Best Cheap Headphones for Working Out

Headphones or earphones for working out should be sturdy, sweat-resistant, comfortable, fit snuggly and not interfere with movement. They come in every price range, but you can get a quality pair without having to spend hundreds of dollars. First, determine if you want earphones (they plug into the ear) or headphones (they sit over your ears), and then pick from wired or wireless, depending on your device.

Here are our top recommendations:

• Five Below has $5 earphones that hook around the ear, but no word on how long they last.
• Skullcandy ($10) earphones are pretty sturdy and the cords don’t tangle. Try Skull Candy Smokin’ Buds (about $20).
• Sony MDRAS20J Sport Headphones are $15 at Wal-Mart. They’re loud and clear and don’t fall out when running or lifting weights.
• Yurbuds are custom-fit earbud enhancers that are great for exercising ($20-$60). Try Ironman Focus PRO.
• Some Sennheiser earphones are cheap (around $20), but they’re very durable and last for years. The Sennheiser CX400 II ($50-60) is more expensive but it sits in the ear canal and stays put. Another good option is Sennheiser CX 680 Earfin Sports Earbuds ($50). It’s compatible with most audio devices and designed for intense exercise.
• Plantronics 903+ are $49 from Amazon and they hook over the ear too.

If you can afford it, there are plenty of high-quality headphones/earphones from brands like Bose, Polk and Bowers & Wilkins. Your best bet is eBay or Amazon, where brand names go for really low prices. The selection is pretty unbeatable, too. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your money, shop around and read online reviews. This is a great way to narrow down your choices if you’re considering a number of options. Amazon has a review section on the product page (from consumers like you) as well as professional reviews on CNET, Macworld and Newegg.

It’s convenient to buy online, but you won’t be able to test the merchandise. If this is a priority, head to the manufacturer’s store in your area and ask to try out different pairs of headphones. Feel the material. If it feels cheap, it probably is. Wear the headphones for as long as you can to see if they’re comfortable. If you’re buying online, choose a store with a solid return policy and check the warranty. Most headphones come with a 1-2 year warranty, particularly the expensive ones.