Cool Tech, Hot Beats: Taking Flight with the Suunto Wing

In-ear headphones and workouts haven’t historically worked well for me. Even when we’ve found options we like, they often end up feeling too big, slipping out, or causing discomfort after a while. That’s why I no longer have a single in-ear head phone – instead switching completely to outside of ear or other bone-conduction headphones.

Sounding Off on the Suunto Sonic

I am sure you know, but the latter types are designed to sit around the ear rather than inside – which is better for ear health and safety when running. We recently tried out the latest launch from Suunto – the Suunto Wing.

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Looks

The Suunto Wing headphones are available in three colors: black, lava red, and lime (reviewed). Unlike the Suunto Sonic, the lime colorway on the Wing is more subdued, featuring a lime-colored accent only at the ends rather than covering the entire unit.

The design is straightforward and functional, consisting of:

• A simple curved connection that rests at the base of the head.
• A slightly thicker control and sound module.
• An above-the-ear output for optimal sound delivery.

Specs

Bone-conduction headphones are undeniably cool. A few years ago, I wasn’t convinced they were for me, but now, I can’t imagine using anything else. The open-ear design isn’t just stylish—it’s incredibly functional, keeping you aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music.

This is especially important for races, like late-night relays or events on open roads, where many organizers discourage or outright ban in-ear headphones. Bone-conduction headphones, like the Suunto Wing, offer a safer alternative without sacrificing convenience or sound quality.

We’ve tried and enjoyed several Suunto headphone models, and they consistently deliver good tech in a simple, effective package. Honestly, I didn’t think I needed much more from headphones than comfort, ease of use, and decent sound quality—until the Suunto Wing arrived.

The lightweight design, crafted with silicone and titanium alloy, makes these headphones both super light and sturdy. They fit snugly without applying too much pressure and stay in place during runs. That said, if you wear sunglasses with thicker arms, you might notice some competition for ear space, though it’s generally manageable.

There are also added features that are seriously impressive.

LED Lights:

This might just be the best feature yet. Running at night isn’t always safe, especially with headphones, but the Suunto Wing changes that. Red LED lights on both sides enhance your visibility, adding an extra layer of safety. With multiple light modes available through the Suunto app—or the option to turn them off entirely—this is a no-brainer feature that feels long overdue.

Head Movement Control:

I really appreciate how simple the controls are on Suunto headphones. I don’t need much—just the basics like adjusting the volume, playing or pausing music, and skipping tracks. Suunto has done a great job keeping it straightforward with no complicated button combos to figure out. It’s all super intuitive. But what about those moments when my hands are full?

For example, maybe I’m out trail running and I’ve got trekking poles in my hands when my mom calls or my least favorite song comes on. That’s where Head Movement Control comes in—it lets me use simple head motions, completely hands-free, to get things done. I can skip that annoying Nickelback song with a quick shake of my head (honestly, feels pretty fitting) or nod to answer a call and let my mom know how my “10k marathon” is going. It’s like living in the future!

Durability

Runners face the elements head-on—sweat, dirt, rain, you name it. The Suunto Wing is ready for the challenge with an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. These headphones are built to endure the same rigors you do, ensuring they stay with you for the long haul.

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Sound

I don’t ask for much from my running headphones when it comes to sound. Let’s be real—struggling through 11 miles isn’t exactly the moment to analyze the bass line in your favorite song. I just need something that doesn’t sound tinny and delivers decent quality.

With Suunto’s app, you can make some sound adjustments, but honestly, I’ve had zero issues. The sound is as good as I expect it to be—maybe even a little better. No complaints here at all.

Recharging

This might just be the feature that sets the Suunto Wing headphones apart. With a 10-hour battery life, they offer way more than most of us will ever need for a run. But if you’re anything like me, forgetting to charge your headphones is almost a given. It’s not until I hear that dreaded “battery low” notification mid-run that I have my inevitable “oh crap” moment.

• Battery Life (Headphones): ≧10 hours
• Battery Life (With Powerbank): ≧30 hours (at 60% volume, using SBC format to play “Hotel California”)

Even if you’re wearing them all day—maybe during work and then straight into a run—you’ll still get close to the full 10 hours, which is pretty impressive. And for those extra-long days, the included portable powerbank is a game-changer. This small, triangular pod is easy to stash in a pack or even a pocket, giving you an extra 20+ hours (!) of charge.

• Battery Charge Time (Headphones): ≤1 hour
• Battery Charge Time (Powerbank): ≤1.5 hours

If you’re in a pinch, a quick 10-minute charge provides about 3 hours of listening time—plenty to get through your run.

Overall

Overall, I’m really impressed with the Suunto Wing headphones. They strike a great balance between simplicity, functionality, and a few standout features that make them perfect for running and other outdoor activities. From the solid sound quality to the impressive battery life and hands-free controls, they’ve proven to be reliable and practical for my needs.

If you’re looking for a solid pair of headphones that can keep up with your active lifestyle, I’d definitely recommend giving these a try.