Best Earbuds For Motorcycles – 2021 Guide

| Last Updated: January 16, 2022

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Have you ever experienced a ringing sound in your ears after a long ride or become temporarily deaf? Do you ever feel like the bike engine is still running in your head long after you parked the bike? It is very disturbing to even consider losing your hearing for the love of the bike.

You need to invest in earbuds. They make the journey much more enjoyable, stimulate your senses to stay alert, and calm your emotions to manage road rage.

Comparison of the Best Earbuds for Motorcycles

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Can be used on a variety of devices
  • A long cable of 1.2 meters included for convenience
  • Extra silicone ear tips included for different ear sizes
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  • Designed to highlight the bass for better sound quality
  • A wide band frequency of 20Hz to 20Khz
  • Tips are designed to reduce ambient noise
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  • Best for the Money
  • Memory wire used to make sure it does not fall out
  • A shirt clip included for more security
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  • Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Earbuds
  • Protective case included to keep it safe
  • Easily seals out most ambient noise
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  • Best Wireless Earbuds For Motorcycle Riding
  • Fast Bluetooth connectivity for compatibility
  • Pair with 2 devices at the same time
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  • Best Motorcycle Earbuds With Microphone
  • Earbuds are available in different colors
  • Lightweight construction of ease of use
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  • Best Motorcycle Earbuds Noise Cancelling
  • Comfortable carry bag included to keep it safe and secured
  • Easy l-shaped connector for easy use
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Are Earbuds Important While Riding a Motorcycle?

Earbuds provide a user-friendly solution to some common perils faced by motorcycle riders, which makes them essential accessories.

Mitigation of Hearing Loss

Bike engines are generally loud, even when silencers are involved. The faster you go, the louder your engine becomes. Continuous exposure may result in permanent damage to your hearing. Something referred to as noise-induced hearing loss. Earbuds help in reducing the sound impact, potentially saving your hearing.

Wind Interference

Wind resistance creates its own noise and can be very loud. It can be a distraction and occasionally hampers hearing or causes irritation of the ears. Earbuds act as windbreakers for a biker so they can focus on the road.

Communication

Riding a motorcycle comes with limitations when it comes to passing and receiving information. The focus should be on the road, and your hands are planted on the handlebars, limiting interaction with your phone.

There are those occasional crucial messages that have to be passed instantly, like a change of routes, accident alerts, and SOSs when a colleague is stuck. Earbuds provide a safe platform for riders to participate in this without compromising their safety.

Entertainment

The best earbuds can reproduce sounds from different media without losing clarity at optimum volumes. They allow you to listen to your music or podcasts on the go with minimal physical engagement while isolating external interruption.

How to Choose Earbuds

Earbuds come as diverse as their user preferences, but you should incorporate functionality to get value for money spent. Below are some attributes we consider in our selection that will hopefully guide you to your optimum earbud.

Sound Quality

The drivers should have a wide range that accurately transmits sound without distortion from the source media to the earbuds.

Ergonomics

This covers both accessibility and how compatible your earbuds are to the media source. It also considers the amount of strain you need to endure to control their output. The earbuds should be designed to allow you to operate them with minimal effort.

Noise Cancellation

Motorcycles are constantly emitting loud noises from the engine, which are a perpetual distraction and may eventually damage your hearing. Quality earbuds should have noise-canceling attributes to mitigate these effects.

Battery Life Cycle

MEE audio M6 Wired In-Ear Headphones

Wireless earbuds are self-powered and rely on inbuilt batteries, whether chargeable or replaceable. A longer battery cycle gives more value as it covers longer distances on your bike.

Weather Resistance

The earbud is susceptible to damage from environmental exposure to rain, dust, and other debris, which may affect the quality of sound and the durability of the entire kit. Quality earbuds will have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating reflecting their tested resistance to intrusion.

Review of the Best Earbuds for Motorcycles

Now that you know what to look for when trying to find the best earbuds for motorcycles, let's take a look at some recommendations to help you narrow down your choices even further.

Best Overall:
Sennheiser CX300 II

PROS

  • 2-year global warranty
  • Compatible with many gadgets
  • Delivers excellent sound quality
  • Ambient noise cancellation ability
  • Provision of different sizes of ear adapters for custom fitting

CONS

  • No pause/play button or speakers, forcing you to remove earbuds when answering calls

What Recent Buyers Report

They appreciate the great sound quality with booming bass and excellent noise cancellation that you need to pull them off your ears when someone starts talking. The carry pouch has also been appreciated for keeping the earbuds safe.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Low impedance (16 ohms) enables the delivery of powerful bass-driven sound from many compatible sources, including smartphones, iPhones, tablets, CD and MP3 Players, and portable gaming systems.

