Is there a difference between sports headphones and regular headphones? By and large, no. Is that in the "sports" models more attention is paid to ergonomics than sound quality.
The wireless headset differs mainly only in the type of construction. Headphones for sports are divided into two large groups - conditionally wireless (overhead) and wireless (earbuds).
The only difference between these models is that they do not connect to the smartphone connector.The headphones themselves are interconnected either by a rigid arc (for fixing on the back of the head), a cable, or a standard headband.
A headset with a hard arc is good for everyone. They are securely held, do not fly off during a workout, get rid of annoying noise of rubbing wires, are designed for a long battery life and in general can become an ideally convenient device for training. But on the condition that you can choose "your" option.
The problem is that most models, for some reason, are designed for adult men. It will be difficult for girls or teenagers to find comfortable headphones of this type. Another disadvantage is connected just with a long battery life. To ensure it, capacious batteries are installed in such headphones, so you definitely can’t call them super-light in weight. And a useful tip for those who train with a barbell - headphones will not survive an accidental collision with a bar.
In general, it is better to test such models before buying, because of the weight and rigid arc, not everyone likes them.
Headphones with a wire are lighter, do not hinder movements, and there is no question of size when choosing a model. Of the minuses - background noise, which can create a wire and a low-power battery. They will fit for a standard workout, but they won’t work for a long bike ride (what is not a sport) or jogging.
The option of a headset with a headband will be appreciated only by lovers of strength training or measured jogging. During active classes, they will simply fly off. And by weight, they (even with a lightweight headband) cannot be said to be light. But such models also have pluses - excellent noise reduction and, as a rule, a capacious battery for long battery life.
Models with behind-the-ear fastening are comfortable, do not penetrate into the auricle, so they are quite comfortable to wear. It is better to take compact ones, with an ergonomic design and a type of attachment for the auricle - these are considered universal.
If you choose the right size, then the headphones will not fly off and will not create extraneous noise either. In addition, a loose fit has its advantages - ambient sounds will not be completely cut off. This option is useful if the running route, for example, passes through city streets - it will definitely be safer to play sports.
In-ear headphones are convenient because they practically do not create extraneous noise, are perfectly kept in the auricle, do not interfere - you can jump, run, and do yoga in them.
Models in the middle price segment have several ear pads in the kit, they are protected from sweat. More expensive models will easily withstand short-term contact with water (during a shower after a workout).
There are few cons. The first is that not everyone can wear such liners for a long time. So if possible, it is worth testing them for at least 40 minutes. The second - one charge is enough for a maximum of 4 hours. The third is not very convenient use. It's one thing if you're watching a movie - you can take out the headphones and safely put them in the case. And what to do on a run, a walk. In order not to constantly remove the earphone, you should look for models with the possibility of mono connection.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the level of noise reduction, ease of operation, and of course, comfort. Otherwise, instead of active training, you can get a hassle by endlessly adjusting the sliding headband or temple.
If you are involved in active or power sports, pay attention to shock-resistant models with moisture protection.
It is better to take a headset with a noise reduction function - the interlocutor, during a telephone conversation, will hear only the voice, without distortion and extraneous sounds.
The rest is optional. Some sports models can act as a personal trainer to help improve performance. There are also fitness trackers with basic functions, such as counting the number of steps and calories burned during a workout.
If you are sensitive to sound quality (even if music is used as a background), pay attention to such characteristics as:
If you do not want to understand hertz and decibels, listen to music through headphones right in the store. A couple of songs of different genres will most likely be enough to appreciate the sound.
When choosing a model with a cable or a rigid arc, you should choose a headset with magnets built into the headphones - they are securely connected to each other, and it will not be so easy to lose them.
When ordering online, the only way to draw any conclusions is to read user reviews. Choose detailed, and not just short messages that the delivery is fast, the headphones are in the box, the package is whole. Such information is only useful for selecting a seller.
An inexpensive model with echo and noise cancellation, a microphone for receiving calls while listening to music and a backlit bezel. Relatively light, comfortable, plus battery life - about 8 hours.
The control is physical, the buttons are built into the bezel itself. The sound is loud, voluminous, without unnecessary noise. The rim does not press, sits comfortably and is almost not felt. Judging by the reviews, there are no particular problems with the size.
Price - 2500 rubles.
