Top 10 Best Gym Headphones in India

By Sahil Rajan

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A fresh pair of gym headphones are a fantastic method to motivate yourself to work out more frequently and for longer periods.

Nothing beats a playlist of personal favorites for that last burst of energy during a run, bike ride, or gym session. A high-quality pair of headphones is essential.

With so many wireless alternatives available, it’s important to find a set of sports earphones that have a long battery life and provide excellent music as you work out.

These are the top-rated sports headphones we’ve tested. They range from in-ear Bluetooth wireless earphones and over-ear headphones to more budget-friendly true wireless sports earbuds that eliminate the connection altogether.

Top 10 Best Gym Headphones in India

Bose Soundsport

Bose Soundsport

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • High-quality sound
  • Fit perfectly
  • Brilliant wireless performance

Cons

  • None

Sony WF-C500

Pros

  • Compact and comfortable design
  • Fine control app
  • Spirited, well-balanced sound
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • Ordinary battery life
boAt Airdopes 441 Pro

boAt Airdopes 441 Pro

Pros

  • Fantastic bass
  • Super comfortable
  • Highly efficient in noise canceling
  • Secure fit

Cons

  • Battery life could have been better
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Very comfortable
  • Superb acoustics
  • Fit perfectly

Cons

  • It can be uncomfortable for small ears
JLab Go Air Sport

JLab Go Air Sport

Pros

  • Large drivers for powerful sound
  • High-quality noise isolation
  • Highly durable
  • Superior comfort

Cons

  • Short battery life
Boat Airdopes 621

Boat Airdopes 621

Pros

  • Smooth touch controls
  • Crisp & clear calls
  • Great battery backup
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Case is bulky
Anker Soundcore Life P2

Anker Soundcore Life P2

Pros

  • Great thumpy bass
  • Fit nicely
  • Ideal for working out
  • IPX7 Water-resistant

Cons

  • Battery life
JBL Endurance Run

JBL Endurance Run

Pros

  • Premium sound quality
  • Great build quality
  • Fit perfectly
  • Great for prolonged usage

Cons

  • Battery life
Jabra Elite 4 Active

Jabra Elite 4 Active

Pros

  • Well-balanced sound
  • Effective ANC
  • Great build quality
  • Superb fit

Cons

  • Missing auto-play detection
JBL C115

JBL C115

Pros

  • Awesome sound quality
  • Feel and look premium
  • Value-for-money
  • Great build-quality

Cons

  • The bass could have been better

Things to Consider When Buying Gym Headphones

Here are some things to consider when buying gym headphones:

Wired or Wireless?

Wired or Wireless?
Wired or Wireless?

When smartphones first started appearing with headphone jacks, this was a matter of personal preference. Audiophiles typically favor wired headphones or earbuds due to their higher-quality sound. However, modern smartphones rarely feature a connector for wired headphones, making wireless headphones the more practical and universally compatible option.

For example, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones feature some of the most amazing sounds we’ve heard in completely wireless headphones this year, thanks to advancements in headphone technology.

Although true wireless earbuds don’t typically provide an analog input, many models of wireless over-ear and on-ear headphones do.

Water Resistance

Water Resistance
Water Resistance

These days, it’s common for wireless headphones and earbuds to come with some water resistance. However, the level of resistance provided might range greatly, from none at all to complete immersion.

The IPX rating system assigns numbers between 2 and 9 to describe the increasing degrees of protection. You can substitute the “X” in IPX with another number to indicate that the product is more resistant to dust and particles. For example, the excellent Elite 7 Pro from Jabra has an IP57 rating.

What amount (and kind) of safety measures you should take with your headphones is up to you. If you’re a triathlete who doesn’t want to take out your earphones while swimming, look for a pair with an IPX7 rating or above (or, even better, swim headphones). Conversely, runners can get by with a lower rating (IPX2 or IPX4).

Battery Life

Battery Life
Battery Life

As we all use our headphones for varying lengths of time on different days and circumstances, this can be a challenging issue to answer. In addition, the answer to this question changes when we compare genuine wireless earbuds to over-ear or on-ear headphones.

How long do you think a person can go until they can connect their device to a wall outlet or portable battery pack? They might go without electricity for as long as 24 hours if they fly often. Therefore, it’s possible that you won’t be able to get by with a set of headphones that has a battery life of only 15 hours.

Suppose you’re asking about truly wireless earbuds. In that case, you’ll need to break the question down into two parts: how long can they go without charging, and how long can they be worn continuously? Knowing the “per charge” time and the total playtime is important.

