How Tiny Earbuds Are Solving the Biggest Problem in Motorcycle Riding
The best earbuds for motorcycle riding should offer excellent sound quality, be comfortable for long rides, and ensure safety by allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.
We all experienced these annoying changes, you love music, have earbuds or headphones on, its part of your daily routine.
You finally scrape enough cash together to pursue the next dream, your motorcycle, with a full arrow exhaust, it feels amazing to ride, the engine sounds amazing but once the initial novelty wears off, you start thinking, these rides would be great with my playlists playing, you get on your bike, calimoto set, route planned amazing sunset in its early phase.
The music sounds great as you pull out, amazing breeze hits you, cooling your face through the visor, you twist the throttle, the engine sounds in key with the song, then once you hit the powerband and the torque hits, you cant hear s**t. Max volume, cant hear s**t, switch through noise cancelling modes, wait, oh, thats better, oh, s**t, still cant hear s**t.
You try the top $300 Bose earbuds sure they will do the job, they’re the best right?
But they’re too big, and fall off when putting on and taking off the helmet, leading to expensive damage or drops into conveniently placed holes (no puns).
It gets worse, some of them seal and unseal in your ear whenever you hit bumps or potholes.
Not as easy as you thought it would be, right?
Relax, thats why im here, to spare you all these problems and get you to the best earbuds for motorcycling off the bat.
This took extensive research and testing, which i have done by force over the years, and here are the best earbuds that can overpower the motorcycle engine and stay put during your rides and are small enough to comfortably fit in your helmet.
Top Rated Earbuds for Motorcycle Riding
MEE M6 Pro Earbuds
Price: Around $50
The MEE M6 Pro Earbuds are designed for professional musicians, but they work incredibly well for motorcycle riders due to their secure fit and excellent sound isolation.
Key Features:
- Universal fit with memory wire
- Noise isolating in-ear design
- Durable and sweat-resistant
- Affordable earbuds.
Pros:
- Controls wind noise
- Good music quality
- Greatly reduces engine noise.
- Good seal
- Easy to put on
- Fits in helmet
- Detachable cables for easy replacement
Cons:
- The wire bend near the earbuds wiggles a bit.
- Noise isolation might be too effective for some riders who need to hear ambient sounds for safety
- Not wireless, which could be a drawback for some users
Link:
Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited in-Ear Earplug Earbuds
Price: Around $80
The Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds are specially designed for motorcycle riders who need effective noise reduction and wireless convenience.
These earbuds combine earplugs and headphones, providing a unique solution for loud environments.
Key Features:
- Volume limited to protect hearing
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Earplug style earbuds with noise reduction
Pros:
- Fits in the helmet well, wont fall out when putting on or removing the helmet.
- Protects hearing with volume limitation
- Wireless design eliminates tangled cords
- Good noise reduction, ideal for motorcycle riding
- Comfortable fit with earplug style design
Cons:
- Limited volume may not satisfy users who prefer louder music
- Battery life might be shorter compared to other wireless earbuds
- General audio volume is a bit lower than the Shure SE215
Link:
Shokz OpenRun Pro Earbuds
Price: Around $180
Shokz (formerly known as Aftershokz) offers bone conduction headphones that are perfect for motorcycle riders who need to stay aware of their surroundings.
Key Features:
- Bone conduction technology
- Open ear design
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Pros:
- Fits well in helmet.
- Can be controlled from your phone
- Since they arent over your ears you still hear your surroundings well.
- IP67 water resistance
- 8 hours battery time
- 10 minute charge gives you 1.5 hours playtime.
- Can be used for other activities like running, workouts, biking.
- Comfortable and lightweight design
Cons:
- Fits well but the helmet has to be put on face first, making sure the wire sticks out the back of the helmet.
- Does not stay in place when removing helmet.
- Takes a while to get used to pressure on the sides of your head, but it is temporary.
- Sound quality may not be as high as traditional in-ear earbuds
- Can be less effective at high speeds due to wind noise (I dont recommend focusing on music at high speeds, in fact, no high speeds period🤞.)
- Cant be charged while on the go, has a magnetic charger, so the road bumps and motorcycle movements would surely disconnect it.
- Buttons will not be accessible once the earbuds are in the helmet so you must use your phone to control the earbuds for skipping, pausing etc.
Link:
Shure SE215 PRO
Price: Around $100
I added these because i have seen many reviews praising them as the industry standard.
Its funny that the m6 pros are meant to be imitations of them and they outperform the shures, my personal experience with them led me to a very different conclusion.
I lay them out in the pros and cons.
Key Features:
- Sound-isolating sleeves
- Detachable cable system
- High-quality sound with deep bass
Pros:
- Superb sound quality with rich bass and clear highs
- Loud overall volume
- Durable design with detachable cables
- May work better as studio monitors
Cons:
- Wires can be uncomfortable, they may not fit well behind the ears for some users.
- Not easy to put on compared to the M6 Pros.
- You can get the helmet on but will struggle to take the helmet off without dropping them.
