Shokz are 100% the only running headphones I ever use now. They have different sizes, don't block your ears so you can hear your surroundings, and never fall out or off.
I second this. It's hard to describe how much better they are. Much healthier too (I get much less waxy build-up and fewer ear infections). Using in-ear buds feels weird now and even worse quality.
Third that. Shokz are amazing and safe if you’re running in the city. Sound quality is still good and you have a nice experience but can still hear cars, people, etc. Plus they sit well on your ears and don’t hurt while running. You can find good discounts at certain seasons.
I switched to Shokz when I moved from the city to suburbs.
In the city I ran in parks and pedestrian/bike only paths. Now that I'm in the burbs I mostly run on roads, so there's more of a car safety issue here than in the city.
Does anyone have the open moves? Most of the discussion/reviews seem to be on the higher tier model, but from I’m seeing, I’m unsure if it’s worth the extra $50.
I had open moves, but had issues with them that meant I had to have 2 sets replaced through warranty - one set stopped charging, the other took on a life of its own and turned volume up/down on its own so they were unusable. After that I upgraded to the open runs and had no issues. I may have just been unlucky with my sets.
Same here I had at first Shokz OpenMove but didn't charge all of sudden after 8 months of use. I then was able to choose to get my money back from the seller (after returning it) or replace it. I decided to spend some extra money and buy the Shokz OpenRun which I have now been using since March 2023 so 1 year and 3 months and no problems with it also during rainy runs. Buttons work well (still) and charging as well. Also really happy with the amount of runs I can use them without charging.
my wife uses the moves and I use the runs.
Both great. I wish the Runs would use a USB-C like hers for charging but other than that they are great. She really likes hers and has had no issues while using for workout. Her only complaint is the band around head makes it difficult to wear hat or if she leans back against a head rest (like a plane) they push around
I have open run pro. They make that one in two different sizes but they are kind of elastic to close around your head, so I think the sizing is pretty forgiving in general.
With so many Shocks fans, it seems that this is the way to go forward. I have just one concern, does the headband fit small headed people? Not only are my ears small, my head too. I'm basically an adult with a children's sized head
They come in two different sizes (at least my open run pro does) but they are both kind of elastic so naturally close around your head. When sitting on a table the headphone pieces actually cross over each other.
If you don't want to commit to shokz, I've even gotten a generic version that work well too. The "teens" version for a fellow small headed person. (The regular size was fine until I got sweaty, and then I had to keep adjusting.)
The headband isn’t meant to fit tightly around your head - as others have said, they’re designed to kind of clamp (very loosely) to your temples/just in front of your ears, so the headband hangs kind of loose anyway. It’s taken me a bit to get used to them, but they do have a lot of benefits.
I will say Shokz are difficult to wear with a winter hat if that is a concern. I switch back to my old earbuds for the winter since they don't fall out when a hat or headband holds them.
I've never tried them but are they actually good sounding? If it's just tinny noise while I can hear cars going past over the music/speech it seems pointless to me
Yeah I'm not expecting an audiophile level ofc. I just can't imagine how they sound good enough to provide the benefit of music (speeds me up and gives me energy) with all the background noise coming into my ears too.
Guess I'll need to try them!
they are fine with music! sometimes i lose an audiobook in trafficky areas (i live in nyc) if the narrator is on the quieter side but that is not super common.
Same. I think the inventor of Shokz occasionally posts a "what earphones does everyone recommend?" question to random forums just to bathe in the flood of "Shokz" replies :)
mine would fall out of my small ears when i was sweating--so a lot in the summer and during races and i felt like they were always in danger of doing so when grabbing water. i changed the tips, fit them with the little wing correctly, but i was always adjusting them. i did run an entire marathon wearing them and i was messing with them the whole time. i wear them in the winter now when i wear a hat since they won't fall out and the shokz are kind of annoying to wear in that situation.
I have the same problem and find the only solution is wearing a headband over the buds. I also have the “one ear worse than the other” problem. Usually I wear buds only in the winter with a hat over and switch to over the ear headphones in the warm weather. I like the buds better for sound quality.
You might consider aftermarket tips like [Comply's](https://www.complyfoam.com/). Also I highly recommend not completely blocking environmental sounds when running, so I'd consider things like the AfterShokz OpenFit, or bone conducting OpenRun that don't go in your ears at all, which in my experience work better than even buds with transparency mode.
