In a hurry? My top choice for the best headphones for basketball is Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Sports Headphones.
Whether you are a basketball coach trying to excite your team or a basketball player trying to elevate your game to the next level, having the right headphones for basketball is definitely an advantage.
If you’ve watched the NBA, you will almost always find NBA players with headphones around their necks.
For some, a ball and a headphone are like peanut butter and jelly because they go hand in hand.
In this guide, I’ll thoroughly review some of the best basketball headphones on the market today. Furthermore, I will list some of my personal tips on how I go about finding the perfect sports headphones and earbuds for working out.
- Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones
- Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless-Bluetooth Sports Earbuds
- PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- Apple AirPods Pro
- Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
- Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 On-Ear Sport Headphones
- Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
- Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
My Top Ten Recommendations
Most basketball players rely on headphones to block outside noise when training. This tells you they want to focus on what they’re doing and try to maximize performance.
If you’re planning to do the same thing, you will eventually know that picking the best basketball headphones can be rewarding and at the same time challenging as they come in various shapes, sizes, and features.
Worry not, as here are my top 10 best headphones for basketball that I absolutely love.
1. Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones – Best Overall
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 22 Hours
- Key Features: Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling
The Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones are one of the best headphones for basketball on the market today.
If you’ve watched the NBA closely, you will find NBA players rocking the same headphones countless times.
One of the best features of this product is its superior build and headphones sound quality for the price.
Well, it is no surprise, considering beats studio has long been associated with amazing audio quality at a more affordable price.
Furthermore, it has been rated as one of the best over-ear wireless headphones on the market today, making it a superior choice than the rest of the wireless headphones today.
Overall, purchasing headphones should never be this hard, considering how superior the sound quality of the Beats Studio brand is.
It has lots of features you want in wireless headphones with amazing active noise-canceling technology.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Enjoy music at its finest
- Preferred by most basketball players
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Noise canceling feature
Cons
- Ear pads are slightly bigger than normal
- Slightly bulkier than most expensive headphones
- Quite expensive
2. Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless-Bluetooth Sports Earbuds – Best Value
Features:
- Type: In-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours With Case
- Key Features: Bluetooth 5.2, Bluetooth Multipoint, Noise-Canceling Technology
Regarding sound quality, active noise cancellation features, and functionality, the Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless ranks as one of the best in-ear headphones on the market today.
One of its best features is its design. The design of the earbuds penetrates deep into the ear canal, allowing for better sound quality and active noise-canceling efficiency.
While not many basketball players like the design as it can create discomfort, the earbuds are equipped with pressure-relief vent technology to provide comfort.
Also, it is rated as IP57, which means it is resistant to water and dust, making it a good training companion to hype you up.
As for the sound quality, there’s nothing clearer and crisper than this.
Overall, I’m impressed with its amazing sound quality; with clear and neutral tones combined with deep and rich bass, it’s one of the best earbuds for basketball.
Pros
- Full-HD sound quality
- Blocks out external noise effectively
- Amazing noise cancellation technology
- It fits right into the ear canal
- It comes with a built-in microphone
Cons
- Some users might have a hard time with the fit
3. PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones – Best Budget
Features:
- Type: On Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 35 Hours
- Key Features: IP55 rating, 40 MM Neodymium Drivers
One way to hype yourself up during your training is with wireless headphones, and the PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones is one of the better wireless headphones out there with superior rich sound.
One of the best features of this wireless headphone is its battery life; you rarely find a headphone that can last you up to 35 hours of continuous music.
Also, one of its better features is you ONLY need to charge it for 2 hours, and you’re ready to go.
The ear-cup cushions are also made of cooler materials to help you sharpen during intense workouts.
In addition, the IP55 rating ensures sweat won’t ruin your favorite headphones.
The built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity allow you to answer calls and enjoy music without removing your ear cups.
Overall, I’m overly satisfied with this product’s long battery life and amazing sound quality. Other features are like icing on the cake, which makes it one of the best earbuds for basketball.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Blocks background noise effectively
- Good construction
- It feels very durable
- Deep bass and rich highs
Cons
- Volume can be quite low
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 20 Hours
- Key Features: Active Noise-Canceling Technology, Bose Connect App
If you are looking for the stylish design most expensive basketball headphones have, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.
No matter how harsh your basketball routine is, the Bose QuietComfort can still provide amazing noise cancellation features while effectively removing ambient noise.
What I’m more impressed about this headphone is its Alexa Voice Control features, allowing you to configure multiple voice commands according to your preference.