The market price isn’t necessarily the best indicator of quality. For example, the 1More SonoFlow can be used for up to 50 hours with active noise cancellation enabled for under Rs. 9000, while the Apple AirPods 3 cost Rs. 20,000 and only last for six hours on a single charge (less with spatial audio enabled). So if you’re hoping for long battery life, check the specifications carefully.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and Fit
Comfort and Fit

This is the most subjective and challenging to determine when purchasing headphones. However, we have some suggestions that could be useful.

The over-ear variety is the most universally comfortable and fitting headphones (where the earcups cover the ear entirely), but they also tend to be the heaviest. However, in some cases, size won’t be an issue. Good design ensures that even bulky headphones, like the Apple AirPods Max, are tolerable even for extended use.

The smallest acceptable headband size is a more pressing issue. Some people don’t have big enough heads to fit in them (or for children). Manufacturers rarely provide these details in their specifications, so you’ll want to check for reviews that provide an evaluation of fit.

On-ear headphones, which rest on the ear rather than enclosing it, are popular because of their reduced weight and increased comfort for some listeners. Yes, the music quality suffers but only a little. Also, if the headphones have noise cancellation, they won’t block as much noise as over-ear headphones. On-ear headphones are a better option for people who wear glasses because the ear cushions won’t press the arms of the spectacles into the sides of the head.

There are two primary types of truly wireless earbuds: those that sit deep within the ear and close the ear canal (like the AirPods Pro 2) and those that sit just inside the ear and don’t seal the ear canal (like the AirPods). The earbuds can include active noise cancellation (ANC) if the manufacturer uses them. Plus, the canal-sealing construction ensures a more secure fit and higher-quality music.

But they make your ear feel “full,” and some people don’t like that feeling, especially if the earbuds don’t have a nice transparency setting (more on that later).

In-ear headphones provide better sound quality and more comfort (as they rarely need to be adjusted or twisted). However, they tend to fall out, especially during strenuous physical activity. Also, their sound quality is worse than other options. And, ANC is not available on nearly any of these models.

For an even more snug fit, some truly wireless earbuds have ear hooks. The hooks are great for athletes, but people who wear glasses may find them in the way.

Wing tips are an alternative to ear hooks made of flexible rubber and shaped to fit into the natural creases of the outer ear. These smaller and more convenient safes offer the same level of protection as larger ones but are more convenient for most individuals.

Lastly, let’s talk about truly wireless earbuds. Whether or not they enclose the ear canal, true wireless earbuds may only be comfortable for some. How well they fit depends on various factors, including form, depth, ear tip size selection, and weight. Be sure the store you buy them from has a solid return policy if you have never used this type of headset or haven’t asked for a specific model.

Sound Quality

Sound Quality
Sound Quality

If you use your gadget to listen to music, you want it to have high sound quality. However, “excellent sound quality” can have varying definitions depending on whom you ask. For example, someone who has been content with the free, low-quality wired earbuds that came with their smartphone would have far lower criteria than an audiophile who has spent thousands on their gear.

Although the more money you spend, the higher the sound quality, you should consider the listener’s prior experiences. For example, suppose people can’t detect the difference between a 5000 rupee and a 15,000 rupee pair of headphones. In that case, there’s no point in shelling out the extra cash. Fortunately, a truly awful sound is rare even with relatively mediocre headphones and earbuds. But when it does happen, it’s usually the result of a poor fit rather than a technical flaw in the headphones themselves.

Reviewing the speakers’ tuning by the manufacturer is still a worthwhile endeavor. If you like your hip-hop-inspired workouts to be accompanied by huge, boomy tunes, you can appreciate the emphasis on bass in some of these.

On the other hand, if you prefer more subtle sounds, such as those found in classical, jazz, acoustic, or singer-songwriter music, you may want to steer clear of an earphone with a strong bass response. 

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

If you compare the popularity of the various features added to headphones throughout the years, active noise cancellation (ANC) would likely come out on top. This sentence makes perfect sense, as high-quality ANC can drastically lessen ambient noise without degrading audio quality.

As a result, several smartphones at different price points now come equipped with ANC. So if you’re looking for noise-canceling headphones or truly wireless earbuds, research before making a purchase.

ANC is a characteristic that has the potential to reduce noise greatly . Turning it on can, in the worst situation, add noise in the form of a hiss, a side effect of badly constructed ANC. Those who have tried various models may best attest to where they fall on this scale.

Transparency mode, which performs the opposite of ANC by letting in ambient noise, is also useful for maintaining conversational continuity and keeping oneself aware of one’s surroundings. As with ANC, transparency is typically present. However, some models (like the Jabra Elite 3) offer it alone.

