Best Earbuds for Motorcycle Riding [And a Cheap Hack!]
Evan Rally
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Music and riding go together like peanut butter and jelly.
But tinny helmet speakers or blown out earbuds? Like nails on a chalkboard. Want my honest recommendation right up front? Pick up some AirPods Pros. They are durable, simple to use, pump out great audio with incredible noise canceling, the battery lasts long enough for any ride and they will last you years. I’ve been using mine almost daily on and off the bike for 4 years now. And no, they do not fall out of my ears when taking off my helmet.
Before we get into the rest of the best motorcycle earbuds, let’s get a few things straight:
- You don’t need to buy motorcycle-specific earbuds. The best earbuds for riding are those that are best at cutting out unwanted sounds, while preserving the sounds you do want to hear (like passing traffic). Those can be general use earbuds.
- Noise cancelling is nice but you don’t need it. Passive noise canceling from in-ear buds is often enough. We’ll go through some options below.
- Hearing damage sucks. So all of our picks below focus on saving your hearing while amplifying your music and your ride.
Good earbuds make riding safer, more enjoyable and less tiring.
Top Earbuds for Motorcycle Riders in 2025
After countless miles testing different earbuds and hours of research, here are my top picks for the best earbuds for motorcycle riders right now.
Best: Apple AirPods Pro
You might be surprised to see these on the list, but hear me out. I’ve personally used my AirPods Pro across much of my riding career in tons of different helmets, and they consistently impress.
- 24+ hours charge with case
- Active noise cancelling
- USB-C and Magsafe charging
- Works with Apple and Android
Why They’re Great for Riders:
- Excellent Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation on these is top-notch, not because it blocks out all noise but because it lowers the noises you don’t want to hear – like wind noise. That makes it easier to hear out of the ordinary sounds like horns and passing cars. With more sensitive hearing, you’re more aware while riding and less fatigued overall. Plus your music can be played at a reasonable volume, even when riding at significant speed.
- Comfortable and Secure Fit: With multiple ear tip sizes, you can usually find a snug and comfortable fit that stays put even under a tight helmet. They’re small and don’t protrude much, which makes them fit most heads in most helmets.
- Transparency Mode: This is a lifesaver in urban environments or when you need more awareness of your surroundings and wind noise is less of an issue. With a toggle on your phone, you can let more outside sounds in without removing your earbuds.
- Great Sound Quality: For enjoying your favorite tunes on those long stretches of highway, the AirPods Pro deliver rich and detailed audio.
- Good Battery Life: You’ll typically get around 6 hours of listening time with noise cancelling enabled, and the charging case provides around 4 additional charges, perfect for a full day of riding. I’ve tested these numbers for years, and even now the battery life on a single charge is still around 5 hours.
- Decent Ruggedness: Apple devices aren’t known for their durability, but I’ve used my set of Airpods Pro on and off the bike for four years now – they’ve bathed in sweat more times than I can count, and they’re still running smoothly.
Potential Downsides:
- Pricey: They’re definitely expensive as earbuds go, but you’re getting a premium product that you can also use for everyday life. If you’re on a tighter budget, check out the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, which offers similar features at a lower price point (more on those later).
- Controls aren’t Motorcycle Friendly: The buds can be controlled with taps and touches, which is useful when walking but of course they’re of no use in a helmet. You’ll have to use your phone to skip tracks, adjust volume, and change the noise cancelling mode. By the way: I’ve never had my Airpods controls accidentally trigger in the helmet, so that’s not a concern.
Our Review: I haven’t done a dedicated review of the AirPods Pro specifically for motorcycle riding, but you’ll hear them mentioned throughout the site. They’re a nice hack for riding, and were my mainstay audio option before I started using comms systems.
Good Value: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
If you’re looking for premium features without the premium price tag, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds are a fantastic option.
Premium noise-canceling earbuds with hi-res audio and long battery life.
- Adaptive noise cancellation for a distraction-free experience
- Hi-Res sound with LDAC for crisp, detailed audio
- Up to 50-hour battery life with wireless charging
- Not as reliable with iPhones as AirPods
Why They’re Great for Riders:
- Excellent Noise Cancellation (for the Price): These earbuds offer surprisingly effective active noise cancellation that rivals some of the more expensive options out there. This is a huge plus for reducing wind noise while riding.
- Comfortable Fit: They come with multiple ear tip sizes to help you find a secure and comfortable fit under your helmet.
- Good Sound Quality: You’ll get rich and detailed sound that makes your music enjoyable on the road. I’ve used these off the bike before and they sound just as good as my AirPods – that said I don’t know how they perform when battling wind noise.
- Long Battery Life: These boast an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge (8 hours with ANC), and the charging case provides even more juice, making them ideal for longer rides.
- Transparency Mode: Just like the AirPods Pro, they have a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when needed.
- More Glove-Friendly Buttons: Some users report that the physical buttons on these are easier to operate with gloves compared to touch controls.