Its ear canal design and soft silicone ear adapters that come in various sizes for custom fitting provide passive ambient noise cancellation. It comes with a carrying pouch for easy storage and a 2-year global warranty, whose issues can be handled anywhere in Sennheiser’s worldwide network.

It has an asymmetrical cable to reduce tangles and cable clutter. The longer end goes behind the neck into the opposite ear, mimicking a single-sided cable and reducing the amount of cable in front of the rider for ergonomics and safety.

Bottom Line

This is a well-designed earbud for a rider as it considers minimizing distractions while offering excellent quality sound. It is compatible with various gadgets, and its noise-canceling qualities will protect the ears from the engine's constant roaring.

Runner-up:
Betron YSM1000

Betron YSM1000 Earphones Wired in-Ear 3.5mm Headphones with Bass Driven Sound, Tangle-Free Wire, Noise Isolating Earbuds for Laptop, Computer, Smartphone

PROS

  • Great noise cancellation ability
  • Aesthetically appealing luxury finishing
  • Universal jack compatible with many devices
  • Well balanced sound transmission from a wideband range
  • Comes with a wide selection of earbud tips to choose from

CONS

  • The in-ear style is uncomfortable for some users

What Recent Buyers Report

There is consensus that the luxury finishing gives them an aesthetic appeal. However, some had reservations about the color of the cord and the rubbery material it is made of, which drags on fabric. They loved the sound quality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

They have a tangle-free cord connected to a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which has universal compatibility with CD, DVD, MP3 players, smartphones, iPhones, iPods, and portable gaming systems. The jack is gold plated, providing resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Their wideband frequency range and heavy bass tuning transmit well-balanced sound, highlighting every tone in every track and delivering clear premium sound quality.

They come with a selection of earbud tips in different sizes and materials to choose from; 6 sets of silicon and two sets of memory foam. These have great noise isolation (blocking up to 60% of ambient noise).

A stylish rubber carry case complements its luxury finishing, which keeps it clean and safe, and a wire clip for convenient handling.

They have a 12-month warranty.

Bottom Line

These all-weather earbuds are a great companion for a rider as the sound quality is amazing, and they can fit snugly inside your helmet and cancel out all other noises, meaning you don’t have to crank up the volume to compete with external noises.

Best for the Money:
MEE audio M6 Wired In-Ear Headphones

PROS

  • Has a 1-year warranty
  • Impressive value for money spent
  • Advanced cable management provisions
  • IPX5 certified for protection against intrusions
  • Easily stays put because of the gravity-defying over-the-ear memory wire design

CONS

  • Tangles easily because of the hook shape of the memory wire

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are amazed at the sound balance, which they rank among the best for earbuds in this price range. The over-the-ear memory wire design and shirt clip combo mean there is no lag, and they stay put. They noted they weren’t ideal for pocket storage as they are prone to tangle but fortunately they come with a carry case.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It utilizes memory wire technology that has the earbuds conforming perfectly to the shape of your ears as their cords pass over them for a comfortable and secure fit. They have noise isolating in-ear fitting and deliver clear, vibrant sound for every beat with enhanced bass. It comes with six sets of ear tips to choose from for the best fit and comfort.

Having been built for sports, it is lab-tested with an IPX5 certificate, meaning the casing has accreditation for effectively protecting the earbuds from intrusion by sweat, water, or dust. This increases durability and peace of mind so you can concentrate on the road even when it rains.

It comes with a shirt clip and cable cinch to aid in hands-free cable management while riding and a zippered carry case to store and keep everything safe when not in use.

It has a 1-year warranty.

