Earbuds that don't suck

May 25, 2005 1:01 PM

Does anybody know of some good and cheap earbuds that won't fall out while I'm jogging?

So far, every kind I've tried fell out constantly or just plain hurt. Also, I don't think "isolation" or "cancellation" earbuds are such a good idea while running around a city.

posted by celibate_life to Technology (11 answers total)

Well, faced with the same problem, I just gave up on earbuds for running and went to larger plastic-connector-running-behind-my-head earphones. True, they make me look trapped in 1998, but they stay on my head while I run.
posted by COBRA! at 1:12 PM on May 25, 2005

I second COBRA! Sony has some that run about 10 bucks at target, best buy, etc. I've tried multiple types and these have worked the best for me.
posted by AllesKlar at 1:14 PM on May 25, 2005

I use over-the-ear phones like these ones and they have never fallen out.
posted by vacapinta at 1:17 PM on May 25, 2005

There are links elsewhere on this site showing chu moy's modification of Koss sound isolating earbuds. With the mods i think they stand a good chance of staying in. Or you could use first-aid tape.
posted by mecran01 at 1:24 PM on May 25, 2005

Best answer: I'm training for a marathon and use Sony MDR-EX71 earbuds. They fit deeper in the ear than regular earbuds and the rubber gaskets come in three sizes, giving me a comfortable yet snug fit. I never have trouble with them falling out, and I run up to 3 hours at a time. I don't know what you classify as "cheap" but they can usually be found on eBay for under $30 US and I think they're worth every penny. Good luck.
posted by RibaldOne at 2:08 PM on May 25, 2005

Koss--The Plug--Modifications
posted by craniac at 2:14 PM on May 25, 2005

I've had really good luck with the Sony Fontopia in-ear headphones. I got rid of my original iPod headphones after a while. The only problem is they seal outside noise out a little too well, especially when running on the road and along traffic. There are a lot of models in the family in all kinds of price ranges.
posted by fubar at 2:23 PM on May 25, 2005

I second RibaldOne and fubar. The Sony's are great for the price.
posted by doctor_negative at 3:50 PM on May 25, 2005

Consider the sony earphones thirded. I can run with them in, no problem. Plus they are all-around excellent earphones - great bass response, good noise control. I got them in white to match my iPod, but I think the black ones are slightly cheaper.
posted by salad spork at 4:49 PM on May 25, 2005

I have some other kooky sony ones that I run with once and awhile. They're ok, but I don't love 'em.

For me, the in-ear ones work alright, but the inside of my ears get all sweaty... and that's no good.
posted by ph00dz at 8:47 PM on May 25, 2005

Response by poster: Cool, thanks for seconding, thirding, and possibly fourthing the Sonys. I'm going with the EX51LP Fontopia.
posted by celibate_life at 7:50 AM on May 26, 2005