The headphones, the beat, the music and the pure adrenaline of matching your cycling speed to your favourite tracks are what makes cycling a true in-the-moment experience!
There are not a lot of experiences that can come close to cycling with your favourite music playing in your headphones. Beyond just music, the pure ease of being able to take calls and keep your hands on the handle also makes a bluetooth-enabled earphone an important piece when cycling!
Now there are not a lot of wearable audio products that are developed primarily for cycling enthusiasts. However, there are some really good headphones that might be the perfect choice if you are someone who wants to listen to your favourite tracks.
So which headphone should you pick for your adventures? Which are the best headphones for cycling in 2022?
Choosing the best headphones for cycling is a task that is easier said than done. It is so because there are hundreds of headphones available in the market that are favoured by riders.
These headphones differ significantly from each other in terms of technology, and their pricing.
If you are in a similar situation, then you have landed on the right page. It is so because in this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the best headphones for cycling.
Note: This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only provide unbiased reviews.
Best Headphones for Cycling
What are the best headphones for cycling? To be honest, there can be no exact answer to this question primarily because each rider has their own preferences, and almost no product can be perfect for everyone.
Here we will be discussing the 11 best headphones for cycling currently including some flagship products, and various budget options.
#1: Apple AirPods Pro: For top-of-the-line all-rounded quality
The Apple AirPods Pro is hands down one of the best headphones you can buy. Apple is known for the sheer quality of their products, and the Apple AirPods Pro are no different.
If you have an Apple device, and if the AirPods Pro falls in your budget range, then this is probably one of the best cycling headphones out there.
The unique in-ear design of the AirPods Pro makes it one of the most comfortable headphones there is, and the sound quality is absolutely brilliant.
If audio quality is your primary requirement, then the Apple AirPods Pro would never disappoint you. They sit comfortably in your ear pockets, and they are less likely to fall off even when you are riding your bikes on even surfaces, or at high speeds.
Versatility is another huge plus for the Apple AirPods Pro. The design is simple, and yet it looks pretty elegant. You can use it during your riding sessions, and use it as your primary in-ear devices for all other occasions as well.
The active and passive noise cancellation features of the AirPods Pro are yet another attraction. The active noise cancellation features external noise completely for times when you just want to get lost in the world of music. There is also passive noise cancelling that lets in environmental, and external noises so that you remain aware of your surroundings whilst enjoying the music.
The only downside of the Apple AirPods Pro has to be its battery life. The AirPods last for about 4 to 5 hours on a single charge. However, the case supports fast charging, and you can get a playback time worth 3 hours with just 15 minutes of charging time. It’s a real life-saving feature we can thank Apple for.
Overall, if you want a pair of simple yet meaningful headphones with superior audio quality, then the Apple AirPods Pro is definitely the product you should be ordering.
#2: Jabra Elite 7 Pro: For the ultimate sound-quality
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is our second pick on this list, and it has been giving the Apple AirPods Pro some serious competition for that top spot.
Jabra is one of the biggest names in the wearable audio industry, and the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is one of their flagship products, that offer you everything you would expect from headphones.
Let’s start with the audio quality. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro makes use of 6mm custom speaker drivers, and when paired with Jabra’s multisensor voice technology, the earbuds produce solid output audio.
The earbuds have a unique in-ear design that fits in well, and has a snug fit within your ear pockets. This is quite reassuring, as it gives you that much needed confidence when you are riding your bike.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers you adjustable Active Noise Cancellation, and you are free to control the noise cancellation as per your requirements. Thanks to this, you are in control of deciding how much sound you want to let in your headphones.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is one of the best headphones in the market, if you receive a lot of calls through your headphones. The MultiSensor Voice technology developed by Jabra itself combines four powerful microphones and packs a Voice Pick Up or VPU sensor in each bud, that improves the quality of your calls significantly.
Not only do you hear the audio clear, and loud, but your audio is also received well by the person you are on a call with.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is one of the best headphones you can buy for the time you are going to spend with your bike.
#3: AfterShokz Aeropex In-Ear Headphones: For Long Bike Trips
The AfterShokz Aeropex is one of those headphones that can be considered to be cycling specific.
The open-ear design equipped with the patented bone conduction technology uses the cheekbone to deliver premium audio quality that not only keeps you connected to your favourite audio tracks but also makes sure that you remain aware of your surroundings.
One of the biggest highlights of the AfterShokz Aeropex headphones is its amazing battery life.
The headphones can last for up to 8 hours on a single charge, and it is a perfect choice if you intend to go on long biking trips, and you don’t want to make unnecessary halts just for charging your headphones.
The headphones also come with IP67 sweat, and water-resistant rating, which makes sure that sweat or rain does not become a barrier on your cycling trips when it comes to audio performance.
The headphones also have an exclusive sports pack that makes it easier for you to store these headphones securely.
#4: Bose SoundSport: For Budget Cyclists
Bose is easily one of the biggest names in the audio industry, and a major reason behind it is the sheer quality of the products that are manufactured by Bose.
The Bose SoundSport unlike the other three products we have discussed before is a budget offering. However, despite the smaller price tag, the Bose SoundSport offers one of the best audio quality in the business.
The headphones do not go completely inside your ear canal, and there is some space left between the headphones, and your ear cups. This makes way for some passive noise to reach your ear canal that ensures that you remain conscious about your surroundings.
However, a gap doesn’t mean that the fit is bad. It is of almost the same level you’d expect it to be!
#5: JayBird Vista 2 Headphones: For The Rugged Cyclists
Another wearable audio product that is currently taking on the world with a storm is the Jaybird Vista 2 headphones.
JayBird is an audio brand that is preferred by a lot of sports professionals and athletes are their first pick when it comes to headphones, and other wearable audio products. The ergonomic design of the JayBird Vista 2 makes it the perfect choice for physical activities, and more.
