There’s nothing like a brisk afternoon jog to get your spirits up! And what better way to enhance your cardio than with a pulse-pounding soundtrack to follow your every footfall? Whether you enjoy vibing out to music or podcasts while you’re on the treadmill or sprinting around the park, you’ll want a solid set of headphones or earbuds that can keep up with your exercise routine.
The best headphones and earbuds for running are going to include a few key features. One is a solid IP rating, so you’ll know the equipment can stand up to a sweaty head or rainy day. You’ll also want powerful far-field mics that will filter in the world around you, while still producing awesome sound quality. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a long-lasting battery either.
Whatever your running wants and needs are, we’ve compiled this roundup of in-ear and over-ear products that are all perfect for your next hundred-meter dash.
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Source: Beats
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best overall
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Source: Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Premium pick
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Source: JLab
JLab Go Air Sport
Best value
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Source: Sennheiser
Sennheiser Sport
Great sound
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Source: Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Great for Samsung fans
Headphones and earbuds for all runners
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best overall
Superb sound, long battery life, and stabilizing ear clips
$200 $250 Save $50
The Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds are a standout option if you’re looking for secure-fitting, great-sounding earbuds. Along with a battery life of up to 9 hours without a charging case, these earbuds prioritize comfort with a flexible ear clip design and ear tips. IPX4 certification also means that the Powerbeats Pro should stand up to sweaty situations.
- Great sound
- Secure, comfortable fit for most runners
- Physical playback and call buttons
- Can get expensive
- Charging case is somewhat bulky
- No active noise cancellation
The Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds deliver a sweet-spot combination of clear, powerful sound along with a great design that will mesh well with most runners. You’ll find plenty of punchy bass on tap, along with well-balanced mids and highs, creating an energetic sound field perfect for workouts. However, you won’t get any sort of active noise cancellation (ANC) here. Bendy ear hooks help dial in a snug fit, and ear tips are included in four variations for multiple ear sizes. Battery life is rated for up to 9 hours of listening, which compares favorably with their stablemate, the Apple AirPods, which don’t offer a form factor optimized for vigorous exercise.
Beats Powerbeats Pro review: Stuck in my head
These earbuds have no problem staying put, but may be a little iOS-centric for most Android fans
Not only is the battery life on the Powerbeats better than AirPods, but the sound quality has been noted to be better than even the AirPods Pro. Rounding out the most useful features for active users, the Powerbeats Pro have physical playback and call controls. A few minor features, like autoplay and single earbud listening mode, will not work on Android, but this isn’t a major drawback. And while the charging case might be relatively bulky, it increases combined playback to around 24 hours.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Premium pick
Immersive Audio deepens the soundstage
$249 $299 Save $50
A nice step-up from the QuietComfort Earbuds II, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds improve sound and ANC performance, while providing wearers with Bose’s latest Immersive Audio tech for virtualized spatial audio.
- Some of the best ANC in town
- Aware Mode is great at filtering sound in
- Comfortable fit
Bose headphones and earbuds are some of the best audio devices money can buy. Recently, the company released the all-new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which are meant to replace the original QuietComfort II buds, and we think they’re fantastic! But why are they great for running, you may be asking? It’s a little feature called Aware Mode.
With this setting engaged, the outside world gets filtered in, so you’ll be able to hear important sounds like sirens and street traffic, while still indulging in your go-to playlists. Quiet Mode and Bose’s Immersive Audio Mode are the other listening presets.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review: Sounds familiar
Last year’s earbuds learn some new tricks, but the experience is largely the same
The QC Ultra Earbuds are also pretty decent when it comes to water-resistance (IPX4) and battery life (up to 6 hours on a single charge), but the Aware Mode is the biggest win of all.
JLab Go Air Sport
Best value
Sturdy at a fraction of the cost
The JLab Go Air Sport are slim, affordable, and powerful headphones for running. These earbuds provide a great sound that can be adjusted with advanced EQ settings. With over 32 hours of battery life, IP55 sweat and water resistance, and the secure ear hook design, this pair is great for any workout, all at an affordable cost.
- 32-hour battery life
- Touch controls included
- Affordable
- Lower waterproof rating
- No active noise cancellation
The JLab Go Air Sport wireless earbuds are made for running. With flexible ear hooks, there’s no chance that the rigors of a jog will pop a bud out and ruin your timing. Furthermore, their silicone construction is flexible, light, and comfortable for long workouts. With long bouts of activity in mind, battery life will support multiple lengthy uses, offering about 32 hours.