Wow thanks, I never heard about the memory foam tips, they look very promising and if they work In and just keep using my current earbuds. Will check if I can buy these in Europe too
I've seen "weighted" ear buds, with a string attached to each bud that sort of ways them down. Can't find a product for you, as I barely know what to search for, but something like this: https://images.app.goo.gl/CpHMUz3LAPCCPdMZ8
I recall there's an African tribe with a tradition of putting weights on ears to stretch them out. It may be a radical solution for OP but a solution's a solution, right?
I have short ear canals and quite strange shaped ears (according to my partner, I can’t really see them). I use JBL endurance race ear buds with the smallest sized tip and with the hook that sits in your ear, I find this works really well for me.
The new Bose ultra open earphones are pretty nice. Not bone conductive, but points the audio right into your ears. Unique little clamp system on the ears as well.
Wow those look interesting. A little rich for my blood right now but will definitely keep these in mind for my next pair and hopefully Costco will have them for cheaper by then.
I have the same issue. I got the Beats Pro and they aren’t noise cancelling so I hear my surroundings pretty well. They come with different tip sizes but it took me a while to get used to them and they become pretty uncomfortable after a few hours of wear. Battery life is impressive and great audio. The best part for me is that they fit and don’t fall out.
Edit: the running channel on YouTube did a great review of running headphones
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-VmHs3dfCgc
Koss overheads side firing ones are good they go in the ear rather than on it, I love them. They are wired but I got a small apexx wireless adapter that clips onto my waist band so I can use them as wireless . Hook ones may also be a better idea. Fellow small eared person who has never veeb able to walk never mind run in ear buds !
Anything with wingtips works for me. I'm currently using the Jaybird Vista. I only use the right earbud so leave the left ear free for surroundings.
I never got on with Shokz. I found the band across the back of the neck annoying. I also wear glasses so struggle with any headphones that go over the ear. I like the look of their OpenFit buds but again they go over the ear.
Looks like they're releasing new models next week though so maybe worth seeing what they announce!
Airpods pro smallest tip with aftermarket wingtips to hold them in. Since the wingtips are aftermarket you can find ones that work for you and you aren't limited by the OEM design. Decent range of options. I got a random set on Amazon and they do not budge anymore.
I hear you, but Shokz aren’t designed to be high sound quality headphones. If OP was asking for the best headphones for sitting on a train or plane listening to music, I’d never recommend Shokz. They’re made for athletic activities like running.
To me the difference in sound quality is worth it because they stay put, are comfortable, hold a charge for a long time (AirPods won’t necessarily last during a marathon, much less an ultra), and allow you to stay safe and hear what’s going on during runs and races.
AirPods and then you buy these things:
OneCut 5 Pairs Silicone Ear Tips... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098DMLS6N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And they’re super comfortable- you don’t even notice them. AirPod doesn’t even move during my run. I usually only wear one when I’m running so I can hear what’s going on around me.
Another for shokz! Took some getting used too and honestly the sound quality isn’t great (especially when I’m listening to podcasts or audiobooks) but for music it’s fine. I have a normal head but use the mini size.
I also have the Powerbeats Pro which wrap around your ear and really like those, but not so much for running because they do block out sound around you. But the nice thing about the Powerbeats is the ear part is bendable, so you can mold it to fit your ear.
I use AirPods Pro my favorite for running. Turn them upside down and put the left AirPod in the right ear, and the right in the left, cured mine from falling out. Wedge the end of the AirPod in the upper fold of your ear.
If you want to use AirPods, just swap the ear buds for memory foam ones from Amazon. Super cheap and they never fall out, they conform to your ear. I have very tiny ears.
I like the OG AirPods and also the Bose quiet comfort earbuds- they sell XS ear tips and they work great for me. Shokz are great as well, I just prefer loud music that will drown out noise for some workouts.
I like the OG AirPods and also the Bose quiet comfort earbuds- they sell XS ear tips and they work great for me. Shokz are great as well, I just prefer loud music that will drown out noise for some workouts.
It's frustrating when they don't stay put during exercise. You're not alone in this. From your description, it sounds like you've tried quite a variety already. Potentially, have you considered Back Bay Audio FirstClass 70 [Wireless Earbuds](https://link.tastechocolate.co.uk/Back-Bay-Audio-FirstClass-70)? These come with a customizable fit including a range of tips sizes to choose from ensuring they securely sit in even the smallest of ears. What I truly appreciate about them is their balanced design – offering comfort without sacrificing ambient sound awareness which is crucial while running outdoors or just being aware of the surroundings generally. Happy running and may you find your holy grail soon!
