Music has become an integral part of an active lifestyle. Music keep you fighting, pushes you harder and is your constant companion through the struggle. Your headphones are the first thing you reach out to when you head out for your daily run. And not all the audio gear out there is suitable for a healthy and productive work out. So after extensive research, we identified, ranked and rated the very best over ear headphones for working out in the gym, home or outdoors. We selected them for sound signatures that are geared towards working out and the comfort of wearing for long hours in public. These are only over-ear headphones, we have covered other portable types of sports headphones here. Read our latest guide about the best over ear headphones under 200.
Why Over-ear headphones for working out
Headphones vary across sound signatures and purpose. The working out headphones have specific features that contribute to better comfort and listening experience. These include:
Read our complete guide about the most comfortable headphones.
Clamp: Over-ear headphones are bulky compared to earbuds. So you must find the perfect clamp pressure of the headphones arms around your head. This should be balanced such that the Clamp is enough to keep the headphones stable on the head but not enough to form pressure points or hurt your head. Surprisingly, this is achievable especially with lighter headphones.
Comfort: You would spend at least 30 mins on your cardio. And if you are especially looking for headphones for your work out, you might spend more time on your feet. This necessitates the need for a comfortable pair that feels at home on your head. Comfort depends on a lot of other factors we considered separately. But it’s also subjective, so we recommend trying on headphones before buying them or buying from a portal with a robust return policy.
Wires: Most people who run and work out in-doors or outdoors would prefer a wireless headphones since this eliminates the possibility of cable noise. While exercising, the cable may keep swinging against the body and generate noise in the audio. Besides the cable may restrict your movement. Wireless headphones eliminate both these issues so they are preferred over wired versions.
Weight: Since you would be working out with headphones, the lighter the better. Heavier headphones tend to wobble unless they have high clamp pressure and end up disturbing you over longer ‘runs’. Lighter headphones can stay stable with a loose clamp and are comfortable for long hours of wearing.
Durability: Work out headphones should be up for the wear and tear of everyday runs. They would be handled roughly and might even be stowed in gym bags unceremoniously. So we would check for metal reinforcements in crucial areas and no weak links in the design that can break easily into stress.
Audio: The audio response we require for running and working out is usually bass-dominant. We are not talking about blast-your-ears, drown-out-the-rest kind of bass. We are thinking sound signatures with a calculated boost in the mid-bass region. This gives the audio a fuller body even at lower volumes and ensures that you can hear the music over the noise of movement and people around.
Fitment: Over-ear headphones are most comfortable when the earpads sit around the ears without any pressure point on the edges of the ears. Proper fitment also allows better noise isolation.
Noise-isolation: Another consideration is how much seal you want from the headphones. Truly noise-isolating headphones can close out the ambient noise and you might not hear important noises like horns honking or people calling out to you. However, if you go running in traffic-free area, noise isolation might be a good perk.
Which are the best over-ear headphones for working out?
We carefully selected the features of all the headphones since there are very few dedicated headphones for working out and running. They were ranked based on the following criteria:
Comfort: We check the all-round comfort of these over-ear headphones. These were checked for fitment and clamp pressure. They fit comfortably for long hours even when running around with them on. We tried to find lightweight headphones which fit snugly without any headphone.
Audio: We ran with most of these headphones to check their performance while moving through the crowd. We checked that bass was strong enough to drown out the low-frequency hum. This pushes the vocals through properly and makes the music sound richer while in ambient noise.
Build Quality: High quality over ear headphones for working out are built to last. We checked their pain points to figure out the weak links and how they fare during a stress test. We still recommend treating your headphones with some care if you have gone for a budget option.
Features: We have selected the headphones of both noise-isolating and relatively less isolating type. Based on the need to hear ambient noise, you can make a choice. There are a few wired headphones low budget options. Wired headphones sound better than wireless ones unless Bluetooth has been executed well.
Cost: We compared them based on their relative value for money. Whatever be your budget, we have something for everyone.
TOP 15 BEST OVER EAR HEADPHONES FOR WORKING OUT
1. Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II![Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II]()
Bose headphones are known for their comfort and safe sound signature that plays well with every genre. But what makes their SoundLink AEW II headphones truly sport-friendly is their fitment and ability to become physically inconspicuous once worn. It also helps that they have the best Bluetooth audio quality for the price. The cool looks and durable build earn it top honors on the best over-ear headphones for working out list.
