Cycling isn’t just about the ride — it’s about rhythm, motivation, and staying safe on the road. Whether you’re climbing hills or rolling through city streets, music and podcasts can make long miles more enjoyable. With the right headphones, every beat can help you push harder, stay focused, or simply unwind during your commute.
However, safety can’t be ignored. A study by de Waard et al. found that cyclists using in-ear headphones missed about 32% of auditory stop signals, highlighting how reduced hearing awareness can increase risk. Unlike runners or gym-goers, cyclists face unique challenges — helmets and glasses can make bulky headphones uncomfortable, while wind and sweat quickly expose weak designs.
That’s why bone-conduction and open-ear headphones have become so popular. They deliver sound without blocking your awareness of traffic or other riders. In short, they strike the right balance between performance, comfort, and safety—making every ride more enjoyable and secure.
Roundup of the Best Cycling Headphones
| Overall Best for Cycling | Shokz OpenRun Pro |
| Best Premium Bone Conduction | Nank Runner Diver2 Pro |
| Best Waterproof Option | H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport |
| Best Secure Fit (In-Ear) | JLab Epic Open Sport |
| Best for iPhone Users | Apple AirPods Pro |
| Best Open-Ear Rich Sound | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds |
| Best Lightweight Open-Ear (Budget) | Vessel OpenRock S2 Earbuds |
| Best Entry-Level Bone Conduction | Aftershokz OpenMove |
Can You Cycle With Headphones?
Laws on cycling with headphones differ across countries and regions. While many places don’t impose a full ban, some restrict headphones that block both ears to ensure cyclists stay alert to their surroundings.
In certain areas, wearing headphones in one ear is allowed, and open-ear or bone-conduction designs are preferred since they don’t seal the ear canal. Even without restrictions, it’s wise to keep the volume low and stay aware, especially in high-traffic zones.
Ultimately, safety is the rider’s responsibility. Headphones should enhance the experience, not compromise it. Choosing cycling-friendly models like open-ear or bone-conduction styles helps balance audio enjoyment with awareness on the road.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Cycling
Whether you’re cycling in the city, hitting countryside lanes, or training indoors, the right headphones can enhance your ride but they must also keep you safe and comfortable. Here’s what to look for in 2025:
- Wired or Wireless: Cables are a hazard when cycling, especially outdoors. Wired headphones can snag on handlebars or clothing, so true wireless earbuds, open-ear headphones, or bone-conduction designs are the smarter and safer choice.
- Prioritize Safety and Awareness: Outdoor riders need to hear essential sounds like traffic, sirens, and pedestrians. Bone-conduction and open-ear headphones remain the safest options, as they let you enjoy music without blocking the ear canal.
For city riding, models with adaptive awareness modes can automatically adjust to your surroundings.
Easy, Safe Controls: Controls should be simple enough to use with one hand or while wearing gloves. Touch buttons, physical toggles, or voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa) allow for safe adjustments without fumbling with your phone.
Sound Quality: Wind and road noise can drown out your music. Look for headphones that maintain balanced audio across bass, mids, and treble, even at lower volumes. Some of the latest 2025 models use directional drivers to project sound toward your ears for clarity without isolating you.
Ambient Sound Control: Full (ANC) isn’t ideal for busy roads. Instead, pick models with adjustable transparency or smart ambient modes, allowing you to control how much outside sound you let in.
Battery Life and Quick Charging: Long rides demand strong battery performance. Aim for at least 8–10 hours of playback. Many modern cycling headphones now include fast-charging, giving you an extra 1–2 hours from just a 5-minute boost.
Comfort and Fit: Headphones should stay secure without creating pressure points under helmet straps. Lightweight frames, soft ear hooks, and breathable materials are essential for all-day rides. If you dislike earbuds, consider bone-conduction or open-ear designs for irritation-free comfort.
Build Quality and Durability: A sturdy build ensures your headphones can handle bumps, drops, and unpredictable weather. For outdoor riding, look for at least IP55 water resistance, with IP67/IP68 for year-round cycling. A protective case also helps extend their life.
Waterproof and Sweatproof Protection: Sweat resistance is essential for indoor training and hot-weather rides. Waterproofing is key for rain protection outdoors, with IPX6 or higher ratings offering the best coverage.
Microphone Quality: If you take calls mid-ride, wind-noise reduction is crucial. Many headphones now use beamforming microphones and AI noise filtering to keep voices clear, even at higher speeds.
In-Depth Look at the Best Headphones for Cycling
We compiled a list of top 8 headphones for cycling enthusiasts. Let music take you for a ride!
1. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
Overall Best
- Excellent fit options with two size choices
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Good sound quality with slightly louder bass
- Long battery life and rapid charging
- IP55 water resistance rating
- Limited additional features compared to other brands
- No inbuilt memory storage
The Shokz OpenRun Pro has become a favorite among cyclists who care about both safety and sound. Its bone-conduction design lets you listen to music or podcasts while staying aware of cars, pedestrians, and the world around you — something every rider needs on busy roads. This open-ear setup feels safer and more natural than traditional in-ear headphones during long rides.
