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Whether it’s Beyonce or Blur, music can put the cherry on top of an already fantastic riding experience. If you don’t have a Bluetooth-enabled helmet or speakers on your bike, you need a set of high-quality earbuds to listen to your favorite tunes. They should be low profile and comfortably designed so you don’t have to fuss with them when riding. If you’re not sure which are the best motorcycle earbuds, check out our buying guide.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XM4
- Best Value: Klim Fusion Earbuds
- Honorable mention: Sena 50S Harman/Kardon
- Easiest to Use: Jlab Audio JBuds
- Best Value Wireless: Focuspower F10 Mini Bluetooth Earbuds
Our Methodology
I’ve been riding for nearly two decades, and during that time, I have tried plenty of earbuds and motorcycle speaker systems. So, although I haven’t been able to test every option on this list, I’ve tried a few, as you can see in the picture above. Technology will improve, and the quality of brands will rise and fall, so I reserve the right to change my picks at any point.
Best Motorcycle Earbuds: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XME
Pros
- 8-hour battery life
- Exceptional sound quality
- Great for noise cancellation and wind reduction
- IPX4 rated
- No uncomfortable stalk
Cons
- One of the priciest
If I had to buy earbuds to use while riding, it’d be the Sony WF-1000XM4s, hands down. In fact, I own these buds and can attest that they’re among the best in terms of noise cancellation and wind reduction thanks to Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 chip. The new processor also improved the sound quality and supports LDAC codec. Of course, you’ll want to reduce wind noise while riding, so you’ll be happy to know the battery lasts up to eight hours when noise canceling is switched on. And there’s an extra 16 hours of battery life in the case, meaning the battery should last long enough for an entire weekend trip.
A 5-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of playback, so if you’re low on battery but need to do a stint on the highway, it’s not a problem. These buds have an IPX4 rating, so although they’re not waterproof, they’re sweat-resistant. They feature Bluetooth 5.2 and multi-device connectivity, which is perfect for anyone who wants to connect to their phone and motorcycle GPS unit while riding. What makes the WF-1000XM4s a winner over something like AirPods is that they don’t have protruding stalks, so they won’t push against your earlobes when you throw your helmet on. There is a newer model available in the WF-1000XM5, but I don’t think it’s worth paying a premium for the latest model when the WF-1000XM4s do more than you need for a lower price.
Best Value: Klim Fusion Earbuds
Pros
- Unbeatable value
- 5-year warranty
- Additional differently sized tips
- Good audio quality for the price point
- Built-in mic
Cons
- Wired
- Not great audio quality when compared to pricier options
Wired earbuds experience less frequent interruptions when you are running or riding at high speeds. This is why we included the Klim Fusion, which will improve your audio experience as you ride. The ear tips are designed with memory foam, which admittedly doesn’t offer a secure fit like rubber tips, but is comfortable and also retains the shape of your ears for the best fit. You also get three extra pairs of ear tips of different sizes for a more customized fit.
They connect to any device with a 3.5 millimeter (0.14-inch) jack pin port, and the jack pin is reinforced with soft rubber rings that can hold up to the strain of your daily commutes. Also, it has a microphone way down at the junction of the earbud wires, which you can use to answer phone calls.
While you can easily adjust the volume by flicking the slider, you may accidentally turn the music down low while you are moving. The aux jack fits loosely in your phone and can easily fall out. There have also been complaints about the noise quality, which can sound hollow.
Honorable mention: Sena 50S Harman/Kardon
Pros
- Harmon Hardon speakers
- Communicate with other riders
- Fast charging
- Voice-activated digital assistant
- Easy-to-use buttons
Cons
- Considerably more expensive than earbuds
The Sena 50S Harman/Kardon is what I use to listen to my favorite tunes and stay in touch with the people I care about while I’m on the move. It’s not a pair of earbuds, but it’s what I’d recommend to my friends instead of using earbuds. You can read my full review here. The 50S uses mesh technology, which allows you to communicate with riders up to five miles away as long as the system can piggyback off another mesh-enabled headset every 1.1 miles. The real-world distance of the Bluetoth communication is around 800 meters. The most notable upgrade, compared to the previous iteration, is the speaker system and microphone, which were created in conjunction with Harman/Kardon.
The 50S uses Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable connection to phones and GPS units. When using Bluetooth to communicate, you’ll have 13 to 14 hours of talk time, but this falls to around nine hours when using mesh technology. Charging this unit for 20 minutes using the USB-C fast charger adds six hours of Bluetooth talk time or 3.5 hours of mesh talk time. The voice command system works well and helps you take care of anything you need without ever touching your phone. To put it plainly, everything about this unit is made to work with motorcycling in mind: the easy-to-use buttons, voice commands, and wind reducing microphone. It improves the quality of my daily rides, and I’ve no doubt it’ll do the same for you.
