The 6 Best Ear Hook Headphones
What are the best headphones with ear hooks that provide a fantastic fit? Get the answer here.
Contents
Comparison of Best Ear Hook Headphones
| Rating | Price | Battery (charging) | Connection (battery) | Mic & Controls | Water- protection | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beats PowerBeats Pro best bass |  | 4.1 More info | under $250 | 9 hours+ (Lightning to USB) | wireless Bluetooth 5.0 |  | IPX4 |
| Aukey Key Series B80 best sound |  | 3.9 More info | under $100 | up to 8 hours (USB-C) | wireless Bluetooth | | IPX6 |
| Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350 best value |  | 3.8 More info | under $80 | up to 6 hours (micro-USB) | wireless Bluetooth | | IPX5 |
| AfterShokz Aeropex best bone conduction |  | 4.3 More info | under $170 | up to 8 hours (proprietary) | wireless Bluetooth | | IPX7 (IP67) |
| Mpow Flame S best cheap option |  | 4.6 More info | under $30 | up to 12 hours (micro-USB) | wireless Bluetooth | | IPX7 |
| Anker Soundcore Spirit X (2019) cheap alternative |  | 4.3 More info | under $30 | up to 18 hours (micro-USB) | wireless Bluetooth | | IP68 |
Ear hook headphones are popular sports headphones. If you do a lot of physical activity using your headphones, then you know how important it is to keep them in place.
The annoyance of earbuds falling out during exercise is frustrating. In-ears change sound just by moving inside your ear canal. It’s not a pleasant experience.
Headphones in this design hook around the back of the ear. A wire or rigid hook, usually plastic or silicone, adds stability while you move.
Hook design is good for using in the gym, running, cycling, and other activity.
But some hook headphones are simply uncomfortable.
Nonetheless, we’ve made a list of the best ear hook headphones here.
Related:
Key Features of Ear Hook Headphones
If you’ve decided that the hook design is for you, how do you know which ear hook earbuds are best?
And what are the key features of ear hook headphones?
Stability
This should be the number one priority if you are looking for headphones or earbuds to use when exercising.
Nobody wants earbuds that fall out, the whole point of this design is to combat this.
There are a few ways that stability can be provided.
Ear hooks vs. ear wings
Though hooks are popular many people opt for ear wings which are different. These adapt to the inner shape of your ear rather than hooking around the outside.
Ear wings sit in the ear lobe while ear hooks go behind and over ears.
However, you can still wear the earbuds with ear wings behind-the-ear/ear hook style. They are compatible.
Wearing earbuds the ear hook style (behind-the-ear) can be used for wired and wireless in-ears without hooks like the Jaybird X4.
Occasionally, you may see on-ears with ear hooks, but the design isn’t suited for over-ears.
Comfort
Every pair of headphones should be comfortable by design.
However, the hook design is easy to get wrong. There are examples of hook headphones which make good sports headphones in terms of staying put but aren’t comfortable.
The problem is ear hook rubbing against the skin of the ear which gets irritated over time. It can be uncomfortable or plain painful.
Ear hook headphones are normally made of plastic or silicone, with a rigid or semi-rigid area hooking around the ear. Some have cushioned designs to help with comfort.
Sound
Of course, the sound is still important with a hook design.
Earbuds are of no use if they stay put but sound so bad you won’t want to listen to them.
Whichever headphones you are looking into, pay attention to the sound fidelity.
Volume is important too, and a good quality driver will go a long way to providing this.
Wireless or Wired?
If you are looking for wireless ear hook headphones, pay attention to the Bluetooth wireless version.
Most modern sports headphones today are wireless, more specifically, Bluetooth.
Wireless connection offers more freedom and gets rid of wires which often get in the way during exercise.
That doesn’t mean wired headphones can’t be a good option.
If you plan on using your ear hook earbuds for activity in which wires won’t be in the way, then wired headphones are the cheaper and more practical option (no battery charging).
Activities like cycling, treadmill running or using some other exercise machine that doesn’t require complicated movement are the perfect opportunities for wired buds.
How to Choose Ear Hook Headphones
Choosing ear hooks is not easy because not all options are comfortable or well-made. Some can end up hurting your ears.
So, read the reviews of others who tried them, our reviews are a good start, and you’ll soon know what to expect from a specific model.
Consider all of the features discussed above, but there are a few additional considerations when choosing good ear hook headphones for you.
Set Your Budget
Though Bluetooth wireless in-ears will be more expensive than wired, there are affordable options for wireless ear hook headphones.