Bottom Line

These earbuds are motorcycle safe as their design enables them to defy gravity and stay put the whole day long, and the cable management provisions keep them out of the way. They also give excellent quality sound, which is a steal for their price range. Top of Form

Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Earbuds:
Elgin Ruckus Discord

Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds | OSHA Compliant Wireless Noise Reduction in-Ear Headphones : Isolating Ear Plug Earphones

PROS

  • Made of durable material
  • 50-foot radius Bluetooth connectivity
  • Long playback time on a single charge
  • Has noise cancellation on both earplugs and mic
  • Biocompatible medical-grade earbuds prevent irritation

CONS

  • Buttons on the earbuds are unlabeled
  • Comes with no manual to highlight the functions of the buttons

What Recent Buyers Report

They cited its near-perfect noise cancellation, and all they could feel were the vibrations in their riding gloves. They love that it is durable with strong cording and silicone earplugs that have protected the speakers when dropped on hard surfaces.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It uses the latest Bluetooth protocol (5.0), making it compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices spanning a range of 50 feet. Bonus incorporation of QuickConnect technology ensures pairing with these devices is very fast. It gives an impressive 14 hours’ playback time on a single charge, powered by two lithium-ion batteries included in the package.

Its drivers are custom-tuned to deliver impressive sound quality and molded to seal out dust, debris, and moisture. Earplug tips are noise reducing (rated at 25 decibels by EPA), so you can capture the full range of the drivers. The long-lasting biocompatible silicone earbuds are non-irritating, soft, and comfortable to your ear. The mic is also noise canceling.

Its durable Kevlar strand reinforced cable balances well around the neck and has clips for further stability. The package comes with a Micro USB charging cable and a tough woven storage case.

Bottom Line

The Ruckus Discord enables you to use your device from 50 feet so you can pop into a convenience store without dismounting it from the bike. It is as durable as they come and employs the latest technology to get the best out of your device for long hours.

Best Wireless Earbuds For Motorcycle Riding:
Shure SE215 BT2

Shure SE215 Wireless Earphones with Bluetooth 5.0, Sound Isolating, Clear

PROS

  • Excellent sound isolation
  • Has an inline mic and controls for ergonomic use
  • A wide selection of sleeves offered for custom fitting
  • Can be modified from cable to wireless and vice versa
  • Enhanced audio performance due to precision engineering

CONS

  • Amplifier may drag the earbuds down as it is somewhat heavy
  • Mic is closer to the ear than the mouth and tends to pick up outside noises

What Recent Buyers Report

The sound is great as expected from a Shure product, and the highs, mids, and lows easily discernible. They, however, feel like the maximum volume is lower than expected when using the Bluetooth option. They appreciate the extra options derived from adaptability to cable.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Shure’s precision engineering elevates the audio performance in a combination of clarity and deep bass. It is designed to be sound-isolating (eliminates up to 37db) to enhance the experience.

The kit features a selection of sleeves for custom fitting; 3 pairs soft flex and 3 pairs foam in small, medium, and large sizes. The soft flex sleeves maximize noise cancellation and foam comfort. It also packs clothing clips, a Bluetooth 5 earphone communication cable, Micro USB charging cable, and a zippered carry case to store them all.

It has an ergonomic inline mic and 3-button control for phone calls, volume, and music playback, so you don’t have to reach far or take your eyes off the road. The cords are designed to pass over the ears, so they maintain position.

It uses Bluetooth 5.0 which pairs with most devices wirelessly within a 30-foot (10m) radius. It is also cable compatible and can be accessorized with a 3.5mm audio jack or a USB-C cable for more media options.

Bottom Line

It is a quality product from a well-established audio company that can easily be modified to utilize the available resources. It comes in a conveniently portable package that is ideal for a motorcycle.

Best Motorcycle Earbuds With Microphone:
Symphonized NRG 2.0

Symphonized NRG 2.0 Bluetooth Wireless Wood in-Ear Noise-isolating Headphones, Earbuds, Earphones with Mic & Volume Control (Orange)

PROS

  • Impressive noise calculation
  • Compatible with most Bluetooth devices
  • Aesthetically appealing real wood finishing
  • Durable cables made using shield technology
  • Easy on the ears- Silicone tips offer a secure seal and ultra-comfortable fit

CONS

  • Battery has no charge indicator; you can’t monitor how much is remaining
  • Same buttons are used for volume control and music selection which is confusing

What Recent Buyers Report

The wood finish is aesthetically appealing, and the sound quality outstanding. Their concern is not knowing when it is about to go off due to charge depletion since there is no monitor.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Its low impedance (16 Ohms) and dynamic 8mm neodymium driver unit allow transmission of a clear powerful sound with booming bass, made even clearer by the noise isolation.

It comes with a selection of cable colors, from turquoise, lava red, or orange. They are made using innovative shield technology, which makes them durable.