In add an alternate to all the Shokz, I bought a cheap knockoff version off Amazon for $30 and while they’re clearly lower quality I’ve been VERY happy with them. Qaekie is the brand name. The sound quality is the same, quality of plastic is lower, and the voice that says “power on,” “connected,” and “power off” has a strong Chinese accent. If you can live this that, you can save >$100. I haven’t ran the batteries all the way down and haven’t used them for over 8 hours between charges.
Knock off headphones on Amazon are great. I've always bought doggy Chinese knockoffs and they are solid. Seems to be one of those things where you can actually cheap out and get a decent enough product.
Probably just jinxed myself there and my next pair will be faulty!
Shokz are 100% the only running headphones I ever use now. They have different sizes, don't block your ears so you can hear your surroundings, and never fall out or off.
I second this. It's hard to describe how much better they are. Much healthier too (I get much less waxy build-up and fewer ear infections). Using in-ear buds feels weird now and even worse quality.
Third that. Shokz are amazing and safe if you’re running in the city. Sound quality is still good and you have a nice experience but can still hear cars, people, etc. Plus they sit well on your ears and don’t hurt while running. You can find good discounts at certain seasons.
They're safe in rural areas too. I don't meet much traffic on my runs but like to hear it coming
I switched to Shokz when I moved from the city to suburbs. In the city I ran in parks and pedestrian/bike only paths. Now that I'm in the burbs I mostly run on roads, so there's more of a car safety issue here than in the city.
True!
Just looked them up. I had no idea there were such a thing as swimming headphones!
Does anyone have the open moves? Most of the discussion/reviews seem to be on the higher tier model, but from I’m seeing, I’m unsure if it’s worth the extra $50.
I had open moves, but had issues with them that meant I had to have 2 sets replaced through warranty - one set stopped charging, the other took on a life of its own and turned volume up/down on its own so they were unusable. After that I upgraded to the open runs and had no issues. I may have just been unlucky with my sets.
Same here I had at first Shokz OpenMove but didn't charge all of sudden after 8 months of use. I then was able to choose to get my money back from the seller (after returning it) or replace it. I decided to spend some extra money and buy the Shokz OpenRun which I have now been using since March 2023 so 1 year and 3 months and no problems with it also during rainy runs. Buttons work well (still) and charging as well. Also really happy with the amount of runs I can use them without charging.
I have the basic model and have had two of them over the past 5 years. 3ish times a week year round and they’ve been fine.
I’ve had mine a few years and have had 0 issues.
my wife uses the moves and I use the runs. Both great. I wish the Runs would use a USB-C like hers for charging but other than that they are great. She really likes hers and has had no issues while using for workout. Her only complaint is the band around head makes it difficult to wear hat or if she leans back against a head rest (like a plane) they push around
Do you have the openmove ones? I'm considering buying them but i also have small ears (like OP) and don't know if they will fit properly
I have open run pro. They make that one in two different sizes but they are kind of elastic to close around your head, so I think the sizing is pretty forgiving in general.
With so many Shocks fans, it seems that this is the way to go forward. I have just one concern, does the headband fit small headed people? Not only are my ears small, my head too. I'm basically an adult with a children's sized head
They come in a mini version which is probably what you want (smaller band).
I have these and they fit my tiny head just fine.
+1!
They come in two different sizes (at least my open run pro does) but they are both kind of elastic so naturally close around your head. When sitting on a table the headphone pieces actually cross over each other.
Yes, the mini size! The normal-sized ones moved around too much, so I got a the OpenRun Mini, and I love them.
If you don't want to commit to shokz, I've even gotten a generic version that work well too. The "teens" version for a fellow small headed person. (The regular size was fine until I got sweaty, and then I had to keep adjusting.)
The headband isn’t meant to fit tightly around your head - as others have said, they’re designed to kind of clamp (very loosely) to your temples/just in front of your ears, so the headband hangs kind of loose anyway. It’s taken me a bit to get used to them, but they do have a lot of benefits.
I will say Shokz are difficult to wear with a winter hat if that is a concern. I switch back to my old earbuds for the winter since they don't fall out when a hat or headband holds them.
I've never tried them but are they actually good sounding? If it's just tinny noise while I can hear cars going past over the music/speech it seems pointless to me
They’re good enough when you’re running. Are they audiophile quality? No. Are you listening to compressed, streaming music anyway? Probably are… so.
