The use of headphones while cycling is a divisive issue, even among cyclists, not just other road users. In our guide to the best headphones for cycling, we aim to help navigate not just the purchase of headphones, but also the various designs, features, what to look for, and even the laws surrounding riding outside with headphones.
Likely, many people will not want to have multiple sets of headphones, so they will need to work in various scenarios, and just for cycling. This puts a significant demand on the best headphones. Fortunately, we’ve tested many pairs and selected the best performers, taking into account a variety of considerations, including sound clarity, how well they stay in place, the length of the battery life, as well as their performance in the elements and overall durability.
The Quick List
Shokz bone conducting tech offers surprisingly good audio quality and clarity, given that you have nothing in your ear.
Delivering great sound, fit and run time, these budget headphones punch well above their weight.
The air-conducting technology provides crisp sound quality while still allowing you to hear the world around you. OpenFit has the advantage over OpenRuns of being more helmet-friendly.
A host of features, including hands-free control, LED lights for enhanced side visibility, and a bespoke power bank.
These headphones are ideal for delivering deep and rich sound, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the audio experience.
For those who want to shut out the world around them while training indoors, consider the H20 RIPT Ultras. Audiophiles will argue that others offer better sound, but few are sweat-resistant like the H20s.
Best headphones for cycling - tested and rated by Cycling Weekly
Best Overall
Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conducting headphones
Considered by many as the founder of open ear and bone conduction headphones, Shokz (formally known as Aftershokz) are a household name of this style of headphones, and it has delivered the brand a loyal consumer base.
The standout feature for me is that you can choose between two headphone sizes. This makes the Shokz a better-than-average fit. For someone like me with a small head, I often find that there's often a lot of spare headphone band hanging round the back of my neck. Choosing the 'mini' size, which measures half an inch/ 1.5cm smaller (size guide is here) does away with a lot of the 'bounce' issue or jersey collar Vs headphone clash while on a bike. It also makes laying down recovering with them on a better fit.
The full titanium frame and stripped back design allows the weight to be as low as just 28grams, and a smidgen more for the standard size at 29grams.
Sound-wise, I found the Shokz OpenRun Pro top-notch, which is easier said than done when it comes to bone-conducting headphones. If you're outside and descending a hill at speed, wind rush will overcome the headphones, but from my experience of testing several sets of open ear headphones, Shokz are not alone.
As with the other brands of open ear headphones, there is some guesswork to know exactly when they do require a charge, the app does have a one glace exact percentage gauge, but when switching on or following the correct button pressing sequences, an audible alert will let you know if the battery level is high, medium or low.
If fit and sound quality are the main headphone drivers for your open ear bone conducting headphones, then you won’t be disappointed; however, when compared to others, they seem lacking in additional features. When comparing these with the Suunto Wing headphones, which offer things like an additional power bank, integrated LED lighting and provide a much higher ingress rating than the Shokz’s IP55 one. If it wasn't for the fit options, you'd need to weigh up choosing these over other brands, even at the slightly lower price tag. But there are four colourways, and a robust storage case, a must-have for headphones in my opinion, might seal the deal.
- Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conducting headphones review
Best Budget
Haylou PurFree wireless bone conducting headphones
As with other bone or air conduction headphones, the Haylou BC01 also comes in at the sub 30 grams mark, 28g to be precise.
Their minimal weight is mostly down to being constructed using a titanium frame, which is standard fair for all the open ear headphones in this guide, but these seemed to have the right balance of flexibility, and compression once reverted back to the original shape. In practice I found they offered just the right level of a secure stay-put fit, even when thrashing about on a static bike trying to get to the end of an effort, heading down a rocky trail, or even when out running) they continue to stay put.
The other area of robustness is in the high IP67 dust and water resistance rating. While I didn't intentionally try and test this rating to breaking point, the headphones withstood getting caught out in the rain and sweaty home sessions and they still functioned perfectly.
The Haylou's do have one of the shorter battery run time compared to other bone conducting, but rarely was I caught short, and when I felt it was a bit low, I just shoved them on a quick 10 minute charge for a couple extra of hours.
The other feature I really found handy is the dual connectivity function. This meant that I could listen to both a music/ sound from the laptop at home and answer incoming calls from my phone, or in most cases ignore calls from my mum who always somehow picks my training window to call for a chat.
Sound wise I found Haylou headphones do have a decent bass and treble, especially for bone conducting headphones, and asking others beside me at home the annoying ‘can you hear that’ question - there seems to be zero sound bleed.