The NRG 2.0 is compatible with most Bluetooth enabled devices, with a working radius of 32ft that gives up to 6 hours of operating time to a full charging that takes 2 hours.

It comes with 6 pairs of custom fit silicone tips in small, medium, and large sizes that offer great noise cancellation. They are lightweight and will sit securely in your ear for long periods.

Inline controls allow you to use device applications for phone calls and music without touching them.

It has a handmade woven pouch for safe storage and transportation.

Bottom Line

It has been handcrafted from all-natural wood, giving it a unique vintage look and lightweight. You will hardly feel them, allowing you to concentrate on the road.

Best Motorcycle Earbuds Noise Cancelling:
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Enhanced active noise canceling ability
  • Powered by a single easily replaceable AAA battery
  • Comfortable earpieces in various sizes for custom fitting
  • Ability to function without powering active noise canceling

CONS

  • Active canceling control box weighs down the earbuds and may tug them off

What Recent Buyers Report

The earbuds fit comfortably in the ear and can be worn all day for their efficient noise canceling which allows you to appreciate the clear sound output. However, they recommended clipping the noise control box as its weight on the cord could pull off the earbuds.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Each earpiece has a microphone that picks up ambient noises like machines and motorcycle engine roars. The control box then creates a noise-canceling wave that is 180˚ opposite the ambient noise to cancel it out. This results in a comfortable, quiet zone in otherwise noisy environments.

The active noise canceling enhances its excellent sound reproduction enabled by the innovative ANC circuitry, which is exceptionally pure.

The noise-canceling control box is powered by an easily replaceable AAA battery and does not affect the sound output. The ANC also does passive noise canceling using their custom-fit interchangeable earpieces when the control box is not powered.

Bottom Line

Their noise cancellation is incredible; you can even keep the earbuds on without any music just to protect your ears from the engine noise. Because it is active, important sounds like hooting from other vehicles which are not constant can still be heard, making it very motorcycle safe.

Types of Earbuds

Wired Earbuds

These are earbuds that use a cable to connect to your media source and transmit sound.

Wireless Earbuds

These are earbuds that use Bluetooth technology to transmit sound from your device to the ears. They have a radius over which they can remotely connect to your media source. These need to be powered and usually come with a charging case and batteries. The battery life is an important consideration if you decide to invest in them.

In-Ear Earbuds

They are designed to fit into the ear canal, delivering unadulterated sound directly from the source. This fitting is excellent for noise cancellation because it provides a form of a seal. They usually come with soft silicone, rubber, or foam tips for comfort.

Noise Cancelling Earbuds

These are earbuds designed to block out external noise, enabling you to escape this toxic environment. There are two kinds of noise-canceling earbuds: active noise canceling and passive noise canceling.

Passive noise-canceling earbuds physically block out the noise by becoming a barrier in your ears. Active noise-canceling earbuds produce an opposite soundwave to cancel out the noise waves.

How to Wear Earbuds

  1. To get the most out of your earbuds, they have to be fully inserted in the ear so that the tips form a seal with the walls of your ear canals. This bars outside noise and enhances sound reception.

  2. You should start by selecting the earbud shape and size that best fits your ear canal, most brands come with different sizes of tips to choose from. Men have larger ear canals than women and will generally fit larger earbuds.

  3. Twist them back and forth so that they are lodged firmly. Pull-on your earlobes to open the ear canals wider as you nudge the earlobes in.

  4. Passing the cord behind your ear and inserting the earbuds from above the ear helps resist the pull of gravity so the earbuds can stay put longer with minimal adjustment.

How to Clean Earbuds

Earbuds need to be cleaned regularly; otherwise, they will accumulate dirt and bacteria. These will affect the quality of sound and can lead to infection. Cleaning them is fairly simple.

Start by taking off the removable tips. Soak them in warm, soapy water, then wipe off all grime before rinsing and drying them. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe off any debris on the surface of the earbuds and a dry cotton swab for the microphone and speaker.

Always ensure they dry off completely before the next use to avoid electrical malfunctions.

For a more thorough cleaning and disinfection, you can use alcohol wipes procured from the local pharmacy. They are just moist enough to clean without damaging the earbuds and also dry up very fast.

You can use a toothbrush to get to those hidden spots. Ensure it has nylon bristles because they don’t get caught in the earbuds easily and are not static.