Easiest to Use: Jlab Audio JBuds
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in mic
- six hours of playback
- 18 hours of charge from the case
- Water-resistant silicone gel tips
Cons
- Audio quality is lacking
These earbuds automatically sync up once you take them out of their case. They are designed with Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable connection and 3EQ Sound setting that lets you tune the sound to your preferred setting without the help of an app. The result is a balanced sound with decent bass. You only need to tap it to activate all the intuitive controls. It also has a built-in microphone that you can use to take phone calls or access voice assist features on your smartphone.
It doesn’t cancel out the ambient noise but allows you to enjoy uninterrupted music for a relatively long time. Each individual earbud can offer six hours of playtime and you get 18 extra hours of charge from the case on a single charge. Additionally, the silicone gel tips are water-resistant and, therefore, you needn’t worry about sweating inside your helmet.
However, the audio quality can be lacking. The sound lacks volume and bass. Also, these earbuds have a tendency to quit working after several months.
Best Value Wireless: Focuspower F10 Mini Bluetooth Earbuds
Pros
- Low-profile
- 18-month warranty
- 45-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with performance
- Can connect two phones to them simultaneously
- Differently sized silicon tips included
Cons
- Only has Bluetooth 4.1
We like the Focuspower F10 Mini Bluetooth Earbuds because they’re low-profile and hidden in your ears, which can be helpful if you wear a helmet while riding. You can connect two phones to them simultaneously, and the battery lasts about seven hours if you’re listening to audio on 30 to 40 percent volume. They provide six to eight hours of talk time or four and a half hours if you keep the earbuds on full volume.
They’re compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices and can connect to them from as far away as 33 feet. They pair easily with your phone, and calls are clear because the buds stick in your ears in a way that reduces outside noise. Users also report that the earbuds fit well, thanks to several silicon ear fittings that are included. The company provides an 18-month guarantee and will return your money within 45 days if you’re not satisfied with the product’s performance.
Unfortunately, there’s no volume control on the earbuds, so you must control it from your device. Also, they’re small and easy to misplace.
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Earbuds
Our pick for the best motorcycle earbuds is the Sony WF-1000XME. They are lightweight, comfortable, and produce exceptional sound. For a more budget-friendly pick, consider the Klim Fusion Earbuds.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Earbuds
Here’s everything you need to know before buying a pair of motorcycle earbuds.
Types of Motorcycle Earbuds
Wireless
These days, a lot of earbuds are Bluetooth-enabled. The best Bluetooth earbuds for motorcycle riding allow you to ride carefree without worrying about wires that may pull, tug, tangle, or get in the way. This is crucial because you don’t want to fiddle with your earbud’s wiring while you’re trying to concentrate on the road.
Wired
One of the advantages of wired earbuds is that they tend to be less expensive. In addition, you don’t have to worry about battery life, and they are compatible with nearly any device that has a headphone jack. The downside, however, is that if the cable is too short, it may be hard to ride with them attached to your device. Plus, they may pull free from your phone or MP3 player if you make big or sudden movements.
Built-In Speakers
While not earbuds per se, this type of technology is worth mentioning. Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are very popular, particularly among those who ride frequently with groups and need an easy way of communicating with other riders. Some helmets include a Bluetooth device, while others require you to purchase it separately. These helmets allow you to stream music, listen to navigation directions, and use an intercom system with your friends. They can be expensive, but they provide the best clarity when it comes to audio quality. They’re also comfortable, as you don’t have to cope with earbuds sticking inside your ear canal.
Key Features
Comfort
One of the most important features when it comes to motorcycle earbuds is finding a pair that feels comfortable both with or without a helmet. When you’re wearing the best earbuds for motorcycle riding, you should feel little to no discomfort. If they don’t feel right, it can be distracting, which can be dangerous.
Weatherproof/Shockproof
If you ride your motorcycle in various types of weather conditions, you will need a pair of earbuds that can withstand the elements. Check to see if the product is water-resistant so it can endure the rain. Also, if you ride on bumpy roads, you will need a pair that is shockproof so they can withstand all sorts of vibrations.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Every state has different laws, so check in advance before wearing your earbuds while riding. Some states allow you to wear helmets with built-in speakers but prohibit earbuds. Other states permit the use of one earbud instead of two.
A: First, double check that you followed the instructions properly. Some earbuds pair with mobile devices easily and automatically, while others may require more effort. Also, make sure the equipment is compatible.
A: You can talk to another person while you’re on your motorcycle, but you need a product with a microphone. Some earbuds cancel noise better than others, which is important because the wind and the bike’s pipes can get quite loud. If making phone calls is essential, we recommend purchasing a helmet that’s equipped with or compatible with Bluetooth speakers. Many come with built-in headphones, which is convenient because you don’t need to purchase the equipment separately.
