10 Best Cycling Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds are designed with active users, especially cyclists, in mind. They offer excellent sound quality with Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass which makes music and calls sound great even on the move. Their battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the charging case and around 10 hours on a single charge, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power on long rides.

The fit is a major plus here — reinforced earhooks ensure the earbuds stay securely in place during intense activity, and five sizes of ear tips allow you to find a comfortable, personalized fit. They are lightweight and 20% lighter than the previous model, helping reduce ear fatigue. In terms of durability, these earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they can handle sweat and light rain, suitable for outdoor cycling but not full water immersion.

Connectivity is strong and reliable thanks to Class 1 Bluetooth, with features like one-touch pairing for Apple and Android, voice controls, and excellent call quality. For safety, they include Transparency mode to let you hear surrounding sounds, which is important when cycling to stay aware of traffic and environment. The addition of a heart rate monitor is a unique feature that can help monitor your fitness during rides. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of a USB-C charging cable in the box and the fact that the IPX4 rating offers only moderate water resistance, so heavy rain or sweat-heavy workouts might require extra care. These earbuds represent a solid choice for cycling enthusiasts looking for a comfortable, secure fit, great sound, and long battery life, with smart features that enhance both workout tracking and safety.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer excellent sound quality and impressive noise canceling capabilities, making them great for music lovers. However, as cycling headphones, they have some limitations. The over-ear design provides long-lasting comfort thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure, but it might be too bulky and less secure for intense cycling sessions.

These headphones boast a long battery life of up to 30 hours, with a quick charge feature that provides 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. This is a significant advantage for lengthy rides. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and the ability to pair with multiple devices. Touch sensor controls enhance usability, allowing easy control of volume, track selection, and phone calls. Safety features include an adaptive sound control that adjusts to your environment and a speak-to-chat function that lowers the volume during conversations.

However, the lack of water and sweat resistance is a crucial drawback for cyclists, as they are likely to encounter various weather conditions and will need their gear to withstand sweat. The headphones' high-quality microphones ensure clear phone calls, and the wearing detection feature that pauses playback when removed is a thoughtful addition. In conclusion, while the WH-1000XM4 excels in sound quality, comfort, and battery life, their lack of water resistance and bulky design may not be ideal for cycling enthusiasts seeking durable and secure headphones.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds feature a unique open-ear design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying high-quality sound, making them particularly useful for cyclists who need to hear traffic and environmental sounds for safety. The sound quality is enhanced by Bose’s OpenAudio and Immersive Audio technologies, providing clear and spatial sound without blocking outside noise.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 7 hours of playtime (or 4 hours in immersive mode) with a charging case that extends usage up to 48 hours, supporting long rides or multiple sessions. Comfort and fit are emphasized, as the earbuds clip gently around the ear and feel lightweight, staying secure without discomfort during movement. The IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and light splashes, suitable for active use but not for heavy rain or submersion.

Connectivity is convenient with Bluetooth multipoint, enabling easy switching between devices like your phone and laptop, and simple button controls allow for easy management of music and calls on the go. The lack of noise cancellation might be a downside for users wanting to block out wind noise or very loud traffic sounds while cycling. Additionally, the open-ear style may cause sound leakage in quiet environments. These earbuds are a strong choice for those who prioritize staying alert and comfortable with decent sound and battery life on rides, though they may not meet the needs of those seeking full noise isolation or waterproofing for extreme weather.