8 mistakes everyone makes with running headphones

TechAudioHeadphones8 mistakes everyone makes with running headphonesWith the right pair of headphones, your run can be a harmonious adventure instead of a comedy of errorsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

With the right pair of headphones, your run can be a harmonious adventure instead of a comedy of errors

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: LG)

handsome man adjusting the LG TONE Free fit UTF8 buds in his ear

(Image credit: LG)

Embarking on a run without your favourite tunes or motivational podcasts is like starting a race without your lucky socks – it just doesn’t feel right. But before you rush to plug in and hit the pavement, perusing our list of the most common running headphones mistakes everyone seems to be making is essential.

While the market is flooded with options promising to be thebest running headphones, navigating the sea of choices can be overwhelming. From fit to functionality, there are several common mistakes runners often make when selecting their audio companions.

Here, we’ll explore these pitfalls and offer practical tips to help you find the perfect pair of headphones to keep you grooving and moving mile after mile. Ready to go hard or go home? Let’s go!

1. Symphony of silliness

Picking headphones not built for the run can turn your jog into a comedy of errors. Opt for those designed for the sweat and sway of the track or trail. If you’re a treadmill stomper, you might want to have buds that cancel out noises, like theApple AirPods Pro 2, while outdoor runners might prefer open-ear buds (e.g.Shokz OpenFit).

2. Poor Fit

Nothing says “dance party gone wrong”, like headphones that won’t stay put. Find a pair that snugly hugs your ears, no matter how much you bop and weave. People with smaller ears might want something like theLG TONE Free fit UTF8; if that doesn’t sit well enough in your ears, try theBeats Fit Pro.

(Image credit: Jabra)

Jabra Elite 8 Active press images

(Image credit: Jabra)

3. Drippy drama

Regular headphones might not be able to handle your sweat session, leading to a musical meltdown. Choose headphones that can take the heat and keep the beat. Two of your best options currently are theJabra Elite 8 Activeand theJaybird Vista 2, both featuring an IP68 rating.

4. Deaf beats

Blocking out the world with noise-cancelling headphones can turn your run into a silent film. Pick ones that let you hear the sounds of the streets and stay safe on your feet. Open-ear running headphones are the obvious choice, although many closed-back buds now have transparency mode, which filters in ambient sound via the microphones located around their external shell.

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5. Tune-out troubles

Running out of juice mid-stride is a playlist plot twist nobody wants. Grab headphones with battery life as long-lasting as your love for the run. The budgetSoundpeats GoFree 2buds have nine hours of battery life – more than enough to last until you finish your next marathon.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Black athlete running in race

(Image credit: Getty Images)

6. Earworm overdrive

Blasting tunes like a rockstar might seem epic, but your ears might not thank you later. Keep the volume in check and save your hearing for the next encore. Some smartphones automatically restrict high volumes to protect your hearing. Certain brands also monitor in-ear volumes and notify you if the sound has exceeded the recommended levels.

7. Tangled up

Tangled cords can make you feel like you’re running a marathon through spaghetti. Keep your wires in line with clever clips and cord organisers. Many running headphones these days are cable-free—a.k.a. true wireless—but if you aren’t a wirecutter, make sure cable management is on point when out and about.

8. Pre-run rumbles

Trying out new headphones on the fly can turn your run into a techy tangle. Take them for a spin on a shorter jaunt before you commit to a marathon dance party.

Today’s best running headphones dealsBeats Fit Pro$169.99ViewSee all pricesJabra Elite 8 Active$14.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesShokz OpenFit$179.95$159.95ViewSee all pricesAdidas RPT-02 SOL$229.99$188.75ViewSee all pricesBeats Powerbeats Pro$249.95$149.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best running headphones deals

Beats Fit Pro$169.99ViewSee all pricesJabra Elite 8 Active$14.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesShokz OpenFit$179.95$159.95ViewSee all pricesAdidas RPT-02 SOL$229.99$188.75ViewSee all pricesBeats Powerbeats Pro$249.95$149.99ViewSee all prices

Beats Fit Pro$169.99ViewSee all prices

Beats Fit Pro - True Wireless…

Beats Fit Pro

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$169.99View

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Jabra Elite 8 Active$14.99$8.99ViewSee all prices

Jabra Elite 8 Active Eargels…

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Shokz OpenFit$179.95$159.95ViewSee all prices

SHOKZ OpenFit - Open-Ear True…

Shokz OpenFit

Amazon

$179.95$159.95View

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Adidas RPT-02 SOL$229.99$188.75ViewSee all prices

Adidas RPT-02 SOL

Amazon

$229.99$188.75View

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Beats Powerbeats Pro$249.95$149.99ViewSee all prices

Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless…

Beats Powerbeats Pro

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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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1. Symphony of silliness#

2. Poor Fit#

3. Drippy drama#

4. Deaf beats#

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5. Tune-out troubles#

6. Earworm overdrive#

7. Tangled up#

8. Pre-run rumbles#

1. Symphony of silliness

2. Poor Fit

3. Drippy drama

4. Deaf beats

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5. Tune-out troubles

6. Earworm overdrive

7. Tangled up

8. Pre-run rumbles