I ran 10K using wired headphones and now I’m going straight back to Bluetooth buds — here’s why

Bose SoundSport wired running headphones — (Image credit: Future)

I started running regularly in late 2015 and it’s true to say a lot has changed with the sport since then. Carbon plate super-shoes now dominate every event, cushioned running sneakers have towering midsole stacks so they all look like platform shoes, and everyone is using wireless headphones.

For my first couple of years of running, I used wired headphones and didn’t think anything of it. My go-to buds were the Bose SoundSport wired headphones, and I still have them to this day.

I haven’t actually used them for a run in many years, though, because all of the best running headphones I test these days are wireless.

Most phones don’t even have a headphone jack as a result, but armed with an adaptor, I thought it would be fun to try wired headphones for a 10K run, for old time’s sake.

I was wrong. It was not fun, it was just mildly annoying for the entirety of the run. Wired headphones might still be an enjoyable alternative for regular use, especially as you don’t have to charge them, but for running I’m more convinced than ever of the merits of wireless buds.

Here’s why.

The Tugging Is Constant

As a father of two young children I’m very familiar with minor, constant annoyances, but even so, the feeling of having your headphones lightly tugged at all times during a run stood out for how irritating it was.

Every time I turned my head or just ran downhill, the headphones were pulled by their wire. Not enough to dislodge them thanks to the wing on the Bose buds, but enough to annoy.

I remember this being even more annoying with in-ear wired buds that would be pulled loose regularly during runs, then flap around until you could catch them and pop them back in.

The lack of this tugging is the main benefit of wireless buds like the Bose QC Earbuds, which have a more comfortable and secure fit on the run.

They are a pain to set up

It’s not the fault of wired headphone manufacturers that you need an adaptor to use them with a phone these days, but it is still annoying.

Once you have that, you have to go through the rigmarole of placing your phone in a way that allows you to thread the wire under your top to your neck, to stop the wire flapping around throughout the run.

I use a running belt or shorts with pockets, and dropping my phone down my top to catch it and place it in a belt brought back a lot of memories of having to do that day in, day out in my wired running days.

There are limited open options

Shokz OpenFit Pro — (Image credit: Future)

I use open headphones most days on my runs so I can stay more aware of my surroundings, and many of the bigger audio brands have started to make open wireless buds to meet this demand.

This isn’t really the case with wired headphones from what I can see, so your options are limited if you do want to use them for outdoor sports.

It’s harder to use your phone on run

I understand the idea that it’s great to disconnect during your runs and ignore your phone entirely, but I run every day and do like to stay in touch with work and family during those runs, or play podcasts/music, so I will use my phone.

During this 10K I did so as usual, forgetting that my phone was connected by a wire running under my top to my neck, thus pulling on the headphones when I lifted my phone in front of me.

Wired headphones seem to be having a bit of a moment, and I can see how they’re good for travelling or general use, but on the run, wireless buds are by far the better option. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments!

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Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.

Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.

Nick is an established expert in the fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent.

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