PUBLISHED 05/02/2007
The headphones that typically come with portable music players aren't always a good fit for runners, since they sound tinny and fall out easily. We outfitted our wear-testers with the latest clip-on and wraparound headphones that are designed to stay put during the toughest workouts. Here are the five most comfortable, cleanest-sounding, and loudest-running of the bunch.
Sony MDR-Q23LPPS w.ear Headphones
Sony's cushioned clip-ons score a comfort hat trick--soft, snug, and stable. Plastic clips hold the speakers to your ears, making them a great choice if you don't like wraparounds and find earbuds too invasive. But compared with in-ear headphones, testers found the sound quality one-dimensional and didn't like how the cushions got sweaty on long runs.
Price: $20
Contact: www.sonystyle.com
Philips SHS3201 Earhook Headphones
These headphones look like earbuds with angel wings--soft white rubber ear-hooks that hold the headset still. Testers noted how well the small speakers handled bass without muddying the overall sound. But they didn't like the cable, which would be better if it had a deeper V and an adjustable slide so runners could control the wires.
Price: $13
Contact: www.philips.com
Arriva Active Wear Stereo Headphones
The Arrivas were designed for snowboarders and rock climbers who need headphones that won't budge. They sport a zigzag wraparound wire that clings to your head like a hungry squid when fitted correctly. Trouble is, some testers found that getting the ear pieces in securely can be tricky at times. But once in place, they provide superb sound and volume.
Price: $30
Contact: www.arriva.com
Motorola MOTOROKR S9 These sleek and sexy headphones do away with annoying wires that can tangle up your runs. Designed for Bluetooth cell phones--a separate adapter is needed for portable music players--the S9 is stable and extremely light, weighing about one ounce. Testers loved the sound quality and the convenience of the headphones' volume and playback controls.
Price: $130
Contact: www.store.motorola.com
Sennheiser PMX 70 Sport Neckband It would be easy to forget you're wearing these lightweight wraparounds if it weren't for the eye-catching neon-green cord that enters the left side of the headset. The speakers are a touch too big, but testers liked the headphones' secure fit and excellent depth and range of sound.
Price: $50
Contact: www.sennheiserusa.com
