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Why I Finally Bought a Pair of AirPods for Running

Jun 10, 2020 | Kit, Running | 17 comments

AirPods for Running review

In life, I think there are people that lose things and people that don’t.

I am one of those people that lose things. And it is for that reason that I haven’t bought AirPods before. They are so small and so easy to misplace.

At the airport on the way to Atlanta, Ashley and I were scrabbling around like lunatics trying to find one of her airpods after thinking we’d lost it at the airport scanner, only for her to find it in her car weeks later!

AirPods for Running

AirPods for Running

I use Aftershokz headphones for races to ensure I can hear other runners around me, volunteers and spectators. I also wear them when it’s dark and I’m running alone, or on road/paths with cyclists for safety reasons. However, my main issue is remembering to charge them. So I end up wearing my generic Apple headphones most often on runs.

When we got our Peloton bike, I used the AirPods that I bought Tom for Christmas and loved them. I’ve been borrowing them (and very carefully putting them away again!) since April, and even taking them out on a few runs to test them out.

Spoiler alert, I liked them enough to buy myself a pair (I actually just added them to my monthly mobile phone bill). I originally asked Tom for a pair for my birthday next month but know I’ll never hear the end of it if I lose a birthday present!

AirPods for Running review

Pros of Apple AirPods for Running 

The sound quality is great.

They block out the outside noise when I’m on the Peloton (and I think I would get so annoyed if I was attached to the bike with a cord!). We have the old ones which aren’t as noice cancelling as the AirPod Pro.

They charge using the same cable as my phone

Which makes it super simple when travelling, and charging is pretty quick. The newer cases also charge wirelessly just by putting them on a charging mat.

Great battery life!

Whilst I’ve never run more than 30 mins in them, Tom and I both use them for our Pelotoning so they’re used for at least an hour a day everyday. The case charges them whilst it’s plugged in and when it’s not, giving up to 24 hours of listening time per case charge! They top up charge every time you put them back in the case.

They don’t get tangled up when wearing them

Or when you shove them in a handbag/gym bag.

They fit pretty well

And I’ve only had one fall out when I was super sweaty during a ride. If the standard Apple headphones work for you, you’ll probably get on pretty well with the AirPods 2nd generation, however if you need something a little more secure, then the AirPods Pro might be better. If you find you do have difficulty with the AirPods, you can get earhooks like these to help them stay in better!

AirPod for runners review

Cons of Apple AirPods for Running 

Cost. 

The AirPods with standard case that we have are £159 (although I found them for £136 from John Lewis), whilst the AirPods with the wireless case is £199 (£159 at John Lewis) and the AirPod Pros are £249! When you compare this to the Aftershokz Aeropex at £149 and the Aftershokz Titanium at £69.95 both of which are also pricey. Personally if you’re looking for just one pair of running headphones for outside runs, I would recommend the Aftershokz for safety, ease of use and sound quality. However, if you’re running on the treadmill, want your headphones for calls, or commuting then I love the AirPods for these tasks.

They do need to be charged fairly regularly.

Anyone else find it hard to even remember to charge their watch, let alone adding another thing to charge. This is why I always have a pair of corded headphones next to the front door, just in case.

Let’s face it, I’m probably going to lose them at some point.

My friend Janae dropped one of hers during a marathon, and I can totally see that happening in a goal race where you have to decide between going back for your £60 airpod or getting that PB! Luckily you can replace just one if you lose it but the cost ramps up. There is a feature that allows you to find your AirPods, you can get your phone to look up the last location and the earphone puts out a sound allowing you to hopefully locate them.

Apple will replace your Airpods if you lose them or the case for 50% of the original price so make sure you keep that receipt! You can also get straps that attach to the case to tie them into your handbag/gymbag so that you don’t lose them as you pull out your clothes, purse, keys etc.

AirPod for runners review

What headphones do you run in? Do you prefer wireless or corded headphones for running? Also I’m thinking of writing a review of the Aftershokz headphones, let me know if you have any questions specifically on bone conduction headphones! 