The headphones also have touch controls for track and audio management as well as for answering calls and activating a phone’s smart assistant. So there’s minimal interruption during valuable workout time. With the integrated microphone and advanced EQ sound settings, calls are clear and easy to activate or end and with the rich bass, any pump-up jam will sound great while running. The JLab Go Air Sport headphones are a great option on a budget. However, there are a few downsides. The IP55 waterproof rating is lower than many other earbuds and headphones for exercise, meaning that they are more likely to be damaged by water, which is not ideal when sweat is inevitable.
Another caveat is that these headphones do not have active noise cancellation, meaning that surrounding noises can still be heard. The lack of ANC may be a deal-breaker for some, but a desirable feature for outdoor runners who need to be aware of their surroundings. Overall, despite a couple of lackluster specifications, the JLab Go Air Sport are still a great pair of running headphones with impressive features that won’t break the bank.
Sennheiser Sport
Great sound
Long battery life in a purpose-built format for athletes
$130 $150 Save $20
Sennheiser has been making great-sounding headphones since 1945. The company’s high audio performance standards extend to the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless earbuds. While there are a few pain points, the buds are nonetheless a compelling option for runners prioritizing sound quality.
- Superb sound
- Long battery life
- Customizable EQ settings
- Lacks active noise cancellation
- A little bulky
- No multi-device support
In terms of overall design, the Sport True Wireless earbuds look cool enough with blacked-out styling and a gold Sennheiser logo. While they’re not the sleekest earbuds on the market, they do include multiple ear tip sets and fins to help provide a secure active fit. One knock against them is that switching between ambient and sealed sound modes literally requires changing the ear tips. That’s not very practical, but it’s forgivable if you’re a set-and-forget type of person.
What you’ll really want the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless earbuds for, though, is the detailed and enveloping sound with a good but not overblown bass response. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app provides some handy sound customization modes that allow you to tweak things like the EQ.
An IP54 rating means the Sport True Wireless earbuds are solidly dust and water-resistant. In other words, they’re designed to withstand sweaty workouts but shouldn’t be put under the faucet or taken for a swim. Overall, the Sport True Wireless earbuds are worth a hard look for active users who prioritize good sound.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Great for Samsung fans
Excellent performance, waterproof design, and ANC
$180 $230 Save $50
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro stand out as an excellent premium option for runners. They improve over the previous model with an upgraded fit and finish and also sound great with top-notch noise cancellation. Sweat or rain also won’t be a problem, as the buds’ IPX7 rating means they’re submersible for short periods.
- Full, satisfying sound
- Impressive ANC for earbuds
- Smaller and sleeker than last generation, with the same battery life
- 24-bit audio won’t benefit most listeners
- Multi-device support is limited on non-Samsung devices
- Battery life is just OK
As we noted in our review, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer full, satisfying sound, and they do a great job blocking out external noise with ANC. With the Buds 2 Pro, you get plenty of punchy, yet detailed, bass and an overall open and detailed soundscape. While some runners may not find the fit quite as stable as clip-style buds, they’re sleek and should offer most runners a solid enough fit. Whether you prefer this earbud design or feel like ear clips are better for exercise really comes down to personal preference.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are an especially natural pairing with Samsung Galaxy devices as they offer support for the Samsung Seamless codec with 24-bit audio as well as automatic switching between devices connected to the same Samsung account. However, with non-Samsung devices, you’ll have to manually switch your Bluetooth connection, which is a bit of a bummer.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review: Remixing a classic
Samsung’s new Pro earbuds are really good, but not a necessary upgrade
Battery life is unremarkable at 5 hours with ANC, but you’ll get 18 hours with the case. So, while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro might not be ideal for every runner, their great sound, effective noise cancellation, and improved fit make them worth a hard look in the premium category.
JBL Reflect Aero
Best ANC
ANC with ambient sound for the best of both worlds
The JBL Reflect Aero is a pair of earbuds with adaptive and active noise-cancellation. But what will appeal to runners most is that they also withstand water and dust incredibly well, boasting an IP68 rating. Other notable benefits include customizable sound controls, ambient sound, and six mics for crystal-clear calls.
