Few things in life can beat exploring the world on two wheels, especially if you throw in good music. However, you would need the best headphones for motorcycle riding to make it happen.
The good news is that there are many options for you to choose from. If you look hard enough, you will surely find the one that can enhance your riding experience.
The not-so-good news is that the whole process can feel like looking for a needle in the haystack. We are here to make your life easier. Check out some of the best headphones for riders in the market today.
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Best Headphones for Motorcycle Riding: A Review
1. Treblab X3 Pro True Wireless Earbuds With Earhooks
Treblab products hit the market in 2015, which was not that long ago. Still, the company has emerged as one of the more reliable names in wireless audio technology in a few short years. It now has an extensive selection of earphones, headphones, speakers, and other accessories.
The X3 Pro is the flagship product for its line of wireless earbuds. It is comfortable to wear, easy to control, and can withstand much abuse. It is an ideal companion for long hours on the road.
Product Highlights
The X3 Pro is packed full of cool features that motorcycle riders look for in headphones. Here are some of the best ones:
- Great Sound Quality
This earbud features an 11-millimeter driver unit to deliver a crisp sound and a deep bass. It comes with three sets of earbud tips to ensure that you get the perfect seal that will optimize the sound. Once you find the right size for you, you are good to go.
- Pair Easily With iOS or Android
Whatever device you use to play your music, you won’t have any trouble pairing the X3 Pro with it. This earbud is built with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which is what most electronic products use today. It can link to your music player from as far as 33 feet away and still maintain a good connection.
- Durable Build
The X3 Pro is built to last, even with rugged use. It is rated IPX7, which means you can submerge it up to one meter under water for 30 minutes. As you can imagine, sweat and rain won’t be a problem.
- Easy To Use
What makes the X3 Pro great for riding is that the earbuds have non-slip ear hooks. It means that they won’t fall off while riding your motorcycle. The same is true if you decide to run, ride a bike, or work out at the gym.
Another thing that you would like about this product is each earbud has control buttons. You can answer calls or change the tracks through either one of them.
The X3 Pro also comes with a built-in microphone, which is handy if you use voice activation or a voice assistant.
- Long-Lasting Battery
A single charge of the X3 Pro will give you nine hours of uninterrupted music. It comes with a USB C-compatible charging case for unlimited power.
The Good
We like many things about the X3 Pro, but its best features are sound quality, durability, and comfort.
The bass is a bit tinny compared to some other brands, but overall, it offers a great listening experience. The ear hooks serve a dual purpose: secure the earbuds and increase comfort.
The Bad
The bass sound is not as powerful as some other brands. If you want more punch in your music, the X3 Pro might leave you wanting more. Also, the case is a bit big, and the earbuds don’t fit snugly in it.
Pros:
- Great audio quality
- Comfortable to wear
- Highly durable
- Controls on both earbuds
- Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant
Cons:
- A bit weak bass
- Bulky case
2. Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Headphones
Bose is a brand that needs no introduction. It is one of the most recognizable names among audiophiles and has been since 1964.
The Bose SoundSport is the company’s entry-level offering for its line of wireless earbuds. However, being a premium brand, this headset is still a bit pricier compared to others.
Product Highlights
The Bose SoundSport is a bit more expensive than similar products from other brands. Still, if you can cough up the money for it, it can take your motorcycle riding experience to the next level. Here are some of its best features:
- High-Quality Audio Experience
The SoundSport was Bose’s first foray into the Bluetooth sports headphones space. Those who waited long for the company to make this move were not disappointed.
It is one of the best-sounding wireless headphones out there. It is designed for outdoor environments, which is good news for all riders.
Note that ambient sound can still creep in as the earbuds are not designed to provide a tight seal. Still, its audio quality is well-balanced, and the bass does not drown all the other sounds of your music.
Also, it allows you to hear your surroundings, which is safer for you if you are riding your motorcycle.
- Rugged Build
As you might expect from a sports headphone, this is built for rugged use. Made from hard plastic, it can withstand impact to some extent.
It does not have an official IP rating, but it is resistant to water and sweat. It also comes with a hydroponic cloth that helps keep moisture out.
