Even while it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings when hiking, there are instances when headphones or earbuds can make the trip more enjoyable. Having audio for your hike can make it more enjoyable, whether you’re listening to your favorite music, an engaging podcast, or a fun audiobook.
The disclaimer from the first sentence is crucial in this case. Make your own decisions about the trail and the surroundings while you hike. We advise you to keep an eye out for potential threats if the area is known for having hazardous species, but if you feel secure and want to listen to the audio while trekking, we have a list of 10 suggested headphones/earphones for hiking.
Table of Contents
Best Headphones for Hiking
Bose Sport Earbuds – Wireless Earphones
- Wireless Bluetooth earbuds engineered by Bose for your best workout...
- Product Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of...
- Bose lifelike sound: Makes your music sound like the performer is right...
By using wireless Bluetooth connectivity, issues like needless tangling and other cord-related risks are reduced in hiking headphones. With a range of 30 feet, the specially created antennas enable outstanding communication. This implies that you won’t be disturbed when listening to music. You can select the ear tips that are the greatest fit for your ears from three sizes that are offered. The snug fit keeps the earphones in place during strenuous physical activity, such as trekking on challenging paths with steep inclines. Even after extended use, the shape of these earbuds allows them to rest securely against the contours of your ears, preventing pain and ear fatigue.
The Bose Sports earphones’ sound quality is unmatched, and we adore it. On the move, you will hear music that is crystal clear, loud, and realistic. They have a beamforming microphone range that allows for crystal-clear audio transmission even in noisy environments.
These inclusive, simple-to-use earbuds work with both iOS and Android apps. For simple touch controls, you may link them to your smartphones and use the Bose Music App. The Bose Sport Earbuds have an IPX4 rating because they are built with unique water- and sweat-resistant materials. Finally, these earbuds offer a battery life of 5 hours and an additional 10 hours when charging. Additionally, a simple 15-minute charge from the charging case gives you an extra 2 hours of battery life. This set of true wireless earphones is a fantastic alternative for all hikers thanks to the quick charging capability. This is the Best Headphones for Hiking in 2023.
SHOKZ OpenRun (AfterShokz Aeropex) – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones
They changed their name to Shokz in 2021 from their previous moniker, AfterShokz. This bone conduction headphone performs a little bit differently than conventional headphones and earbuds, which may explain why it appears a little odd. The OpenRun is undoubtedly Shokz’s flagship product, and the company is well renowned for their bone conduction headphones.
Instead of vibrating our eardrums, bone conduction headphones stimulate our inner ears, which trigger a reaction that our brains interpret as sound. In actuality, these headphones/earphones don’t cover our ears. We’ll instead be pressing a bone conduction headset on our cheekbones. We can listen to our audio while also hearing the outside world if we keep our ears open.
The sound quality of bone conduction headphones is a drawback. Despite the weaker frequency response and, of course, the mixing of ambient noise and the intended music, this type of headset is good for safety. Shokz incorporates its in-house PremiumPitch 2.0+ to boost the OpenRun’s max volume and bass responsiveness in order to increase audio quality.
Any wires that could tangle with equipment or unnatural things are eliminated with Bluetooth 5.1 wireless communication. Your Bluetooth devices can be paired quickly and securely. You can use the tactile play, skip, pause, and back-a-track (rewind/repeat) instructions on the headphones to keep your attention on the trail and away from your audio device.
Are you planning a longer hike? The OpenRun is a great option for extended days on the trail because it boasts an 8-hour battery life and a quick charge. To assist the user feel as comfortable as possible, the Shokz OpenRun comes in two sizes. The band size is 1 inch smaller on the Mini variant than on the Original.
With an IP67 classification that makes it sweatproof and waterproof, the OpenRun is a fantastic option for hikers. Keep in mind that the charging case is not water-resistant. A 2-year guarantee and a 45-day return policy are included with the Shokz OpenRun. This is one of the Best Headphones for Hiking in 2023.
Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones With Charging Case
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear...
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION cuts out background noise so you stay in the zone...
- PRODUCT NOTE: The earbuds include 3 sizes of interchangeable eargels. If...
The Jaybird Vista 2 wireless headphones are the solution if you’re seeking for the most robust and well-functioning headphones to make your hiking excursions even better! This set of headphones features dependable Bluetooth connectivity for increased mobility and simplicity of usage. A highly desired feature is active noise cancellation. These earbuds help you focus by preventing outside noise from interfering with your music. Additionally, the 6mm milled drivers and EQ presets allow for a customized and excellent audio experience. These headphones are great for outdoor excursions. For your continued alertness and awareness, they provide enhanced safety features including surround sense. By picking up on background noise, the wind-guard technology-equipped microphones let you keep aware of any changes in your environment. For better fit, the interchangeable ear gels are available in three sizes.