Design and Features
Bose SoundLink Around-ear Wireless headphones II (AEW II) look like a cooler and more athletic version of the serious QC35s. But the form factor is similar and comfy. The earcups are racetrack oval and sit around moderately large ears without pressure. The headband is slim and lightly padded along the arch. They weigh only 7 ounces, so the headband can be optimized at this size to distribute the weight evenly. The earpads are made of plush memory foam and sheathed in leather. The earcups fold flat to be hung easily around the neck. Bose claims they have been tested for impact and are pretty durable based on long-term usage feedback
The clamp of these work out headphones is just right. Since they are lightest headphones on the list, they can clamp on with very low force and remain stable. The controls are limited and placed logically at the bottom of the right earcup. These include volume change buttons and a multi-functional button. The latter can handle calls and track navigation. The battery lasts for 15 hours of moderate volume. It can be used in wired mode with the accompanying cable.
The SoundLink over-ear headphones have an adaptive microphone integrated into the design. This automatically modulates the voice and volume according to the ambient noise. The result is the ability to make crystal clear calls even in urban traffic. The person on the other end can pick up the vocals clearly. These work on Bluetooth 4.0 and connect to multiple devices at a time. They will play based on priority, i.e. calls over music. They are also NFC-enabled so you simply tap them with an NFC-enabled phone to pair. Once powered on, they re-pair with previously connected devices instantly. These come with a flat carry case that can pack the USB charging cable and the audio cable.
Audio
Bose always goes for a smooth audio signature that flatters all genres but shines in none. That being said, the audio is class-leading in this price range. This is in spite of not being AptX-enabled. These are powered by strong but relatively controlled bass. So the lower frequencies are rich but not overwhelming. They are perfect for joggers who like quality sound. These are not bass-heavy cans, so while they won’t blast your ears, they are impactful enough. They are equipped with volume-optimized EQ. When the volume on a headphone is lowered the audio loses bass, but with SoundLink, the bass is automatically boosted a bit in this situation. So, the audio keeps sounding full even when the volume is low.
These over-ear headphones have a clean and decadent midrange. It is supported by a slight bump in midbass and sounds rich. The advantage of this Bose signature is that it doesn’t emphasize the imperfections in the recordings. So the get along well with MP3 quality records as well. The treble is smooth and contributes a laid-back sound. Bose has tried to minimize the DSP voodoo that comes with being Bluetooth headphones. This keeps them sounding relatively more accurate than other Bluetooth headphones in this price range. They sound almost the same in their wired mode albeit a little louder than the wireless mode.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and comfy
- Bluetooth- and NFC-enabled
- Full and smooth audio
- Flatters all genres
- Adaptive mic and EQ
Cons:
- Can have a wider volume range
2. V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone![V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone]()
V-Moda combines both the delicate beauty of music and the rugged strength of metal design in their headphones. The Crossfade wireless headphones are the epitome of this with the ability to outdo their popular M100s. The killer design is bound to turn some heads when you run. These are not just jogging headphones, they are gaming cans too. Although an unconventional choice, they check most boxes of our criteria list.
Design and Features
The V-Moda Crossfade wireless headphones are your elegant and sporty pick. As with most of the V-Moda cans, these sport hexagonal earcups. If you have small or medium ears, you will find the deep foamy earcups very comfortable. But for larger ears, there’s the option of switching to the roomy XL earpads that have to be bought separately. The headband is moderately broad, lightly padded and has a mesh layer on the underside for better ventilation. The earcups can swing forward and hug the ears snugly. This time on, the headphone look less grungy and slightly curvier than the previous V-Moda headphones. These fit in a way that they remain low-profile on the head.
The earcups of these work out headphones fold flat for hanging off the neck. The design is lavishly peppered with metal. V-Moda claims that these meet military standards of durability. The headband can also be completely flattened without damage. The steel frame adds a bit to the weight but V-Moda still keeps it down to 10.3 ounces. The internal battery can provide 12 hours of life. When it runs out of juice, it can be plugged in for wired performance. As will other headphones from this company, these are compatible with all gamers’ accessories. The Crossfade wireless is also outfitted with a mic to make calls hands-free.