The headphones are sweat, and water-resistant, which is a great addition to the device.
One of the most striking features of the JayBird Vista 2 headphones is the inclusion of JayBird’s proprietary SurroundSense technology.
Beyond that, these advanced headphones are #EARTHPROOF of shock, dust, water, and sweat-resistant IPX7 construction, which is perfect if you’re going on your long touring rides.
Using this technology, the headphones can either enter the Active Noise Cancellation mode that blocks all the external noise. Or it can amplify the external noise that makes you more aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, you also have the “Find My Buds” feature that allows you to find your headphones with ease in case you forgot their location.
#6: Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Headphones: For The Sound Particular Individual
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Headphones is by far one of the best sounding headphones on this list.
If you have some knowledge about wearable audio devices, you might have heard the names Bang and Olufsen, a Danish company which is well known for the superior audio performance of their products.
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Headphones continue that legacy, and it is one of the best sounding sport headphones of them all.
If you are an audio enthusiast, you can use the Beosonic application, thanks to which, you can customize the audio as per your needs, and preferences.
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Headphones might be a great choice for open road activities, because it can amplify the external noises so that you have a much clearer understanding of what is happening in your surroundings.
#7: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds: For The Ultimate Bass Cyclist
If you want to revolutionize your workouts or your cycling sessions, then the Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds are the headphones that you should be looking at.
The Powerbeats Pro have an over-the ear earbuds design or ear hooks that is known for its tight fit, and durability during the time of your physical activities.
If you are a bass-head, and you just love listening to bass, then the Powerbeats Pro would not disappoint you. By default, the earbuds are tweaked on the higher end of the bass, for all the bassheads out there.
The headphones are lightweight, and they are cord-free, so that you no longer have to face the annoying problem of undoing the dangling, and twisted cables.
An IPX4 water rating protects the earbuds from sweat which is a much-appreciated feature. The device makes use of Apple’s proprietary H1 chip for seamless smartphone connectivity.
#8: Zruhig Open Ear Headphones: For The Budget Cyclist
Are you looking for performance headphones that do not cost you a lot? If yes, then the Zruhig Open Ear headphones might just be the perfect product for you.
The Zruhig Open Ear headphones use Bone Conduction technology that is known for its superior comfort, and excellent audio quality.
Bone Conduction technology is used mostly in sport headphones because they offer decent audio quality, and extreme comfort, even if you are planning to wear these headphones for extended durations of time.
The headphones feature the Bluetooth 5.2 technology that increases the range, and reduces the connectivity time between the headphones, and your smartphone.
The headphones have a battery life of about 7 hours, which is good enough for your long trips on the nearby hill. The headphones arrive with IP65 water, and sweat resistant ratings.
Overall, these headphones are a great option, if you are looking for a budget device that works well.
#9: Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo: For The Performance-Oriented Cyclist
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo headphones have easily one of the best value for money offerings out of all the headphones out there.
The headphones perform really well when it comes to bass, and the performance is decent when it comes to neutral sections. Anker has gone minimalistic with the design, and to be honest, it looks good. The earbuds fit well in your ear sockets, and they look good while you are wearing them.
The headphones arrive with interchangeable tips that are a must-have especially after a sweaty workout session. The earbuds have an IPX7 protection rating, something that is not offered by a lot of headphones in this price range.
The Bluetooth connectivity is good enough, and you can enjoy seamless wireless connectivity of up to 10 meters.
#10: Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport Headphones: For The Commuting Cyclist
Adidas is one of the biggest names in the sporting, and fitness industry, but not for its audio products. However, it seems like this is not going to be the case anymore because Adidas has already launched the Adidas RPT-01, a dedicated sport headphone.
The RPT-01 is an over-the-ear headphone, and if you were looking for an over the ear headphone, then this product might just be the perfect pick.
The headphones have got a water & sweat resistant rating, and it has an audio playback time of over 40 hours.
The control knobs makes it easier for you to control the device, and increases the usability. The sound quality is decent, and to be honest, there are much better-sounding headphones in this price range.
#11: EarFun Air Pro: For The Budget-Friendly Cyclist
If you are on a budget, and you want a product with some great specifications without being brand conscious, then the EarFun Air Pro is the ultimate pick.
The EarFun Aur Pro is a budget offering, but it offers excellent audio quality, and a superb value for money experience. It is one of the cheapest headphones to offer you an Active Noise Cancellation feature that helps you in reducing the ambient noises by up to 38 dB which is impressive.
The powerful 10mm drivers used on the earbuds produce some high-quality sound, and the high-resolution built-in decoder does the rest. The headphones have a long battery life of up to 7 hours with the ANC feature turned On, and you can add a couple of hours more to the battery life if you turn the ANC off.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. 11 best headphones for cycling you can purchase for yourself today. All the headphones mentioned in this list are best in their own unique ways.
Some headphones offer you exceptional features, whereas some offer a better value for money offering. Some of the headphones opt for a Bone Conduction technology, whereas a lot of them are earbuds that fit snugly in your ear cups.
The final choice of choosing the best headphones for cycling for your personal use depends on you. Your priorities, and requirements would decide which headphones would be best suited for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you cycle with headphones?
Yes, you can cycle with headphones in almost every part of the globe. However, try to keep the sound low so that you are aware of your surroundings as well.
- Do earbuds fall out while cycling?
Earbuds are designed in such a way that they fit perfectly in your ear cups. As long as your earbuds fit in perfectly, they would not fall off, unless you have been shaking your head vigorously for quite some time.
- Do Pro Cyclists listen to music?
A lot of pro cyclists like listening to music when they are training. When they are competing professionally in competitions, they are often not seen wearing any headphones.