The 9 Best Wireless Earbuds for Cyclists

Wireless earbuds have better battery life, better sound quality, and are more affordable than ever. Listening to music or a podcast on a long ride or training session can be a huge morale boost, and while we love noise canceling and sound quality, it’s important for cyclists to remain aware of their surroundings. For this roundup, we picked a variety of earbuds that do everything from completely cancel out surrounding noise to ones that allow you to remain keenly aware of what’s going on around you. That means there’s an option for everyone, from road bikers riding in traffic to people using these for long training rides on a stationary bike.

Best Wireless Earbuds for Cyclists

• Best All-Around: Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
• Best Value: Anker Soundcore Liberty Earbuds
• Best Noise-Canceling: Edifier NeoBuds
• Most Stable: JLab Go Air Sport
• Worth-It Splurge: Master & Dynamic MW08 True Wireless Earphones
• Best AirPod Model: AirPod Pro
• Safest to Wear in Traffic: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best Audio: Bose Sport Earbuds
• Best for Long Rides: Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

What to Consider

Style

We’ve listed a few different styles here: true earbuds, earbuds with an ear hook, and a wrap-around style. True earbuds are the most portable. These can come with a stem, and some are even smaller, simply sitting right inside your ear. Earbuds with an ear hook are more secure for physical activity, as the ear hook helps keep them from bouncing out of your ear. Wireless earbuds with a neckband are the least likely to get lost, though they aren’t as compact as the other two options.

Noise Cancellation Vs. Ambient Mode

Cyclists have to stay aware of their surroundings, which means noise cancellation isn’t the only consideration, and ambient mode is often better for riding. Many cyclists choose to ride in ambient mode, which allows them to hear outside noise, such as pedestrians and traffic. We recommend looking for a pair of earbuds that can take you from a stationary ride (noise cancellation please!) to outdoor riding (for which ambient mode may be better) with the same pair.

Battery Life

Most earbuds offer between 6 and 10 hours of battery life per charge, but keep in mind this is optimized after full charging, and the battery capacity can decrease after months of use. However, a full charge will last for all but the most extended rides, and earbuds that come with a charging case have up to three additional charges. If you’re hitting the road and won’t have access to charging, look for a case that has more than 24 hours total charging capacity, and earbuds that last more than 8 hours per charge for the best bang for your buck.

How We Selected

To choose the best wireless earbuds for cyclists, we looked at a variety of categories, features, and price points. We considered safety precautions when it comes to listening to music while riding—in traffic or not—and what the options mean for cyclists compared to other users. We chose a variety of earbuds optimized for movement, which means they are as stable as possible. We also looked at battery life for long rides, charging capabilities, and different styles for working out or long solo rides. These earbuds have either been tested by our team, or have vetted reviews and on-the-ground experience from athletes and cyclists of all types.

For more great cycling gear, check out our coverage of the best bike jerseys and bike shorts!