Headphones for NextStrike: tested options and setup
Updated October 24, 2026.
NextStrike sends pitch-call audio from the coach's phone to a connected headset. In our testing, the coach kept an iPhone in the dugout and the catcher wore the headset. We successfully used open-ear headphones, AirPods, Bose over-ear headphones, and a wired single-ear earbud connected through a Bluetooth receiver.
If you already own a pair, start by testing it with your phone and NextStrike before buying equipment for the team. The catcher does not need a second phone for this Bluetooth audio setup.
Headphones we tested with NextStrike
These are the headphones and earpiece setups we used successfully:
- iClever Kids open-ear Bluetooth headphones. The smaller, child-sized pair worked well in our tests too. Check the fit with the individual catcher's helmet before choosing it for your team.
- CXK bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones. We tested the open-ear pair sold under the CXK name and successfully heard NextStrike audio through it.
- Ortizan open-ear Bluetooth headphones. The air-conduction pair we tried also worked well with NextStrike.
- Apple AirPods. Our pair worked successfully. We have not confirmed the generation, so this result should not be read as testing every AirPods model.
- Bose over-ear headphones. We successfully used a Bose pair for audio playback. The model was not recorded; test helmet fit separately before choosing over-ear headphones for a catcher.
- Wired single-ear earbud with a clip-on Bluetooth receiver. We tested a right-ear earbud with an over-ear hook. The earbud plugs into the receiver, which connects wirelessly to the coach's phone. The catcher carries the receiver along with the earbud; the wired earbud alone is not wireless.
These are firsthand results from the specific equipment we used. The exact iPhone and receiver models are unconfirmed, and these results do not establish maximum range, latency, or battery endurance. Android phones were not part of these tests.
Connect the headphones to the coach's iPhone
- Charge the phone and headphones. For the wired-earbud setup, charge the Bluetooth receiver and plug the earbud into it.
- Put the headphones or receiver into pairing mode using its instructions.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth, enable Bluetooth, and select the accessory. See Apple's Bluetooth pairing instructions if it does not appear.
- Open NextStrike's pitch-calling screen. Use Tap for a sound check when shown, and have the catcher confirm they heard the complete phrase through the headset.
Pair the headset or receiver with the phone the coach will actually use. The receiver in the wired-earbud setup takes the place of the wireless electronics built into Bluetooth headphones.
Check the setup from your actual positions
A successful connection beside the phone is only the first check. Leave the phone where the coach will use it in the dugout, then have the catcher move to their normal position wearing the headset and helmet.
- Confirm the whole call. Ask the catcher to repeat what they heard. Check several calls, including after a pause between calls.
- Check movement and fit. Try the catcher's normal crouch and head movement, and removing and replacing the helmet. For a wired earbud, secure the receiver and cable so they stay out of the way.
- Try your other audio workflow. If you use hold-to-talk, test that as well as the generated pitch-call audio.
- Recheck after changes. Repeat the check when you change fields, phones, headphones, or the coach's position.
Our tests do not establish a guaranteed dugout-to-plate distance for every phone, headset, and field. Choose equipment based on what works from your team's actual positions.
If the catcher cannot hear the call
Bring the headset or receiver back near the iPhone and check its Bluetooth connection. Confirm the accessory is charged, check the playback volume, and run another sound check. For the wired setup, check that the earbud is fully plugged into the receiver.
If the accessory will not reconnect, follow Apple's Bluetooth troubleshooting steps. Once audio works nearby, repeat the test from the dugout and the catcher's position before relying on the setup.
See how NextStrike pitch calling works and try the headphones you already have with a pregame sound check.