Imagine enjoying your favourite tunes without earbuds digging into your ears. That’s exactly what Oladance Wearable Stereos headphones promise, a mix of comfort, freedom, and high-quality sound that doesn’t invade your ear canal.
As someone who loves running on narrow lanes and streets without pavements, staying aware of my surroundings is non-negotiable. For me, open-ear running headphones aren’t just a luxury, they’re essential. So, when Oladance offered me the chance to test their wearable stereo, I jumped at it.
At £149.99, they sit at the premium end of the market, even above the Shokz bone-conduction headphones I’ve tried before. The big question: are they worth the price? Let’s dive in.
First Impressions: Style Meets Function
I tested the ‘Blue and Orange’ version, though they also come in cream, white, and silver. Pairing via Bluetooth was effortless, and the compact carry case fits neatly in a bag or pocket. One slight drawback: the case isn’t a charging dock, so you need a separate £49.99 charging case. Charging from zero to full takes around two hours.
What about the sound?
Sound is where Oladance impresses for an open-ear design. Bass and clarity are great, and tracks feel lively during runs. That said, my Shokz Aeropex and other Shokz models still deliver better overall audio, more consistent volume, and stronger highs.
If sound fidelity is your priority, Shokz running headphones remain the go-to. But if you want something fun, lightweight, and enjoyable for casual runs, Oladance still does a solid job.
Battery Life That Keeps Pace
Oladance claim 16 hours, and my experience matches that. They easily last a week of normal runs without recharging. While Shokz batteries are comparable, their faster charging and reliability make them slightly more practical for everyday training.
Running Test: Comfort and Fit
The headphones wrap comfortably around your ears without intruding into the canal, making them ideal for long-distance running, gym sessions, or casual jogs. Sunglasses or a headband don’t interfere, although I still slightly prefer the snug fit of Shokz for some runs.
Feature-Packed for Active Lifestyles
Designed for sports and workouts, Oladance headphones have an IPX4 rating (resistant to sweat and light rain). Smart touch controls let you play, pause, skip, adjust volume, or take calls with a tap. They can be a bit sensitive mid-run, but the convenience is undeniable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable open-ear design | Higher price point |
| Wireless and tangle-free | Separate charging case required |
| Decent sound for open-ear headphones | Currently unavailable |
| Long battery life | Overall sound and fit slightly behind Shokz |
Final Verdict
Oladance headphones are solid and fun for casual open-ear running headphones, offering comfort, decent sound, and long battery life. That said, Shokz remains the best option for serious runners or anyone wanting the most reliable, high-quality open-ear headphones.
If you’re looking for running headphones that perform, check out my full Shokz reviews here