Military-grade protection (MIL-STD 810G) on the Jaybird Vista 2 ensures long-lasting performance. Shock, freezing, and impact resistance are all included in this. They are also sweatproof, waterproof, and dustproof thanks to their IP68 classification. All of this makes them ideal for outdoor activities like strenuous trekking and hiking as well as rough use. A very outstanding 24 hours of battery life can be achieved. With 16 more hours of battery life in the charging case, you can listen to content nonstop for 8 hours. They also offer a quick charge feature that takes only five minutes and gives you an additional hour of battery life.
soundcore by Anker Life P3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Get up to 10 hours of battery life on a...
- Fueled by The Beat: Life P3 noise cancelling earbuds' thumping sound is...
- Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling: Select from 3 noise cancelling modes:...
The lightweight Hiking trips are perfect for using Anker Soundcore P3 wireless earphones! The small case is quite useful because it is small enough to fit in your pocket. This style gives your earbuds a stylish appearance while keeping them safe. Five alternative colors—black, coral red, navy blue, oat white, and sky blue—are offered for the earphones. You’ll have a wide range of options to choose from. You’ll be happy to know that these earphones offer a special BassUp setting if you like bass. Real-time bass amplification is achieved by enabling this setting in the app! They are excellent for outdoor use because of the ambient sound mode.
The incredible battery life of these earbuds is 7 hours when used without the charging case and nearly 35 hours when using it. They are thus perfect for hiking excursions. You won’t need to be concerned about them passing away while you’re traveling. They also have an IPX5 rating, indicating that they can withstand water. Considering that earphones with comparable functionality can cost over $100, these genuine wireless earbuds are a fantastic alternative! Additionally, they provide you the option to customize your listening experience by going to the Soundcore App and modifying the EQ to your tastes.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Headphones for Hiking
Follow this handy guide to identify the perfect headphones to suit your hiking needs:
Headphone Types
Consider the pros and cons of different headphone types like earbuds, on-ear, over-ear, and bone conduction when choosing the best option for your needs in terms of size, noise isolation, comfort, and situational awareness.
Durability
Look at aspects like water resistance ratings, construction materials, earbud tip design, and user reviews to evaluate headphone durability for rugged outdoor use. Reliable build quality is key.
Battery Life
Evaluate battery life, quick charging capabilities, and wired use options to ensure headphones can cover long hikes between recharging. Extra batteries may be needed for multi-day trips.
Key Features
Compare convenient controls, noise isolation, awareness-allowing open earbuds, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and clear microphones across different headphone models.
Pricing
Consider budget-friendly durable earbuds under $50, mid-range models with enhanced sound around $100, and premium headphones with advanced features at $200+ to balance cost and performance.
FAQ
What are the best headphones for hiking?
For hiking, we recommend wireless earbuds that have an IPX4 water resistance rating or higher, a secure and comfortable fit, at least 5 hours of battery life, and an open ear design so you can maintain situational awareness. Popular options are the AfterShokz Aeropex bone conduction headphones and the JBL Endurance Peak II earbuds.
Should I get noise cancelling headphones?
Noise cancelling can be nice to block out wind noise and allow you to listen at lower volumes. But the isolation can reduce your awareness, so only turn on noise cancellation when needed. Open earbud designs avoid this issue.
How do I stop headphones from falling out when hiking?
Look for earbuds with different sized tips you can swap to get a secure fit. Adding ear hooks can also help keep earbuds locked in place. Over-ear headphones should have padded, adjustable headbands that hold them stable on your head.
Can headphones get damaged from sweat?
Excessive sweat can potentially damage headphones over time without proper care. Choose headphones with an IPX4 water resistant rating or higher to withstand sweat. Always wipe off and dry headphones after use to prevent corrosion and buildup.
How do I clean muddy/dirty headphones after hiking?
Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe off any mud or dirt from headphones after hiking. Be careful not to get moisture in any openings. Disinfectant wipes can help sanitize earbud tips and pads. Air dry before storing away.
Should I bring extra batteries for multi-day hikes?
For hikes longer than one day, carrying an external battery pack or extra AAA batteries can ensure your wireless headphones stay powered the entire time. Quick charging support via an external battery allows you to top off headphones during short breaks.