Due to their ability to “passively” block out so much ambient noise, earbuds that fit snugly in the ear canal are highly preferable. Some of these earbuds are so effective at drowning out ambient noise that you may not even find yourself missing the ANC feature at all. Once again, testimonials are your best bet for understanding the use of the visibility option.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Gym Headphones in India

Bose Soundsport

The Bose Soundsport headphones are among the most dependable headphones for jogging and the gym you’ll find for this price. They also have excellent sound quality. If you prioritize sound quality, then these headphones for the gym may very well be the ideal option for you.

During our reviews, we noticed that there is a thin connection running between the two buds. Hence, we cannot call them “truly wireless.” In addition, each bud features an in-ear hook that secures it in the ear canal. In addition to being resistant to sweat and splashes according to the IPX4 standard, the design of these headphones appeals to us.

The battery life is only six hours, but we estimate it will be sufficient for most individuals for a few cardio or strength training workouts.

The sound produced by these Bose headphones is ideal as it delivers robust and snappy bass that can motivate you to workout harder. The SoundSport Wireless headphones have a powerful sound and make music sound vibrant; these qualities make them ideal for getting you over the line or just off the sofa.

You need superior wireless earphones that are adequate for the task of keeping up with you when you’re exercising because it’s a demanding exercise. And these headphones do that perfectly. Bose’s SoundSport wireless headphones will deliver robust sound no matter where your day takes you, even when you’re moving. The Bose SoundSport wireless headphones are the epitome of superiority thanks to their portability, superior sound quality, and comfortable design.

Sony WF-C500

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds cemented the company’s position at the top of the market for wireless earbuds. But with the WF-C500, is it able to compete at the same level at the lower end of the market?

Since the C500 was honored with a Hi-Fi Award in 2022, we can easily say that the answer is “yes.” They can handle the fundamentals, including features like Bluetooth 5.0 and compliance with SBC and AAC codecs.

During our tests, we found the battery life to be an impressive 20 hours, with the earbuds themselves providing a healthy 10 hours and the charging case providing an additional 10 hours for a total of 20.

The C500 earphones are compatible with Sony’s excellent Headphones Connect software, which provides superior controls and many additional functions.

Moreover, the earphones come with Google Assistant and Siri enabled. Even though the C500 earphones are not a model specifically designed for sports, they have an IPX4 classification, which means they can withstand water splatters.

In terms of sound, they are even-handed and finely balanced, with well-shaped bottom notes and no harshness present. In a nutshell, the C500 headphones retain a good deal of what gives Sony’s high-end headphones their appeal and do so without sacrificing too many features. These earphones are unquestionably a candidate for the list of the best. They are among the best workout headphones.

boAt Airdopes 441 Pro

Do you desire a completely wire-free workout? The boAt Airdopes 441 is here to satisfy your musical demands in a way that is both comfortable and fashionable, thanks to its ergonomic design and its focus on the needs of athletes. During our review, we loved that the ear hooks keep your earphones in place no matter how fast you run or work out.

Moreover, the earphones come in a sleek power case. Additionally, the case supports type-C charging. In fact, to let you listen without worrying about moisture or sweat, it has been given an IPX6 rating.

The boAt Airdopes 441 includes Instant Wake & Pair technology, which allows it to turn on and reconnect with the previously linked device as soon as you open the charging case lid.

Moreover, thanks to the built-in mic, you can answer calls without even pulling your phone out of your pocket. The Airdopes 441 are top-notch headphones with an ergonomic design.

The powerful 6mm drivers in the boAt Airdopes 441 wireless earbuds pair together to create an engrossing, all-encompassing listening experience.

Sound quality when playing music is on par with expectations, and the bass is particularly strong and well-defined. Also, when used normally, the phone’s call and music playback audio are pristine and undistorted.

With the boAt Airdoped 441, staying plugged into Nirvana for up to 6 hours of sound per charge is really easy.

Furthermore, the 500 mAh charging case you can carry in your bag provides an extra 14 hours of entertainment. Each earbud has a 35 mAh battery. Thus a full charge will let you listen for 5 hours.

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

If you are searching for an upgrade from BackBeat Fit, the BackBeat Fit 500 is an appropriate choice. During our reviews, we loved that it has a durable build, a unique sound profile, and a low price point.

The BackBeat Fit 500 is an excellent choice for those who desire noise isolation and a profound and rich music experience when working out. That’s because it features 40mm audio drivers and a closed-back on-ear design.

The headphone has a headpiece made of memory foam and soft ear cups. Also, the ear cups are what’s responsible for the excellent muffled effect the headphones have on outside noise.

