Finding the Right Headphones
NextStrike is built for flexibility — we're not locking you into one proprietary headset like some of the other pitch-calling systems out there. You pick the hardware that fits your program, your budget, and how your guys actually play the game.
I get asked this a lot: "Coach, what headphones should I get for this?" Truth is, there's no single right answer. It depends on whether you're outfitting one catcher or multiple guys, and whether you want your guys in-ear or keeping their ears open on the field. So here's what the team here at NextStrike recommends, broken out by budget.
A few things I look for before recommending anything to a program:
- Secure fit. These need to survive taking a catcher's helmet on and off for plays at the plate.
- Some kind of sweat or water resistance. Doesn't need to be swim-proof, but Texas and the southern states during summer practice will find any weakness.
- Decent range. The signal needs to hold up across the diamond, not just pocket-to-ear.
- Battery that lasts a full practice or doubleheader without you thinking about it.
One more note: a couple of these are open-ear or single-bud friendly, which I like for catchers and infielders specifically — they get the call without losing the ability to hear the ump, their pitcher, or their own bench.
The Premium Pick ($100+)
Shokz OpenRun Pro — $179.95 (shop on Amazon)
This is the one I'd put on a catcher without thinking twice. Bone conduction means the ear canal stays completely open — he gets the call and still hears everything else happening on the field. Wraps around the back of the head, stays put under a helmet, sweat resistant. It's the priciest option here, but if situational awareness matters for how you're using NextStrike, it's worth the extra cost.
The Sweet Spot ($60–100)
JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) — $99 (shop on Amazon)
Best battery life of the group — up to 70 hours with the case, so you're not thinking about charging mid-week. Secure in-ear hook design that won't shake loose on a dive or a sprint.
Anker Soundcore Sport X20 — $79.99 (shop on Amazon)
Toughest waterproofing on this list (IP68) and rotatable ear hooks that actually lock in. Good middle-ground pick if you want something rugged without stepping up to bone conduction pricing.
Skullcandy Push ANC Active — $69.99 (shop on Amazon)
A name your players and parents will probably already recognize. Solid fit, solid battery, right in the middle of the price range.
Budget-Friendly ($60 and under)
JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 — $48.99 (shop on Amazon)
The best value pick if you're outfitting a full organization or a high school staff and cost per unit matters. Same secure-fit approach as the pricier JLab, at about half the cost.
JLab Go Air Sport — $29.99 (shop on Amazon)
The floor of this list price-wise, but it has a feature worth calling out: Dual Connect lets a player wear and use just one earbud on its own. That's a nice option for a catcher who wants the call in one ear and the other ear completely free.
iClever Kids Bluetooth Air Conduction Headphones (OWS01) — $24.99–$29.99 (shop on Amazon)
For youth teams these are a great option. They're marketed as kids' headphones, but I used a pair myself and they worked great for 10-15U. Fully open-ear (nothing goes in the canal), a flexible memory-wire neckband that bends 360° without snapping, and a built-in volume cap that keeps things at a safe listening level — without getting in the way of hearing the pitch being called. Hard to beat at this price.
Ortizan Open Ear Headphones — $25.99 (shop on Amazon)
Another solid open-ear, air conduction option in the same budget range as the iClever. IPX6 waterproof and just 19 grams a side, so players barely notice they're wearing them. A good alternative if the kid branding and the size of the iClever are a turnoff for your older guys.
Bottom Line
There's no wrong choice here — it comes down to your budget and how many guys you're outfitting. If it's just your catcher, I'd lean toward the Shokz. If you're gearing up an organization or a high school program, start with the JLab options and scale up from there.
Let us know what you end up going with — always good to hear what's working out on the field.
Prices and availability current as of publish date and subject to change. Links are provided for convenience.