Potential Downsides (and Silver Linings/Alternatives):
- Bulkier Than AirPods Pro: They might protrude slightly more, which could be an issue for very tight helmets. But that’s the tradeoff for better battery life. If a super low profile is a top priority for you, the Sony WF-1000XM5 might be a better fit (though they come with a higher price tag).
- Noise Cancellation Not Quite as Strong as AirPods Pro: While very good, the ANC might not be quite as effective in extremely noisy environments as the AirPods Pro. If your bike has a windscreen and wind noise isn’t a huge deal for you, the difference will be negligible, especially considering the price difference.
Slim: Sony WF-1000XM5
If you want slim earbuds that don’t come from Apple’s evil empire, but still have top notch sound quality and noise cancellation: check out the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. They are hard to beat.
Premium noise-canceling wireless earbuds with superior sound and Alexa built-in.
- Industry-leading noise cancellation for immersive audio
- High-resolution sound with deep bass and crisp details
- Crystal-clear call quality with advanced voice pickup
- Expensive compared to competitors
Why They’re Great for Riders:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: These are widely considered to be some of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds on the market, delivering incredible detail, clarity, and bass. If you’re a music lover, these will make your rides sing.
- Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation: Sony has consistently been at the forefront of noise cancellation technology, and the WF-1000XM5 offer some of the most effective ANC you can find in earbuds. This means a quieter and more enjoyable ride, even at highway speeds.
- Comfortable and Secure Fit: They come with a variety of ear tip sizes made from a unique foam material that conforms to your ear canal for a comfortable and secure fit.
- Transparency Mode: Sony’s transparency mode is also excellent, allowing you to seamlessly switch between immersive listening and awareness of your surroundings.
- Compact and Low Profile: They have a sleek and relatively low-profile design that should fit comfortably under most motorcycle helmets.
Potential Downsides:
- Very Expensive: These are definitely a premium product with a premium price tag. You’re investing in top-tier sound quality and noise cancellation that will significantly enhance your riding experience (and your everyday listening).
- Touch Controls Can Be Sensitive: Some users find the touch controls a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental presses, especially with gloves. However, you can often customize the touch controls through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Ride-Friendly: Comms System with Wired Earbuds
I can hear the peanut gallery in the back yelling at me that motorcycle riding is about solitude. I was once one of you! But I tried comms systems on a cross-country ride with my dad and from that trip forward I use them on every group ride. They make the ride so much more enjoyable, and you can always mute the rambler!
Motorcycle intercom systems (like those from Cardo and Sena) also offer so much convenience for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, even picking playlists with voice commands.
For riders who want the best of both worlds – the functionality of a Bluetooth comms system and the superior audio quality and noise isolation of their own earbuds – using a comms unit with a wired earbud connection is a fantastic option.
Why This Setup is Great for Riders:
- Best of Both Worlds: You get the convenience of a comms system for controlling your audio and potentially communicating with other riders (if you choose to), combined with the superior sound quality and noise isolation of your preferred wired earbuds.
- Customizable Audio Experience: You’re not stuck with the often mediocre speakers that come with standard comms systems. You can use any wired earbuds with a 3.5mm jack that offer the best fit, comfort, and sound quality for you.
- Reliable Control: Comms systems typically offer physical buttons or voice controls that are much easier to operate with gloves than the touch controls found on many wireless earbuds.
- Waterproof and Durable: Most motorcycle comms systems are designed to withstand the elements, which is essential for riding in various conditions.
Potential Downsides (and Silver Linings/Alternatives):
- Wired Connection: Your earbuds are tethered to the comms unit with a wire, which some riders might find inconvenient. But if you don’t mind tucking away the wire, you get great audio quality and the convenience of a helmet comms system all in one.
- Cost: You’ll need to purchase both the comms unit and a decent pair of wired earbuds, but this setup offers a lot of flexibility and control over your audio experience, and you can choose earbuds that perfectly suit your needs and preferences. This doesn’t have to cost much: it could be as cheap as $100, all-in.
Popular Comms System Options
All Cardo units and the new Sena 60S allow you to connect your own wired earbuds through a 3.5mm headphone jacket. Some popular examples include:
- Solo Riders: Cardo Spirit – this unit is dirt cheap, incredibly reliable, and just works. If all you’re using this unit for is listening to music and maybe making a call, this is your best option. However it lacks voice commands that more expensive Cardo units have, and those are really handy (especially using Siri / Hey Google to pick music).
- Fully Functioned: Cardo Packtalk Pro – This unit comes with voice commands (including Siri / Hey Google), 10+ hour battery life, and 45mm JBL speakers that absolutely bang. Full intercom functionality for connecting to 15+ riders, auto on/off, even crash detection. Absolutely everything you could ask for.
- Sena Option: Sena 60S – The Sena 60S is basically Sena’s answer to the Packtalk Pro, and if you ride with other riders on Sena units then it’s a good option. You get an adapter in the box that allows you to connect standard 3.5mm headphones, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred audio output.
