Best Bluetooth Headphones for Running

Anyone into fitness knows how a good playlist can completely change your workout. However, no one knows the importance of an energizing playlist more than those who run. Rhythmic beats, deep bass, and even uplifting lyrics can be the perfect motivation to push further. However, runners also know the importance of good Bluetooth headphones, or at least they should.

As a runner, you need headphones that meet some criteria that other less sporty music enthusiasts might not covet.

• Headphones need to be both snug and stable enough to withstand the motion of jogging
• Music needs to be heard clearly, but not completely block out noise if running outside
• They need to function well in sweaty environments
• They need to fit comfortably and have unobtrusive cords
• It needs to be compatible with your Bluetooth music device

Top Picks for Bluetooth Headphones Made for Runners

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Sony Smart B-Trainer

Although the price is a little daunting, the Sony Smart B-Trainer is the ultimate in Bluetooth headphones for fitness. It comes with GPS, an accelerometer, and heart rate monitoring that all functions right in the ear piece, all of which can be used to better track and monitor not only your runs, but any workout. While it has 16 GB of storage and is compatible for music played over iPhone and Android, it also comes with audio fitness coaching. However, one of its nicest features is that it has the capability to suggest what music tracks to play that match your heart rate. It is a fun tidbit that can add a little bit of excitement to your average run.

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Bose SoundSport Pulse

Bose has always been a brand name that assures quality sound, and that quality does transfer to their SoundSport line of Bluetooth headphones. While all SoundSport’s are great Bluetooth headphones, the Pulse is specifically made with runners in mind. They come built in with a heart rate monitor that works seamlessly with apps like RunKeeper and Endomondo as well as Bose’s own Bose Connect app that lets you monitor your heart rate in real-time. However, compatibility with other fitness apps can be slightly more hit-or-miss. However, the best part of these headphones is that not only do you get the Bose quality sound clarity and deep bass, but you also get headphones designed for a tight fit. With it, you can better hear the music and don’t get the same irritating problem of the ear buds falling out of your ears as you run.

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SMS Audio By 50

Bluetooth headphones with all these extra great fitness features are wonderful, but for many, not worth a near $200 price tag. However, if you still want the features, but also want the affordability, it comes in the SMS Audio. Created by the unlikely alliance of PC-chip creator Intel and rapper 50 Cent, the SMS Audio provides waterproof headphones that host incredible sound and also track your heart rate for a fraction of the price. However, while they sync seamlessly with Runkeeper and a couple of other fitness apps, compatibility with many other apps is limited. However, it you are not that much of an app person, these provide a solid and cheap pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound great and stay steady as you move.

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Jaybird X3

One of the most frustrating things about ear buds is how they fit. Many high-quality ear bud manufactures make their sport models more like ear plugs so you get a solid fit without worrying about them falling out. However, they also have a noise-canceling effect, which is fine for treadmill use but potentially dangerous if you like to run outside.

The best feature of the Jaybird X3 is that they don’t completely plug up your ears, but come with different sized outer ear pieces that allow a secure fit for all different sized ears. While they don’t provide all the heart rate monitoring and other features of other sport headphones, they provide excellent sound, an excellent fit, and a lengthy eight hours of battery life, allowing you to exercise with confidence and focus. They also feature easy smart phone integration that allows you to take, reject, and call people at a push of a button, something that other sports models skimp on.

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PowerBeats (by Dre) 2

With most ear buds, sport designed or not, you run into one common issue – bass, or rather, the lack thereof. Even the SMS Audio that 50 Cent had a hand in designing oddly lacks in bass despite his music being full of it. However, PowerBeats 2, a Beats by Dre product, brings a sport-ready ear bud that provides wonderful quality bass. This model takes more of a Bluetooth headset style to its design, but those outer bars are not just a style choice, they help keep the buds balanced and inside your ears. While it could have a better battery life than the 6 hours it provides, this is a set of Bluetooth headphones that gives runners the ‘oompf’ of solid bass to keep them endlessly motivated.

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Top 5 Bluetooth Shower Speakers

 

Some Bluetooth speaker owners like to have a speaker that sits on a shelf in the most used room of their house. Other owners like to have a speaker that they can take outside and it can withstand all the rolls and tumbles in their active life. However, I don’t care who you are, there is nothing more refreshing than singing along with your playlist while taking a shower.

Music and hot water, they just go together as the best way to start the day, but while any Bluetooth speaker can be put in the bathroom, it doesn’t mean it will thrive there. There are a few things you want in a Bluetooth speaker for the bathroom as opposed for other uses.