As for the sound quality, Bose never fails to impress us. It has crisp and clear audio, and the bass is enough to keep your heart pumping during training sessions.
Overall, this headphone packs a lot of amazing features starting with its active noise canceling features and an amazing 20-hour worth of playback time.
Pros
- Three-level noise canceling technology
- Good sound quality
- Construction is fantastic
- Decent performance for the price
- It packs a lot of features
Cons
- It might break if overstretched
- High price
5. Apple AirPods Pro
Features:
- Type: In-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 24 Hours
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling
Apple Devices might be known for their notoriously expensive products, but the Apple AirPods Pro might change your mind if you buy these.
The Apple AirPods Pro is one of the true wireless earbuds on the market today, and I am a testament to how these performed extremely well in all facets.
The active noise cancellation is as good as it gets. When I wore these, they were simply blocking out the noise.
Also, playing basketball with these might not be the best idea due to its design.
However, I can safely say it is one of the best headphones for basketball out there due to its superior sound quality.
The bass is rich, the audio is pretty clear, and the build quality is impressive.
Overall, if you are not a fan of ear hooks, I suggest getting these as it helps block noise from the outside world and help improve your game to the next level.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable construction
- Premium and lightweight
- It comes with additional ear tips
- Stylish and portable design
Cons
- Availability is limited
6. Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Features:
- Type: In-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling, Sweat & Water Resistant
Some basketball players are annoyed with how bulky and wired their headphones are, but the Beats brand introduced the Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds, which have become a great addition to their workouts.
Firstly, these wireless earbuds are great!
They don’t feel cheap and are stated as water and dust resistant, which is a major plus considering most users will have their sweat all over these.
Also, this headphone uses the very powerful Apple H1 Chip, allowing for better performance and connectivity throughout your use.
Connect these headphones to your Apple Watch, iPad, iMac, and MacBook.
There are also additional ear tips to make your life easier regarding fit.
The only problem I found with these headphones is their battery life; it is not long enough like most products within the price range.
Still, these are great by all means, you get what you pay for, and the audio quality is superb enough to warrant the price. Beats never fail to amaze us with their new offerings.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Noise-cancellation features are great
- Comfortable fit for the ears
- Blocks external noise extremely well
- Amazing construction
Cons
- It is quite pricey in my opinion
- Short playback time than other headphones
7. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 On-Ear Sport Headphones
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling, Nano-Coating Technology
If you are on a tight budget but are looking for decent headphones to hype you up during your practice sessions, the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 On-Ear Sport Headphones should do just fine.
Plantronics has long been one of the more reputable brands for headphones, and this new addition to their products has become a great choice for basketball players.
Out of the box, this headphone boasts 40 mm drivers on both sides, which means you can hear true-to-life sounds rich in bass and highs.
The ear cups are comfortable and durable. Padded memory foam on the ear cups adds more comfort than you know.
Its battery life can last up to 18 hours which is more than enough.
Overall, I like what this headphone brings for its price point. Despite its price, it doesn’t lack features and performs admirably – great value for money, especially for players squeezing out money.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Decent performance
- Loud and clear
- Good highs and lows
- Good battery life
Cons
- The sound can be improved
- The headband might break if stretched too much
8. Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: N/A
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
While somewhat surprising, Adidas has headphones if you’re trying to find one.
The Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones are one of their latest offerings for players trying to improve their game by hyping them up during their practice games.
What you’ll love the most about these headphones is the sleek and comfortable finish, perfect for any intense workouts you are planning to do.
In addition, the ear cups are adjustable, making them more comfortable for extended use. It doesn’t feel heavy and bulky either, making these a great addition to your everyday routine.
Nevertheless, these are simply great. This headphone is made of heat and water-resistant materials, which makes it all the sweeter. The long battery life is the icing on the cake.
Pros
- Unique and sleek design
- Up to 40 hours of continuous playing time
- IPX4-rated
- It comes in a wide variety of colors
- Great value for money
Cons
- There might be some connectivity issues with older phones
- A little bit small
9. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling, Alexa-Enabled
There’s no denying that most basketball headphones have a noise-canceling feature.
However, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 can block 11 noise levels, which is impressive.
While not many basketball players like over-ear headphones, this option allows for a more relaxing time over your ears.
In addition, these are Alexa-enabled, which allows you to control them with voice commands.
Furthermore, its sound is almost true to life and balanced. The superb sound and crisp details make it more appealing to buy.
However, one of its main selling points is its long battery life, capable of continuous music for up to 20 hours or more. The sleek and stylish design allows you to rock it anywhere.
