Running with Beats Headphones

Headphone is an interchangeable term used to describe both its on-ear and over-ear versions as well as in-earphones and earbuds.  

You might be here because you want to know if you can run with BIG Beats headphones: Beats Studio3,  Beats Solo3, Beats EP or Pro.  Equally, you might be looking to go running in earphones: 

Powerbeats PRO, BeatsX or UR Beats.  

Beats has a good range in both, and you can go running in both. 

The only thing we’d suggest before you hit the treadmill, track or trail in either on-ears or over-ears is that you add a pair of sweat-proof headphone covers to the earpads first.  This protects them from moisture-damage during exercise and makes BIG Beats headphones suitable for running.

Are Beats Solos Good for Running? 

The Beats Solo3’s aren’t a bad shout for running. There’s a rubber headband which helps keep them in place as you exercise.  For long-distance runners, the inclusion of Apple’s W1 chip increases the battery to a whopping 40-hours*.  Impressive by anyone’s standards. A 5-minute charge gives 3-hours playback which is ideal if you’re only able to charge your battery at the last minute. The W1 chip also offers an instant connection to your iPhone. Tap the left earcup to skip tracks, alter the volume and take or make calls.  

*For iOS 

Which Beats Headphone are Best for Working Out? 

The Powerbeats Pro gets our vote. These wireless earphones are sweat and water-resistant, and they’re lightweight, too, with adjustable ear hooks to ensure a snug fit around the ear.  You’ll get around 9-hours playback from a full charge and 5-minutes Fast Fuel charging gives you 1.5 hours of playback.  Autoplay means your music will start when you put the Powerbeats in and stops when you take them out.  These are some seriously slick earphones. They won’t get in your way and they look good, too. 

BeatsX also makes for a decent pair of running headphones.  They’re earphones, too, and wireless. These are compatible with Apple’s W1 chip, too, and there’s that handy Fast Fuel function which 2-hours of playback from a 5-minute charge. 

Can You Wear Over-Ear Headphones When Working Out?

Most people are surprised to hear that people regularly wear over-ear headphones for running and exercising.  Some assume that they’ll be too hot and bulky, but that’s not always the case.  The Beats Studio3 Wireless offers a good range of features including pure adaptive noise control to reduce any ambient sound which is ideal in a busy public gym.  As with the Beats earphones listed above, the Studio3 comes with Apple’s W1 chip. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable because they have thicker padding around the earcups.  They provide natural passive noise-cancellation, too, which can be a Godsend if you’re in a loud environment and need to concentrate. Our only concern about people running in over-ear headphones is that the ambient noise reduction could be dangerous for outdoor joggers.  Noise is often an early warning of approaching danger and as over-ears completely cover the ear, they can sometimes leave wearers vulnerable. Be mindful of this when choosing which headphones to buy and where to workout. 

How to Make Beats Headphones More Comfortable

Beats can have a tendency to pinch if you wear them for extended periods. It’s known as the ‘clamping effect’ and it’s what keeps the headphones secure against your ears and head.  Without a degree of ‘clamping’, your cans would most likely slide ride off your ear during a run.  If your Beats headphones are new, then it might just take a little time for them to stretch out and fit your head more comfortably. The more you wear them (even for short periods), the quicker this will happen.  You can help them along by stretching them over a couple of books or over the box they came in.  Go carefully, however, you don’t want to overstretch and break them. If you’re looking to make them more comfortable when you’re not running, then we’d recommend adding earmuffs to the headphone cushions.  These will not only feel teddy bear soft against your ear but it will also help keep your ears warm in the cold weather.  If there’s any damage on the headphone cushions, then that’s going to feel rough against your ear. There are replacement cushions you can buy online.  To prevent damage and discomfort in the future then add headphone covers first. 

Are Beats Waterproof? 

No, and it’s important to notice the difference between water-resistant and waterproof.  Take the Powerbeats Pro, for example. They’re water-resistant so getting caught in a rain shower won’t be a problem and neither, says Beats, is vigorous exercise.  As long as you don’t drop them directly into water then they should be fine. The Solo3’s are neither waterproof nor water-resistant. 

How Can I Make My On-Ear Beats Sweat Proof?

You can make ANY Beats on-ear or over-ear headphone sweat-proof by adding a sweat-proof cover.  EarHugz come in a range of designs that all protect your Beats from moisture damage.  Sweat is corrosive. It will leave the earpads on your headphone cracked and peeling. It will make them smell bad, and it can get inside the headphone and stop them from working altogether.  Worried that a headphone cover might detract from the aesthetics of your headphones? All EarHugz covers are fully reversible to black. 

Do you run in Beats headphones or do you find them too bulky, too bass-heavy or too expensive?  Drop us a message below and tell us what’s your preferred brand or model to run in.