First and foremost, it must be waterproof. Even if you don’t intend on dunking it in the bathtub, bathrooms are steamy places and water-related accidents do happen. Second, unless you live in a super mansion where the bathroom could house a small family, you want to prioritize size so it will actually sit comfortably without being in the way. Finally, you want decent sound clarity. Volume is actually not as important because bathrooms often have awesome acoustics, but what good are acoustics when you can’t even understand the lyrics?

With waterproofing, size, and sound clarity in mind, what are the Bluetooth speakers to take to the shower with you?

UE ROLL 2

As we mentioned in our review of it, the UE ROLL 2 is our shower speaker of choice, and it still remains our favorite. Eye-catching in physical design and comes in a variety of fun color schemes, this is one Bluetooth speaker that is a joy to look at. However, that fun package belittles superior waterproofing. With an IPX 7 rating, you can put this bad boy into three feet of water if you want to for up to half an hour. With that, you know it can handle your steamy hour-long showers with ease.

Like all UE speakers, you also get great volume and sound clarity. This particular model is an upgrade of the UE BOOM, featuring up to 15 percent better sound quality.

Due to the shape of the model, it can be difficult to position on a flat surface, because it takes up a fair amount of space, but if you hang it, it remains compact, out of the way, and just radiates sound. It also has a range of 100 feet if you happen to be on the move with your phone.

 

JBL Charge 3

The major selling point of the JBL Charge 3 as a portable Bluetooth speaker, not just a shower speaker, is that it can connect up to three different devices and take turns playing music. You probably won’t need that feature in the bathroom, but that and its 20 hours of battery life make it one bathroom speaker that you can take anywhere. It also has the handy feature of its battery being able to also charge your smart phone as needed.

However, outside of that awesome cross functionality, you get optimum sound clarity in a small package that you can easily set on a counter and not have to fuss with. With an IPX7 water-resistance rating, like other models it can survive up to 3 feet of water for up to half an hour, and also comes in a variety of colors so you can match it to the fancy color coding of your bathroom. Unless you are some kind of monster who doesn’t have towels that match the bath mat, but even then, it probably still comes in a color you will like.

 

BOOM Swimmer

I’ll admit, it took a bit of looking at it before the design of this punchy little speaker clicked. However, once you get what they meant by “swimmer,” you can’t stop seeing it. Although initially positioned to like a strong swimmer, this speaker’s base is actually quite flexible. This means you can leave the original design intact or pick something a little more humorless (but ultimately space-saving and sturdy).

Although the name is a double entendre, this is a speaker meant to be poolside. It has a good IPX7 water rating, and its flexible base means you can stand it up anywhere. If you only have so much counter space in your bathroom, it can stand completely upright and still radiate amazing sound or even clip onto the show rod. It also happens to get ridiculously loud, another feature for its initial poolside use, but something not unwelcome in the bathroom.

The only real potential downside to it is that unlike other models, it only has a respectable eight hours of battery life. It’s not a bad battery life, but it is no 20 hours of music playing like the JBL features.

 

SoundBot Shower Speaker

Looking for an affordable shower speaker option? It is only natural that you don’t want to put a $200 showpiece speaker in the bathroom where any number of things can happen. If a low price is a must, the SoundBot is perfect. It features excellent sound, a small package that features a suction cup for wall mounting, and it comes in a wide variety of colors.

However, with low price, there is always some sacrifices, right? There are a few, but they are not exactly what you would call deal breakers. In terms of sound, the bass could be better, but a small package always sacrifices subwoofer power. Another downside is that it has limited Bluetooth range, only about 20 feet, which is fine if you have your phone in the bathroom, or even in another nearby room.

 

MPOW Buckler

While slightly more expensive, the MPOW Buckler is a great shower Bluetooth speaker for those that want affordability and just a bit more flair with the design. Like other models, it has a suction cup so that you can mount it to the wall, but in this model, it is not sound or battery life that is sacrificed, but waterproofing. It has a good IPX4 rating that makes it hearty against steam, but this is one model you definitely don’t want to fall in a tub or a sink.

That aside, it features a respectable eight hour battery, fast recharge time, and still delivers loud, crystal clear sound. However, it only comes in two colors – orange and black – so I hope either of those match

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5 Best WiFi Speakers for the House (Not Bluetooth)

One of, if not the only, great thing about a series of WiFi speakers as opposed to multiple Bluetooth speakers is that they hook up straight to the home internet system as opposed to having to rely on a computer, phone, or tablet.

