How To Choose a Sports Headphones
Sports headphones should hold well in your ears, dampen ambient noise and be resistant to sweat and moisture. Earplugs or in-ear headphones are best suited for this. They are usually inconspicuous in appearance and one does not sweat so much around the ears with them as opposed to on-ear headphones.
What is most important when choosing sports headphones?
Construction
If the sport you are choosing your headphones to do requires quiet then choose a headphone design accordingly. Choose headphones with a closed construction, it will allow you to enjoy music better even in a busier environment. In contrast, open-construction headphones offer more faithful music reproduction with less distortion. However, they let the sound out more which may be problematic if you’re playing loudly in a gym.
Sensitivity
This is the acoustic performance of the headphones. It is given in dB / Wm and the higher the value, the better the reproduction of the audio signal. A higher value also means a higher volume. For devices with low output power, such as MP3 players, headphones with a high sensitivity value above 100 dB / mW and a low impedance up to 80 Ohms is suitable.
Impedance
Impedance, the electrical resistance of the converter, affects how loud the headphones will play.
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Impedance up to 100 Ohms - the headphones have a higher volume and are suitable for portable players, because a lower impedance does not require such a high voltage.
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Impedance above 100 Ohms - occurs in higher quality headphones. They require a more powerful signal source, so they are not suitable for connection to a mobile phone without a preamplifier.
Tip: For players with low output power, such as smartphones, MP3 players, or laptops, we recommend headphones with low impedance, otherwise it would not play loud enough.
Connection
Using wire (3.5mm jack)
Connecting headphones to a music source with a wire is more reliable, and wired headphones play better than similarly priced wireless ones. Their disadvantage is that they offer less freedom.
Wireless (Bluetooth)
The advantage of wireless headphones is freedom of movement, so no cable will bother you during sports. Especially if you try the so-called True Wireless headphones. Bluetooth headphones have a range of about 10 meters from the music source and will also last you quite a long time. Even the most ordinary people can handle 4 or more hours on a single charge.
Tip: With headphones for running, comfort comes first before maximum playback quality. Wireless headphones in particular will provide better comfort. But wireframes can also do a good job, as they can be hidden under clothes where they don't get in the way as much. The cable should be a maximum of 1.5 meters long so that you do not bother you during sports.
Microphone
These can be tilted, sliding, detachable or cable microphones. The last type is best for making phone calls while running/ doing other sports. The microphone is located directly on the control panel on the cable, other types of microphones would be annoying during sports.
Glossary - headphones
Headphone cushion/ Earbuds
The part of the headphones that comes in contact with the ear. Earbuds are soft to be comfortable even when listening for several hours. They are made of suede, fabric or artificial leather.
Head band
The head band connects the shells of the headphones. It can be made of iron, steel or plastic for cheaper headphones. The head band is usually designed so that it can be adjusted, i.e to fit different head sizes.
Impedance
Impedance is given in Ohms and is an electrical parameter that expresses the resistance of the circuits in the headphones. Headphones with an impedance of up to 100 Ohms have more distortion, but also a higher volume, so they are suitable for portable players. An impedance of 250-600 Ohms results in lower volume and less distortion.
Other concepts
Performance
Earphones
These come either with or without a headband. Without is more suitable for sports because they are smaller. Other options are models with a rear bridge, which is worn around the back of the neck. They are made of plastic, rubber or steel.
Earbuds
Miniature headphones that are placed in the ear just in front of the ear canal. Sound quality depends a lot on how they fit you and how well they seal. They usually don’t hold particularly well in the ears so they aren’t often used for sports.
In-ear
They slide directly into the ear canal and have smaller dimensions. As each person has a different shape of the inner part of their ear, they are usually supplied with interchangeable attachments of different sizes. They hold well in the ears. So they are ideal for running.
Tip: Sports headphones are suitable for almost all sports, but in sports such as running or athletics, it is especially important that they fit tightly to your ears. Earbuds or in-ear headphones do this best, whether with a clip behind the ears or fixation to the ears. Waterproof headphones are required for sports in bad weather.
Tip 2: When listening to music, you will appreciate the control on the cable as well as the built-in microphone for making calls. You don't have to take your headphones off when listening to music on your phone.