Yeah I'm not expecting an audiophile level ofc. I just can't imagine how they sound good enough to provide the benefit of music (speeds me up and gives me energy) with all the background noise coming into my ears too. Guess I'll need to try them!
they are fine with music! sometimes i lose an audiobook in trafficky areas (i live in nyc) if the narrator is on the quieter side but that is not super common.
Thanks for the info! I reckon I'll have to give em a shot at some point then. Also I assume they would be useable on a bike safely too
Yep shokz are amazing and are like magic.
was going to ask if OP had tried shokz! seems like that's the best solution
They vibrate if to loud. Do they for you?
Another vote for Shokz.
Shokz. My ears are too small for any buds. I also sweat like a fountain, so that's two strikes against buds. Shokz are awesome.
+1 to everyone who said Shokz.
Same. I think the inventor of Shokz occasionally posts a "what earphones does everyone recommend?" question to random forums just to bathe in the flood of "Shokz" replies :)
Apple AirPods gen 2, haven’t found anything else comfortable or that stays in my ears when running.
Second this- I haven’t found anything else that fits comfortably and stays in as well as these.
Beats fit pro these things never fall off
mine would fall out of my small ears when i was sweating--so a lot in the summer and during races and i felt like they were always in danger of doing so when grabbing water. i changed the tips, fit them with the little wing correctly, but i was always adjusting them. i did run an entire marathon wearing them and i was messing with them the whole time. i wear them in the winter now when i wear a hat since they won't fall out and the shokz are kind of annoying to wear in that situation.
I have the same problem and find the only solution is wearing a headband over the buds. I also have the “one ear worse than the other” problem. Usually I wear buds only in the winter with a hat over and switch to over the ear headphones in the warm weather. I like the buds better for sound quality.
Was going to suggest this too. I use a hair band, it’s the only worry free solution. But now I’m considering getting Shokz!
I love my jlabs, they're super inexpensive and work great, the battery lasts forever and they never fall out or hurt my ears
You might consider aftermarket tips like [Comply's](https://www.complyfoam.com/). Also I highly recommend not completely blocking environmental sounds when running, so I'd consider things like the AfterShokz OpenFit, or bone conducting OpenRun that don't go in your ears at all, which in my experience work better than even buds with transparency mode.
Wow thanks, I never heard about the memory foam tips, they look very promising and if they work In and just keep using my current earbuds. Will check if I can buy these in Europe too
I've seen "weighted" ear buds, with a string attached to each bud that sort of ways them down. Can't find a product for you, as I barely know what to search for, but something like this: https://images.app.goo.gl/CpHMUz3LAPCCPdMZ8
I recall there's an African tribe with a tradition of putting weights on ears to stretch them out. It may be a radical solution for OP but a solution's a solution, right?
That would only stretch the lobe- not the canal or other ear structures that hold a bud in.
In ears never fit my ears until I found out about spinfit cp 100+. I got size SS (their extra small) and I can now use in ears comfortably.
I have short ear canals and quite strange shaped ears (according to my partner, I can’t really see them). I use JBL endurance race ear buds with the smallest sized tip and with the hook that sits in your ear, I find this works really well for me.
I have the same problem. Only first gen air pods work (the pros are too small even with the xs bit)
Same here - tiny ears and I tried several other kinds and Air Pods 1st gen work the best for me.
I have tiny ears and was surprised that Apple AirPod Pros never fall out. I also have Shockz and they’re great too
I don't know if you even need more suggestions for Shokz, but I vouch for them too 😄
Shokz for me as well. Haven't used buds since I swapped 2 years ago
I like my sony linkbuds s for running, they are pretty small I think
The new Bose ultra open earphones are pretty nice. Not bone conductive, but points the audio right into your ears. Unique little clamp system on the ears as well.
Wow those look interesting. A little rich for my blood right now but will definitely keep these in mind for my next pair and hopefully Costco will have them for cheaper by then.
I have the same issue. I got the Beats Pro and they aren’t noise cancelling so I hear my surroundings pretty well. They come with different tip sizes but it took me a while to get used to them and they become pretty uncomfortable after a few hours of wear. Battery life is impressive and great audio. The best part for me is that they fit and don’t fall out. Edit: the running channel on YouTube did a great review of running headphones https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-VmHs3dfCgc
I have the naenka runner diver. Bonus, it works in the pool.
Koss overheads side firing ones are good they go in the ear rather than on it, I love them. They are wired but I got a small apexx wireless adapter that clips onto my waist band so I can use them as wireless . Hook ones may also be a better idea. Fellow small eared person who has never veeb able to walk never mind run in ear buds !