This is especially helpful when, say, you normally use one device (phone) that is paired with the Bluetooth speaker and that device isn’t in the house at the time. (Say, you’re spouse or significant other isn’t home.)

Also, you won’t have those annoying alerts and notifications going off each time mom texts or an email comes in.  That just gets in the way, like when you’re at the gym and the music fades out each and every time a dang Facebook notification comes in.

Lastly, and here is the best part of us, you can actually play different music in different parts of the house.  Whichever room you’re in all you have to do is select the music that you want the machine and network will take over and do the rest.  Independent volume control and all…

Our review of the Sonos Play:1 is a great place to start looking as far as quality and price point.  It starts out at an awesome price and delivers stupendous sound quality.  Try to pair them up and get a great sounding system right in the house.

Besides the SONOS, let’s take a look at some of our other favorite WiFi Speakers for the home and the outdoors.

Best WiFi Speakers for the Home

Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo - Black

Look, it may not be the trendiest “I wanna’ rock out” choice” for some of you, but it’s a straight solid speaker system that sounds so much better than you would think.  Actually, a lot better.  It’s got good reviews from Big Boys like Engadget, CNET, and Business Insider.  Some, like Engadget, make the case that all you really need is the Amazon Echo Dot.  The big draw to the Echo is that is so much more than just a good speaker, of course.

Downside:  No battery so it needs to stay plugged in to connect and work.

Libratone ZIPP (WiFi and Bluetooth)

 

We like the Libratone because it’s cool, man.  Great highs, booming bass, and 100 watts of power.  Like the Amazon Echo, the cylindrical shape of the Libratone gives us that 360° sound push throughout the room.  While we’re on the subject, sticking the Echo or the Libratone in a corner kind of wastes a lot of the 360 sound.  It does much better on a kitchen island or coffee table, if you don’t mind it being there.

Downside:  Price point at almost $300

Samsung Shape M7

Samsung SHAPE M7 Wireless Audio Speaker (Black)

As it happens, the Samsung S7 is viable competitor to Sonos and its wireless and affordable line of WiFi speakers.  The difference is that it actually sounds better and has the ability to stream Bluetooth as well.  And, of course, seamless integration and connectivity with Samsung TVs.  Even though it sounds better than the Sonos Play:3, that doesn’t mean it is better.  It has its limitations.

Downside:  Only streams Pandora, Amazon, Rhapsody, TuneIN, and DLNA without Bluetooth.

Sonos Play:3 (Still the “King”.  Red our full review)

Sonos PLAY:3 Mid-Sized Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (Black)

One of the best features of the Sonos is that you can always expand your sound later. With easy connectivity to other Sonos speakers, you can fill your house with rich sound by buying other PLAY speakers, the subwoofer, or even the TV bar. One nice feature is that, if you wanted to, you could enable your speakers to play different songs in different rooms.

Downside: Not the most aesthetic of designs

Pure Jongo S3

Pure Jongo S3 Wireless Speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Black

In its early years the Puro Jongo was willing and ready to take on the Sonos Play:3…but they did it with flashy grills and colors.  Now, it’s a grown-up product all on its own.  We think that, currently, it’s the best competition that Sonos has…but still just a little bit below it in range of sound and clarity.  But the Jongo does get loud.  So loud, in fact that the bass can sometimes become a problem.

Downside:  Limited multi-room functionality with 3^rd part apps.

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HUGE Amazon Black Friday Deals: Bluetooth Speakers,

So, I just got done looking at the Electronics and Home & Audion Deals on Amazon for this Black Friday and Holidays.  Let me tell you:  “WOW”.  I’ve seen speakers and audio equipment with sales up to 69% and 72% off!  Quality speakers, folks.

I’m sure that it goes without saying that there is MUCH, MUCH, MORE than the three examples that I list below.  You’d be crazy not to at least check it out.  No crazy lines.  No obnoxious people.   No waking up at 3 am or staying up all night to find great deals.  Just order from home and have it delivered to home. Have you tried Prime?  FREE SHIPPING!