Conclusion

They may seem negligible to the average motorcycle rider, but we have established that earbuds are a critical accessory on the road. You don’t have to risk losing your hearing every time you are on the road and they provide an avenue for entertainment that will see you through many miles.

People Also Ask

Even though we have packed a lot of information into this guide, you might still have some questions when it comes to the best earbuds for motorcycles.

What Are Earbuds?

They are small headphones worn inside the ear that let you listen to an audio source privately. They are compatible with audio sources like radios, music players, televisions, computers, and phones.

How Do Earbuds Work?

They convert electrical energy into sound by using magnetism to vibrate the air in your ear canal. These electrical signals are received from audio sources like those mentioned above to be transduced by drivers in the earbuds.

Why Do Earbuds Break?

Their cords are the most vulnerable as they are constantly winding into knots, bending, getting stepped on, and yanked. These cause tension and may break the internal wires. Exposure to moisture, whether in the form of rain, water, or sweat also results in breakage as it may cause a short circuit. These can be avoided by utilizing the carry cases that come with most earbuds.

How to Fit Earbuds

Start by selecting the best fitting ear tips from the available options. They usually come in small, medium, and large sizes. Proceed to set it firmly in your ear; you can pull on the earlobes to widen the ear canal as you insert them. When seated correctly, it should be comfortable and there will be a significant reduction in the ambient noise. You can loop the cable behind your ear so that it goes into the ear canal from the top to further secure the earbuds.

Can I Listen to Music While Riding a Motorcycle?

It can’t be avoided since other motorists will be playing music, and it will be all over the environment you are passing through. You can control your own music by investing in earbuds, headphones, helmet speakers, or a motorcycle stereo system. The most important thing is to retain the ability to focus on the road and if the local restrictions allow you, the music system.

How Do You Wear Earbuds Under a Motorcycle Helmet?

They are worn just as you would wear on a normal day before putting on the helmet. It is cumbersome when putting on the helmet as it tends to push against them. You can also inadvertently yank them off when taking off the helmet, so special care should be taken.

Are Expensive Earbuds Worth it?

Only if you are getting your money’s worth in benefits, and it is not all hype. They should have better sound quality and performance. They should be made out of quality comfortable material that is durable and can withstand abuse. The features should be easy to use and compatible with a variety of audio devices.

Do Noise Cancelling Earbuds Protect Your Hearing?

They do, particularly against induced hearing loss caused by exposure to high pitched sounds experienced in everyday life. Motorcycles produce these sounds consistently, and prolonged exposure may lead to hearing defects.

What if My Device Doesn’t Pair with My Bluetooth Motorcycle Earbuds?

Check if the earbuds and the device are compatible; Bluetooth technology is backward compatible, earbuds with an earlier Bluetooth protocol may not connect with the latest devices. Check if your device is ready to pair and ensure Bluetooth is turned on and on discoverable mode. Ensure the earbuds have charge and they are not already connected to another device. Try to reset the pairing by forgetting and rediscovering the devices.

Can I Talk to Someone When I’m on a Motorcycle, or Will the Earbuds Just Pick up the Noise of the Bike?

Elgin Ruckus Discord

This depends on the amount of noise and the type of earbuds you are using. The louder the bike, the harder it will be to be heard. Some earbuds have mic noise isolation, which captures your voice over the engine. However, the distance between the mic and your mouth allows some interference, so the isolation is not 100%, but a conversation can be had nonetheless.

Is it Safe to Wear Earbuds All Day Long?

The problem is how you use the earbuds, not just wearing them. Moderate volume settings are not harmful to your ears. Earbuds sit right in the ear canal, next to the eardrum. Soundwaves from the earbuds make the eardrum vibrate. Too much vibration over long periods will lead to the ears losing their sensitivity to this vibration, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Is it Dangerous to Listen to Music While Riding a Motorcycle?

Only if the music is a distraction. Music has been known to calm the nerves and keep the rider alert on the road. It is generally a good thing to have. It becomes a problem if you have to take your eyes off the road to make adjustments or if it is too loud you can’t hear other road users.



Hi, my name’s Troy. I started riding motorcycles with Clay mid-2020 and soaking up his vast knowledge of bikes. I have been writing for a few years and decided it was a good time to start writing about what I’m passionate about - motorcycles. No matter how bad your day is, a bike will always make you feel better, that’s my motto.