Want to buy earbuds for running

May 3, 2006 7:22 PM

I'm looking for earbuds that offer superior sound quality and that I can wear while running. My over the ear Ravemp buds finally gave out. I haven't been able to find any decent sounding replacements that don't fall out of my ears after a few minutes of running. Price range < $75. Must be available on the internet.
posted by Juicylicious to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (13 answers total)

I don't have a specific model recommendation, but make sure you do not get in-ear buds.

In-ear phones block out sound and thus can create a hazard for you, especially because you are using them for running.
posted by bd at 7:30 PM on May 3, 2006

I use Griffin EarThumps and they work just dandy. A nice snug fit (kinda like ear plugs) that stays on while running. Only 20 bucks (cheaper if you're a student)
posted by special-k at 7:36 PM on May 3, 2006

I have a pair of the etymotic 6i. They're about $25 over your budget but the sound is totally captivating. bd is right though, they block out sound so well they can be dangerous in traffic.
posted by minkll at 8:06 PM on May 3, 2006

Sony Fontopia MDR-NC11. Excellent audio quality, including noise cancelling feature. Very highly rated. Only $80 here.
posted by soiled cowboy at 8:23 PM on May 3, 2006

bd: I think that's an acceptable risk if the runner is in a gym on a treadmill. ;-)

To the OP: I have heard excellent things about the Shure earbuds.
posted by drstein at 8:38 PM on May 3, 2006

There's also a pair of sennheiser (I think the lower ones in the CX range) earbuds that are really good in this price range, although like the others they sit in-ear, so might be dangerous when running.

Have you considered buying backphones instead (like some of the better Sony phones?)? It seems like most ear buds would fall out if you are running (unless they are the in-ear type)!
posted by ranglin at 9:22 PM on May 3, 2006

If you're already willing to spend $75, you should spring for Etymotics or Shures -- there seems to be a big jump in sound quality when you cross that $100 mark. The Sonys will fall out of your ears, guaranteed. The Shures and Etymotics are more or less equivalent, but I've often seen the Shures recommended over the Etymotics for use while moving around; the Shures have slightly better insulation on the cord that will reduce "cable microphonics" (sound fron the cord jostling around traveling up into your ears).
posted by jjg at 9:58 PM on May 3, 2006

Shures have slightly better insulation on the cord that will reduce "cable microphonics" (sound fron the cord jostling around traveling up into your ears).

I love my etymotics, but this "cable microphonics" is pretty bad on them.
posted by flaterik at 11:47 PM on May 3, 2006

I just bought a set of Koss Earbuds and love them. They do boost the bass significantly, but this can be compensated for. They do a dandy job of cutting out background noise and do NOT fall out. Very comfy.
posted by ninazer0 at 12:35 AM on May 4, 2006

I like my Shures. They came with a nice little zippered hard case and a sack of several different sorts of in-ear bits to customize the fit a little. There were three sizes each of firm rubber, soft rubber, and squishable foam (like earplug foam) tips.

I find this custom fit to be the best way yet to prevent in-ear phones from falling out.

Plus, kick-ass sound.
posted by Sallyfur at 1:15 AM on May 4, 2006

I also have the etymotic 6i, and I love them, but I wouldn't wear them running in traffic, 'cause you can't hear a damn thing other than the music. If you are on a trail or a treadmill they would be perfect- they stay in really well, the sound is great and I find them much more comfortable than the standard issue earbuds that came with my iPod.
posted by ambrosia at 9:13 AM on May 4, 2006

Headroom's Excercise guide might be helpful, but I'm very happy with my 14$ Koss KSC75 over the ear sport clips. They're more comfortable than cheaper earbuds, have yet to fall off during exercise, and sound like 50$ phones. The headphone drivers inside sound almost as good as my 35$ Koss PortaPro's, which have an ugly headband and sound better, but don't stay on me while running. I swapped the phones from the PortaPro's with the earclips from the KSC75's with excellent results. Added Koss bonus: no questions asked lifetime warranty, e.g. when you break them you get them replaced for 6$ + outbound shipping.
posted by enfa at 9:22 AM on May 4, 2006

Get some Jabra EarGels and put them on your favorite ear-bud headset.
posted by noahv at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2006