Best Running Headphones

These are the headphones that produce the best sound for the money and work well when running, as well as some alternatives to consider.

1 Highly Recommended

1.1 Koss Portapro/Sportapro

These headphones produce remarkable sound for the price and these are the headphones I wear when running. The Sportapro fit slightly better for running, but the Portapro have slightly better sound quality. PortaPro at Amazon and SportaPro at Amazon.

Pros

• Wonderful sound quality, which is far better than any earbuds I’ve tried, including expensive options like Shure.
• An open design, so you can hear what’s going on around you at low volumes.
• The headband allows you to remove and replace the headphones quickly and easily, so you don’t have to pause the music.
• They do not fit under a winter hat, but they work fine over the top of the hat.
• These headphones lasted longer than any others I've tried, dieing after 14 months of continual usage. They also have a lifetime warranty so Koss will replace them for a $9 shipping fee.

Cons

• In hot weather, the pads keep your ears from getting the cool air.
• The looks will not suit everyone.
• Do not work under a cycling helmet.

Koss Sportapro.

Koss Portapro.

1.2 Koss KSC75

These have similar sound to the Sportapro and are cheaper. I use these when cycling (not on the road). KSC75 at Amazon.

Pros

• Wonderful sound quality, though not quite as good as the Sportapros, though the difference is small.
• An open design, so you can hear what’s going on around you at low volumes.
• Works under a cycling helmet.

Cons

• You can’t remove and replace the headphones quickly and easily, so you have to pause the music.
• The looks will not suit everyone.

Koss KSC75.

2 Options to Consider

2.1 Apple Remote Control Earbuds

The sound quality is mediocre, but the remote control is wonderful, when it works. Given the problems, they are expensive. Apple Remote Control Earbuds at Amazon.

Pros

• Remote control on the wire.

Cons

• Poor sound quality.
• Appalling build quality. They need modifying to be useful running and even then will not last long. (NB, I've tried remote control adapters for the Apple iPod, but they don't last long either.)
• Don’t stay in the ears without Innovelis BudFits

iPod earbuds with remote control.

2.2 Shure Earbuds

I’ve tried several of the cheaper (~$100) Shure earbuds and they don’t work for me, but YMMV.

Pros

• Good sound quality for an earbud when stationary.

Cons

• When sealed against the ear (which is needed for good sound), each footstep ‘booms’. This made them unusable to me.
• Expensive for the sound quality (Koss are better and cheaper)

Shure earbuds.

2.3 Sennheiser CX 680

These earbuds work quite well for running. Sennheiser CX 680 earbuds at Amazon.

Pros

• They stay in the ears quite well when running.

Cons

• Sound quality is mediocre.

Sennheiser CX 680.