The right headphones with the required features can make all the difference don’t you agree? They make riding fun! Yes! I do understand your concern about being cut off from your environment as soon as you plug in the headset. But do you know that there are now bone-conduction headphones that do not cut off the audio?
Yes, you can enjoy your music while being aware of your surroundings. Moreover, a study conducted at RMIT University showed that a bicycle rider wearing earbud earphones, with the music on at a reasonable volume, will hear more outside noise as compared to a car driver.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best cycling headphones available. I have tested various headphones and researched them too. Only these are the few that made the cut.
Best Cycling Headphones- Tried And Tested (In 2023)
Best Cycling Headphones: Comparison
Use this comparison to narrow the list by use case, fit needs, and the tradeoff that matters most before you choose a product.
| Product | Rating | Price | Best for | Product path | Main tradeoff | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haylou Purfree |
9.0/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| AfterShokz Aeropex |
8.9/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| JAYBIRD VISTA 2 |
8.8/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Klatre LS1 |
8.6/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| APPLE AIRPODS PRO |
8.5/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Aftershokz Titanium Mini |
8.4/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| ADIDAS FWD-02 |
8.3/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| EKEN |
8.2/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 |
8.0/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Boltune True Wireless Earbuds |
7.9/10 |
Check current price | cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
Notice: All the mentioned prices are subject to change.
1. Haylou Purfree
- Type: Bone Conduction
- Price: Check current product page
Haylou Purfree
Top PickBest for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Comfortable
- ✓ Less Charge Time
- ✓ No Sound Bleed
- ✓ Ability To Run Several BLE Connections Concurrently
Cons
- ✗ Lacks Storage Case
Our Verdict
Haylou Purfree
Haylou Purfree remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
2. AfterShokz Aeropex
- Type: Open-Ear Bone Conduction
- Price: Check current product page
AfterShokz Aeropex
Ranked Pick #2Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Waterproof
- ✓ Long Battery Life
- ✓ Outstanding Sound Quality
Cons
- ✗ Costly
- ✗ Unadjustable Beep Sounds
Our Verdict
AfterShokz Aeropex
AfterShokz Aeropex remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
3. JAYBIRD VISTA 2
- Type: Earbuds
- Price: Check current product page
JAYBIRD VISTA 2
Ranked Pick #3Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Noise Cancelling
- ✓ Waterproof
- ✓ Built-in Mic
Cons
- ✗ Expensive
Our Verdict
JAYBIRD VISTA 2
JAYBIRD VISTA 2 remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
4. Klatre LS1
- Type: Bone Conduction
- Price: Check current product page
Klatre LS1
Ranked Pick #4Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Long Battery Life
- ✓ Less Charging Time
- ✓ Featherweight
Cons
- ✗ Annoying Bass Vibration
Our Verdict
Klatre LS1
Klatre LS1 remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
5. APPLE AIRPODS PRO
- Type: Earbuds
- Price: Check current product page
APPLE AIRPODS PRO
Ranked Pick #5Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Easy To Use
- ✓ Siri Connection
- ✓ Adaptive EQ
- ✓ On Ear-Touch Controls
- ✓ Extended Battery Life
Cons
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Only Completely Compatible With Apple Devices
- ✗ Not foolproof Waterproof
Our Verdict
APPLE AIRPODS PRO
APPLE AIRPODS PRO remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
6. Aftershokz Titanium Mini
- Type: Bone Conduction
- Price: Check current product page
Aftershokz Titanium Mini
Ranked Pick #6Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Light
- ✓ Small Size
- ✓ Comfortable
Cons
- ✗ Lagging Connectivity
- ✗ Poor Sound Quality
Our Verdict
Aftershokz Titanium Mini
Aftershokz Titanium Mini remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
7. ADIDAS FWD-02
- Type: Earbuds
- Price: Check current product page
ADIDAS FWD-02
Ranked Pick #7Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ In-Ear Lock Design
- ✓ Noise Cancelling Feature
- ✓ Responsive Ear-Tap Controls
Cons
- ✗ Unreliable Controls
- ✗ Average Battery Life
Our Verdict
ADIDAS FWD-02
ADIDAS FWD-02 remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
8. EKEN
- Type: Bone Conduction
- Price: Check current product page
EKEN
Ranked Pick #8Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Nice Quality
Cons
- ✗ Not Adjustable
- ✗ Dull Sound
Our Verdict
EKEN
EKEN remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8
- Type: Earbuds
- Price: Check current product page
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8
Ranked Pick #9Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Quality
- ✓ Sleek Design
- ✓ Waterproof
- ✓ Highly Compatible
Cons
- ✗ No Noise-Cancellation Option
- ✗ Huge Charge Case
- ✗ Expensive
Our Verdict
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
10. Boltune True Wireless Earbuds
- Type: Earbuds
- Price: Check current product page
Boltune True Wireless Earbuds
Ranked Pick #10Best for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Prolonged Battery Life
- ✓ Waterproof
- ✓ Value For Money
Cons
- ✗ Not Suitable For Phone-Calls
- ✗ Lacks Ambient-Mode
Our Verdict
Boltune True Wireless Earbuds
Boltune True Wireless Earbuds remains in this review for cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: cyclists comparing awareness, fit security, battery life, weather resistance, and sound
Do Headphones Help or Hurt While Riding?