Overall, these are some of the best headphones Bose has to offer. It’s great for basketball games, practice sessions, and gym routines.
Pros
- Alexa-enabled
- Sleek and stylish design
- Excellent audio and call performance
- Comfortable to wear
- It can connect up to 2 devices at once
Cons
- Extremely high price in my opinion
10. Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
Features:
- Type: Over-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours
- Key Features: Noise-Canceling, Bluetooth 5.0
Bose always has something to give regardless of what you’re trying to achieve, and their very own Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II might just be the one you are looking for.
This headphone has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, allowing you to connect over long distances easily.
In addition, it is made of high-quality materials, ensuring a longer lifespan and years of use.
They are also made of waterproof materials, which means they are great if you want to play a basketball game and are worried about sweat getting into your cool headphones.
Last but not least, these headphones feel pretty durable and stylish, a common feature most Bose headphones have.
It can still connect distances of up to 30 feet long and last you more than 15 hours.
Overall, you can never go wrong with Bose. They are undoubtedly some of the best brands offering performance, functionality, and features all into one.
Pros
- Deep base and rich highs
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable and highly reliable
- Good connectivity
- Impeccable listening experience
Cons
- High price tag
Is It Allowed To Listen To Music While Playing Basketball?
Yes and no. If you’re referring to official games played by professionals, it is not allowed for players to listen to music in the actual game itself.
However, if they are not playing on the court, they can listen to music as much as they want, depending on their coach.
One reason it’s not the best time to listen to music during a basketball game is you tend to lose focus on the game. It can be who’s playing on the court, the score, and everything that goes with it.
As you can see, no NBA player listens to music during a live game. But, during shootarounds, you would immediately find them having their unique headphones to hype them up.
Whether it’s Anthony Davis, James Harden, or LeBron James, some players prefer listening to music to get them game-ready and excited, whereas others like to do something else instead.
Nonetheless, you can listen to music as much as you want as long as permitted.
However, wearing earbuds for basketball during an actual game is not recommended and is often against the rule book.
On the other hand, if you’re just playing a pickup game, as long as your team and opponents are okay with it, go.
Just be sure you try to be as attentive as possible!
Should You Get Wired Or Wireless Headphones While Playing Basketball?
Whether wired or wireless, it is a matter of personal preference for any user. However, I’d say I will go for the wireless ones.
Why? One of the reasons is portability. In the case of wireless, you can easily get entangled with headphone cords if you’re not conscious of your movements.
Also, wireless headphones don’t restrict movements like wired headphones do, which is a major advantage most users try to imply.
If you’re playing basketball, wired headphones can restrict your movements. In addition, untangling headphone wires can also be a hassle.
While I’m not saying wired ones are a bad choice, I’d go for the wireless ones if you have to weigh the pros and cons.
Ultimately, the choice will be yours to make. Wireless ones offer a lot of advantages but on the pricier end.
Should You Get On-Ear Or Over-Ear Headphones?
It boils down to a matter of preference. One type is not superior to the other.
Both types of headphones have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice usually depends on your needs. Let’s take a closer look at these two.
Over-Ear Headphones
These are your typical headphones that cover up your entire ear. They are usually bulkier and completely enclose your entire ears.
One of the advantages of this type is its better sound isolation. Since they enclose your entire ears, it creates a physical barrier that prevents outside noise and the environment from coming in.
As a result, they offer a more excellent sound experience in noisy environments like public places. Also, these larger ear cups make them more comfortable to wear.
The only problem with this type is its bulkier and requires larger storage than in-ear ones.
On-Ear Headphones
As the name suggests, this type of headphone rests on the outer parts of your ears.
Mostly, they are smaller and more compact than over-ear headphones.
In addition, they are generally lightweight, compact, and portable, which makes them easier to carry around, especially when heading to different places.
Since they are seated on your ears, it allows for better airflow, making them comfortable for extended hours.
What Are Things To Consider When Buying The Best Headphones For Basketball?
The best headphones for basketball come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and features, which is why choosing the best one can make it hard for you.
However, there are also some important things you need to consider that can help trim down the choice if you’re searching for the best headphones on the market today.
Below are the things you need to consider when buying the best headphones for basketball.
Build Quality
Price and build quality go hand in hand. As a result, the pricier the ear headphones are, the better quality it is.
However, it also boils down to usage. If you use them daily, wear and tear can take a toll on in-ear headphones.
As mentioned, since these headphones will be used daily, you’d want something durable and of top-notch quality.
You’d want something that is made of durable plastic. Most users recommend trying them out to get a feel for them.