Photos by Megan Daisy Photography 

17 Comments

  1. Laura

    I’m a big fan of my Aftershokz, I love that they allow me to hear things around me as I run. I like a lot of things about the AirPods but I just know they wouldn’t fit my ears well and the fact that they’re two separate pieces makes them too easy to lose in my book…I’ll stick to earphones that are connected to one another in some way!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Haha I’m honestly terrified of losing them!

      Reply
  2. sarah

    My aftershocks broke after 2 years and i replaced them with Jabr elite sport. They are excellent and stay in my ears on long runs, option to noise cancel, charging case and takes call etc….love them and under £150

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Oh no, sorry to hears yours broke. I’m wondering if I don’t use mine enough for them to have broken but haven’t had any issues in 3+ years! Haven’t tried the Jabra Elite but will keep my eyes peeled!

      Reply
  3. Callum

    I actually use some cheap Mpow earphones, do the job but remembering to charge them is an issue.
    I don’t like the idea of Aftershocks as I like to drown everything out.
    Interesting feedback, thanks.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Totally get you but in some situations I appreciate the safety aspect! Plus I love hearing my parents/husband etc on the sidelines when I’m in a race as well as others around me

      Reply
  4. Lauren

    I’d be very curious to hear a review of the Aftershokz as I’m the opposite of you, I have the AirPods and am now considering the Aftershokz for running (and cycling to work once we return to the office). I like the AirPods but worry about them being affected by sweat or rain and I am always worried about losing them too especially when I’m on the cycle superhighway and wouldn’t be able to turn around easily.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I haven’t had issues of them falling out but might be worth testing them before buying if you can!

      Reply
  5. Cynthia Griffith

    I had my AirPods for three months and I lost an AirPod on a super bumpy 40 mile bike race. I replaced the AirPod and then I was running with one AirPod in my ear and the case and other AirPod in my shorts pocket. I was doing a tempo run and my pocket was not adequately zipped and I lost the case and one AirPod out of my pocket 🙁 I didn’t get another pair for a year. I have a new pair now (bought with work funds yay!) but I just am, like you, a looser of stuff! 😉 I think you will like the pods even though they are very easy to loose track of. Love you!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Hahah thanks and urgh that must have been SO annoying! Yep I am definitely loving them despite the risk!

      Reply
  6. Shealyn

    I also recently made the switch to AirPods and love them! I did have one pop out of an ear on my first run. I did a little research and found some hooks on amazon (for about $8) that slide on the bottom part of the AirPod and then loop around my ear like sunglasses. Knowing I won’t drop one again on a run is very reassuring and worth the hassle of remembering to add these to my headphones.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      ooh I haven’t seen ones that attach to your sunglasses but that sounds perfect for sweaty summer runs. That’s the issue with aftershokz is I can’t really wear them with sunglasses!

      Reply
  7. Sarah

    Hey Charlie – I use my AfterShokz when running outside by myself, but they are obviously not ideal in the gym. I invested in the AirPods Pro to use at work and the gym and love being able to choose. I’d love to read an AfterShokz review!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Tell me about it, I once tried to use my Aftershokz for my train commute at work and it did not work. Everyone could hear my podcast!

      Reply
  8. Maria @ Maria Runs

    I would worry about losing them, plus they look too hard and I think they’d slip out (I have a bit of trouble finding earphones that fit)- I have some sol wireless ones- they have a wire between them, they charge by USB and the sound quality is fine for running, and I’ve only had one side fall out once in very high winds.

    Reply
  9. Alyssa

    I got a pair of Aftershokz after seeing them on a couple blogs and seeing you talk about them. I love them. They stay put and since I run out in the country alone, i like being able to hear cars or other people coming up around me.

    Reply
  10. Jason

    This is cool! I agree that AirPods are really helpful while we are on the road. I wonder if it will not fall easily while running or cycling. I’m tired of my old headphones and would like to try something wireless. I want to use it while cycling so I would like to buy something that will not fall easily or that will be a hassle.

    Reply

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