Since the invention of headphones, there has been discussion on whether or not cyclists should listen to music while pedaling. Using headphones while driving is a clear and present danger.
1. They Make You Unplug From Surroundings
The most significant worry is that it reduces a cyclist’s ability to hear approaching vehicles and other warnings, such as people shouting, dogs barking, and doors opening. When we ride our bikes, we can’t ensure everything is running smoothly because we have our headphones in. While one of the benefits of bicycling is getting up close and personal with one’s surroundings, listening to music on a portable device adds yet another layer of technology that disconnects us from that setting. Also, I’d like to think that my brain is strong enough that I don’t need an MP3 player to get me through a long ride or a particularly challenging interval.
2. What About The Safety Concerns
The issue of safety is central to the discussion. But even if headphone use does pose health risks, so what? Likewise, cycling in the open air, through the rain, or down a mountainside is an exciting experience. Staying inside where it’s warm and dry is my best bet for security. There’s an analogy that can be made between not using headphones and not using a helmet.
Many cyclists treat helmet use as mandatory, however, this is a completely arbitrary standard. Even though I always wear one, being forced to do so is annoying. However, the dangers associated with using headphones are more nuanced. Reason number one is care for the well-being of other motorists. Perhaps cyclists should refrain from using headphones for the same reason that drivers who insist they can safely text and drive should refrain from doing so. It’s unjust to take unnecessary risks in other people’s road space, regardless of one’s risk tolerance.
3. Hearing Loss
Loss of hearing has also come to my attention as a problem. At 85 decibels, which is only around 70% of the maximum level on a standard MP3 player, permanent damage can begin. It’s logical to suppose that a cyclist’s headphones would need to be significantly louder to withstand the noise of traffic and the constant buzz of wind in our ears, which currently reaches that level on busy streets.
4. There Are Also Traffic Safety Concerns
When it comes to traffic safety, people worry that wearing headphones or riding without a helmet makes accidents more likely or worse. Many people are willing to take this risk because they can easily see what could go wrong. Either you get hurt or you don’t, and it’s easy enough to ride carefully to avoid getting hurt.
Get the most out of your cycling routine with these amazing cycling apps!
The Best Headsets For Cycling
In my opinion, the finest headphones for cycling are bone conduction models since open-ear models are preferred for listening to ambient noise and situational music. Bone conduction headphones received nearly full marks in the test since they demonstrated that we could always hear approaching autos.
| Feature | Bone Conduction | Earphones | Wearable Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | High | Moderate to High | Moderate |
| Alertness | High | Reduced | High |
| Sound Quality | Low | High | Moderate |
| Battery Life | Variable; generally lower | Varies; generally higher | Varies; generally moderate |
| Cost | Varies; often mid-range | Varies; often budget to high-end | Varies; often mid-range |
| Outside Noise Isolation | Low | High | Low to Moderate |
| Cable Hassle | None | Possible, even in wireless | None |
| Weight | Light | Light to Moderate | Moderate to Heavy |
| Bouncing | Minimal | Minimal | Slight to Moderate |
What Can Cycling Headphones Offer You?
That’s a good question! With the right headphones, you will be able to enjoy almost every aspect of cycling without worrying. They can offer you amazing sound clarity, waterproofing, amazing comfort, access to applications, and much more. There are plenty of reasons to get a good pair of cycling headphones. Well, first of all, you can listen to your amazing playlist during the rides, and you will also be able to upload all of that information to Zwift or other applications.
Listening to music with the highest volume whether it is cycling indoors or outdoors is just bliss, or you can use the headphones for other reasons. Some people love listening to podcasts that reflect on life or even some new innovative ideas. With a really good pair of headphones, you can easily shut off the outside world and focus on yourself entirely, just try it for yourself.
Get your cycling gear on and let’s explore the psychology of cycling together!
FAQs
Is It Illegal To Wear Headphones While Cycling In The US?
Using headphones while cycling or driving is currently not prohibited countrywide in the USA. Instead, each state must establish its own limitations and regulations. It’s crucial to examine the regulations of the state you’re in if you enjoy listening to headphones while driving.
Is It Safe To Wear Headphones While Riding?
A quick experiment revealed that wearing headphones at a respectable volume does not make you less susceptible to hearing road noise than drivers.
Also Read
- 20 Cool Bike Accessories That Will Make Other Cyclist Envious
- Top 34 Indoor Cycling Mistakes (What Are You Doing Wrong?)
Conclusion
On my list of the 10 best headphones for cycling, you’ll discover some incredible options to choose from. Every one of these models is beautiful in its special way. After testing, I found that the Haylou Purfree are the ideal headphones for cycling since they do not cause discomfort to the ears. They do not block out ambient sounds as a typical earbud would, and they stay securely in place.
However, we recommend that you scroll up and read our reviews to choose which model is the greatest suited for your lifestyle, as well as your budget and the requirements that you have.