- Comfort and Stability
The SoundSport features the exclusive StayHear+ tips. The tips’ unique shape helps keep the earbuds in place and maintains a gentle fit that optimizes the audio quality. They look a bit clunky, but they get the job done.
- Easy To Control
The right earbud has a single button that allows you to turn the power on and off. You can also use it to pair the earbuds to a device.
A separate in-line control module lets you adjust the volume, select the track, answer or end calls, and initiate voice commands. The SoundSport works well with Siri, Google Now, or voice dial.
The Good
The Bose SoundSport offers a great audio experience, whether you are on your motorcycle or the treadmill. The StayHear+ tips provide the perfect combination of comfort and stability.
The Bad
While this earbud offers great value for your money, it is still a bit pricier than others. It is also bulkier than most, although it does not feel heavy when worn.
The battery tops out at six hours, which is less than stellar. However, an auto-off feature will help conserve power.
Pros:
- Premium audio quality
- Comfortable to wear
- Secure ear fit
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Expensive
- Unimpressive battery life
3. JLab JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Bluetooth
JLab is an American audio company making innovative products at accessible prices since 2005. It has a wide selection of headphones, microphones, and an assortment of audio accessories for you to choose from.
The JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Bluetooth is a mid-tier offering from its earbuds product category. It is packed full of advanced features that you will be surprised to find in earbuds of this price point.
Product Highlights
Here’s what you can expect if you buy this pair from JLab:
- Hear or Tune Out Your Surroundings
The JBuds Air Sport features the Be Aware Audio technology. It is designed to let you hear your surroundings while you are out riding or driving, similar to the Bose Soundsport.
What makes JLab’s version different is this function is optional. If you are in a safe place, you can lose yourself listening to your music by activating the Isolation mode.
- Staying Power
Each earbud provides six hours of uninterrupted audio experience. This much battery power is not outstanding for its category, but the case provides an additional 34 hours of run time.
You can be on the road for almost two days without worrying about your earbuds running out of juice. What is more, the case features an integrated charging cable, so you don’t have to bring one in your motorcycle backpack.
- Bass-Heavy Sound
The JBuds Air Sport is primarily designed for working out, not only in its build but in its audio quality. The sound it makes has robust bass frequencies, whatever sound profile you use.
It is not the preferred choice for some audiophiles, but it works if you are in the gym or on your motorcycle.
- Durability
With a rating of IP66, this pair of earbuds is impervious to dust and can stand up to water coming from any direction. You don’t have to worry if you get caught in the rain or spill your drink on it while working out.
The Good
The JLab JBuds can give a lot of bang for your buck. It offers useful features like the Be Aware and Isolation modes for a reasonable price.
It is an excellent option if you are in the market for a set of earbuds you can use when riding. It would also make a great gift for motorcycle riders like you.
The Bad
The JBuds is a bit bulky, and some users complain that the buttons can be tricky to operate. Also, its sound is bass-heavy, which some people would not appreciate.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Over 40 hours battery life
- Durable
Cons:
- Bass-heavy sound
- A bit bulky
4. Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds
If you hear the name Anker, the first thought that probably comes to your mind is battery packs. However, the Hunan-based company has been dabbling in the audio tech market for some time now.
The Soundcore Liberty Pro 2 is a mid-tier product from Anker’s selection of earbuds, which is now extensive. There is even a newer model, the Liberty 3 Pro. However, it still comes with a higher price tag than the Liberty 2 Pro.
Product Highlights
While the Liberty 2 Pro is not the newest version, it still has several features typically reserved for pricier earbuds, such as:
- Dual Driver
The Liberty 2 Pro is a bit bulky, but don’t worry because there is a good reason behind this.
Inside each earbud, you will find one Knowles balanced armature for the highs and an 11-millimeter dynamic driver for the lows. This design produces a jaw-dropping bass sound without sacrificing much of the lows, mids, and highs.
In addition, you can EQ the sound using a mobile app if you want a more neutral frequency response.
- Wirelessly Charging Case
The charging case is cleverly designed with a slide-back lid. The earbud exterior has a non-slip coating that features a snap-shut cover in the rear panel.
Underneath, you will see a USB-C port for cable charging and a Bluetooth pairing button next to it. However, the case also has Qi-enabled pads for wireless charging.
