Best Running Headphones
The best running headphones you can buy right now · 1. Shokz OpenRun Pro · 2. Jlab Go Air Sport · 3. Beats PowerBeats Pro · 4. Jaybird X4 Earbuds
The best running headphones boast a secure fit and a good level of sweat-proofing along with stellar audio quality and intuitive controls. Whatever your budget or personal style is (or whether you need active noise cancellation or not), we've got the perfect pair of headphones for you.
Buyers Guide For Buying Running Headphones
When walking, running, jogging, or sprinting, a pair of comfortable headphones that stay in place, no matter what is an absolute must as you don't want to constantly have to readjust them or lose an earbud, taking focus away from your run. We check that these headphones have enough water resistance to handle your sweat, especially during a run on a hot summer's day. But, having intuitive and easy-to-use touch controls is vital too; as is great audio quality that's a little bass-heavy so motivates you to keep going.
Since there are so many excellent options available, we're helping you narrow down your choices. We’ve then applied our expertise and put together this list so you can simply pick and choose the one that serves you best now and in the long run.
You’ll also find all sorts of headphone form factors since one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to audio solutions. From over-ear headphones to truly wireless earbuds and bone-conduction headphones, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also linked to our in-depth reviews so that you can dig a little deeper into the models that interest you most.
Top Picks
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Specifications
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Why We Love It
It delivers breathtaking audio quality that elevates every listening experience. The Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity sound, while computational audio integrates custom acoustic design with the powerful Apple H1 chip and advanced software.
This combination results in a breakthrough listening experience that immerses you in your favorite music, movies, and shows. Active Noise Cancellation effectively blocks out external noise, allowing you to focus solely on what’s playing, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
The Apple AirPods Max also stands out for their personalized spatial audio capabilities, adapting to your unique ear shape and delivering sound all around you with dynamic head tracking. This makes for an immersive experience, especially with select Dolby Atmos content. Designed for comfort and acoustic excellence, the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide an exceptional fit that seals in sound perfectly.
The seamless integration with Apple devices through features like automatic switching and effortless pairing enhances the user experience, making it magical and intuitive. Plus, with up to 20 hours of battery life, these headphones ensure you can enjoy extended periods of high-quality audio without interruption.
What You Should Know
Before you buy the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, there are a few key features to consider. These headphones offer breathtaking audio quality with Apple-designed dynamic drivers providing high-fidelity sound. The combination of custom acoustic design, the Apple H1 chip, and advanced software delivers a breakthrough listening experience.
With Active Noise Cancellation, you can fully immerse yourself in your music without outside distractions, while Transparency mode allows you to hear and interact with your surroundings when needed. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive experience tailored to your ear shape, and select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos enhance this further.
The acoustic-first design features a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional fit that seals in sound. Pairing is seamless and intuitive, and with Automatic Switching, you can easily move between your Apple devices. With up to 20 hours of battery life, the AirPods Max provides long-lasting performance for listening, watching movies, or talking with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled.
Shokz OpenRun Pro
Specifications
- Battery life: 10 Hours
- Bluetooth range: 10 meters
- Compatible With: iOS and Android
- Item Weight: 1.02 Ounces
- Dimensions: 6.61 x 5.35 x 2.72 inches
- Battery Life: 10 Hours of Music & Calls + Quick Charge
Why We Love It
Looking for a pair of earbuds that will completely transform your listening experience? Look no further than the Shokz OpenRun Pro. These earbuds are designed to deliver deep bass and crystal-clear sound. In terms of hardware, these are extremely comfortable on and most importantly, when running.
Shokz (formerly known as AfterShokz) is the biggest name in bone conduction headphones, and the OpenRun Pro is its best set to date. Released in early 2021, they feature new bass transducers, which deliver rich, rounded sound. You no longer have to choose either an open-ear design or high-quality audio; the OpenRun Pro gives you both.
What You Should Know
The overall design is very similar to the original OpenRun (originally called the Aeropex), with a light, springy titanium band that holds the headphones' earpieces securely yet gently in place. They remain firmly in position in all conditions and never pinch or rub. There are a couple of small differences, though; Shokz has moved the charging port so it's now easier to access, and the volume buttons are now slightly larger, making them easier to press while you're wearing them.
The extra bass sometimes results in a slightly tickling sensation if you're enjoying some particularly heavy tunes, but in our tests, it was never enough to become annoying. These are the best bone-conduction headphones around, and for us, the best running headphones as well.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- 5-minute quick charge for up to 1.5 hours of battery life.
- Best Bone Conducting Headphones
- Great for hiking, biking, and walking, and very best for conference calls
- The best earbuds for working out with improved battery life was one of its major improvements from the previous generation
- These headphones aren't cheap but Shokz includes a 2-year warranty here which most of us runners will surely test
Jlab Go Air Sport
Specifications
- Battery life: 8+ Hours
- Bluetooth range: 30+ ft
- Compatible With: iOS and Android
- Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.07 x 1.46 inches
- Weight: 3.17 Ounces
- Battery Life: 8+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 24+ extra hours from the charging case (32+ hours total)
Why We Love It
Introducing the Jlab Go Air Sport, our best in-ear Bluetooth earbuds yet! These earbuds feature effective ANC, excellent call quality, rich sound, strong connectivity, and waterproof protection. Plus, with the Sound+ app, you can customize your audio experience to perfectly suit your needs.
It's very rare to see a pair of earbuds with a great price and tick all the right boxes. And yet, the Jlab Go Air Sport beat the odds, proving once and for all that you can get more for less. This isn't the first time Jlab has released affordable headphones that punch above their weight, but this time around, it might have just mastered the art.