The IP67 water-resistant certification for the BackBeat Fit 500 ensures that the headphone can withstand water immersion of up to 1 meter (3.9 feet) for 30 minutes. In addition, the P2i military-grade nano-coating protects both of the ear cups. This feature ensures that the BackBeat Fit 500 is impervious to water and can withstand even the most extreme climatic conditions.

The BackBeat Fit 500 has a playback time of up to 18 hours on a single charge. If you are using Bluetooth Class 1, you can move freely up to 33 feet (10 meters) away from the source without experiencing any disruptions.

In addition to the volume sliders, the controls for the playback are discretely present on the right ear cup of the headphones. You can accept or reject calls using the mic located on the left ear cup and access Siri, Cortana, or Google Now.

The right ear cup of the right headphone has a 3.5mm connector that you can use as a backup connection for the headphones. Even if the battery dies, you can still listen to music over the wire, making this a very convenient accessory.

JLab Go Air Sport

The JLab Go Air Sport is another excellent alternative within your price range. The JLab Go Air Sport has a completely wireless design, an 8-hour playtime, an integrated mic for taking calls and activating voice assistants, and a respectable IP55 rating. In addition, it has an athletic ear hook style that holds the buds in place when exercising.

During our reviews, we really loved the JLab Go Air Sport. The Go Air Sport makes up for its battery life being shorter and not having a quick charge capability by having larger speakers and multi-point compatibility, making it easy to link the earphone with various devices. In addition, the Dual Connect function enables you to utilize the earphones singly or in tandem with one another.

The JLab Audio app also has a Bass Boost option and an additional Burn-In Tool, both of which assist new earbuds become more comfortable faster.

Overall, the JLab Go Air Sport is a complete package. You’ll get everything you want at this price point. Plus, you get a very snug fit and superior comfort.

Boat Airdopes 621

Suppose you want your earbuds to have an outrageously long battery backup. In that case, you should look for a power case with a large capacity and one that supports rapid charging. Both of these aspects are present in the Airdopes 621.

The Airdopes 621 has Bluetooth version 5.0 and an ergonomic design so that you can listen to music without any problems. Also, due to the IWP technology, the earbuds automatically link to one another when removed from the charging case.

Based on our reviews, we conclude that since the boAt Airdopes 621 has a waterproof rating of IPX7, it is excellent for use in gyms. It is protected from water splashes thanks to the water and sweat shield. Now, instead of worrying about whether or not your earphones are safe, you should concentrate on your workout.

The intelligent touch-sensitive controls on the Airdopes 621 make it quick and simple to play or pause music and manage incoming calls. For example, the one-touch voice assistant compatibility allows you to say things like “OK Google” or “Hello Siri.” Airdopes 621 is one of the five greatest boAt Airdopes currently available.

Every boAt Airdope sold in India features a distinctive boAt sound profile. The all-encompassing sound creates a bone-chilling listening experience that is highly favorable to the listener.

The Airdopes 621 is a bass earphone with powerful drivers measuring 6 millimeters in size. You can make calls hands-free and with crystal-clear sound thanks to the microphones built into both earbuds.

In conclusion, the Airdopes 621 is a strong contender for being one of the top boAt airdopes.

Anker Soundcore Life P2

The Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are another excellent low-cost alternative if you want more bass for the money.

The BassUp technology in the earphones is powered by large triple-layer 10mm graphene drivers. There are three equalization settings to pick from: Soundcore Signature, Bass Booster, and Podcast. Use the 43% bass improvement the Bass Booster setting offers to get the most out of your exercises. Pressing a button toggles between the available modes.

Moreover, each earphone includes two mics with cVc 8.0 Noise Reduction. Hence, you’ll be heard more clearly during calls, even in loud settings, thanks to the AI technology that enhances voice pick-up and reduces background noise.

During our reviews, we found that the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds weigh just 4.4 grams, making them 10% lighter than the industry standard. These features make them ideal for wearing during physical activity, as they provide a high level of comfort. With an IPX7 grade, they are also completely waterproof and can be used even in the rain.

You can get up to 8 hours of playback time from a single charging of the battery. Plus, the carrying case allows up to 40 hours of listening. In addition, the earbuds charge very quickly, so you never have to worry about losing power. You can obtain an hour’s worth of playback in just ten minutes, giving you plenty of time for a short workout.

The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is the final icing on the cake for these earbuds. You can count on a consistent connection in busy areas with no interruptions.

Moreover, Anker’s PUSH AND GO technology makes connecting to other devices a breeze. When you take the earphones out of the case in which they charge, they automatically reconnect with the last device with which they were associated.