Comfort is another plus. Weighing just 29 grams, the flexible wraparound frame fits easily under helmets or glasses without any pressure or slipping. With an IP55 rating, it handles sweat and rain without worry, making it dependable for everyday commutes and endurance rides alike.
Battery life is solid too — up to 10 hours of playtime, and if you forget to charge, a quick 5-minute boost gives you around 1.5 hours of listening time. That’s more than enough for a morning ride or quick workout before heading out.
View on Amazon: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
2. Nank Runner Diver2 Pro
Best Premium Bone Conduction
- IP69 waterproof rating (pool or rainproof)
- 32 GB onboard storage for phone-free rides
- Solid build with comfortable headband
- Balanced bone-conduction sound
- Bulkier than Shokz
- Pricier than budget models
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is built for riders who demand durability and versatility. With its IP69 waterproof rating, it stands up to rain, sweat, and even full submersion, making it ideal for cycling in all weather conditions. For cyclists who cross-train in multiple sports, this rugged design ensures consistent performance on the road, in the gym, or even in the pool.
One of its standout features is the 32 GB onboard music storage, which allows cyclists to ride without carrying a phone. This feature is especially valuable for those who prefer distraction-free training or for long rides where carrying fewer devices is more convenient. The balanced bone-conduction sound provides clear audio for music or podcasts while keeping the ears open for environmental awareness.
Although slightly bulkier than the Shokz lineup, the Diver2 Pro compensates with unmatched versatility and toughness. Its premium price reflects its advanced features, but for athletes who want one device for cycling, swimming, and running, it’s an investment that delivers on durability and freedom.
View on Amazon : Nank Runner Diver2 Pro
3. H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport
Best Waterproof Option
- IPX8 fully waterproof (swim-ready)
- 8 GB internal MP3 storage
- Bone-conduction design keeps ears open
- Multi-sport use (cycling, swimming, running)
- Sound quality lower vs. premium bone-conduction
- Storage navigation is basic
The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro is designed for riders who won’t let weather stop them. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it can withstand rain, sweat, or even swimming sessions. This makes it one of the most versatile headphones available, easily transitioning from the bike to the pool or treadmill.
It includes 8 GB of internal storage, letting cyclists load playlists directly onto the device and ride phone-free. This feature is especially helpful for triathletes or those who want uninterrupted training sessions without relying on Bluetooth connections. While its audio quality isn’t as refined as higher-end bone-conduction models, it provides reliable performance where safety and durability matter most.
For riders who want a single solution for cycling and multi-sport training, the Tri 2 Pro is a practical choice. Its rugged design, storage convenience, and waterproof build make it a dependable companion for year-round cycling.
View on Amazon: H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro
4. JLab Epic Open Sport
Best Secure Fit (In-Ear Alternate)
- Adjustable silicone ear hooks for a locked-in fit
- IP55 sweat and water resistance
- Lightweight, comfortable design for long rides
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Sound quality less detailed than premium earbuds
- No advanced features like ANC or Transparency Mode
The JLab Epic Open Sport is built with cyclists and runners in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit that stays in place during even the toughest rides. The adjustable silicone ear hooks keep the earbuds stable under helmets and glasses, while the lightweight build minimizes fatigue on longer sessions. Its IP55 sweat and water resistance ensures durability, making it a solid choice for both outdoor training and indoor workouts.
Audio performance is balanced and clear, with enough energy in the mids and highs to keep music motivational on the move. While the bass isn’t as punchy as premium models, the overall tuning works well for outdoor use where safety and awareness are priorities. Riders will also appreciate the straightforward Bluetooth pairing and dependable connection, which helps avoid interruptions while cycling.
Where the Epic Open Sport shines is in its value and practicality. It doesn’t overload users with unnecessary features, but instead focuses on comfort, stability, and reliability. For cyclists who want dependable performance without breaking the bank, it’s an excellent alternative to more expensive sports earbuds
View on Amazon : JLab Epic Open Sport
5. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Best for iPhone Users
- Transparency mode for safe road cycling
- Seamless iOS pairing and Siri integration
- Excellent ANC and adaptive sound
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Battery is moderate (6 hrs)
- Premium price for casual riders
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) is a natural fit for cyclists who rely on iPhones. Their Transparency Mode allows external sounds to come through, keeping cyclists aware of traffic and surroundings while still enjoying music or podcasts. This balance of immersion and safety is particularly useful for urban rides.
Pairing is effortless within the Apple ecosystem, and features like Adaptive Audio adjust the sound automatically based on your environment. Cyclists benefit from lightweight comfort, reliable voice commands via Siri, and the confidence of a snug, secure fit during motion.