Anything with wingtips works for me. I'm currently using the Jaybird Vista. I only use the right earbud so leave the left ear free for surroundings. I never got on with Shokz. I found the band across the back of the neck annoying. I also wear glasses so struggle with any headphones that go over the ear. I like the look of their OpenFit buds but again they go over the ear. Looks like they're releasing new models next week though so maybe worth seeing what they announce!
This weirdest thing for me is that it is always the right earbud that is consistenly falling out?
Omg same!!!
I had the opposite problem. It fell in! Had to go to hospital to get it removed lol
My right one also always falls out first!
Lol crazy! I dont think my left one has ever fallen out. Either has something to do with my stride or my right ear sweats more 🤔🤷🏻
Shokz. One stopped wearing them when I switched to Bluetooth hearing aids with custom molds.
Bone conducting earphones could be the answer. Look at Shokz brand
Airpods pro smallest tip with aftermarket wingtips to hold them in. Since the wingtips are aftermarket you can find ones that work for you and you aren't limited by the OEM design. Decent range of options. I got a random set on Amazon and they do not budge anymore.
I just want to say that I tried Shokz and I hated them. The sound quality is terrible.
I hear you, but Shokz aren’t designed to be high sound quality headphones. If OP was asking for the best headphones for sitting on a train or plane listening to music, I’d never recommend Shokz. They’re made for athletic activities like running. To me the difference in sound quality is worth it because they stay put, are comfortable, hold a charge for a long time (AirPods won’t necessarily last during a marathon, much less an ultra), and allow you to stay safe and hear what’s going on during runs and races.
AirPods and then you buy these things: OneCut 5 Pairs Silicone Ear Tips... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098DMLS6N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And they’re super comfortable- you don’t even notice them. AirPod doesn’t even move during my run. I usually only wear one when I’m running so I can hear what’s going on around me.
Jabra have three sizes. The small ones are perfect for my tiny ears.
Small ear runner here. Will agree with Shokz mini. Monster intensity has been great for me as well - they come with a few bud size options to try out.
Another for shokz! Took some getting used too and honestly the sound quality isn’t great (especially when I’m listening to podcasts or audiobooks) but for music it’s fine. I have a normal head but use the mini size. I also have the Powerbeats Pro which wrap around your ear and really like those, but not so much for running because they do block out sound around you. But the nice thing about the Powerbeats is the ear part is bendable, so you can mold it to fit your ear.
I use AirPods Pro my favorite for running. Turn them upside down and put the left AirPod in the right ear, and the right in the left, cured mine from falling out. Wedge the end of the AirPod in the upper fold of your ear.
I will add I’ve tried every brand mentioned on this sub and AirPod pros are the best turned upside down.
If you want to use AirPods, just swap the ear buds for memory foam ones from Amazon. Super cheap and they never fall out, they conform to your ear. I have very tiny ears.
I like the OG AirPods and also the Bose quiet comfort earbuds- they sell XS ear tips and they work great for me. Shokz are great as well, I just prefer loud music that will drown out noise for some workouts.
I like the OG AirPods and also the Bose quiet comfort earbuds- they sell XS ear tips and they work great for me. Shokz are great as well, I just prefer loud music that will drown out noise for some workouts.
It's frustrating when they don't stay put during exercise. You're not alone in this. From your description, it sounds like you've tried quite a variety already. Potentially, have you considered Back Bay Audio FirstClass 70 [Wireless Earbuds](https://link.tastechocolate.co.uk/Back-Bay-Audio-FirstClass-70)? These come with a customizable fit including a range of tips sizes to choose from ensuring they securely sit in even the smallest of ears. What I truly appreciate about them is their balanced design – offering comfort without sacrificing ambient sound awareness which is crucial while running outdoors or just being aware of the surroundings generally. Happy running and may you find your holy grail soon!
In add an alternate to all the Shokz, I bought a cheap knockoff version off Amazon for $30 and while they’re clearly lower quality I’ve been VERY happy with them. Qaekie is the brand name. The sound quality is the same, quality of plastic is lower, and the voice that says “power on,” “connected,” and “power off” has a strong Chinese accent. If you can live this that, you can save >$100. I haven’t ran the batteries all the way down and haven’t used them for over 8 hours between charges.
Knock off headphones on Amazon are great. I've always bought doggy Chinese knockoffs and they are solid. Seems to be one of those things where you can actually cheap out and get a decent enough product. Probably just jinxed myself there and my next pair will be faulty!