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For a deeper dive into the world of motorcycle communication systems, be sure to check out our article on the best motorcycle Bluetooth units.
The Best Wired Headphones
Most of the premium earbuds have no advantage over cheaper ones when it comes to motorcycle riding – none of those carefully curated nuances being pumped out by $300 Shure earbuds are going to make it to your eardrums in the cacophony of noise around you.
So this is your cheap hack: go with wired earbuds that are cheap and waterproof, like a set of wired earbuds for sport use. Hence the JBL Endurance 2 – low profile, waterproof, has a play/pause button on the cord, costs less than lunch.
JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired delivers powerful bass and a secure fit for intense workouts.
- Secure and comfortable fit with TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies
- Sweatproof design with IPX5 rating for durability
- Magnetic earbuds for tangle-free storage
- Wired connection may limit movement
Comparison Table: Earbuds for Motorcycle Riders
| Feature | Apple AirPods Pro | Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Comms System with Wired Earbuds |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Ranges |
| Sound Quality | Great | Good | Exceptional | Ranges |
| Comfort/Fit | Comfortable & Secure | Comfortable | Very Comfortable & Secure | Ranges |
| Battery Life | ~6 Hours (ANC) | ~10 Hours (ANC) | ~8 Hours (ANC) | 10+ hours |
| Transparency Mode | Excellent | Good | Good | None |
| Price | High | Mid-Range | Very High | Ranges |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bike-Friendly Controls | No | No | No | Yes |
| Get It Now | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Options below |
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Best
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For Sena Riders
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Buying Guide: What to Look for in Motorcycle Earbuds
Choosing the right earbuds for motorcycle riding comes down to a few key factors:
- Controls – most critical: Think about whether you’ll want to control your music or take calls while riding. If your answer is “often” you might want to get a helmet comms unit and then integrate a wired set of earbuds. If controlling isn’t an issue, or you have a system set up with your bike’s infotainment system already, then a good set of premium wireless earbuds (like Airpods Pro) might be a better solution for you.
- Fit and Size: This is paramount. The earbuds need to fit comfortably and securely inside your ear canal without protruding so much that they interfere with your helmet. Low-profile designs are generally better.
- Noise Cancellation/Isolation: Wind noise is the enemy of a comfortable and safe ride. Look for earbuds with effective active noise cancellation (ANC) or good passive noise isolation (from a snug fit).
- Battery Life: Consider how long your typical rides are and choose earbuds with sufficient battery life. A charging case is a great bonus for longer trips. The bonus for wired options – unlimited life!
- Sound Quality: If you plan on listening to music, make sure the earbuds offer good sound quality that you’ll enjoy.
- Durability and Water Resistance: Motorcycle riding can expose your gear to the elements, so look for earbuds with some level of water and sweat resistance.
If you have a noisy helmet in general, you may want to fix that first before trying to overcome that noise with earbuds. Check out our guide on how to make your motorcycle helmet quieter.
Finding Your Perfect In-Helmet Audio: Earbuds vs. Everything Else
You might think you’re looking for earbuds, but what you’re really looking for is a good audio experience while you ride. There are a few ways to achieve this: standard earbuds, motorcycle-specific earbuds, and helmet speakers (often part of a comms system) often paired with good old-fashioned earplugs. Remember that helmet fit is the biggest factor in helmet noise. Get the perfect fit with our guide.
Earbuds: They fit snugly in your ear canal and can deliver fantastic sound quality, noise isolation, and even noise cancellation. The key is finding the right ones that play nice with your helmet and your ears. Can be wireless or wired, with wired options particularly well suited for plugging in to a comms unit that supports 3.5mm audio equipment, like all Cardo units.
Motorcycle-Specific Earbuds: These are designed with riders in mind. They often boast features like a low profile to fit comfortably under a helmet, robust sweat and water resistance, and sometimes even integrated controls that are easy to use with gloves.
Helmet Speakers/Comms Systems: Speakers that mount inside your helmet, often paired with a microphone for communication. They often lack audio quality out of the box and depending on your helmet and the size of the speakers, they can press on your ears causing discomfort. Some comms systems (like Cardos and the new Sena 60S) allow you to plug in your own wired earbuds, which is a cool compromise.
Earplugs: Don’t underestimate these unsung heroes of the road! A good set of earplugs is essential for protecting your hearing from wind noise, and if engineered well they won’t get in the way of hearing your music through helmet speakers.
Earplugs come in various types:
- Foam Earplugs: Cheap and effective at blocking a lot of noise, but can sometimes muffle important sounds.
- Filtered/Hi-Fidelity Earplugs: These are smarter. They reduce the volume of harmful noise while allowing you to still hear things like sirens and your engine.
- Custom Molded Earplugs: The crème de la crème for comfort and a perfect fit. They’re made specifically for your ears and can be filtered or unfiltered.
We have a great article featuring the top earplugs for motorcycle riders here.