While running, it's important to stay pumped and for many, music is a key motivator. While one's playlist may be sorted, the right pair of workout earphones and headphones makes a huge difference. A good pair of workout or running earphones needs to be sweat-proof, able to block out cable noise and have a secure fit. Here's what we think would make for an excellent running or workout companion.
MEE Audio M7P
The successor to the M6P, the MEE Audio M7P checks all the right boxes. These in-ear earphones feature an ear-hook design that sends the cables around the ear and into the ear pieces. They feature detachable cables and a Liquipel Watersafe coating that harnesses the power of nanotechnology to make the entire set sweat and water resistant.
Priced at Rs. 2,999, the headphones come with a detachable cable, five pairs of silicone ear pieces and a carry case. The MEE Audio M7P earphones can be picked up in four different colours.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKX5
Another pair of in-ear earphones, the ATH-CKX5 by Audio Technica stays on the ear while running or while working out, thanks to the C-tip design they employ. The C-shaped tips sit securely against the ridges in the wearer's ears. The headphone's earpieces feature a swivelling design, which means that the earphones will adapt as the body moves, ensuring that they stay secure in the ear while running or working out. The Audio-Technica ATH-CKX5 ships with three C-tips and four pairs of silicone ear pieces and are priced at Rs. 2,299.
Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats 2
Nothing beats the thump delivered by a pair of headphones made by Beats by Dr. Dre. And keeping sports enthusiasts in mind, Beats by Dr. Dre has developed the Powerbeats 2. These headphones hook behind the ear and channel the thump into the user's ear canal. According to the company, the earphones have been developed in such a way that the bass response is clear and consistent no matter the volume, thus keeping the runner's attention open to the world around them. While working out with these earphones, the volume can always be turned up to 11 to drown out the campy music played at most gyms. Priced at Rs. 12,350, they are a tad expensive, but what else can one expect from an Apple product?
Skullcandy Chops
Definitely the cheapest pair of sports headphones on this list, the Chops, by Skullcandy, is also the only one not to feature an in-ear design. These earphones are better if most of the running one does is on roads, as they do not provide noise isolation, keeping the runner aware of his or her surroundings. However, the tradeoff is a lot of sound leakage and low bass. Since the earphones hook behind the ear, they are really good for working out at the gym as the chances of the cable getting entangled around equipment and the headphones being yanked out of the ear are eliminated. They provide a comfortable fit and can be picked up in one of 10 colours for Rs. 1,299.
JBL Yurbud Inspire 300
These workout headphones are a little special, just because of the thought that has been put into its design. For starters, the earphones are somewhere between in-ear and earbuds in their design. The FlexSoft earpieces they feature channel sound into the ear canal, while ensuring that ambient sound also enters the ear. This makes for a great pair of earphones for running. The headphones also feature magnets on the back of the earpieces that snap together. This prevents them from tangling up when stored in a pocket or bag. The earphones are also designed in such a way that they won't fall out even during intense workouts and running sessions. They are priced at Rs. 2,999.