- Wired design may be less convenient than wireless options
- High noise isolation may not be ideal for all riders who need to hear ambient sounds
Link:
Choosing the best earbuds for motorcycle riding depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize sound quality and a secure fit, the MEE M6 Pro Earbuds are an excellent choice.
For those who need to stay aware of their surroundings, Shokz Headphones are the way to go.
If noise reduction is your top priority, Plugfones FreeReign Earbuds offer excellent protection against loud environments.
Each of these options provides unique benefits to enhance your riding experience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Best Earbuds For Motorcycle Riding
Can you ride a motorcycle with earbuds in
Yes, you can ride a motorcycle with earbuds in, but it is important to ensure that they do not obstruct your ability to hear important sounds like sirens, horns, or other vehicles. Always check your local laws regarding the use of earbuds while riding.
What are the best earbuds to wear inside a motorcycle helmet
The best earbuds to wear inside a motorcycle helmet are those that are low-profile, comfortable, and provide good sound quality without excessive bulk. Some top recommendations include MEE M6 Pro Earbuds, Shokz Headphones, and Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds.
What are the best motorcycle music headphones
The best motorcycle music headphones should be durable, have excellent sound quality, and fit comfortably under a helmet. The Shokz Headphones and Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds are excellent choices for their design and functionality.
How to keep earbuds in on a motorcycle
To keep earbuds in while riding a motorcycle, choose earbuds with a secure fit and consider using a helmet liner or balaclava to help keep them in place. Earbuds with ear hooks or fins, like the MEE M6 Pro Earbuds, can provide additional stability.
How to listen to music while riding a motorcycle
To listen to music while riding a motorcycle, use Bluetooth earbuds or headphones that fit comfortably under your helmet. Connect them to your smartphone or a dedicated music player. Ensure the volume is set to a safe level so you can still hear ambient sounds.
Do Bluetooth headphones work on a motorcycle
Yes, Bluetooth headphones work on a motorcycle and are a popular choice for riders who want to listen to music, take calls, or use navigation without wires. Ensure they fit well under your helmet and provide good battery life and sound quality.
Do Bluetooth earbuds work in a motorcycle helmet
Bluetooth earbuds work well in a motorcycle helmet if they are compact and designed to fit comfortably. Options like the Shokz Headphones and Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds are designed to fit snugly under helmets.
What is the loudest motorcycle helmet Bluetooth
While the loudest motorcycle helmet Bluetooth devices are typically integrated systems, some standalone earbuds also offer high volume levels. However, it is crucial to balance volume with safety to avoid damaging your hearing or missing important sounds.
Do you need earplugs for full face motorcycle helmet
Even with a full face motorcycle helmet, earplugs can help reduce wind noise and protect your hearing. Earplugs like the Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds offer the added benefit of allowing you to listen to music or take calls.
Should you wear earbuds on a motorcycle
Wearing earbuds on a motorcycle is a personal choice, but many riders find it enhances their riding experience. It is essential to choose earbuds that fit well under your helmet and do not completely block out surrounding sounds for safety reasons.
What is the best audio system for a motorcycle
The best audio system for a motorcycle can vary based on personal preference, but Bluetooth earbuds like the Shokz Headphones or integrated helmet communication systems are popular choices for their convenience and sound quality.
Is it OK to listen to music on a motorcycle
It is generally OK to listen to music on a motorcycle, provided it does not distract you or block out important ambient sounds. Use earbuds like the MEE M6 Pro Earbuds that offer a balance between sound quality and situational awareness.
How do I protect my ears on my motorcycle
To protect your ears on your motorcycle, use earplugs to reduce wind noise and prevent hearing damage. Earbuds like the Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds also offer sound protection while allowing you to listen to music.
Do you wear earplugs while riding a motorcycle
Wearing earplugs while riding a motorcycle can significantly reduce wind noise and protect your hearing. Many riders opt for specialized earplugs or earbud solutions like the MEE M6 Pro Earbuds for added comfort and functionality.
Do noise Cancelling headphones work on a motorcycle
Noise cancelling headphones can work on a motorcycle, but it is important to choose a pair that fits well under your helmet and does not completely block out ambient noise. Options like the Shokz Headphones offer a good balance between noise cancellation and awareness.
What earplugs do MotoGP riders wear
MotoGP riders typically wear custom-molded earplugs designed to provide maximum noise reduction while still allowing them to hear important communication. For everyday riders, options like the Plugfones FreeReign Volume Limited Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds offer similar benefits.
Are foam earplugs good for motorcycle riding
Foam earplugs can be effective for reducing wind noise and protecting your hearing while riding a motorcycle. They are an affordable and comfortable option, but for added functionality, consider earbuds like the MEE M6 Pro Earbuds.
Can you use earphones while riding a bike
Using earphones while riding a bike is possible and can enhance your riding experience. It is important to ensure they fit well and do not obstruct your ability to hear surrounding sounds for safety. The Shokz Headphones are a good option for this purpose.
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Happy Shopping!
Noah Beckford, Audiophile Extraordinaire
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