Although the 6-hour battery life is shorter than some alternatives, the charging case extends overall use, making them practical for most rides. For iPhone users, the integration, ease of use, and safety features make AirPods Pro 2 one of the most convenient cycling headphone choices.
View on Amazon : Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
6. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Best Open-Ear Rich Sound
- Innovative clip-on open-ear design
- Premium, immersive sound
- Comfortable for long rides
- 7.5 hours battery + 48 hrs with case
- Not fully waterproof (IPX4)
- Expensive
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds bring a new approach to cycling headphones with their clip-on open-ear design. Unlike bone conduction, these earbuds sit outside the ear canal, providing Bose-quality audio while leaving your ears open to the environment. This unique design makes them one of the safest and richest-sounding options for road cycling.
Comfort is another highlight, as the lightweight clip-on style reduces pressure and remains comfortable during long rides. Riders who prioritize premium sound will notice Bose’s signature clarity and depth, even without the in-ear seal. The generous 48-hour total battery life with the case also supports endurance cyclists who train multiple times between charges.
While they are more expensive and only carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds excel in delivering rich, immersive sound without compromising awareness. For cyclists who want luxury-level audio with road safety, they’re hard to beat.
View on Amazon : Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
7. Vessel OpenRock S2
Best Lightweight Open-Ear (Budget)
- Affordable open-ear option
- Secure hooks fit with helmets and glasses
- Up to 19 hrs battery life
- IPX5 sweat resistant
- Sound less powerful than premium models
- Design not as sleek or stylish as higher-end alternatives
The Vessel OpenRock S2 is a budget-friendly entry into the open-ear headphone category, making it ideal for cyclists who want safety and comfort without overspending. Its ear-hook design ensures a secure fit under helmets, while the open-ear style keeps riders fully aware of traffic and surroundings.
Battery life is impressive at up to 19 hours, easily supporting multiple rides before needing a recharge. With an IPX5 sweat resistance rating, these headphones handle daily cycling sessions and training rides with ease, even in warmer conditions.
Though the sound quality doesn’t match higher-priced models, the OpenRock S2 delivers enough clarity for music, podcasts, and navigation prompts. For cyclists on a budget, it’s a smart way to get the benefits of open-ear safety without breaking the bank.
View on Amazon: Vessel OpenRock S2
8. Aftershokz OpenMove
Best Entry-Level Bone Conduction
- Affordable bone-conduction option
- Lightweight and easy to wear
- IP55 sweat resistant
- Sound less detailed
The Aftershokz OpenMove is a great starting point for cyclists exploring bone-conduction headphones without committing to a premium price. Its open-ear design ensures situational awareness, making it safer for traffic-heavy rides.
At just 29 grams, it’s lightweight and comfortable under helmets. The IP55 sweat resistance provides durability against workouts, light rain, and everyday cycling conditions. While its 6-hour battery is modest, it’s sufficient for commutes and shorter rides.
Sound quality is clear enough for podcasts, calls, and background music. Though it lacks the detail of higher-end models, the OpenMove’s affordability and safety-first design make it one of the best budget-friendly options for cyclists in 2025.
View on Amazon : Aftershokz OpenMove
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling Headphones
Are bone-conduction headphones safe for cycling?
Yes. They keep your ears open to traffic and surroundings, making them one of the safest options for road use.
Can I use noise-canceling earbuds while cycling?
Possible, but not ideal. Use models with Transparency/Ambient modes (like AirPods Pro) to stay aware of your environment.
Which headphones are best for long rides?
Look for long battery life. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 lasts 12 hours, while Bose Ultra Open offers 7.5 hours plus 48 hrs with its case.
Are waterproof headphones necessary?
If you ride outdoors in all weather or do multi-sport training, yes. Options like H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro and Nank Runner Diver 2 Pro are built for rain and even swimming.
What’s the best budget option?
The Vessel OpenRock S2 is a great affordable open-ear choice, with 19 hours of battery and safe situational awareness.
Final Words
The best cycling headphones in 2025 combine safety, comfort, and sound that keeps you moving. The Shokz OpenRun Pro remains a top pick for riders who want reliable open-ear awareness with long-lasting comfort.
If durability and phone-free storage are priorities, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro stands out with its rugged IP69 build and 32 GB onboard memory. For cyclists who need all-weather protection, the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport is unbeatable, handling rain, sweat, and even swims.
For riders who prefer earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) delivers seamless integration with iOS devices, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds bring premium open-ear sound without sacrificing awareness. And for budget-conscious cyclists, the Vessel OpenRock S2 provides a lightweight, secure option that doesn’t break the bank.
No matter your riding style –long-distance endurance, daily commuting, or casual weekend spins –there’s a model here to elevate your experience. The right headphones don’t just play music; they keep you safe, motivated, and connected every mile of the ride.