While there may not be flashing LEDs, bespoke power packs or endless battery life, the fact that these are cheaper than most competitors makes these an excellent option for anyone wanting a great pair of bone conducting headphones without the price tag.
Best for outside use
While Shokz OpenRun headphones are brilliant, and their bone-conducting tech really does offer fantastic sound for something that is nowhere near your eardrum. They can be on the pricey side, and because of the connecting cable around the back of your neck, they don't always play ball with your helmet. I, for one, have struggled to find a decent set of open-ear headphones that would work with an aero-style helmet. Enter the OpenFits from Shokz.
Initially, I was unsure if the OpenFit wouldn't stay in place, as I had experienced this issue before with some in-ear headphones and even some wired ones I had used in the past. No such problems, and the Openfits were so simple to set up, so I was riding and feeling comfortable straight away.
I was just surprised at how much sound actually reached my ear. Okay, audiophiles will moan about the lack of bass, but you have to remember that while they are much closer than a bone conducting headphone, they aren't actually in your ear. In this way, they work similarly to over-ear headphones, but without the bulky pads and muffs. I used the in-app settings to increase the bass by utilising the bass booster function, which appears to enhance the overall sound.
While the OpenFits are great, I do have a couple of issues. Firstly, the touch controls are hit and miss and largely too sensitive when you don't want them to be, which can be frustrating out on the road. The fact that the case doesn't charge them is also a bit of a miss from Shokz; literally every set of headphones has this function now, at least they are USB-C, I suppose.
- Read our full Shokz OpenFit Open Ear headphones review
Best for handsfree operation
Suunto Wings bone conducting headphones
Squeezing the extra features into the Suunto Wing headphones does mean that they weigh in at the heaviest of the all the open ear headphones on test, but only marginally 33 grams.
I found really straightforward to get started with this pair thanks to the well developed Suunto umbrella fitness app, which made headphone setup a doddle. The easy to follow instructions and toggle buttons meant I had my own listening settings dialled and paired with my phone in just a couple of minutes.
Even with the additional grams in weight, and the inability to choose a smaller size, à la Shokz, the Suunto Wings were still very comfortable, and after a couple of minutes, if it wasn’t for the actual sound, I would have forgotten I was wearing them.
I found the big bonus with these headphones is the hands free control feature. Despite being skeptical at first, it really was as simple nodding or shaking my head to answer or decline a call, or, best of all, the ability to skip a music track. If they allowed me to turn volume up or down it would take these to the next level.
I did find that the sound wasn't as crisp as some of the other headphones on test, notably the Shokz, or the air conducting Oladance OWS Sports headphones. Switching between ‘normal’ and ‘outdoor’ sound control does pump up the jam, improving the ‘distant’ sound quality and making it a little richer, but I found it missed a little depth.
I’ve not tested these up to their claimed 10 hours of playback time, and as with all headphones, it is a bit of a guessing game as to the level of charge. However with the Suunto Wings, not only do you have the usual blast charge, 10minuites on charge provides three hours playback, but you also get a proprietary mini power bank for charging on the fly, giving you an additional 20 hours of charge.
This is a great as standard addition, and would make these my go-to option for bike packing, weekends away or just exceptionally long rides.
Add to this the integrated LED lighting for extra side visibility to other road users as well the high dust and water ingress ratings, means that there’s a lot packed in.
The only down side is that features like these don’t come for free, putting the Suunto Wing headphones into the upper price bracket.
5. Best for total sound immersion
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 are without doubt always my go too headphones for the moments when I need total sound immersion as I've found nothing beats the total sound quality in terms of depth or richness.
Clearly they make the most sense if you are already an Apple customer, as I am, making pairing with my iPhone and getting up and riding with them a breeze.
While sound immersion is exceptional, they also have a lot of other features and capabilities such as, some what ironically, a sound 'transparency' mode which allows you to hear the world around at the same time like open ear headphones.
They also feature an Adaptive Audio, which automatically tailors noise control to the surrounding environment. I find this an excellent feature, no more having to tap the correct headphone to get the volume up or down. If it could include the hands free control elements that the Suunto headphones have then these would be pretty close to my perfect.
I personally find the battery life of around six hours sport on, and I find being able to see the exact battery life on my phone screen incredibly helpful. I can even get a good idea of battery life left from the coloured light on the charging case, which provides an additional 30 hours of battery life.
Because even with these two notifications options I still forget to charge them, I love the fact that it's incredibly rapid to boost battery life, even just five minutes (or in my case pop to the loo and put my shoes on) of charging will provide an hour of listening time.
