The headphones in this list will all work great while running, but be sure you pick the right headphones for the environment you’ll be running in. If you will be running at the gym or in an area away from motorists, in-ear or earbud headphones are the way to go since they will block out external sounds and let you focus on your music and running. For the times you’ll go running outdoors it is recommended that you run with open or over-ear headphones. These types of headphones allow you to hear traffic and other auditory cues that will help you avoid any obstacles or motor vehicles. This list ranks the best running headphones in terms of durability, fit, comfort, and audio quality.
Why it's best: The Philips SHS5200 neckband headphone represents the best blend of sound quality, comfort, design quality, durability, and value in a pair of running headphones. You’ll enjoy the great sound quality and bass of these headphones while still being able to hear auditory cues from your environment due to its open air design. Build quality of these headphones is impressive with the durable nylon wound cord, use of good plastics, and a bit of elastic connected to the headphones that prevent the cord from tearing out from the speakers if it ever catches on something. Their ergonomic design makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and since they are designed to be worn over the earlobe, they won’t fall out as you run or jog. With all these great features, high quality, and a very low price, Philips definitely has a winner in the SHS5200 running headphones. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: The Sennheiser PMX80 is a great choice for running headphones with an in-ear earbud design. These highly durable running headphones feature a thick wire, quality plastics, and are washable. That’s right – you can actually wash these headphones under some water and then dry them off. But best of all, these headphones feature excellent sound quality with great bass and frequency response. The comfortable over-the-ear design reduces chances of falling off while exercising, and the useful small clip that comes with these headphones lets you attach the cord to your shirt and keep it out of your way. Sennheiser makes quality audio equipment and the PMX80 keeps up with that tradition. If you’re looking for a pair of running headphones but prefer an in-ear earbud design instead of an open air design, the Sennheiser PMX80 running headphones are for you. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: The Sennheiser PMX60 is a comfortable pair of running headphones that are well designed and provide a good listening experience. Their open earpad and around-the-neck design provides stable support and allows you to hear outside noise and avoid potential pitfalls and dangers as you are out running. The bass on these headphones is powerful and they can get very loud. One minor downside of these running headphones is that they leak quite a bit of sound. So while they may be appropriate for running outdoors, they might bother people near you in quieter environments. Regardless, these are a solid choice of running headphone from the dependable Sennheiser brand. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: The Sony Mdr-As20J Active Style running headphones are a great option if you don’t want headphones with a behind-the-neck style but still want good quality and a design that will keep your headphones on your head while running. Very similar to plain earbud headphones, the Sony Mdr-As20J’s design has an ear loop that lets them hang comfortably on your ear while the speakers stay in your ears. Bass and sound quality is good overall, though it won’t please audiophiles. A big plus is that these earphones are sweat proof and are very cheap to replace. For a low cost solution, the Sony Mdr-As20J Active Style Headphones are a great choice. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$19.99
Why it's a best pick: The Sony MDR-J10 h.ear headphones are a good choice if you want a cheap pair of running headphones that will get the job done. They offer a clear and crisp sound, though the bass isn’t as full bodied as some of the other headphones on this list due to the small 13mm drivers. The ear hooks sit comfortably on the ear and keep the earphones in place as you run or jog. If you’re not a super avid runner and are willing to sacrifice some audio quality for a lower price, the Sony MDR-J10 h.ear headphones are a good option. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$4.39
Anyone thinking about running with headphones/music simply has to look at these: http://www.mi-sportmp3.com
For me, the best on the market.
I bought them at Big River Running in Missouri and they really are great. I use them when I mow the yard since the humidity here is ridiculous.
I agree with Doug.
Here's the solution: yurbuds. www.yurbuds.com
They are little silicon sleeves that fit over Apple (or similarily shapes) headphones, and they make sure that your headphones NEVER fall out. And they really work. Miles and sweaty miles later, my yurbuds haven't budged an inch. And they actually improve sound quality but you can still hear what's going on around you which is safe for outdoor running. I seriously love these things. They definitely get my recommendation.
All these headphone are not good for running either you can't hear them or they fall out of your ear