How we chose the best cycling headphones
Cycling puts headphones through conditions that rarely appear in a quiet indoor test. Wind can overwhelm microphones and mask music, sweat can work its way into charging contacts, and a loose earbud can disappear after one pothole. We therefore focused on open-ear models that remain secure without blocking the ear canal.
Our evaluation emphasized fit under typical helmet straps, button accessibility with gloves, published water-resistance ratings, battery endurance and the clarity of spoken audio. We also considered weight and charging method. Sound quality matters, but it comes after awareness and stability for this use case. No open-ear headphone completely eliminates wind noise, and performance inevitably declines at fast descending speeds.
Best for most riders: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The OpenRun Pro 2 offers the strongest overall balance. Its combination of bone-conduction and air-conduction drivers produces fuller bass than older bone-conduction headsets while leaving the ear canal unobstructed. USB-C charging is more convenient than a proprietary cable, and the roughly 12-hour battery can cover several commutes or a long weekend ride.
It is best for riders who want one dependable headset for cycling, walking and office calls. The IP55 rating handles sweat and light rain, though riders who regularly train in downpours should consider a more water-resistant model.
Best value: Shokz OpenRun
The standard OpenRun is lighter, slimmer and often substantially cheaper than the Pro 2. Speech remains easy to understand, making it especially good for podcasts, turn-by-turn directions and conversational radio. Its IP67 enclosure is also reassuring for wet commutes.
The tradeoff is thinner bass, an eight-hour battery and a proprietary magnetic charging lead. Choose it if low weight and weather protection matter more than musical richness.
Best for long rides: Suunto Wing
Suunto's Wing pairs an approximately 10-hour headset battery with a portable charging powerbank, extending total use away from an outlet. That is useful for touring, bikepacking and all-day events. Its IP67 rating, physical buttons and rear safety lights further suit outdoor use.
The Wing costs more than many rivals, and the charging cradle adds another item to pack. However, riders who frequently exhaust ordinary headphones mid-route may find the extra capacity worthwhile.
Best for music: Soundcore AeroFit 2
The AeroFit 2 uses small speakers positioned near the ears rather than transmitting sound through the cheekbones. This gives music more body and detail than most traditional bone-conduction designs. Adjustable ear hooks help dial in a stable fit, while the charging case provides substantially more total runtime than neckband-style competitors.
Because the two earpieces are independent, they are easier to misplace. Their touch controls can also be less predictable with gloves or rain. They suit recreational riders who value music quality and want earbuds that also work well away from the bike.
Best for triathletes: MOJAWA Run Plus
The Run Plus stands out with an IP68 rating and 32GB of built-in storage. Riders can load audio directly onto the headset, leave their phone behind and continue using it during swim training. Its secure neckband design also transitions easily between running and cycling.
Bluetooth does not function underwater, so stored playback is essential in the pool. Its sound is less full than the best air-conduction options, but the unusually strong water protection makes it the most versatile choice for multisport athletes.
A note on riding safely
Open-ear headphones preserve more environmental sound, but they do not guarantee awareness. Keep volume moderate, pause audio at complex junctions and follow local laws or event rules. For maximum safety, use spoken navigation or a single low-volume channel instead of loud music in dense traffic.
