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    Hardware/Equipment

    Top 3 Wireless Headphones for Zwift+Discord

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    November 29, 2018
    17

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]

    While we would never wear headphones riding outdoors, Zwifters can enjoy tunes or podcasts while we suffer. In fact, apart from getting your smart trainer and display sorted a quality audio setup is arguably the most important part of a truly delightful Zwift experience.

    And it’s not just about the quality of what you hear: with more rides using Discord for voice chat a quality microphone is also essential.

    In reality, just about any set of Bluetooth earbuds will “do the job.” But in our opinion, it’s worth investing a bit more to boost sound quality, longevity, and ease of use. Here are the top three wireless Bluetooth earbud solutions we recommend.

    Share your experience with wireless earbuds on Zwift in the comments section!

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_color=”#d8d8d8″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|10px|20px”]

    Key Considerations

    1. Battery life/speed of charging: regular use will require weekly charging, so make sure it’s fast and easy. 
    2. Durability: these will be sweated in and tossed around your pain cave a bit. 
    3. Fit: ears are unique. If you can’t test first, buy a set with fit options.
    4. Sound quality: here you generally get what you pay for.
    5. Microphone quality: important for Discord and phone use.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]

    Jaybird X3
    (~$59USD)

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/x3-1.jpg” url=”https://amzn.to/2SgG4bB” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]

    Quality earbuds that won’t break the bank. Also the longest battery life of our top three selections. These are the headphones I most often recommend to Zwifters due to their high price/performance ratio.

    Pro tip: if you want earbuds for swimming, check out the Jaybird X4’s which cost more but come with IPX7-rated water resistance (down to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and improved sound quality.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://amzn.to/2SgG4bB” button_text=”Buy on Amazon” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#e85800″ background_layout=”dark”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Bose SoundSport Free (~$149USD)

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/soundsport.jpg” url=”https://amzn.to/2P4kJjD” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]

    Bose has always been a premium sound solution: never cheap, but always top-notch in terms of build and sound quality. These are truly wireless (no cord between the earbuds) and you can buy them in Zwifty orange!

    Pro tip: if you want Bose quality with a cord between the earbuds and a bit more battery life, save $20 and buy the standard Bose SoundSports.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://amzn.to/2P4kJjD” button_text=”Buy on Amazon” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#e85800″ background_layout=”dark”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Apple AirPods
    (~$155USD)

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://zwiftinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/airpods.jpg” url=”https://amzn.to/2ZsuQH4″ align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ title_text=”airpods” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Like everything Apple, AirPods come at a premium price for a premium experience. Sound and microphone quality get consistently high reviews. The one downside? You aren’t able to customize the fit unless you purchase an accessory kit or buy the pricier AirPods Pro.

    Pro tip: AirPods work on Android phones too.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://amzn.to/2ZsuQH4″ button_text=”Buy on Amazon” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#e85800″ background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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      Eric Schlange
      Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
      Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava

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      Eric Clopper
      Eric Clopper(@eric-clopper)
      2 years ago

      Eric, potentially controversial question for your consideration. Have you ever tried aftershokz aeropex bone induction bluetooth headphones on outdoor rides? I too would not wear headphones during outside rides, but I read about these, bought a pair and have started to use them. I don’t turn the volume up high, and can still hear cars approaching me from behind on roads and faster bikes on trails. But when the road noise is low, I can hear music, which is helpful on longer rides. Also really good for phone and video calls off the bike.

      0
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      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Clopper

      I haven’t personally – I’m not really looking for something to listen to when riding outdoors (silence is golden, as they say). But I have some local buddies who use them and like them.

      0
      Reply
      Michael Bello
      Michael Bello
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      I use the Aftershokz while Zwifting. I find them more comfortable than earbuds and the microphone works well for Discord.

      1
      Reply
      Nigel Tufnel
      Nigel Tufnel
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Michael Bello

      Michael: Which Aftershokz model are you using? Any issues with the folks on the other end of your chats hearing/understanding what you are saying?

      0
      Reply
      Nigel Tufnel
      Nigel Tufnel
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Eric: Are you saying that your friends use Aftershokz with Zwift/Discord and like them, or just that they use them while riding outdoors and like them for that? I am considering a set for Zwift/Discord and am primarily concerned about the mic quality (since most everything seems to have decent sound quality for Zwift/Discord).

      1
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Nigel Tufnel

      My local friends who use them are just wearing them outdoors… so I don’t know how well the mic works for Discord.

      0
      Reply
      Derek Kuhl
      Derek Kuhl
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Nigel Tufnel

      I do not use the Aftershokz but several friends I Zwift/Discord with use them. The issue with them is that the mic performance really falls off when you get sweaty. Initially, the mic performance is great but as soon as you sweat, you sound like you are under water.

      0
      Reply
      Michael Horner
      Michael Horner(@michaelehorner)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Clopper

      I would need to be convinced there was ever a safe way to listen whilst cycling on the roads and the benefits outweighed the risks. I learnt the lesson the easy way 30 years ago when as a student I stepped into the road in front of a bike whilst listening to music. It only cost me an apology and the price of a cheap front wheel (a lot for a student). A good friend is currently in hospital (during this pandemic) thanks to a hit and run driver knocking him off his bike. Not directly related, but the risk… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Charles
      Charles
      2 years ago

      Hi Eric, had any reviews of people trying to get their Jabra elite sport headphones to sync with Zwift so the heart rate is detected? I’ve bought a pair and assumed Zwift would see them but alas it doesn’t seem to work?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Charles

      Never heard of anyone even trying that before.It looks like they only “talk” to the Jabra app itself, which means they don’t use a standard heart rate communication protocol. But I could be wrong…

      0
      Reply
      Lodo
      Lodo
      2 years ago

      Is this a joke? Apple airpods absolutely don’t get along with discord, it kills the audio quality..

      2
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Lodo

      Kills what audio quality? I’m unclear what you’re saying… tons of Zwifters use Discord with Airpods.

      0
      Reply
      Steve Harris
      Steve Harris
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      I have the charging AirPods and new air pods pro. Using discord on my phone I have been told from others listening that the pros sound terrible and robotic compared to the normal AirPods. Anyone else having issues with the pros?

      2
      Reply
      Ken
      Ken
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Steve Harris

      Landed on this page precisely because when I have the fan on, people really struggle to hear me on Discord when I’m using AirPods Pro, even with all the background noise reduction gubbins on. I was wondering if something more like the mics gym instructors wear might be useful to have when I’m racing in a team and we’re using Discord.

      1
      Reply
      Bob Gently
      Bob Gently
      1 year ago

      Eric, a noobie question from someone who doesn’t use earphones in real life – do the ones without the connecting wire have a microphone somewhere or do you have to speak into the phone?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Bob Gently

      The ones without a wire typically have the mic built into one of the earpieces.

      1
      Reply
      Ian
      Ian(@haigh-ian)
      1 year ago

      Fan noise is the biggest problem I’ve found racing on Discord. After research I’ve gone with a boom mic headset, after researching ‘mics and wind’ I then fitted a DIY fur windshield to cut down the fan noise. Seems to work. No other earbud or over the ear headsets were able to handle wind noise. I found that if they cut out the wind noise, then they also reduced your voice quality a lot.

      1
      Reply
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