Another trademark V-Moda feature is a metal backplate on the earcups. These can be replaced or laser-engraved to customize. These over—ear headphones comes with an exoskeleton case too, it’s larger than that of the M100s because these don’t fold inwards.
Audio
The V-Mode Crossfade wireless headphones follow the audio signature of the popular M100. These have forward bass and treble and clear, natural mids. When looking for bassy headphones, M100 is our best choice in this price range. And Crossfade wireless becomes our best Bluetooth choice. It lacks only slightly in resolution than the wired M100s. In fact, in the wired mode, the Crossfade is tuned better than the M100 with better detail. The bass is aplenty and beats with great authority. It has the bass slam to get the EDM and techno tracks going.
The treble is spiked but not so much that its sounds sibilant. In fact, the Crossfade wireless has an energetic presentation but it doesn’t cause sonic fatigue like bright headphones do. The midrange is clean and airy. These also sound slightly more open than usual closed-back headphones so that lends some transparency to the audio.
Pros:
- Metal frame, stylish design
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Powerful bass
- Energetic audio
- Clean and open midrange
Cons:
- Larger ears need XL earpads
3. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear![Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear]()
The Mpow 059 Bluetooth headphones are a budget option for running. Their specs look great on paper for the price and they deliver on their reasonable promises. Unlike the other affordable options, these are quite sturdy and can take the rigors of workouts. These look stylish and have the dependable sound quality with options for improvement. These take a straight dive into the best over-ear headphones for working out.
Design and Features
The Mpow 059 headphones are relatively handsome cans. They go for glossy black with red highlights in the design. There are tamer or brighter options as well. They come in a total of 7 color combinations. The frame and the back of the earcups are strengthened by metal at key points. The headband extension on both sides has metal core. The headband is optimally padded along the arch on the top. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. They are topped with moderately deep memory foam cushions that and sheathed in protein leather. The arms of the headband fold to reduce them to a compact package.
These over-ear headphones are Bluetooth–enabled. They connect wirelessly over a 33 feet range. The battery lasts through 20 hours of playback in the newer version of these cans. They take around 4 hours to fully charge. They also connect in the wired mode when the battery runs out. They also have a built-in mic to make hands-free calls.
The fitment is just right for working out and running. They fit a little snug so you don’t have to worry about them sliding off the head. The headband does stick out on the sides on smaller heads. So they end up looking a tad dorky on such people.
Audio
The Mpow 059 headphones stayed strong with their Bluetooth connection throughout the 30-feet range. This is usually not the case with affordable Bluetooth gear. They also sounded pretty decent backed by the SBC protocol. There’s plenty of bass with a slight boost in the 60-250Hz region. This can be EQ’d out easily too. The midrange is clean and supported by the big bass. We do not expect the same transparency as the previous headphones we reviewed here, given the price difference.
The treble has a slight peak in high frequencies that keeps them as interesting as the bass. The result is an energetic audio signature that pushes you to sweat more. It makes the dance and bass-heavy genres.
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Foldable
- 20-hour battery life
- Energetic audio
- Decent clarity
Cons:
- Bass could have better definition
4. Avantree Audition 40 hr Wireless/Wired Bluetooth 4.0 Over Ear Headphones with Mic![Avantree Audition 40 hr WirelessWired Bluetooth 4.0 Over Ear Headphones with Mic]()
Avantree Audition Pro AptX LL is a lightweight multipurpose wireless headphones. Its specific feature set and design that helps runners stay on the track of fitness. The Bluetooth connectivity helps shed the wires and run without a care in the world. They perform admirably for the price, both in terms of audio quality and Bluetooth connectivity. They met all the criteria for our best over-ear headphones for working out.
Design and Features
The Avantree Audition Pro AptX LL headphones have tried to ramp up the looks without being ridiculously glossy. They go for a simple matte black finish black stitching for highlight. They use mostly faux black leather and plastic for the finishing but this is quality fare. The headphones do not feel like they’ll break with normal handling. However, we are concerned that the thread used in stitching might fray. They weigh a measly 6.4 ounces so they require very less clamp pressure to stay put on the head. The earcups are mounted with racetrack oval earpads. The cushions are plush and seat the ears deeply. They can be replaced by the user in case you want something bigger.