Set your budget and compare what you can get for this price. We’ve reviewed affordable options for ear hook headphones below.
Consider the Fit
Ear hook headphones should be designed to fit your ear. If you’ve ever worn in-ear monitors as a musician, you’ll know roughly how this style feels. They wrap around the ear.
There are a few types of ear hooks:
- Soft silicone hooks are flexible and softest on the ears
- Memory-wire hooks can be molded into different shapes and angles which gives you different fit options but might not feel as stable
- Hard plastic hooks aren’t flexible and often rub against your ears the wrong way, but offer great durability
Most are flexible and have some give. However, if you are opting for rigid plastic earpieces, ensure they fit your ears; otherwise, they can be uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, you can’t learn that from reading reviews. You can only try them and see for yourself. Thankfully, most vendors offer friendly return-policies if you’re not happy.
How will You Use Them?
Good ear hook headphones are suitable for sports as well as casual listening.
There are many options for different uses.
If you aren’t doing strenuous activity, an ear hook may not be needed. We advise ear hooks only for serious exercise and movement. Otherwise, you have more choices.
Alternatively, sports headphones or true wireless earbuds with ear wings may provide plenty of stability with superior comfort for your needs.
Best Ear Hook Headphones
1. Beats PowerBeats Pro – best bass
The best bassy ear hook headphones
There wouldn’t be a lot of people who’d argue that these are the best true wireless headphones with ear hooks today.
Read the full Beats PowerBeats Pro review.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 9 hours (24 hours in the case)
Bluetooth: 5.0
Charging: Lightning to USB
Why Buy These?
There isn’t a lot of competition for the best and latest ear hook earbuds with true wireless design.
Beats Pro take the crown with their superbly stable fit, long battery life, and super-fast charging (5min = 1.5h of music).
To make them survive the harsh sports environment, they have IPX4 water protection (effectively sweatproof).
Plus, they come with nice features like automatic pause/play when taken off/put back on.
To give voice commands or hold phone calls, you get built-in microphones on both sides.
The Bad
Pricey compared to alternatives. A little uncomfortable after 30 minutes for people with smaller ears. Massive charging case.
The Sound
The audio quality of these Beats by Dre headphones doesn’t disappoint. Bass still reigns supreme but this time it’s more detailed and controlled. Together with boosted highs, they produce a fun V-shaped sound.
Pro’s might be pricey but come with the latest technology and unbeatable fit, a perfect choice for a demanding user.
2. Aukey Key Series B80 – best sound
The best sounding ear hook headphones
Finding ear hook headphones that are stable, comfortable, and sound great is tough. The Aukey B80 Bluetooth wireless in-ears do a great job.
Read the full Aukey B80 review.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 8 hours
Bluetooth: 5.0
Charging: USB-C
Why Buy These?
The Aukey B80 headphones are a great option for staying stable. The comfortable memory-foam tips fit nicely in your ear and can mold to your ear’s shape.
The package comes with 3 foam eartips as well as 3 silicone pairs. This allows you to choose different options for big or small ears.
8 hours of battery is decent. Plus, if you are in a hurry and out of juice, a quick-charge can give you up to 2 hours of music in just 10 minutes.
IPX6 water-resistance is suitable for sweat and rainfall, making these wireless in-ear earbuds suitable for activity in all conditions.
An in-line microphone allows you to make and receive calls. It is also compatible with voice-controlled devices. Use your Alexa or Siri with the Aukey headphones.
The Bad
Silent white noise at lower volumes takes away from listening to music (not audible at half or higher).
The Sound
Excellent frequency response in mini drivers giving a clear sound that more than justifies the price. If only they didn’t come with the white noise issue.
Aukey Key Series B80 are the best sounding Bluetooth wireless ear hook headphones that are durable, water-protected and come with the latest USB-C charging.
3. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350 – best value
The best headphone for workout
Whenever you buy a pair of headphones there is a balance to be struck between price and features. For ear hook headphones, these are the best choice for value.
Read the full Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350 review.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 6 hours
Bluetooth: 4.1
Charging: Micro USB
Why Buy These?
These headphones fit the bill in terms of the stability that they can offer. Secure-fit ear hooks are made of soft silicone that’s soft on the skin and hold up well even during fast movement.
These are also clip-on headphones. A clip can attach to your shirt in case they fall off or control the cable at the back of your head.
Designed to be ultra-lightweight, the BackBeat FIT can be very comfortable even when listening for long periods of time.
They have specific patent-pending eartips designed for comfort, which also do a good job at passive noise isolation.
Up to six hours of battery life isn’t great but not bad either. It should last for a couple of workouts or runs.
