For many people, music and sport are inseparably linked. But which headphones deliver the best sound, fit perfectly and can withstand intense movement? These are the most powerful models currently available.
For many people, music is part of sport. But there are surprisingly few headphones that combine good sound quality with the challenges of constant movement. Whether you're running, cycling or climbing, classic headphones are unsuitable for a variety of reasons: cables that are too short, too long or too inflexible are usually a nuisance. Without additional support, in-ear headphones slip out of the optimal position or out of the ear completely, and over-ear versions are not suitable for sweaty activities anyway.
However, several current models have addressed at least some of the problems mentioned above – with very different approaches. They all have one thing in common: no cable. The music always comes from a smartphone or another device via Bluetooth. This is usually the only thing they have in common – apart from the varying degrees of protection against water and dust. Suppliers such as Teufel, Sony and Jabra rely on in-ear versions that are held in place either by their ergonomic shape or a corresponding bracket. Manufacturers such as Shokz rely on bone conduction technology, where the headphones do not sit in the ear at all and therefore cannot fall out. The different approaches bring with them certain advantages, but also disadvantages.
Teufel Airy Sports
The Airy Sports from Teufel are most reminiscent of classic sports headphones. A headband holds them in the right position, and a cable connects the two earphones to each other, even if not to the music source. The Bluetooth connection is easily established using the multifunction button on the cable, and the small control also makes it easy to adjust the volume and song selection. The acoustics are, as you would expect from audio professionals at Teufel, rich and crisp.
The temples are comfortable to wear even on longer journeys and are not too bulky to get in the way of a bicycle helmet and/or (sunglasses). The length of the connecting cable can at least be adjusted a little, but it could be a little too short if you have a lot of equipment or clothing around your shoulders or neck. Another minor drawback: the multifunction button sometimes only responds to really strong pressure, which can be annoying if you skip a lot or turn the volume up/down during exercise. The headphones weigh around 20 grams including the cable and remote control, and they are waterproof according to IPX7, at least if you submerge them briefly. At 80 euros, the Airy Sports are the cheapest devices in the test – with a very good price-performance ratio.
Jabra Elite 8
Jabra's Elite 8 Active model comes without a connecting cable or headband. The in-ear devices sit perfectly in the ear and stay in position even during vigorous movements. If you download the app for the headphones, you also get a simple equalizer and can change the button assignment. The app also provides information about the charging status of the two plugs and the charging cradle, and updates can also be installed via it. Initial pairing and regular connection to the device is easy both with and without the app.
The choice between noise cancelling, hearthrough and conventional sound is well thought out but only partially implemented. If you choose the latter, the acoustics of the Elite 8 Active are in no way inferior to those of the Teufel model: the bass is powerful, the treble is clear. However, both the blocking out of ambient noise and the letting through of noise only have a limited effect and tend to result in a result that sounds too artificial.
The Elite 8 Active are currently available for just 149 euros – also because the Gen 2 recently came onto the market. On paper, they are the most robust devices in the test, because with protection class IP68 they are not only dustproof, but also waterproof.
Shokz OpenFit
Shokz's models are deliberately designed for hearing. With OpenFit, a headband also holds the headphones in place, but they sit on the ear rather than in the ear. The reason: bone conduction technology. Sound waves are transported directly through the skull bones into the inner ear, leaving the ear canal free for ambient noise.
What may be quite pleasant when exercising outdoors is, however, rather annoying in traffic – even if it certainly increases the safety of runners and cyclists if they can hear approaching cars better and earlier. Unfortunately, all too often there is a mess of noise. If there is no ambient noise or it is significantly reduced, the OpenFit headphones deliver good sound, but it does not come close to that of Teufel or Jabra. The OpenFit is available for 199 euros. The earphones weigh 8.3 grams each and are protected against dust and water jets in accordance with IP54.
Shokz OpenRun Pro
Shokz goes one step further with the OpenRun Pro model. Worn more like a headset, the two sound generators rest on the temple rather than on the ear. Here, too, the sound quality is impressive as long as the ambient noise is kept to a minimum. The neckband is hardly a nuisance, despite sunglasses and/or a bicycle helmet. The only drawback: Since Shokz has not provided a charging cradle, you need a special charging cable – which you should definitely not forget. However, there is a fixed place for it in the case, which is larger than all the other models tested due to the rigid neckband. At 189 euros, the OpenRun Pro is a little cheaper than the sister model OpenFit, weighs 29 grams and is protected against dust and water jets in accordance with IP55.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Acoustically, the wireless noise-cancelling headphones WF-1000XM5 are in the same league as Teufel and Co. They are intuitive to use and the sound is flawless. You just shouldn't go too fast, because then the noise of the wind gets a bit too much – perhaps the aerodynamics could be improved a bit here. At 249 euros, the Sony headphones are the most expensive in the test, so it's reassuring that they sit really firmly and comfortably in the ear. Losing them is unlikely, even if you do get a bit more active. The two plugs weigh 5.9 grams each and are protected against splash water from all directions in accordance with IPX4. Small drawback: they are controlled via touch, so you shouldn't wear a hat, otherwise it will be difficult to hit the touch-sensitive field.
Teufel Airy Sports TWS
The sister model of the Airy Sports from Teufel, which was introduced at the beginning, also works with a touch field – so, as with Sony, the limitation for operation in colder weather is caused by hats that may be worn. The TWS model also does not have a connecting cable and is only held in place by the ear hooks. However, these are not very flexible and could be a bit large for some people – so be sure to try them on first! If they fit properly, however, they don't have to hide behind Jabra and Sony in terms of sound. At 16.4 grams each, the earphones are not lightweight, but they are not uncomfortable to wear either, and the spray protection is rather low at IPX3. The Airy Sports TWS costs around 120 euros from Teufel.
Conclusion:
Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, but in the end it all depends on the use and preferences of the athlete. If you are mainly out and about in the woods and meadows, you can definitely try the OpenFit and OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones from Shokz, they combine good sound with a comfortable fit. In louder environments, fitness fans should consider the classic in-ear models.
If you are training in autumn and winter, you should pay attention to how well the touch control panels from Sony or Teufel Airy Sports TWS work with a hat or gloves. The Teufel Airy Sports are a good and affordable alternative here.
In the test, Jabra created the Elite 8 Active model with the best mix of very good acoustics in every situation, wearing comfort, suitability for sports thanks to dust and water resistance, and usability – at a very good price-performance ratio.
By (jmk/spot)
