Are solar-powered headphones worth it?

Solar-powered headphones feature
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

We’re living in a time where headphones can do almost anything. They allow us to enjoy music wirelessly over Bluetooth connectivity. Some of the best noise-cancelling headphones block out environmental distractions for peaceful listening. Headphones even let us execute common daily tasks and interact with smart home devices through digital assistant programs (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant). Now, we have wireless headphones that charge themselves via solar-powered technology.

A headphone that can draw the power it needs to power its drivers and any ANC tech purely from direct exposure to sunlight is a brilliant idea. And what's more, the tech sets new sustainability standards by decreasing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. 

As of right now, only two audio brands are selling solar-powered headphones: Adidas and Urbanista. Their respective models — the Adidas RPT-02 Sol ($229 @ Amazon) and Urbanista Los Angeles ($139 on Amazon) — are experimental successes that demonstrate this headphones sub-category’s potential. At the same time, they’ve proven to only benefit one crowd: fitness users. 

Advertisements and marketing may convince you that solar-powered headphones are ideal for all kinds of leisure. But I beg to differ. Here’s why.

Wearability is more tolerable for working out

Adidas Sol headphones work by Alex Bracetti working out outside

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Even some of the best sport headphones are uncomfortable due to their tight fit, and solar-powered headphones are even more uncomfortable for some odd reason.

Seriously, wearing Adidas' or Urbanista’s cans for 30 minutes feels like your head is in a vise.

Seriously, wearing Adidas' or Urbanista’s cans for 30 minutes feels like your head is in a vise, and that sensation increases the longer you wear them. It makes sense for the RPT-02 Sol to feature such a tight fit since that keeps them stable during heavy lateral movements. There’s no excuse for the Los Angeles’ intense clamp force.

Hardcore exercisers don’t usually feel or notice any discomfort from sporty headphones until after their workouts. Soreness tends to occur around the ears and atop the skull. Solar-powered headphones have that same effect, which makes them bearable for physical activities. Using them at home or on commutes is impractical, especially if you have a low pain threshold.

Craftsmanship favors physicality

Solar-powered headphones

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The RPT-02 Sol was designed purely for tough workouts. Adidas built them from 51% plastic that’s mostly covered in breathable mesh with IPX4 certification (sweat and splash-proof). You can also remove the inner headband and ear cushions to wash them. 

While the Los Angeles are marketed towards fashion-forward consumers, they’re premium construction has sporty qualities. These headphones are composed of plush, matte-finish aluminum, with vegan leather wrapped around the padded earcups and headband. We’re talking high-end materials built for longevity; vegan leather can last anywhere between 2 to 20 years. Their fit and sturdiness meet the standards of a fitness headphone, but their lack of IP rating suggests otherwise. 

It's not uncommon for people to exercise with luxury models that have delicate frames and no IP rating like the AirPods Max or several of the best Bose headphones. All I’m saying is that the Los Angeles stand out as the better workout companion due to their robust build quality.

Who’s staying outside to recharge their headphones?

Alex Bracetti wearing solar-powered headphones in a swimming pool

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Runners who actively sprint in the blazing sun get more out of solar-powering experience by automatically juicing up their cans during runs.

Runners who actively sprint in the blazing sun get more out of solar-powering experience by automatically juicing up their cans during runs. Adidas and Urbanista let you monitor solar-charging levels on their companion apps, which show how much power your headphones have gained or lost.

Unless you’re routinely sunbathing by the pool or in your backyard for several hours, there’s no reason to bake outside to extend your headphones’ playtimes. The better solution for standard use is USB-C charging. It’s stronger than the Powerfoyle technology employed on solar-powered headphones and will net you 80 hours of use on either headphone faster than the bright yellow dot in the sky.

Should you even consider solar-powered headphones for working out?

There are plenty of better options for working out. Many of them are listed on our best sport headphones page. However, if you fancy solar-powered headphones, there’s some satisfaction in knowing they’re best suited for exercising. The Adidas RPT-02 Sol are the only pair worth looking at based on battery life, design and sound quality.

In the meantime, we’re still waiting to see what other brands can do with solar-powered headphones. My suggestion: start by making them comfortable.

More from Tom's Guide

Alex Bracetti

A lifestyle journalist with an affinity for consumer products, Alex has over a decade of experience and has worked with popular publications such as Complex, Thrillist, Men’s Health, Gear Patrol, AskMen, and Hoop Magazine. He currently focuses on audio, reviewing the most coveted headphones in the market for both Tom’s Guide and Laptop Magazine.

Read more
Philips Go 6000
These headphones might never need to be charged — solar-powered headband takes juice from any light source
The Beats Fit Pro propped atop its charging case
We've tested the best sports headphones to help boost your motivation
JBL Tour Pro 3
One issue each major audio brand must fix on their next-gen wireless earbuds
Alex Bracetti using an exercise bike at the gym
I ditched my AirPods for these over-ear workout headphones at the gym — here's why I'm not going back
Beats Solo Buds
Forget AirPods 4 — these 5 wireless earbuds have way longer battery life
Meze 105 AER headphones
I just tested these wired headphones and they're my favorite pair of the year
Latest in Headphones
Soundcore AeroClip open-ear earbuds in champagne mist against a blue backdrop
Soundcore AeroClip review: sleek looks and stunning sound, these new open-ears just blew me away
Ikea Vappeby speaker
I tested Ikea’s $15 portable speaker and it’s one of the best audio deals around
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses next to AirPods Pro 2
New report says Apple is working on Meta-style smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 —5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Black JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition over-ear headphones
I just tested these $199 “luxury” headphones — and they easily beat JBL and Beats
A pair of black Edifier WH950NB over-ear headphones photographed against a blue background
Edifier WH950NB review: Big control, little budget
Latest in Opinion
A person plugging a coaxial cable into the wall
I finally added internet to my kitchen and all it took was my old cable TV wiring — here’s how
Apple Intelligence on an iPhone screen
Apple analysts sound alarm on Siri delay — here’s why
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
an iPhone 15 Pro playing ambient music in iOS 18.4
My favorite iOS 18.4 addition is the productivity booster I've always needed
The Creator poster
Prime Video is about to lose one of my favorite sci-fi movies of the past 5 years — and it deserves more love
Jason Clarke as Rob Hall in "Everest" movie (2015)
Netflix just got one of the most intense survival thrillers I’ve ever watched — and it’s based on a true story
  • StefanWes
    I have been using this and know a bit about the Powerfoyle tech behind it. They are optimized for indoor use and you don't need to use them outside for them to recharge. You can put it anywhere in your house where it gets a bit of light and will stay charged. When you are outdoors they will recharge quickly, but for indoor use, they also stay charged indefinitely based on your usage.
    Reply