The headband of these headphones is adjustable for size. As with the Mpow 059, the only design flaw is that the headband and earcups stick out a bit from the head. If you have a smaller oval head, these have the potential to look dorky. The yokes of the earcups fold inwards to pack them in a smaller size. A carry case accompanies them for portability.
The Audition Pro AptX LL headphones offer 40-hour battery life on a single charge. This is on moderate volumes. If they run out of charge, they can also be used in the wired mode with the audio cable that’s shipped with them. The Bluetooth is multipoint, so you can connect to multiple devices at a time and play based on priority. It also supports NFC, so you can connect with devices through a single tap. These headphones are available in a number of other variants, including cheaper models and ANC-equipped ones.
Audio
The Avantree Audition Pro AptX LL running headphones have been widely lauded by the users for their strong Bluetooth connectivity. The hold stayed strong within the specified 30-feet range without dropping or exhibiting any static. The Bluetooth also repaired automatically upon discovering an older device.
These are AptX low-latency headphones. The latter term means that there will be no lag between the playback and the sound coming out of headphones. The sound signature is balanced. There’s a good quantity of bass which gives the audio a full body. The midrange is clean and crisp. It has decent detailing in spite of the Bluetooth connection. The treble is smooth and laidback.
Pros:
- Bluetooth and NFC-enabled
- Foldable
- 40-hour battery life
- Quality sound
- AptX Low Latency
Cons:
- Looks dorky at times
5. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling![Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling]()
Bose is the master of comfort and noise-cancelling. The QC35 II headphones combine both. Although pricey, these can be your ideal gym headphones. These are lightweight and comfortable. They carry a versatile feature list for the people who like their gadgets high-tech. The ANC can be switched on while running so that you can hear voices and high-pitched noises.
Design and Features
The Bose QC35 II over-ear headphones look much like their older version, simple and elegant. In spite of the host of features, it manages to weigh only 8.34 ounces. The design is neutral for sports and corporate. They differ from the previous version with a Google Assistant button. This activates the Google Assistant on your connected playback device directly and you can speak your voice commands directly into it. You can also access Siri on iPhones. The headband is padded with microfiber along the arch. The earcups are oval and padded with plush cushions. The clamp is perfect as with most Bose headphones.
These headphones are ANC-enabled. You can customize the level of ANC between low, medium and high. This Toggle can be assigned to the reprogrammable Google Assistant button. The earcups fold flat around the neck and also inwards for easy storage. These Bluetooth-enabled and connect quickly with the playback devices. They can chug out 20 hours of playback and ANC on a single charge. When they run out of juice, they can be used passively in wired mode. They are available in somber black or a flashy silver.
Audio
The Bose QC35 II lives up to the legacy of the Bose ANC. They have the eerily quiet background that makes even 20-hour flights something to look forward to. That being said, we wouldn’t recommend using them for working out in noisy places. Sony WH1000MX2 is the only other headphone that has ANC as strong as the QC35s.
The audio response is flattering to all genres. The QC35 II have one of the most pleasant audio signature in this price range if not the best. They sound natural and smooth. Bose trades off some of the detailing so that bad quality recordings do not sound so harsh. They have plenty of bass without the lower frequencies over powering the mids. The midrange is clean and natural. Bose tones down the treble so that it sounds a tad laidback. The Sony headphones are slightly livelier and open due to the sparkle in treble. But many audiophiles also prefer the darker sound signature of The QC35 II.
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Best Bose ANC
- Google Assistant button
- Balanced with good bass
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive, might be too high-tech
6. Sony XB950B1 Extra Bass Wireless Headphones with App Control![Sony XB950B1 Extra Bass Wireless Headphones with App Control]()
The Sony XB950B1 scream working out headphones in every way. They are sporty, stylish, wireless and have the extra bass for a basshead. Though always prefer balanced headphones and EQ the bass there, these headphones are a good investment who always want their music to rattle their heads. The technology and the design are trademark Sony so they take a well-deserved spot on our list.