A Bluetooth headset with good sound quality and a flat rimmed cable is almost not felt on the neck, and does not fall off during active workouts. Easily controlled from the block on the wire (switching tracks, receiving incoming calls), supports the fast charging function.
Marked earbuds, slightly different in shape, provide comfort even when listening to music for a long time (there will be no pain or pressure), and the magnets on the cases are securely connected to each other for fixation on the neck.
There is, of course, no moisture protection for such money. The rest is a good copy that can work up to 18 hours without recharging.
Price - 2500 rubles
Comfortable and lightweight, with active noise cancellation. Waterproof - protection class IP55, they will withstand a short stay in the rain, but it is better to remove them before going to the shower. Additional features include switching tracks, answering an incoming call and a voice assistant. Button control, from the block on the cable.
Operating time - up to 20 hours in the mode of continuous listening to music, charging time - 2 hours. The model supports the fast charging function - 15 minutes is enough for the headphones to last 10 hours. It comes with 3 pairs of silicone eartips, making it easy to find your size.
The sound quality is average - definitely not suitable for connoisseurs of surround sound. The rest is good.
Price - 5000 rubles.
A good option for jogging or long bike rides. Such a headset does not cause discomfort, allows you to hear the surrounding sounds, which is good in terms of security.
Headset with microphone, touch control active noise cancellation and good sound. Comfortable, does not slip off during active training.Plus stylish design, simple operation and instant connection with your smartphone.
Additional features - calling a voice assistant, displaying the charge level and supporting a pop-up window when connected to apple devices.
The price is 2400 rubles.
Compact and functional, with an ear removal sensor, touch controls and fast charging support. Built-in voice assistants Apple Siri, Google Now, noise reduction in talk mode, plus game mode - instant response to commands when switching tracks. Operating time - 6 hours, it will take 2 hours to fully charge.
The price is 3100 rubles.
A slightly strange design is more than offset by functionality. Both earbuds can be used in mono mode (both for listening to music and for answering calls).
The mounts sit comfortably and do not rub, the ears do not hurt even after a long time of wearing. The sensor reacts instantly, without delay, although you need to be careful with it - it can’t stand quick frequent touches, you have to take it off and wait a couple of minutes.
Separately, it should be said about sound insulation - it is more than excellent. Some users noted that even when turned off, the earbuds feel more like earplugs.
Battery life - 5 hours, charging - 1.5 hours.Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Price - 2000 rubles.
Ergonomically shaped device (the manufacturer claims to be innovative) eliminates discomfort during prolonged wear. A special design with a loose fit and fastening behind the auricle on the one hand ensures a good fit (the headphones do not fall out during active movement), on the other hand, a good audibility of surrounding sounds.
Extensive functionality - from calling SIRI, to indicating pairing with a smartphone and determining the phone number, plus the function of dropping a call and switching tracks.
Price - 2900 rubles.
Probably the most comfortable, but on the condition that you can choose your earpiece size. If the auricle is small, you should look for models with an additional set of earbuds.
Miniature, noise-canceling, quick pairing with a smartphone (10 m range), and sweat and water drop protection. Management - using the button located at the top of the headset. There is protection against accidental pressing.
The sound is average, it will fit for training, but for music lovers the quality will not be enough. The operating time from one charge is 4 hours, it will take about 1.5 hours to recharge.By the way, when the charge level decreases, the headphones will inform the owner about this with a short beep.
Price - 1500 rubles (average when compared on several Internet sites)
Practical, with ergonomic ear tips that fit almost any ear size. The LED display built into the case shows the charge level of the headphones in pairs and each separately.
You can use the headset in mono mode, connecting only one earbud or each to different devices - a feature, of course, a strange one. There is a noise-canceling microphone and support for calling a voice assistant.
Sensor touch, with high sensitivity. The sound is good with clear bass, bass and treble.
Price - 2000 rubles.
Waterproof, with touch control. Useful for training and for work, watching movies from a laptop, computer or tablet. They hold a charge for a long time, do not cause discomfort during prolonged wear.
The functionality is standard - switching tracks, answering incoming calls. The sound quality is good, the noise isolation is optimal.
Price - 1000 rubles.
Since all headphones are mainly made in China, when ordering online, even on large marketplaces, there is a risk of running into a fake or marriage. Therefore, it is worthwhile to clarify the conditions for returning defective goods in advance. Ideally, this information should be reflected in the product card.