Often, poor-quality headphones feel cheap and flimsy, while decent to superior headphones give you that premium feel.
That being said, it boils down to your budget. You can have headphones with amazing build quality with an unlimited budget.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean cheap headphones mean poor quality. It’s just a matter of finding the balance between price and quality.
Battery Life
Since you will use them most of the time, you’d want your on-ear headphones to last longer than they should.
Over-ear or on-ear headphones typically last around 20 to 35 hours, depending on use.
However, the average for wireless earbuds and headphones sits around 25 to 30 hours. Headphones capable of 30-plus hours are still great but rare now.
Still, headphones that can last you more than 20 hours are enough. In addition, you also have to consider the charging time. The lesser time it takes to get fully charged, the better.
Connectivity
While some would say gone are the days of corded headphones, you’d still want something that can connect to different devices. Bluetooth connectivity is still a must for headphones.
Some headphones might still use Bluetooth 3.0, but this is more than enough. Bluetooth 5.0 or high can give you better connections over long distances.
The greater the Bluetooth, the better range of connectivity and improved audio quality overall.
IP Rating
The best headphones for basketball should have an IP rating. This number indicates how well a headphone is resistant to water and dust.
The higher the IP rating, the more effective it is to block dust from entering the headphone’s case.
The only problem with IP ratings is that the price also goes up when the number goes high.
However, if you plan to wear headphones during your workouts, training, or just to play basketball, you’d want headphones with a high IP rating.
This way, it can protect your headphones from sweat, moisture, and dust, which can degrade your headphones over time if not properly protected.
Portability
If we’re talking about portability alone, in-ear headphones come second to none.
In-ear headphones can be stored in your pockets as compared to over-ear and wired headphones.
Also, one distinct feature of most in-ear headphones is a wireless charging case. In recent years, they have become more and more lightweight and minimal.
Over the years, on-earbuds for basketball have become highly portable. You can simply fold them and put them back in their boxes for easy storage.
Still, it boils down to personal preference.
Some basketball players like it to be around their heads often, whereas some prefer in-ear headphones for portability functions.
Warranty
You will want a headphone that has a very long warranty. It can be on parts or replacement if damaged within a certain period.
Warranties are great, especially if it is stated they will be replacing it if there are damages to it.
Fortunately, most headphones today come with more than one year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have additional questions regarding the best headphones for basketball and everything in general, you might find some answers below.
What Headphones Do Most Athletes Use?
One of the most popular headphones most athletes use is the Beats Headphones.
However, Beats Studio headphones are the most popular choice among NBA players like Anthony Davis, James Harden, and LeBron James. Also, it is the official headphones of the NBA.
What Headphones Does Kyrie Irving Wear?
If you want to be more specific, Kyrie Irving uses the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless Headphones. In one of his interviews, he uses these headphones daily.
What Beats Headphones Does Lebron James Use?
The Beats Studio 3 is the one used by Lebron James. These headphones are known for their noise-cancellation features and amazing bass, making them his best basketball headphones.
The Awesome Choices
If you are still struggling to choose the best headphones for basketball, I have trimmed down the options for you. Here are my top three picks.
Best Budget – PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones
For budget-conscious basketball players looking to find the best headphones for basketball with superior active noise canceling features, the PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones hits the sweet spot.
Despite being one of the more affordable price points, it doesn’t feel cheap, and the build quality is right where you want it to be. It doesn’t lack features and is one of the best basketball headphones for the price.
Best Value – Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless
The Jabra Elite 7 is one of the true wireless earbuds and AirPods. If you want active noise canceling on a different level, these wireless earbuds pack a punch in terms of versatility and performance.
For what you’re getting, you’ll feel the heat during your training, as this can provide fantastic audio at a reasonable price. Wireless earbuds might be pricey, but they perform extremely well.
Best Overall – Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones
While not many people are fans of over-ear headphones, they might change their stance once they have tried the Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones.
These basketball headphones are top-notch. It has the best sound quality of other headphones within the price category.
Also, the bass is rich and thumping and has been the king of basketball headphones for a while now.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best headphones and earbuds for basketball might be difficult initially. However, with the list above, you can pick and choose the right one for you.
Having the right headphone can help you get in the mood for some high-action pack games, while others rely on them for hyping them up during workout and training sessions.
Regardless, having the right headphone can go a long way in keeping you motivated and focused on the task at hand. You will get the right headphone for your intended use by considering a few factors.
Ultimately, the final choice boils down to personal preference and budget. Choose wisely and pick any of the ten top sports headphones and earbuds that I have reviewed in this article. You will surely not regret your purchase.