Design and Features
The Sony XB950B1 over-ear headphones are exceptionally good-looking cans. For a runner, these would be conversation magnet. The metallic finish takes advantage of some gorgeous colors like royal blue, wine red and black. The headband is broad and only lightly padded. The earcups are large and round. They are mounted with lavish padding where the ears can nestle deep. The earcups can swing forward a few degrees on their yoke to hug your ears. Most importantly, the design is low-profile so they never look awkward in public. The earpads are color-matched with the headphones.
The earcups of these headphones fold flat. This enables you to hang them around the neck when not in use. These have a Bass Boost button on the right earcup along with some status indicators. These chug out 18 hours on a single charge. When they are out of charge, they can be connected to the playback source via the audio cable. The 9.9-ounce body feels solid. But we would recommend handling them with some caution. They have been known to break with major impact.
Audio
Sony usually goes for balance in their audio. For the past few years, they have regularly churned out their extra-bass headphones. With the XB950B1 headphones, the original sound signature itself has plenty of bass. The lower frequencies get a decent push. Audiophiles will find the bass pushy but it’s right down the hardcore basshead’s alley. The midrange is slightly over-powered by the bass. The vocals are clear and rich. They don’t have the transparency of balanced headphones though. The treble response is inconsistent since bass is the star here.
There’s a Bass Boost mode in these headphones which further bolsters the lower registers. Things can get real muddy here for our taste. But we are aware that this sound signature is dear to some folks especially those who work out and need that bass slam.
Pros:
- Suave design
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Powerful bass
- Bass Boost option
- 18-hour battery life
Cons:
- Can get too bassy in Bass Boost mode
- Durability
7. Mpow H1 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear![Mpow H1 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear]()
The Mpow H1 over-ear headphones are a budget-oriented set for the regular joggers who want the basic features. Their wireless connectivity is strong and they offer good audio. They fit the design criteria we set for the best over-ear headphones too. They double as hands-free headsets too.
Design and Features
The Mpow H1 headphones are popular in this price range. The build is lightweight but we haven’t had any durability issues. It’s mostly high grade plastic with some metal along the arms. The headband is moderately wide and padded from ear to ear. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. They can house large ears. They are mounted with deep cushions and sheathed in faux leather. They weigh only 8.1 ounces and fit without a strong clamp. As with most affordable headphones on this list, the ear pieces are slightly bulky and stick out.
These over-ear headphones connect wirelessly via Bluetooth v4.1. The range extends to 33 feet. They can play for 15 hours per charge and more if the volume is only moderate. They can be used in wired mode too. They take 3.5 hours to charge fully. The earcups fold inwards to reduce the storage footprint of these headphones. They come with a drawstring pouch. It is available in three color combinations. These also integrate a mic to make calls. The buttons are located clearly on the right earcup. These include volume change and playback control buttons.
Audio
The Mpow H1 headphones go for the mature audio response. They seek balance rather than bass-boost. The audio has plenty of low-end meatiness though. They play full and rich even when the volume is low. The bass has surprisingly good definition for the price. It’s faster and tighter than we expected. If it’s slightly boosted, it’s a calculated spike rather than a blatant assault on the midrange. The mids are clean and crisp. There’s a decent amount of detailing that makes the vocals and guitars sound natural. The treble is smooth and lends more energy to the audio.
The Bluetooth performed admirably. We did not experience any static or dropouts. They are also excellent at isolating noise passively. We preferred them for working out because they cut out exactly the right amount of ambient noise and let the voices inside.
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Affordable
- Balanced audio
- Foldable
Cons:
- Slightly dorky
8. August Over Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones![August Over Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones]()
August over-ear headphones are an affordable pair. They have a very different design that looks unique compared to your other headphones. Being wireless, these are easy to carry around while working out. These are available in a number of interesting colors.
Design and Features
The August headphones look pretty suave. The earcups are rounded rectangular. They are mounted with very deep earpads. These can nestle even the largest ears. The headband is slim and broad. It is padded at the arch. The arms of the headband fold inwards. This reduces them into a very compact design that’s easily portable. The keypad is very well-though out. There’s a multifunctional button at the center with Play/pause and call answer/reject. These are flanked by volume buttons and track navigation buttons.
These headphones connect via Bluetooth V4.2 with AptX capability. These can also connect via NFC through a single tap. When these are out of charge, they can also be used in wired mode. These are powered by a battery that can play music for 15 hours per charge. These are available in six different colors. All are finished in a brushed metallic finish.
