- These models exhibit aptness for athletic pursuits.
Music is frequently viewed as a sport in its own right. However, there aren't many headphones that effectively blend good sound quality with the rigors of continuous motion. Be it running, cycling, or climbing, conventional headphones can be a hindrance due to short, long, or inflexible cables getting in the way. Without extra support, in-ear headphones can slip out of place or fall out entirely, while over-ear versions are not suitable for intense activities.
Several brands have tackled these challenges with different methods. They all share one union: cable-less connectivity. The music is transmitted via Bluetooth from a smartphone or other device, along with varying resistance to water and dust. Brands like Teufel, Sony, and Jabra offer in-ear models that stay in place thanks to ergonomic design or a corresponding hook. Companies like Shokz utilize bone conduction technology, where the headphones don't enter the ear and cannot fall out. Each method has its pros and cons.
Teufel Airy Sports
Teufel's Airy Sports are most reminiscent of traditional sports headphones. A hook keeps them in place, with a cable connecting the two earbuds - albeit not to the music source. Bluetooth connection is easily established using the multifunction button on the cable, and volume and track selection can be managed with the small remote. As expected from audio experts Teufel, the sound is clear and crisp.
The hooks are comfortable for long sessions and do not interfere with helmets or glasses. However, the cable length might still feel too short with plenty of equipment or clothing around the shoulders or neck. A minor issue: the multifunction button requires quite a bit of pressure, which can be frustrating during frequent track skipping or volume adjustment during exercise. At around 20 grams including the cable and remote, and waterproof according to IPX7 for brief immersion, the Airy Sports are the most cost-effective options in the test, offering excellent value for money.
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Jabra's Elite 8 Active ditches cables and hooks. The in-ear devices fit securely in the ear and remain stable during intense movements. The accompanying app offers a basic equalizer and the option to customize button functions, as well as battery status and updates. Pairing and regular connection to the device is straightforward, regardless of the app's use.
The option between noise cancellation, hear-through, and standard sound is an intelligent feature, but not fully executed. Choosing standard sound, the Elite 8 Active's audio quality is comparable to the Teufel model: bass is strong, and highs are clear. Nonetheless, both noise cancellation and hear-through modes have limited effect and produce an unnatural sounding experience.
The Elite 8 Active are currently available for only 149 euros - partly due to the recent launch of the Gen 2. On paper, they are the most robust devices in the test, as they boast an IP68 protection class, making them not only dust-tight but also waterproof.
Shokz OpenFit
Shokz models prioritize awareness. Like OpenFit, a frame keeps the headphones in place, but they sit on top of the ear instead of inside it. This is due to bone conduction technology, allowing sound waves to be transmitted directly via the skull to the inner ear, leaving the ear canal free for ambient noise.
This can be quite appealing when exercising in nature, but irritating in high-traffic areas - though it likely enhances runners and cyclists' safety by enabling them to hear surrounding vehicles better and earlier. Nevertheless, a symphony of sounds often ensues. With ambient noise or if it is significantly reduced, OpenFit headphones deliver good sound, although it doesn't quite reach the level of Teufel or Jabra. For 199 euros, the OpenFit is available. Each earbud weighs 8.3 grams and is protected against dust and splash water according to IP54.
Shokz OpenRun Pro
Shokz goes one step further with the OpenRun Pro model. Worn like a headset, the two sound emitters rest more on the temple than on the ear. Here too, the sound quality impresses as long as ambient noise remains within reasonable limits. The neckband is hardly bothersome even with sunglasses and/or a cycling helmet. The only drawback: Shokz lacks a charging case, so a special charging cable is required - which should not be forgotten. Despite this, there is a designated spot for it in the case, which is larger due to the rigid neckband than in all other tested models. The OpenRun Pro is priced at 189 euros, weighs 29 grams, and is protected against dust and splash water according to IP55.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's wireless noise-cancelling headphones WF-1000XM5 perform acoustically on par with Teufel and co. The operation is user-friendly, and the sound result is flawless. However, one should not move around too much, as wind noise can quickly dominate - perhaps improvements are needed in aerodynamics in this area. At 249 euros, the Sony headphones are the most expensive in the test, so it's reassuring that they fit securely and comfortably in the ear. Loss is less likely, even if the movements increase. Each bud weighs 5.9 grams and is protected against water splashes from all directions according to IPX4. A minor drawback: control is via touch, so a beanie cannot be worn, or reaching the touch-sensitive field will be difficult.
Despite having a touch panel, the sibling variant of the first-released Airy Sports from Teufel, the Airy Sports TWS, has a limitation for operation in cold weather, much like Sony's models, that could be influenced by worn-out hats. This true wireless model also sheds the connecting cable and relies solely on the ear hooks for stability. However, these hooks can be on the rigid side and might not fit everyone perfectly, so it's crucial to try them on beforehand. Once they fit right, they won't disappoint in terms of sound compared to Jabra and Sony, weighing in at 16.4 grams each. They're not featherlight, but they're also not uncomfortable to wear. The water resistance is relatively low with an IPX3 rating. You can grab a pair of these Airy Sports TWS for about 120 euros from Teufel.
Conclusion:
Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on the athlete's usage and preferences. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy the Shokz OpenFit and OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones, which offer a balance of good sound and comfortable fit. In noisy environments, traditional in-ear models might be more suitable.
However, if your training stretches into the autumn and winter, you should consider how well the touch panels of Sony or Teufel Airy Sports TWS perform with hats or gloves. In such cases, the Teufel Airy Sports can be a practical and cost-effective choice.
In our testing, Jabra's Elite 8 Active model emerged as the perfect blend of excellent sound quality in various scenarios, comfort, sports compatibility due to dust and water resistance, and usability – all at a reasonable price point.
The Teufel Airy Sports and the Jabra Elite 8 Active share a common feature despite their different designs: they both offer cable-less connectivity, allowing users to enjoy music without the hassle of tangled cables.
Despite the advanced technology used in the Shokz OpenFit and OpenRun Pro models, they differ from traditional headphones by leveraging bone conduction technology, allowing users to maintain awareness of their surroundings while listening to music.