- Astounding IP68 waterproof rating
- 8 to 16-hour battery life
- Advanced sound customization
JBL has always been on top of the audio device market and the Reflect Aero earbuds live up to the brand’s reputation. The buds are an impressive and sturdy option with features that runners desire. For starters, the waterproof IP68 rating means they’ll withstand dust and are waterproof when submerged in up to 13 feet of water. So, sweating it out won’t be an issue. With sweat in mind, you’ll want a good fit, and these earbuds have three ear tips to provide a secure and comfortable fit.
The Reflect Aeros are great for noise cancellation, but for runners, environmental awareness can be important. To address this need, the buds have a Smart Ambient feature that allows the sound to be adjusted to permit surrounding noises. This feature comes in handy in cases where headphones are used for work as well, or even for outdoor running. With 6 built-in microphones and VoiceAware technology, the headphones are great for clear calls. And while these headphones can be bass-heavy, there are customizable options built in to perfect the sound.
Battery life is a big deal when it comes to headphones, especially for avid athletes, and with 8 to 16 hours of battery life off of the built-in fast charge, the Reflect Aeros have the endurance to keep up with even the best runners. The only thing to be aware of is that earbuds, even ones that provide different ear cushions, can be tricky to fit securely and comfortably for some users.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Best with ear hooks
A great fit and big bass in a waterproof sports design
This pair stands out for its bass-forward sound and stable fit derived from a sport-centric ear hook design combined with ear tips. Of course, the sound can be adjusted with the advanced EQ settings in the app. An IP68 rating means the Endurance Peak 3 are dust and waterproof, further cementing them as a great option for running and other demanding pursuits.
- Secure ear-clip design is ideal for running
- Good battery life
- IP68 dust and waterproof rating
- Earbuds and case are somewhat bulky
- Lack ANC
- Controls and auto-off take some getting used to
The Endurance Peak 3 offer a great ear hook design for those who need it, which makes them great for running. They also come with three earpiece sets to accommodate varying ear sizes, and the ear hooks are bendable.
Overall sound quality is clear and detailed in the mid-and-highs. Some users may find the bass a bit on the boomy side, but you can EQ that out in the app if it’s not your thing. The buds feature an ambient mode designed to make it easier to have conversations by letting in outside sound. And you’ll be able to listen for 10 hours per charge and an extra 40 hours from the case.
Controlling the buds using the touch sensors on the housing can take a little getting used to, and the auto-off function is a double-edged sword that’s activated whenever you remove the earbuds, even for just a moment. It’s also worth noting that the Endurance Peak 3 do not have ANC, and the components are on the bulky side. However, the Endurance Peak 3 excel at what matters most for running by delivering a comfy, highly secure fit, rugged design, great battery life, and enough bass to keep you moving.
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Affordable over-the-ear
Over-ear-headphones for an active lifestyle
The BackBeat Fit 6100 by Plantronics is a great over-ear option for runners. With the use of wireless technology and a sport-fit headband, this headset is a great option for running. The 40mm angled drivers generate a great, rich sound, while awareness mode allows for listening to music while letting outside noise in.
- Up to 24-hour battery life
- Awareness Mode
- Flexible headband
- Heavier than smaller headphones
On-ear headphones can be tricky when it comes to purchasing them for exercise due to their weight, size, and design, but Plantronics solved a lot of the qualms of using headsets for running with their Backbeat Fit 6100. The 6100 is a Bluetooth, noise-cancelling headset that provides a great sound while remaining comfortable. The ear cups are sound-proof but can be enabled to allow outside sounds in Awareness Mode to ensure a safe outdoor run.
Not only is the Backbeat Fit noise-cancelling but it provides a great, rich sound, which can be hard to find on fitness headsets. The Backbeat uses 40 mm drivers with sound-proof ear cups to provide a pristine and powerful music experience through any workout. While most on-ear headsets can be rigid and even annoying to run with, the Backbeat comes with a flexible fitness headband that allows the headset to be breathable and adjustable for maximum comfort. With an IPX5 waterproof rating, the Backbeat is sweatproof and can handle some weather but not as well as some of the other models listed.
Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 review: Good, gym-friendly over-ear headphones
A major perk of this model is the battery life, which can last up to 24 hours when fully charged. This is by far one of the longer-lasting headsets on our list and provides a great alternative to earbuds while providing a superb sound experience. Just be mindful that this device weighs out at just a little over half a pound, which is light for an on-ear headset but heavier than most of the other models listed. Other than the weight difference, this is a great alternative to in-ear headphones or earbuds for running.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones
Best bone conduction
A safe, comfortable, and cool premium option for running
$150 $180 Save $30
Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro utilize your cheekbones to conduct sound to your cochleas. Unlike traditional earpieces, the headphones have units in front of the ears, held by a rear-facing neckband. This design doesn’t block ear canals; the open style enhances running safety while preventing ears from overheating.
- Safe and comfortable open bone-conduction design
- Long battery life
- Better sound than other bone conduction models
- Case doesn’t offer built-in charging
- Relatively expensive
Bone conduction headphones are sometimes knocked for their audio quality since they don’t sit in the ear, but the Shokz OpenRun Pro sound better than most, offering sufficient bass in particular. That said, some users may find the mid-range response somewhat overpronounced. Should you wish to tweak the sound a bit, the Shokz app offers some basic customizations.
Battery life is important for runners, especially for those who forget to plug in after workouts. The OpenRun Pro headphones don’t disappoint here, offering 10 hours of playtime on a full charge and around 1.5 hours from just a 5-minute charge. They come with a case that does its job but doesn’t provide charging — for that, you’ll need to plug into another power source.
Multipoint pairing, a reasonable expectation at premium price points, means you don’t have to manually switch between Bluetooth devices. While not the highest water-resistance rating on our list, an IP55 designation means the headphones can easily handle sweat and even run in the rain. Overall, there’s quite a lot to like in the Shokz’s lightweight, purpose-built design for intense workouts like running.
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Tough but comfortable
Premium comfort meets premium sound
Jabra consistently releases some of the most noteworthy earbud products, and nothing says ‘tough performance’ and ‘powerful ANC’ like the ultra-comfy, powerful-sounding Jabra Elite 8 Active.
- Rigorous IP rating and terrific fit
- Very good sound and call quality
- Great ANC and transparency modes
The Jabra Elite 8 Active are the type of rain-or-shine earbuds we should all have a pair of. An IP68 rating means exceptional dirt and dust protection, and a nearly weatherproof design. Even the charging case carries a strong IP57 rating. The Elite 8 Active buds fit nice and snug too, so even the most heavy-duty workouts shouldn’t jostle them out.
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: Ready for life’s adventures
Waterproof, shockproof, and ready for anything
Jabra always means business when it comes to noise cancelling, and the Elite 8 Active deliver incredible performance across both ANC and transparency modes. With ANC enabled, you’ll get up to eight listening hours per bud, and the wireless charging case stores up to 24 additional hours.
Jaybird Vista 2
Rugged design
Built like a tank to military-grade specifications
The Jaybird Vista 2 stand out among sports-centric headphones primarily for their exceptionally rugged build quality. While the sound quality is not necessarily the best, in fact even a little tinny, they are ready to rock in the most demanding conditions. Boasting an IP68 rating to protect against water and dust and MIL-STD-810G freeze, shock, and impact resistance. The lightweight earbud-style design utilizes wing tips to stabilize fit for activities like running.
- Waterproof with MIL-STD-810G freeze, shock, and impact resistance
- Secure fit for most runners
- Excellent app features
- Unremarkable sound quality
- ANC is so-so
- Occasional connection snags
The Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds are the option for you if you want decent sound in a rugged design. They sport an IP68 rating, which is one of the highest on this list for dust and water protection, and a MIL-STD 810G rating. The Vista 2 earbuds’ in-ear tips are well-secured by flexible hooks that fit snuggly in the ears. Among the three sets of included tips, the in-ear component is the same size for all, while the stabilizer hooks are variable. As a result of this unusual design, some users may not have luck finding a sealed fit.
Jaybird Vista 2 review: A fit for fitness, not tunes
Pure athletic performance for the right ears
While the sound is decent, it can be a little tinny, even after making adjustments in the included app. Passive isolation is excellent, thanks to the buds’ physical design, but ANC is mediocre. Connecting to Bluetooth isn’t a problem, but the earbuds sometimes spontaneously disconnect when playback is paused. Battery life is fine, with 8 hours of playtime and a 24-hour reserve in the case. All-in-all, they’re a good option if durability is your foremost consideration, and you can overlook a few foibles.