Audio
The August headphones have an excellent bass response. The lower frequencies are meaty and powerful. The bass beats with some authority. But it has good definition as well. It remains clean without interfering with the midrange. The mids are clean and crisp. They are supported by bass but not overpowered by it. So the vocals and strings are played correctly and articulately. They aren’t as lively or detailed as the higher-end headphones but they do well for the price. The treble is smooth and well-extended. These exhibit excellent fidelity for the price.
The Bluetooth connectivity is very strong. It stays strong within the entire range of 33 feet. The headphones pair automatically when the devices are discoverable by Bluetooth. This is multipoint Bluetooth that connects to two devices at once and plays based on priority.
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Balanced audio
- Good bass
- Foldable
- Very durable
Cons:
- None
9. Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones![Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones]()
The Sennheiser HD 4.40BT wireless headphones are a surprisingly affordable buy considering it has the typical Sennheiser sound signature. The simple yet elegant design is comfortable for use around the house and also for working out. These get a well-deserved mention in the best over-ear headphones for working out.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser HD 4.40BT headphones remind us of the Bose QC headphones although those are slightly better designed. The earcups are large enough for all ear sizes. These are racetrack oval and sit around the ears. These can swing forward to hug the ears. The earcups are mounted with plush pads and sheathed in vinyl. The ears sit deeply within these without edging too close to the driver.
These headphones have an interesting control panel. There’s switch that acts as a multifunctional button. Upon pressing, it manages Play/Pause/Call Answer/Reject. It can be slid back and forth to change tracks. There’s a volume control flanking it. We like the dedicated control for track navigation. These headphones connect wirelessly to the playback sources through Bluetooth. They can also connect via Near Field Communication or NFC by simple bumping this and the device together. These can also be used in the wired mode using the accompanying 3.5mm audio cable.
The 4.40 BT are outfitted with a mic to make calls hand-free. This is a fairly clearly omnidirectional mic that picks up voices well. They can chug out 25 hours of playback per charge. These have a companion app called the CapTune which has a number of EQ presets.
Audio
The Sennheiser HD 4.40BT shine with the clear and energetic signature that we like this brand for. The sound is fairly balanced with just a hint of More importantly they achieve this over Bluetooth. They favor a warm and slightly bass-forward sound which sits well with both audiophiles and runners/joggers. The bass extends deep and has excellent definition. The sub bass region has a bit of boost which empowers the audio. The spike is well-calculated and it exists without muddying the mids.
The bass lends richness and an enthusiastic flavor to the midrange. The vocals sound natural and bold. The strings and guitars sound bright and clear. The treble partners well with bass and mids for clarity and sparkle.
Pros:
- Bluetooth and NFC-enabled
- Warm, rich sound
- Clarity and sub-bass extension
- 25-hour battery life
- Controls
Cons:
- Headband should have more padding
10. Edifier H840 Audiophile Over-the-ear Headphones![Edifier H840 Audiophile Over-the-ear Headphones]()
Edifier H840 are the first wired headphones on this list. At lower budgets, you might not get the best Bluetooth connectivity and sound out of a pair of headphones. Wired headphones with low cable noise are a much better option here.
Design and Features
The Edifier H840 headphones look unassuming at first. They have stuck to a matte black design that blends in with every situation. The only highlight is the logo printed on the earcups in small font. The arms of the headphones are marked R and L very discretely. The headband has a steel frame and plenty of padding. It can be extended on both sides to fit larger heads. The earcups are racetrack oval and topped with soft foam pads. These are sheathed in leather even at this price point. The earcups can fold flat and hang comfortably off the neck when not in use.
These headphones are wired. The cable extends to both earcups. This is a cylindrical cable that handles tangles well. It terminates in a standard 3.5mm jack. There are no extra accessories. But we recommend using a cable clip whilst working out to ensure that the cord stays put. The cord runs only 6 feet so it’s easier to manage. These are available in 4 different color combos including a white/tan one that we found very attractive.
Audio
One thing you immediately notice with the audio of Edifier H840 headphones is that it has excellent noise isolation. The large earcup cut down a significant amount of ambient noise. These go for a warm and balanced signature. The audio sounds very natural and immersive especially because of the noise isolation. The bass is punchy and fast. It can handle some pretty complicated music without distorting or dissolving the details.
The mids are clear and clean. They have a smooth quality which goes easy on both bad and good recording formats. The treble is smooth and lends energy to the sound. They sound rich eve at low volumes and especially while working out or running when ambient noise can otherwise drown out the details.
Pros:
- Wired
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Balanced sound
Cons:
- None
11. Edifier W800BT Bluetooth Headphones - Over-the-ear Wireless Headphone![Edifier W800BT Bluetooth Headphones - Over-the-ear Wireless Headphone]()
The Edifier W800BT Bluetooth headphones are the wireless version that bring the same high quality sound as the H840 to Bluetooth mode. The design is simple and comfortable for working out and wearing around work or the home.
Design and Features
The Edifier W800BT over-ear headphones have snugger and more low-profile looks than the H840. The headband is broad and the earcups are racetrack oval. These sit comfortably on the ears with very low clamp pressure. The earcups are mounted with racetrack oval earpads. These are topped with faux leather that allows some air circulation as well. The sleek looks makes them a complete sport headphone. We recommend these more to women because of the moderate size of the earcups. There are on-board controls along the rim of the right earcup. The power/pairing button is on the backplate.
These headphones are operate wirelessly via Bluetooth. This is active within a 30 feet range. The battery lasts up to 35 hours of playback per charge. They can be on standby for up to 800 hours. This duration also depends on the volume at which the audio is played. When they run out of charge, they can connect to the source via a 3.5mm audio cable. The light weight keeps them located correctly on the head even during movements. These are available in 3 attractive colors: black, red and silver.
Audio
The Edifier W800BT bring their excellent audio chops to the table. We were surprised by the clarity and tonal balance of its audio for the price point. There’s punchy bass with good sub bass presence. Together these lower frequencies play a rich audio when the volume is down. We have never noticed any bass distortion at top volumes. The mids are clear. The high-definition bass doesn’t leave any muddiness in the mids. It adds body to the midrange creates that deep and rich surround sound that keeps us driving hard during workouts. The higher frequencies are smooth and exhibit no sibilance.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Sleek design
- Balanced sound
- 35-hour battery life
Cons:
- Earpads could have been larger
12. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones![Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones]()
Skullcandy Hesh 2 is one of the favorite budget basshead can in the market. The build has remained similar in quality and design but the audio is much smoother. Hesh line has a reputation for being bass-friendly and the Hesh 2 live up to this image.
Design and Features
The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth headphones carry the elegant yet enigmatic design that is common to this brand. Our test piece was done in simple black with thin metallic highlights and the logo against a stark background on the headband. There are other colors and themes. They sit snugly around the ears and look only minimally dorky. The earcups are round and cover the ears. These are topped with lavish padding and sheathed in faux leather. Small and medium ears may sit deep inside these earpads. But for larger ears, the earpads may sit on the edges of the ears.
These headphones pair wirelessly with playback sources to play music. There are on board controls to control calls, play, pause and change volume. There are no track navigation buttons though. The battery lasts through 15 hours per charge. It takes 2.5 hours to completely charge them. You can use the accompanying audio cable to connect them in the wired mode when the battery runs out. They have an integrated mic to make calls. The come with the audio cable and a pouch.
Audio
The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth headphones sport strong Bluetooth connection. So you will not have any issues getting connected and repaired easily. There’s no static or dropout in the connection. The bass is strong and punchy. There’s a definite boost in the lower frequencies that makes them bass-forward. But this ensures that they don’t sound tinny when the volume is low. The midrange is clear but dominated by the bass in lower mids region. This doesn’t take much away from the audio when you are in the midst of your work out. Casual listeners who prefer bass might actually appreciate the sound signature.
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Bass-friendly sound
- Snug fitment
- Stylish designs
- Moderate price
Cons:
- The round earcups aren’t for large ears
13. Bluedio T2 Plus Turbine Wireless Bluetooth Headphones![Bluedio T2 Plus Turbine Wireless Bluetooth Headphones]()
Bluedio T2 Plus wireless headphones sport a funky design that sits snug on the ears. These are very portable Bluetooth headphones with a design that will grab the eyeballs. They also make your life easy with onboard ability to play directly from SD card or FM. What more could we ask out of the best over- ear running headphones.