Also, a 15-minute charge can give a full hour of battery.
The Bad
Occasional Bluetooth connection interruption is annoying but not a deal-breaker.
The Sound
These are not quite up there with the very best options among sports headphones but quite close. For the price you pay you get enjoyable, slightly bass emphasized sound that’s perfect for exercising.
Nonetheless, for headphones with an ear hook under $70, these are one of the best.
If you want lightweight and comfortable in-ear buds with fantastic stability, good sound quality, and sweat-protection then check the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350.
4. AfterShokz Aeropex – best bone conduction
The best bone conduction ear hook headphones
Bone conduction headphones are a relatively new option. As they don’t cover your ear lobes, you can still hear what’s going on around you while listening to music.
Full AfterShokz Aeropex review.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 8 hours
Bluetooth: 5.0
Charging: Proprietary magnetic cable
Why Buy These?
Bone conduction headphones give you perfect awareness of your surroundings as the sound vibrates through your bones instead of eardrums.
AfterShokz Aeropex have quality, rubbery ear hooks and stay in place while you exercise. They’re designed for a full-on active lifestyle and offer plenty of stability thanks to the hooks.
Waterproof and dustproof design (IP67) protects them from water and small particles like sand and dust. So, you can confidently use them in places other headphones would die in.
The AfterShokz Aeropex are the better model from the brand’s previous version, the AfterShokz Air. Compared to these they have a longer battery and are 30% lighter.
The Bad
You might not like the feel of the vibrations on your head. It can take some getting used to. They also don’t quite compete with traditional, regular headphones in sound.
The Sound
The sound is definitely the best you can get from bone conduction technology.
The bass has been improved from the Air model, but it isn’t completely perfect. There are also multiple sound presets to choose from.
If you want to keep your hearing unaffected but still want decent audio quality, look no further than the AfterShokz Aeropex.
Most Affordable Ear Hook Headphones
5. Mpow Flames S – best cheap option
Best cheap ear hook headphones
Mpow made these earbuds with some serious specs. Not only do they come with Bluetooth 5.0, IPX7 water-resistance, and durable construction, but also support for aptX HD high-resolution audio codec.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
Bluetooth: 5.0
Charging: Micro USB
Why Buy These?
Ear hooks are a great accessory if you tend to work out a lot. Flames S are perfect for this job, providing durable construction so that you can throw them in the bag once you exercise is done.
They’re also IPX7 water-resistance, meaning you can fully submerge them and clean them if they get too sweaty. There are 2 buttons on the top of the earbud for the essential controls.
Flames S come with lots of useful technologies. There is an aptX HD support, providing great audio clarity and minimal video lag. Of course, there is also an AAC for iPhone users. The battery life of 12 hours is quite decent too.
The Bad
The Sound
Big 11mm drivers can output surprisingly rich, clear sound that is suitable for most music genres. They’re balanced, meaning they’re not the best pick for bass lovers.
Mpow Flames S are priced ridiculously low for what they offer.
6. Anker Soundcore Spirit X (2019) – cheap alternative
An alternative cheap Bluetooth ear hook headphone with wires
The best choice for sportspeople on a budget that want something reliable and durable.
Connection: Wireless Bluetooth
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Bluetooth: 5.0
Charging: Micro USB
Why Buy These?
While some ear hook earbuds don’t provide the best comfort, these do quite the opposite. They’re very lightweight, with a comfortable fit that you can appreciate, especially when you take them on your workouts.
After that, you can clean them up under a tap without worrying about getting damaged. With IP68, they can withstand everything from dust to more than a meter of water.
Their battery life is also above average for the Bluetooth earbuds of this type. They can last up to 18 hours of battery, with quick charging that adds 3 hours of battery in just 10 minutes. Also worth mentioning is the microphone, which is of good quality if you tend to take many phone calls.
The Bad
Top volume might be lacking for some users.
The Sound
It’s far from an audiophile-level of quality, but they’re still enjoyable to listen to during workouts. You can also enable the Bass Up feature to spice up the sound a little bit.
Anker Soundcore Spirit (2019) is another excellent budget product from this respectable company. They offer great comfort and fit, with a long-lasting battery and good microphone: all of that for under $30.
Honorable Mentions
Beats PowerBeats High-Performance – A slightly different version of the true wireless PowerBeats Pro, with the wire that connects the earbuds.
SENSO Bluetooth headphones – If you need cheap ear hook earbuds, consider the SENSO Bluetooth headphones which offer lots of features and technology for a really low price. (Review)