- Long Battery Life
The earbuds can run for eight hours straight on a full charge, which is impressive enough. On top of this, you can get four more full charges from the case.
It means that you get a total of 40 hours of audio experience. Also, the USB-C port and Qi-enabled pads are both fast-charging and could give two hours of uptime from a 10-minute charge.
- Custom Sound
The Liberty 2 Pro features HearID, a software that analyzes your heating and creates a profile based on it. You can also adjust the sound using the equalizer function.
If you do not have the time to personalize your earbuds, you can choose one out of 22 sound presets.
The Good
The Liberty 2 Pro is built with two sound drivers that create an impressive sound. You can customize it using the HearID or the EQ function. These features are hard to find in a product with a reasonable price tag.
The Bad
The Liberty 2 Pro is a bit bulky, which is the trade-off for the dual-drive setup. It also has an IPX4 rating, which does not offer the same level of protection as other brands.
Pros:
- Dual-drive setup
- Customizable sound
- Long battery life
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Low water resistance rating
5. YOVDA Bluetooth Helmet Headset
YOVDA is a Chinese company that specializes in communication and entertainment solutions.
The Bluetooth Helmet Headset is a YOVDA product designed for motorcycle riders. It is several times more affordable than other brands. However, it does not give much ground in terms of quality.
Product Highlights
The YOVDA Bluetooth Helmet Headset offers several features motorcycle riders want in an audio system. Some of them are:
- Communicate With Other Riders
This headset uses a universal design that can fit in any motorcycle helmet. It is ultra-thin and comes with detachable Velcro and clips for easy installation.
Just make sure that you get the appropriate size. Once you have installed it, you can use it to listen to your favorite music or communicate with other riders.
- Long Battery Life
Two hours of charging will bring this headset to full power, after which it can run for 15 hours straight. A short beep will inform you if the battery is running low.
- Clear Audio
The YOVDA Bluetooth Helmet Headset has a built-in noise reduction chip that reduces ambient noise. This feature will come in handy as the wind blows and the motorcycle engine hums. You will be able to hear music or conversations clearly even while riding.
The Good
The YOVDA Bluetooth Headset has all the essential features that motorcycle riders need in an audio system. If you are looking for an entry-level headset for your helmet, this is a good option.
The Bad
It lacks some of the advanced features that you find in more expensive brands.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- High-quality audio
Con:
- Lacks advanced features
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best headphones for motorcycle riding can be challenging, given the number of options you need to choose from.
Fortunately, you can narrow down your choices if you know where to look. Here’s a simple guide that can make your decision-making process easier.
Audio Quality
One of the first things you need to consider when shopping for a headset is audio quality. Remember that you will be outdoors and exposed to the sound of traffic or blowing wind.
You need a headset with clear and crisp sounds to enjoy your music or communicate more effectively with other riders.
Voice Command
When riding a motorcycle, your hands won’t be free to control your headset or device. So as much as possible, look for a brand or model with hands-free capabilities.
Battery Life
Another thing you need to look at is the battery life. If you will be on the road for hours on end, you need a headset that will be up for the challenge.
FAQs
1. Can You Use Headphones While Riding a Motorcycle?
Yes, it is safe to use headphones while riding your motorcycle as long as you pay attention to the road. Remember to check your local regulations first, as the law varies from state to state.
2. Can You Wear Headphones With a Motorcycle Helmet?
Yes, several wireless earbuds and headsets will fit inside a full-face helmet. Just make sure that it is legal first before you do.
3. Can You Wear Bluetooth Headphones on a Motorcycle?
Yes, high-quality Bluetooth headphones can maintain connectivity even when worn inside the helmet.
4. Are Earbuds Good for Motorcycles?
Yes, earbuds can help reduce the noise from the wind and the engine while allowing you to enjoy your favorite music.
5. What Do You Listen to While Riding a Bike?
You can listen to whatever music you prefer, as long as it will not distract you from driving.
Which Headphones Should You Choose?
Each headset has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the Bose SoundSport is the best choice for motorcycle riding. It does not drown out all of the ambient noise, which is safer for you, but it still offers excellent audio quality. In addition, it is compatible with Siri and Google Now, leaving your hands free for driving.