Design and Features
The Bluedio T2 Plus headphones seal their turbine status with spoke-like markings on the earcups. The earcups hang from rotatable yokes here. The arms can be rotated 195 degrees to pack theses cans into a compact form. The ear pieces are round. They are amply padded with cushions. The headphones are lightweight and fit very snugly on the ears. They can easily remain seated in their place while running.
They also pack the circuitry to play FM and insert an SD card up to 32GB memory directly. This way you don’t even need to connect a source wirelessly to them. You can go for a run unencumbered by your phone. The controls are placed on the right earcup. They are small but raised well from the surface so they are easy to find. These can chug out 40 hours of playback per charge.
Audio
The Bluedio T2 Plus satisfies the expectations from a Bluetooth headphone in this price range. The audio is clear and well-supported by bass. There’s a clear boost in mid bass that lends body to the audio. The vocals and strings can be heard over the bass. The high frequencies have energy but it’s never too bright. You can enjoy every genre of music on these cans without discrimination.
Pros:
- Foldable
- On-board SD card slot and FM reception
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Handsome looks
- Affordable
Cons:
- No display for FM reception
14. BlueAnt - Pump Zone Over Ear HD Wireless Headphones![BlueAnt - Pump Zone Over Ear HD Wireless Headphones]()
The BlueAnt Pump Zone are actual workout and running headphones. They have been designed keeping in mind the needs of activewear. Hygienic, loud and comfortable, these headphones satisfy all the important needs of a jogger.
Design and Features
The BlueAnt Pump Zone over-ear headphones look simple and functional. They have chosen function over form here. But the black color and sleek fitment ensures they blend in with your looks. The headband is moderately wide and padded with soft cushions. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. The ear pieces are sweatproof and antimicrobial. This ensures that the germs and sweat do not create an unhealthy environment for the user. They can fit in large and medium-sized ears. The ear pieces swing forward and adapt to the shape of your head.
There are onboard controls at the back of the right earcup. These are laid out for tactile advantage. The button at the center is multifunctional and it flanked by navigation buttons. We like that these have separate track and volume navigation buttons in such a convenient format. You can also activate Siri or Google Pay via this. They are both Bluetooth and NFC-enabled so they can connect within seconds. They can also be connected in a wired manner.
Audio
The BlueAnt Pump Zone over-ear headphones are for the casual listeners and not for the true connoisseurs of music. They have plenty of bass which hits with some impact. The bass slam is excellent for those who like EDM and Techno. It has the meatiness and force to make them sound fun. The vocals come clear and full. These aren’t the clearest midrange when judged by audiophile standards. But while working out, the bass is what matters. The treble is smooth and adds some clarity to the sound.
Pros:
- Sweatproof, anti-microbial earcups
- Sleek and snug
- Powerful bass
- Clear audio
- Control pad
Cons:
- Expensive
- Customer service
15. Ifecco Bluetooth Headphones![Ifecco Bluetooth Headphones]()
The Ifecco Bluetooth headphones are people on a shoestring budget. These could also be your secondary pair just in case of emergency. These look great and are lightweight for working out. They have onboard controls and TF card slots.
Design and Features
The Ifecco Bluetooth headphones have an ear-to-ear headband with earcups mounted on them. This design reduces the vibrations coming from physical movement. The headband is very lightly padded. The ear pieces are oval and sit around the ears. The earpads are comfy but very shallow. The controls are along the rim of the earcups. These include volume change and play/pause buttons. The left earcup has the slot for inserting the TF card. Inserting a card here will eliminate the need for another playback source.
These headphones connect wirelessly to playback sources. The battery lasts through 6-8 hours only per charge. They can be used in wired mode as well. The cable connects to the left earcup. They are available in
Audio
The Ifecco over-ear headphones offer full and clear audio. They try to balance bass with the mids and highs. There’s still a bit of rumble in these lower frequencies. They never sound distorted or boomy at high volumes. The vocals play well the bass. The highs are bright and clear.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Bluetooth-enabled
- TF card slot
- Lightweight and comfy
Cons:
- Quality control needs to be stronger