Best headphones for running, cycling, and other sports

Whether you're a fitness junkie or a hardcore athlete, it's important to have the right equipment to help you perform your best. After all, anything that can help you get in the zone can potentially boost your performance!

We’re talking about headphones that will stay in your ears and keep you focused, without obstructing your hearing or adding too much weight. Headphones that can withstand rain, sweat and tears. Headphones that don’t get in the way but bring you to the next level.

We know that the best headphones for you ultimately depends on what features you deem to be most important.

In this post, we'll outline the most important features and strengths of some of the best headphones for athletes.

So, whether you're gearing up for an upcoming race or just looking for a better sound experience while working out, we're sure we can help you make a decision that suits your needs!

 

WF-C500 - All the essentials you need for your workout in one neat budget-friendly package

Don't want the fuss and the frills? Don't even really want to read a list of features because you just want the essentials in one neat package? We got you.

If you're looking for headphones that fit comfortably and securely without breaking the bank, the WF-C500 from Sony is a great option.
Their rounded shape features a new ergonomic surface design that's comfortable to wear for extended periods, guaranteeing a more stable fit. After all, you don't want your earphones getting loose and falling out when you're trying to beat your personal best.

Plus, they come with a built-in microphone and remote control, so you can take calls and control your music without having to fumble with your phone.

And as if that wasn't enough, the earphones are also moisture-resistant, so you can work up a sweat without having to worry about your headphones.

The WF-C500 holds a full 10 hours’ worth of battery in the earbuds themselves and the charging case gives you another 10 hours. And if you ever need more juice, pop it back in for 10 minutes and you get up to an hour of extra play time.
Oh, did we mention that it’s also available in multiple colours as well. Coral, pale turquoise, black or white? Now that's something we can't decide on either.
 
 

LinkBuds - Stay connected with Sony's ultra-small, ultra-light and super fit earbuds

Headphones that are bulky or heavy can be bothersome and distracting during your running or cycling sessions, which can ultimately impact your performance.

At just four grams in weight, the LinkBuds from Sony are some of the lightest and most comfortable headphones on the market. That's a huge plus when you know that you'd be wearing them for hours at a time! And if you have smaller ears... every gram counts! The small and mighty LinkBuds even come with a Wide Area Tap feature so you can use double or triple taps in front of either of your ears to control your music playback.

And if you're looking for headphones specifically for running or cycling at high traffic areas, the LinkBuds' open ear design allows you to hear your surroundings clearly and stay safe while you exercise, without having to worry about missing important environmental cues for safety.
 
Plus, with up to eight hours of battery life, you won't have to hit pause on your personal soundtrack, or your race. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, splashes and sweat won’t even be able to stop these headphones – so you can keep on moving to the music.
 
 

LinkBuds S - Active Noise Cancellation with impressive sound quality

If traffic isn’t a concern because you frequently train in low traffic areas, the running track or the gym, having fully noise cancelling headphones can also provide you magical peace and quiet at work and in noisy environments.

If that's what you're after, the LinkBuds S from Sony are a great option. And because they come with Adaptive Sound Control, you can adjust the sound settings to your environment. Cycling in the city? Keep the ambient noise so you can stay alert. Running in the park? Drown out the chatter and the sound of your feet pounding the pavement. Whatever you want. The earbuds also have an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable and secure fit, even during your extended training sessions. With up to twenty hours of battery life, you can start your long-distance training without having to worry about your headphones dying on you. Need a quick recharge? Five minutes in the case gets you up to 60 minutes of extra time. And yes, it comes with an IPX4 water resistance rating. Sweat. Smile. Repeat.

If you're looking for headphones that will provide you with superior sound quality and unbeatable noise cancellation capabilities, LinkBuds S is the one for you!
 
 

NW-WS623 - Power through your race, through any terrain, underwater or at high altitudes

Are you an adrenaline junkie who loves to push your body to the limit? The NW-WS623 is perfect for you. This tough and durable Walkman can withstand even the most extreme sports and activities. So you can bet it will definitely see you through your MetaSprint and TriFactor race days.

 
IPX4 is the minimum water resistance you'll want for running and cycling, but if you're adding swimming or water sports to the mix, you'll need your headphones to be fully waterproof.

Waterproof to a depth of 2 metres, the NW-WS620 offers that, and more.

Your MetaSprint race at Sentosa? TriFactor at East Coast Park? The dust-proof and sand-resistant NW-WS623 will keep up with you every step of the way as you run, swim and cycle through it all!

Plus, it has a 12-hour battery life, so you can keep listening even when the action intensifies. If you're stuck for time, a three-minute power up gives a full 60 minutes of listening time.

The ability to load music and podcasts into the NW-WS620 is a huge plus for athletes who want to train without having to carry their phones with them during training sessions.

And most uniquely, you can choose to stream from your smartphone or - you'll love this - load up the Walkman with your favourite playlists or podcasts! After all, it does have a generous built-in 4GB memory to store music.
 
 WF 1000XM5 - Award winning features, the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Those who do not want to compromise on sound and value the latest technology will find that the award winning WF-1000XM5 headphones are the best you can find.

Not only are they ergonomic and incredibly comfortable, but they also provide amazing sound quality that won't disappoint. The premium true wireless earbuds come with a new ‘super small” foam ear tip material that helps to secure a tighter and more stable fit for your customised experience.


 Plus, they're wireless and come with a handy carrying case, making them perfect for taking on the go. Whether you're running, cycling, or doing any other activity,
these headphones are sure to give you that extra boost.


With the Best Active Noise Cancellation*, you get an immersive listening experience, making them great for getting in the zone. Additionally, they're designed to be durable and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, so you can be sure they'll hold up in our even if you’re an F1 driver in our humidity.

 
Endurance sports last for hours at a time, so if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will help you stay focused and motivated during your next endurance race, you’d be thrilled with the WF-1000XM5 which leads the pack with 8 hours of play + 16 hours of charge in the charging case, just like a mini portable power bank!

That means you get a total of 24 hours before you need to find a charging point. With Active Noise Cancellation turned off, you get even more time and if you need a quick refuelling, a 3-minute charge gets you up to 60 minutes of play.

Cracking 3 hours in the Barcelona Marathon or doing an Ironman Triathlon in 12 hours? We’ll be there rooting for you.

 *As of April 10, 2023. Ambient noise reduction according to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines for the top 10 brands (by market share) of truly wireless style of noise-cancelling headphones market.
 

Float Run: No pressure, no chafing, just freedom

 
With Sony's Float Run headphones, you can enjoy your favourite music while running, hiking or cycling without worrying about your earbuds falling out or discomfort in your ears.

The revolutionary pressure-free design ensures that runners have maximum comfort, never having to worry about any chafing associated with other bone-conducting models. The secret to their secure and comfortable fit is their flexible neckband design and off-ear earbuds, which can be tailored to fit your unique head shape and hairstyle.

This open design puts a speaker near your ear canal without ever touching it for maximum audio comfort - No more pressure!
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting to explore the great outdoors on your feet or on your bike, these are the perfect choice for an effortless, pressure-free audio experience. The off-ear design ensures your ears stay open so you can be on busy streets in the best way possible; faster and safer!

Simply turn them on and enjoy up to 10 hours of wireless audio! Trust us, you’ve found your perfect training companion.
 

There’s something for every sporting lifestyle.

No matter what your sport of choice is, there's a perfect set of headphones out there for you. We've highlighted just a few of the best options here but be sure to explore our full range of sports headphones to find the perfect pair for you. With such a wide selection available, we're confident you'll find the perfect set of headphones to help you achieve your sporting goals!