Bluetooth speakers that usually sell for $130 plus are on sale for $39.99 and $44.99

Check some of this stuff out:

Bluetooth Speakers, TaoTronics Stereo 20W Wireless Portable Speaker (Dual 10W Drivers, Dual Passive Subwoofers, Strong Bass, Aluminum-Alloy, Bluetooth 4.0, Built-in Microphone)

Bluetooth Speakers, TaoTronics Stereo 20W Wireless Portable Speaker (Dual 10W Drivers, Dual Passive Subwoofers, Strong Bass, Aluminum-Alloy, Bluetooth 4.0, Built-in Microphone)

Bluetooth Speakers, Arespark Wireless Outdoor Portable Shower Speaker with 10-Hour Playtime, IPX5 Waterproof, Built-in Mic, Dual Subwoofer, USB & AUX-In Slots, Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker, SD/TF Card Play

 

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5 Coolest-Looking, High Performing Bluetooth Speakers

When it comes to picking out a Bluetooth speaker to keep in your home, functionality and performance are important, but who cares if it looks so freakin’ cool, right? No, not really. Performance should always be the most important thing, but sometimes you want something that is aesthetically pleasing too. You want a Bluetooth speaker that can both bring the noise and that will be a showpiece for your home. While many Bluetooth speaker models sound great, not all designs will blow you out of the water visually. So if you are still looking for an awesome speaker that is a treat for the eyes, give these five options a look over.

Airmate Wireless Speaker and LED Color Ball

The Airmate Color Ball is one of the more out there examples of how cool a Bluetooth speaker can look. Essentially, this speaker’s color ball exterior can be anything you want it to be. The colors can dance to a beat, rotate a rainbow hue, or even just sit a solid color if you want it to. However, typically with speakers like this, they look great, but don’t perform the best. So how does it stack up?

While the bass is left wanting through its tiny, tiny subwoofers, the real downfall of the Airmate is that it only has a Bluetooth range of about 10 feet, so you can’t walk all over your house with your music device in your pocket. However, it does come with a respectable 10 hour battery life and some pretty good sound clarity. However, as it is not waterproof and doesn’t have the same protective casing as other speaker models, this is definitely an indoor-only sort of speaker.

>>More info on Amazon<<

Gadget Cool Triangle

If you want a triangular shape, you have a few Bluetooth speaker options to choose from, but mostly they are in long brick form. The Gadget.Cool model comes in a short compact form that becomes the perfect wedge. The suction cups on the top adds for an extra piece of visual interest, but don’t be fooled, they aren’t for sticking to walls. Definitely don’t do that. They are really for holding your phone in place. However, while that might suggest a limited range, it does also feature 32 feet of Bluetooth range, which is pretty standard for most models.

For its size, the triangle produces decent bass and great sound quality, but the volume of it could be better. However, for its low price, it gives an admirable performance.

>>Best Price on Amazon<<

AXESS Speaker With Dancing Lights

AXESS has been a pretty reliable Bluetooth speaker brand for awhile, especially for people that like to travel with their speakers. The cylinder shape of the AXESS makes it excellent for carrying and the shape actually lends to its fantastic should quality. However, this particular model comes with the fun added benefit of having dancing LED lights on the end so that you can turn on the party wherever you take it.

With the AXESS you can use both Bluetooth and an aux-in jack. The major benefit of choosing the AXESS over any other cool-looking speaker is its performance. Its sound quality is good like other models, but the benefit of the AXESS is absolutely stunning bass that makes it a good option for outdoor parties as well as filling your home with rich sound. However, one unfortunate downside is that it will not play music while charging, so you can’t just set it on a shelf and leave it plugged in.

>>>Read Amazon Reviews<<

Karnotech Cube

This beautiful cub looks like it is ready to transform into something else at anytime. However, its cube shape and tiny package make it highly portable while still being visually pleasing. However, many Bluetooth aficionados may think that performance may be compromised by its small design. While it doesn’t feature the bass of other models (like AXESS), it does have some great sound clarity and the best part is that this little cube can get super loud. Unfortunately, max volume does compromise sound quality, but even at moderate volumes, this is a speaker that you can hear throughout the house.

>>Get all the details on Amazon<<

Music Angel Levitating Speaker

So what is the coolest looking Bluetooth speaker? Naturally, it is those amazing looking levitating ones. Levitating ball speakers like the Music Angel are one of those models that you might not really care how well it works because you will never find a cooler centerpiece for a coffee table or a fireplace mantle.

While the sound won’t blow you away, it does deliver it in excellent surround sound with great clarity, but unfortunately the volume won’t go much past satisfying a single room. However, one of the major issues with these models is that they can be surprisingly hard to get to levitate. However, if you are willing to put the effort in, you have a visually appealing speaker that will be the constant source of conversation.

>>More info on Amazon<<

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