I really do find my Apple Airpod Pro's, best cycling headphones in so many ways as they tick all virtually of my must have boxes, especially the quick and easy way to switch between total sound immersion and active ambient hearing. It's a great feature if you are either out on the road (where it's legal to do so), or like us, training at home when you need to switch between listening out for small children, or not wanting to hear them.
If only I they were more inclined to stay put in my ears.
- Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
Best Over-Ear Headphones
The silicone ear covers are sweat proof and extremely comfortable
I feel like I need to mention that it is unlikely most will use over-ear headphones out on the road. So, my testing for the H20 RIPT Ultras was solely indoors on one of the best smart bikes I have on test.
The RIPT Ultras are H20s top of the range headphones and feature the brand's immersive Real Isolation Performance Technology noise-cancelling tech. They claim to help athletes like Mathieu Van der Poel warm up without the noise of the crowd and hubbub around them distracting them from their focus. This could equally work for those who have busy family lives or in a gym environment. For me, as someone who lives on his own in the middle of the countryside, this was of no concern, so I was really looking for the sound quality to justify the H20s cost.
Given that there is stiff competition in this market from a number of recognised manufacturers and ones with decades of experience, the H20s hold up well. An Audiophile will pick holes in them, I am certain of that, but a pair of audiophile headphones doesn't offer what the RIPT ultras do. The ability to wear these while active and, more importantly, sweating heavily sets them apart and all while offering a very respectable sound.
What really stood out was how comfortable they are. Over-ear headphones aren't the best sports attire, but the H20s buck the trend, even using exclusively the silicone muffs, which I thought for non-sports use might be a bit much. However, they balance grip and pressure around the head and ears very well.
While the sounds isn't quite where some would want for the price, you have to balance that out with the protection from sweat and being able to use them in more scenarios.
- Read our full H20 Audio RIPT Ultra headphones review
How we test
In terms of testing we've tested a lot of different models and selected our top picks above. The process takes place indoors and outdoors and we look to properly test for how these models perform on the bike. As such we test how well they stay in place thoroughly because if they move when riding, they won't deliver. We also test for things like battery life, resistance to sweat, rain and dust as well because cyclists have to deal with all of these things on a ride.
We also test for headphone specific performance such as sound clarity, sound quality, noise cancelling and such. Testing headphones this way allows us to properly ascertain which models are the best for cyclists, and it is worth acknowledging that we usually test and compare models against one another as well.
How to choose the best headphones for cycling
What are the best headphones for cyclists?
Picking just one standout pair of headphones for cycling is almost impossible as there are so many different design features which will appeal for different styles of riding.
In general we've found that if you can get them to fit, the bone conducting options offer great rewards of clear transmission without sacrificing ambient sounds. These are probably the best headphones for cyclists nipping on line for a session once children are in bed/ elsewhere in the house, and they still need to keep, quite literally, an ear out. We've also used them outside and found good sound clarity as well as feeling safe and traffic aware.
What are the best headphones for cycling?
For everyday use, owning a pair of wireless in-ear headphones, also known as ear buds, can be a game changer. With no tether to your device, you gain a significant amount of freedom of movement. Apple Airpods Pro lead the charge, but the market is awash with options now. From the masses however, the athlete focused Jaybird Vista 2 really stand out as offering some of the best headphones for cycling, not only with its sport fit, sweat and waterproofing, but also the ability to toggle between sound immersion, ambient sound amplification, as well as options in-between.
If sound immersion is your thing, but 'in-ear' isn't, then 'on-ear' will be an ideal pair of headphones for cycling for you. If you have traditionally been put off by the thought of the heavy weight and keeping them clean, then the Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear are ideal headphones for cycling as they feature stay-put ergonomics, sweat-proof and water-resistance design, with washable parts, built for sweaty workouts.
What earphones are best for cycling?
How do you know if in-ear, on-ear or bone conducting is the best for you?
There are significant differences between all the styles of headphones. In order to narrow down what will work best for you, it requires some drilling down to find your priorities.
If the main focus of their intended use is racing or riding with teammates or friends on-line, then having crystal clear sound quality, no sound time lag, and the all-important onboard mic will be top of your checklist for headphones.
If you intend on riding out and about using headphones (more on that below) then having constant spatial awareness by transparent sound, or the ability to amplify ambient sound will be the most important feature for you.
On the other hand, if you're the kind of rider who wants to dial out external noise, focus on the race ahead, and dial into the zone in the gym, then noise cancellation will be top of the list for you.
Is it legal to ride with headphones?
Is it legal to wear headphones on a bike?
