Runner on a gravel path through green fields

Open-ear vs in-ear: choosing sport earphones that keep up

Magnussen Team

The right earphones can turn a hard training session into a great one. The wrong ones fall out mid-sprint or cut you off from the world around you. Here's how to choose.

In-ear sport earphones: sealed sound, secure fit

In-ear earphones sit inside your ear canal and create a seal that blocks outside noise. That means fuller bass and better focus, which is ideal for the gym, indoor cycling or the treadmill.

Look for:

  • Water and sweat resistance so they survive every workout.
  • A secure fit, with ear tips in several sizes or ear hooks for high-intensity training.
  • A lightweight design: you shouldn't notice them after a few minutes.

Our M3, M4 and M8 are built exactly for this: light, water and sweat resistant and designed to stay put.

Open-ear earphones: stay aware outdoors

Open-ear designs sit just outside the ear canal, so you hear your music and your surroundings: traffic, cyclists, your training partner calling your name. For road running, trail running and cycling in the city, that awareness is a real safety advantage.

They're also more comfortable over long sessions because nothing presses inside your ear. The Magnussen F3, M23 and the ring-style M28 are our open-ear endurance options.

Quick decision guide

You mostly train… Choose
At the gym or indoors In-ear
Running or cycling on roads Open-ear
Long endurance sessions Open-ear
HIIT and intense workouts In-ear with a secure fit

Care tips

  • Wipe your earphones after each workout with a dry, soft cloth.
  • Let them dry completely before putting them back in the charging case.
  • Clean the ear tips regularly with a slightly damp cloth.

Explore all our earphones and find your training partner.

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