A decent pair of running headphones are an essential in my kit. But there’s loads to choose from and with prices ranging from £50 to £250, and wide variety of features, it can be tough to know which will do the the job best. If you’re in the market hopefully I can help. I’ve recently tested everything from the Apple AirPod Pro and Powerbeats Pro to the Jaybird Vista and the latest to get The Run Tester scrutiny are the Jabra Elite Active 75T.
They’re an upgrade of the Jabra Elite Active 65T, a sportier version of the Jabra Elite 75T and – at £189.99 – a more wallet-friendly alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and the Powerbeats Pro. But is there enough about the Active 75T wireless buds to make them the Run Testers’ top pick for the best wireless running headphones?
Hit play to watch The Run Tester review below, find out how they compare to the earlier models and their rivals, and find out if Jabra’s sportier buds should be your next set of running headphones?
Jabra Active 75T review: Are these the best running headphones?
What to look for in a good pair of running headphones
Fit – arguably the most important of all is how they feel in your ears and crucially whether they stay put when you run. Not just at a stroll either, you want the to lock securely in place on steep downhills where there’s a lot of impact to shake them loose. A tricky one to test if you’re buying online admittedly, but if you know you struggle with this look for models that either have er hooks, wing tips as well as gels and plenty of gel and tips sizing options in the box.
Battery life – Buds range from 4.5 hours up to 9 hours of runtime in the headphones and then most now offer extra charge in the case. This can range from a 15-hour boost up to 20.5 hours. Also check if they offer a rapid charge where you’ll get an hour’s runtime or more from 5-15 minutes on the plug.
Sound – This is improving fast on Bluetooth headphones and true wireless running headphones. Check the driver specs and also if you can tweak the sound profiles on a partner app to create an audio set-up that suits you.
Ease of use – From set up and connecting straight out of the case, to how easy the controls are to use on the move and how simple or complicated the various buttons are, ease of use is a biggie on the run. No one wants to be 18 miles into a marathon when fighting fatigue and their bloody headphone controls to skip to that song that’s gonna ease the pain.
Connectivity – Simple one here, is it reliable. Does it drop out mid run.
Cool features – Do they have active noise cancellation? HearThrough mode that lets you hear more of what’s going on around? How about Amazon Alexa, Siri and other assistants you can summon mid-run?
Durability – Check the IP ratings. Make sure they’re water and sweat resistant at the least. Sweat is particularly malicious when it comes to destroying tech thanks to the salt.
Portability – Can you fit that charging case in your running belt or those tiny pocket in the back of your shorts that never seem big enough for your phone. Yes? Good.
Anything I missed? Hit me in the comments.
Now watch this: Apple AirPods Pro vs PowerBeats Pro