JBL Endurance Run

The JBL Endurance Run is one of India’s most outstanding pairs of JBL Bluetooth earphones. This wireless earphone is designed specifically for sports. It has an ear hook that provides enhanced stability while running or working out. Moreover, the TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies provide a secure and comfortable fit even for extended wear.

In addition, you can wear the JBL Endurance Run very comfortably and securely when exercising. That’s because it is as light as possible and adheres to ergonomic principles. Additionally, the JBL Endurance Run has a water resistance of IPX7, which indicates that it can withstand perspiration and water splashes without damage. Touch controls are another option for managing media playback and incoming phone calls.

The JBL Endurance Run is an alternative that is friendly to your wallet and ideal for use during exercise. It has a flexible two-way design that enables you to wear the headphones either in-ear or behind the ear, depending on how you choose to listen to music. 

The JBL Endurance RunBT allows you to make and receive calls thanks to its integrated microphone. It also features a voice assistant for the hands-free operation of compatible devices. In addition, the JBL Endurance Run comes equipped with magnetic earbuds, allowing you to wear it around the neck easily.

Moreover, the Endurance Sprint’s battery allows up to 8 hours of wireless playback. You also have rapid charging, which enables you to listen to music for an hour’s worth of time after just having to charge the device for ten minutes.

Jabra Elite 4 Active

The recently released Elite 4 Active is an extremely good mid-range model with an efficient active noise cancellation system, superb call quality, rich sound, powerful connectivity, and waterproof protection. Access to the Sound+ software, which allows for the modification of sounds, adds even more value to the package.

The HearThrough technology developed by Jabra is an extremely helpful tool for runners who wish to stay aware of their surroundings while they are out and about. In addition, the microphones pick up sufficient background noise to make listeners aware of any approaching vehicles. 

When we were running outside, we never once felt that the buds would fall out since the patented EarGels create a tight seal and keep them in place.

Due to the lower price tag, the Elite 4 Active does not include as many features as other headphones, such as multi-point technology and wireless charging. However, due to its powerful noise-canceling capabilities, it is an excellent purchase for people who lead active lifestyles and are interested in fitness but are on a budget.

We like the fit of these headphones, as well as the high water and dust resistance and the controls. However, the device connectivity is a bit finicky, and the microphone makes a muffling sound while you’re using it for calls.

JBL C115

If you’re in the market for a pair of headphones to use at the gym or while working out, go no further than the JBL C115. It sounds just like a JBL product and does a fantastic job of upholding the company’s stellar reputation.

All you need is a Bluetooth 5.0-enabled device to pair with the JBL TWS C115; it’s compatible with both Apple and Android products. When you take your phone out of its case, the JBL C115 immediately connects to the phone. It then immediately disconnects when you reopen the case.

Like other true wireless earbuds, when you take it out of the case the next time, it will instantly reconnect with your device without requiring you to switch it on or go through the pairing procedure again.

During our tests, the JBL C115’s audio quality was outstanding, and we feel that it is undoubtedly its strongest suit. The earphone provides a natural soundstage (similar to the JBL signature sound quality) with full, rich tones in which neither the treble nor the bass is too much. Also, the vocals are crystal clear, even when turned up to 11.

To date, the JBL C115 boasts one of the best-balanced audio outputs among the best-selling TWS earbuds. It does an excellent job of regulating the volume so that neither the highs nor the lows become awful.

Suppose you’re looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that don’t break the bank but deliver high-quality music. In that case, the JBL C115 is a strong contender. It’s well worth the price because of the superb sound quality, well-balanced and rich soundstage, simple pairing procedure, and durable charging case. However, there are better alternatives in this price range if you’re looking for booming lows.

Final Words

And that was a complete guide on the best gym headphones in India. Now you can listen to music or take calls without interrupting your workout. They’re all produced by well-known and respected brands.

We recommend the Bose Soundsport as the best headphones for working out and the best gym headphones overall.

However, the JLab Go Air Sport is your best bet if you want something a bit more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Gym Headphones

Are Wireless Headphones Good for the Gym?

Definitely. There's nothing better than wireless sports headphones for the gym. That's because you won't have to worry about some mere wires interrupting your workout.

Is Noise-Cancelling Good for Gym?

Yes. Noise-cancelling is perfect for crowded or noisy places like the gym. when you need to block outside noise and focus on your workout; In that case, noise cancellation will work wonders.

Are Headphones Okay for Gym?

Yes, headphones are okay for the gym. However, you must make sure that you choose a headphone that fits perfectly while you work out. Otherwise, you won't be able to concentrate on your workout fully.

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