Best Earbuds for Basketball Games and Practice

Music is, by far, one of the most relaxing and motivating sources around us.  And whether you’re busy running a quick errand, seated at your desk, or shooting some hoops, listening to music while doing so can make the experience more enjoyable and productive.

And if you’re looking for earbud recommendations for when you play basketball, then look no further.  Below, we are going to review the best earbuds for basketball games and practices. 

These earbuds can be used both on-and-off the court.  Sleek in design and packed with powerful sound, you’ll be able to drown out any and all distractions as you practice your game.

Why do Basketball Players Listen to Music While Playing?

Music is one of the most universal experiences.  It connects and binds us as a species and is a great source of motivation and calm.  However, and dependent on the music listened to, some music may be able to better help individuals to focus and be more “in the zone”. 

Similarly, many different songs provide added motivation, allowing for individuals to connect more emotionally and viscerally with the song, thus allowing them to perform better and at a higher level with the task at hand.

While this music differs from individual to individual, the fact remains that many songs have a powerful psychological effect on our brains and better helps us to focus and remain focused throughout the activity.

And the same is true for basketball players.  While many players will take supplements and pre-workouts before a game to help them better focus, far more will opt to listen to motivational, high-tempo songs to get them ready for the game. 

By listening to these motivational, high-tempo songs, these athletes and basketball players are better able to focus their energy and their attention to the game at hand.  And by focusing their energy and their attention to the game, they are able to better perform once the game begins.

Can Basketball Players Wear Earbuds or Headphones During a Game?

When it comes to wearing earbuds or headphones during a game, the answer on whether or not basketball players are allowed to, is it depends.  If you are playing in a non-regulation league, whether outdoors in a pick-up game or a game at your local gym, then there are no rules which disallow the use of either headphones or earbuds.

However, if you are playing in a regulation league, whether one run by your school, your local gym, a collegiate program, or the professional leagues, such as the WNBA or the NBA, then current rules and regulations disallow the use of either headphones or earbuds while on the court or on the bench.

There are two main reasons why neither earbuds nor headphones are allowed while playing a regulation game.  The first is due to safety, if a player is wearing headphones or earbuds, they will not be able to hear the blow of the whistle from the referee and may continue to play, despite their being a stoppage.

The second, and perhaps more important reason, is due to the fear of there being an unfair advantage.  With many earbuds and headphones utilizing Bluetooth technology, a player could, theoretically, connect their headphones to their phone and take tips and cues from coaches and spectators while on the court.

Why Are More Basketball Players Opting for Earbuds Over Headphones?

Perhaps since the inception of Apple’s AirPods, more-and-more basketball players have opted for earbuds over headphones.  Headphones, that is, the device which features two drivers connected by a headband worn over the head, are significantly bulkier and less portable than earbuds.

Earbuds, on the flipside, are extremely portable and come in lightweight packaging and design.  Easy and simple to slip on and off, earbuds provide similar levels of sound, bass, and treble, in a more convenient and practical manner.

Best Earbuds for Basketball

• Apple AirPods Pro – what is there to say about the Apple AirPods Pro that hasn’t already been said?  Perhaps the original earbuds to hit the market the new and refined AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation technology, allowing you to focus solely on the game.  And with a customizable tip for a perfect fit, these earbuds will remain securely in place, no matter how high you jump or how fast you run.

• Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds – if you’re looking for one of the original headphone manufacturers with a solid reputation for quality and sophistication, then Bose is your best bet.  And their QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds really get the job done.  While more expensive than other earbuds on the market, Bose provides some of the best and most effective noise cancellation technology there is.  And with high-fidelity audio, you’ll hear every beat, sound, and vocal as if you were there in person.

• Beats Studio Buds – the Beats brand is relatively newer, however, since being acquired by Apple, their production quality has increased exponentially.  And the Beats Studio Buds are one of the best earbuds on the market.  With a neat, secure fit into the ear canal, the Studio Buds pack a high bass while maintaining active noise cancellation.  And with up to 8-hours of listening time, these earbuds will last you well past the final whistle.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – we’ll say something about the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, these earbuds definitely look cool and crisper than any of the other ones mentioned here.  With the quality you would expect from Samsung, these earbuds provide active noise cancellation, high quality sound with an 11-mm woofer in each ear bud, and sweat and water resistance, allowing you to continue training at your hardest.