The Best Sports Headphones

Getting active is always more fun with music, especially when you exercise solo. Normal headphones aren't often up to the challenge, and you don't want them holding you back. Sports models are designed to take a beating and won't freak out when covered in sweat.

What to look for

• Open designs that sit on the ear, not in the ear, if you need to pay attention to your surroundings when exercising outside
• Sweat resistance
• Comfortable, stable fits so the buds don't fall out.

Prices valid as of May 15, 2013.

Entry Level: AfterShokz Sportz 2

The idea behind the AfterShokz is an ingenious one: instead of pumping music into your ear canal, it sends the vibrations through your very bones. The result is a sports headset that delivers good audio without blocking out the world completely, which can be dangerous. Plus, you won't have to worry about buds falling out of your ear as you get sweatier. Read our full review of the AfterShokz.

Style: Bone conduction
Controls: In-line three button, mic; compatible with iPhone
Noise cancelling: None
Wired: Non-detachable cord
Loudness: 100dB

Price: $70 on aftershokz.com, $39 on Amazon

Mid-range: Monster iSport Intensity

An in-ear headphone that strikes a balance between quality sound with enough volume that also lets in some noise so you can hear oncoming traffic is important to runners and others who get their exercise on outdoors. The open design of these earbuds addresses that balance well and fit comfortably in the ear. As with other iSport models these are sweat-resistant and have an inline control/mic for iOS devices.

Style: In Ear
Controls: In-line three button, mic; compatible with iPhone
Noise cancelling: None
Eartips: Three sizes, shaped silicon
Wired: Non-detachable cord
Loudness: Not provided

Price: $100 on monstercable.com, $100 on Amazon

High-end: Monster iSport Victory

If immersing yourself in sound is more important than hearing the outside world, step up in price and audio quality with the Victory earbuds. The noise-isolating eartips seal out water as well as sound, ensuring a comfortable fit. The Sports Arm piece tucks into the folds of your ear so they won't fall out, no matter how vigorous the workout. And the in-line controls for iOS devices make it easy to skip songs that don't motivate you.

Style: In Ear
Controls: In-line three button, mic; compatible with iPhone
Noise cancelling: Passive isolation
Eartips: Silicon
Wired: Non-detachable
Loudness: Not provided

Price: $150 on monstercable.com, $150 on Amazon

Need more help deciding which pair of headphones is right for you? Check out our story on how to buy headphones.