What are the rules and regulations when it comes to riding with headphones?
The laws around riding with headphones are quite murky and confusing depending on where you live and ride.
In the US, headphones while cycling law is decided on a state-by-state basis. Some states allow you to use one headphone, others have a blanket ban, while in others it depends what you are listening to or where you're riding. The best thing to do is brush up on the law where you live before you set off.
In the UK, it's not illegal to ride with headphones, although this is always a hotly debated topic. It's worth bearing in mind that you are still able to be prosecuted for dangerous riding or riding without due care and attention, so it's important to be spatially aware at all times.
If you do decide to ride with headphones, it is important to be aware of ambient sounds around you, so opt for headphones with either active noise amplification/ transparency or, even bone conducting headphones which leave your ears unrestricted.
Riding online and talking on discord required the right headphones for cycling
What are the best headphones for Zwift and Discord?
What's the best headphones for cycling and talking on line?
The two most important features when racing on line with a team will be the sound clarity and speed, and ensuring that they stay put, even when going full gas.
Whatever your set up for communication, if your headphones suddenly drop signal when your on-line team directeur sportif gives important tactics, you'll have lost the race.
For that reason, some on-line racers still prefer wired headphones to prevent any sound loss. If you go for wireless, it's important to choose a pair of headphones with fast transfer speeds, so look for Bluetooth 5.0 and above.
While on-ear headphones offer the most secure fit, riders often feel too hot, so opt for in-ear headphones instead. Use our hints on how to get the right fit for your earbud below to make sure they stay put.
What are the features of bone conducting headphones?
You may think that bone conducting headphones are a relatively new invention, but using the cheek, or more specifically jaw, bones to conduct sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, is fundamentally how we hear our own voice.
As an external aid, bone conducting hearing technology has been around for centuries. In fact classical composer Ludwig Beethoven, used the concept to continue to compose music when he became deaf, by attaching a rod to his piano and clenching it in his teeth to perceive the sound from vibrations.
Bone conducting headphones leave your ears open
The biggest benefit is that bone conducting headphones leave your ear canal open, helping you to maintain your spatial awareness as well as remaining aware of ambient noises. However, this does mean that there is no noise cancelling/ sound immersion option for someone wanting to completely dial in to their ride.
The down side is that in order to sit in the exact location to transmit the vibrations, they come with a somewhat rigid structure. So although they are considered one of the ideal headphones for cycling outside, there can be helmet interference with the fit.
What are the features of in-ear headphones?
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, sit in each ear. Many are now wireless and come in their own case, which also has a battery pack, allowing them to charge when not in use.
Wired varieties are still very popular, with the biggest benefits being that there is no risk of sound lag, so a good choice for on-line racing, and no risk of getting caught short when they run out of charge.
Earbuds vary hugely in price range, with the more features available the bigger the price tag.
The most expensive versions will tick every headphone wishlist and more: wireless, with active sound cancellation or amplification, voice control, near bespoke ear fit. In their most basic form expect wire and a simply sound transfer from device to ears.
Fitting is key with earbuds
Do earbuds fall out when cycling?
Why do some earbuds always fall out of my ears?
The key to keeping earbuds in your ear is the initial fitting of them. Many of the headphones in this buyer's guide to the best headphones for cycling have been chosen because they offer a range of silicone tip sizes to choose from.
When working out what size fits you the best, gently stretch your earlobe when inserting the earbud, this way your ear will close around the headphone helping to secure it in place.
If you have a wired pair, you can try securing this around your ear to prevent the cable tugging at the earbud, and some brands are specifically designed to do this.
If you are a real dynamic mover on the bike, or would like the headphones to cross over in to other sports which involve more movement, you might find choosing a pair that include an additional ear hook the best for preventing the earbud from coming loose.
What are the features of on-ear headphones?
On-ear or over-ear headphones sit on the outside of the head and are the biggest of the headphone options.
These are often a go-to for cyclists looking for complete sound immersion while they dial in to the zone ahead of racing or specific efforts and want to limit distractions.
On-ear or over-ear headphones can help with sound isolation when needing to focus.
There are a lot of varieties on the market, with some offering one-touch sound amplification, meaning you don't have to remove the headphones to have an in-person conversation. Built-in mics also mean that it's possible to pair with a device for a call or Discord chat.
However with their size comes the obvious interference with helmets, and therefore they are far from idea to use outside. The other issue that most riders note is the heat build up, so it's important if you do opt for on-ear headphones that you choose a sports specific option, which will aim to be more breathable, sweat resistant and have washable pads.