Amazfit PowerBuds Pro
Best heart-rate tracking
Earbuds with health and fitness in mind
$130 $150 Save $20
The Amazfit Powerbuds Pro are great for casual listening and when it’s time for fitness. The buds can track heart rate and even have cervical spine posture reminders. As far as sound goes, they boast ANC when it’s time to tune the world out and ambient sound mode for when awareness of the surrounding area is necessary.
- Built-in heart monitor
- 9-hour battery life
It is not common to see robust headphones with built-in heart rate monitors or even health reminders like the Amazfit Powerbuds Pro, and their health-forward design is that’s what makes them special. But that’s only part of their appeal; the buds’ sound quality is a force to be reckoned with, their LCP liquid crystal diaphragm and dome shape allow for deep bass and a clear treble setting for astounding sound quality. The buds also have ANC as well as Awareness Mode that permits ambient sounds if needed, which is especially helpful when taking a jog around the block.
Aside from Awareness Mode, the Powerbuds offer a multitude of music modes to adjust the EQ depending on the music type.
While the quality of the sound and calls is impressive, the true standout is the robust built-in health features. These earbuds have a heart rate tracker for tracking exercises and can even have posture reminders set to support spine health. Health really is a priority with Amazfit as the Powerbuds even have integrated Smart Hearing Protection to analyze volume and make suggestions on listening durations.
With an IP55 rating, the Powerbeats Pro are fairly sturdy and water-resistant, but they are not waterproof by any means, which can be a bit of a drawback. Battery life is also lackluster; the case itself can last up to 30 hours with the ANC off, but the earbuds only last 9 hours. This is a rather low battery life and doesn’t factor in if ANC is being used, so these earbuds may not be the best for all-day use but should hold up through a workout session.
Selecting the best headphones or earbuds for running
With all the brands and features that exist, selecting the right pair of headphones for running can be tedious. Earbuds, over-ear, and bone-conduction models all have the potential to produce great sound, but when it’s time to work out, sound isn’t the only consideration.
Comfort, waterproofing, and design are just as important. Ill-fitting earbuds or over-ear headphones will need disruptive adjustments, and models with inadequate IP ratings can sustain damage from sweat or rain, both of which can be encountered on a run. Anything with a waterproof rating of IP66 should withstand rain and spraying water, but anything lower risks damage.
Battery life should also be prioritized; headphones and earbuds must be able to maintain power during a workout. This spec drastically varies across all models, including the products on this list. While each pick should last long enough for a workout, if they are intended to pull double duty during downtime, a pair with lasting battery life will be necessary.
It should also be noted that some earbuds with cases will state the battery life of the case, which can be for days, while the earbuds themselves may last 6 to 9 hours on a single charge.
Don’t forget to add running environments into the equation. ANC is nice while indoors, but such finite sound filtration should be adjusted when outdoors or in public for safety. Features like Awareness Mode or ambient sound pass-through will accommodate this need.
The best headphones or earbuds for your next run
Headphones and earbuds that are designed for running need to satisfy some strict requirements if they’re going to hang out in our pockets, backpacks, and pocketbooks. This is why we’re confident in calling the Beats Powerbeats Pro our preferred headset choice for an afternoon dash. They sound excellent, fit really well, and are equipped with easy-to-access playback and call buttons.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro brings brilliant performance and some of the most powerful ANC we’ve ever seen from earbuds to the table. As our premium pick, they’re a little more expensive than the other items on our list, but you’re going to love how awesome they sound and how great they feel to wear.
Saving money is just as important though, which is why we’ve chosen the JLab Go Air Sport as our value pick. For less than $40, these earbuds boast chart-topping battery life and ear-hook stabilizers for a secure fit. There’s no ANC or other fancy features to speak of, but that doesn’t stop us from recommending them!
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best overall
$200 $250 Save $50
The Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds are a standout option if you’re looking for secure-fitting, great-sounding earbuds. Along with a battery life of up to 9 hours without a charging case, these earbuds prioritize comfort with flexible ear clip design and ear tips. IPX4 certification also means that the Powerbeats Pro should stand up to sweaty situations.