What You Should Know
Our time with the Jlab Go Air Sport has been full of wonderful surprises. We found it to be much more comfortable to wear than the pricier Beats Fit Pro, our previous favorite. We also found its sound quality, while not audiophile-level, to boast frequencies that are all well-represented, particularly the bass, which is banging yet not overwhelming. And, we found its controls – particularly the volume control that Apple only just now started implementing on the AirPods Pro 2 – a pleasure to use.
Of course, being a cheap option, some premium features aren't present. There's no active noise cancellation, for example. But, considering everything else you're getting, you won't even miss that. Budget-minded runners will find these the best running headphones for them.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Great quality noise cancellation earbuds that sound great for working out
- Great product but the battery is not good
- Secure ear-hook design for a stable fit
- 3 EQ sound settings so you can customize your audio experience
- Comes with adjustable Gel Tips
Beats PowerBeats Pro
Specifications
- Battery life: 9 Hours Listening Time (24 hours with charging case)
- Weight: 0.64 ounces
- Bluetooth range: 33 ft (10m)
- Compatible With: iOS and Android
- Sweat & Water Resistant
- Dimensions: 10 x 7.87 x 11.02 inches
Why We Love It
Introducing the Beats PowerBeats Pro – the workout-friendly version of our popular QuietComfort Earbuds. These earbuds are lighter and smaller, with a more comfortable design that's perfect for active use. They're also IPX4 water-resistant, so you can sweat it out without worry. And they come with a variety of ear tips to accommodate different ear shapes.
The latest true wireless earbuds from Beats, the PowerBeats Pro, are supremely comfortable, sound decent, and (at least during our testing) never, ever fall out. And, it will keep you entertained for even the longest training runs thanks to its nine-hour battery life.
Listen with a friend feature for audio sharing on your iOS or Android device with two sets of Beats headphones or AirPods. The power button will let you play or pause the audio.
What You Should Know
These running earbuds stay in place, thanks to their close-fitting ear hooks. Of course, their IPX4 sweatproof rating, as well as nifty additions like the pressure-reducing micro-laser barometric venting hole, long battery life, and superior sound quality, make them a compelling contender.
Where we found the Beats PowerBeats Pro to perform their best is in near-quiet environments, like your office, your home, or your gym. Because you can use hands-free Siri, they’re great for setting timers in between sets and placing calls to friends and clients. Take them outside for a run and these Beats headphones still do the trick thanks to their energetic sound.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Improved battery life compared to the previous models
- Solid Product with amazing sound quality
- Autoplay and pause features for hands-free with Siri voice-activated assistance
Jaybird X4 Earbuds
Specifications
- Battery life: 8 Hours
- Bluetooth range: 33 ft (10m)
- Compatible With: iOS and Android
- Sweat & Water Resistant
- Dimension: 19.75 x 0.51 x 1.03 inches
- Weight: 1.12 ounces
Why We Love It
Looking for a top-notch audio experience to help power your workouts? Well, look no further than the Jaybird X4 Earbuds! These amazing earbuds feature our dynamic TrueResponse Transducer for exceptional clarity and thrilling bass – perfect for helping you stay motivated and focused during your workout.
Now committed to a yearly refresh of the popular mid-range model, the Jaybird X4 manages to outdo both the previous Jaybird X2 and Jaybird X3 wireless Bluetooth earphones, with an upgraded IPX7 water-resistance rating. Whether you're sweating buckets or running doggedly through the rain, the X4 will be able to cope.
What You Should Know
Jaybird X4 Earbuds running headphones also sounded surprisingly good during our tests, comparable to many higher-priced earbuds. Jaybird's excellent app provides easy EQ customization as well as the ability to make your sound profile, with various ear tip sizes to boot. A great all-around choice for runners who don't want to skimp on sound – or be wary of the weather.
Alternatively, if you're after an even more premium experience, the Jaybird Tarah Pro earbuds offer higher-quality audio and materials for a somewhat higher $159 £139 / AU$229 price tag. Although we're still big fans of the Jaybird X4 headphones, take a look at the Jaybird Vista true headphones further down the list – they're our top pick if you're in the market for a pair of truly wireless earbuds.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Great quality noise cancellation earbuds that sound great for working out
- Improved battery life compared to the previous models
- The best earbuds for working out with improved battery life was one of its major improvements from the previous generation
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Specifications
- Weight: 0.19 ounce (5.3 g)
- MagSafe Charging Case: 1.79 Ounces (50.8 g)
- Dimensions: each 0.94" x 0.86" x 1.22" (24.0 x 21.8 x 30.9 mm)
- MagSafe Charging Case: 1.78" x 0.85" x 2.39" (45.2 x 21.7 x 60.6 mm)
- Battery life (listening time): 6 hours | 30 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth range: Not specified
- ANC: Yes
- Water resistance: IPX4- rated
Why We Love It
Looking for a pair of earbuds that will completely transform your listening experience? Look no further than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)!
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is a big upgrade from the original AirPods. The biggest difference is that the silicon tips gently conform to the ear canal rather than force it to open wider for the hard plastic casing. In practice, that means you can wear the earbuds a lot longer without having to take them out — allowing for all-day wear without issues.
It is sweat and water-resistant, making them perfect for working out or just wearing in the rain. Plus, the new charging case has a built-in battery that Apple says will give you up to 4 hours of listening time on a single charge. All in all, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is a great upgrade from the original AirPods and well worth the investment.
What You Should Know
These earbuds feature a new custom amp and driver that deliver outstanding lower and higher frequencies, plus Dolby Atmos sound for an immersive listening experience. Plus, with noise cancellation that is double the previous generation, you can enjoy your music without any distractions.
Whether you're traveling on a plane or just trying to focus in a noisy office, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) has got you covered. So don't wait any longer, check the special deal on Amazon today!
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Great quality noise cancellation earbuds that sound great for working out
- