPods Pro. I don’t have to worry about the AirPod Pros falling out all the time. And several times i did have to stop during a run to put them back in. Powerbeats solved that problem. AirPod Pros are fine for walking around with.

 

[iSayuSay]

Hello iSayuSay,

Have you considered the PowerBeats Pros? I use and highly recommend them. I'm a distance speed walker, and much prefer these to my APPs for this purpose. They stay put, sound great, block enough noise so I'm just safely aware of traffic. They're IPX4 rated & have long battery life. I really appreciate the full complement of controls on board. Each bud separate.

Case is unbelievably big - the one & only point against.

Hope you find a set you love.
Happy trails!

~KM

I have found running with the Powerbeats Pro to be much better than my AirPods Pro. I don’t have to worry about the AirPod Pros falling out all the time. And several times i did have to stop during a run to put them back in. Powerbeats solved that problem. AirPod Pros are fine for walking around with.

Thankyou all for kind replies. How about audio quality? Let's say you compare a neutral APP (ANC/transparency off) to PBP? Which do you think has a better sound,or is it a negligible? And which has a better passive noise isolation?

Yep the big case is definitely also a turnoff for me, but with the earhook and sporty design, I seriously consider one.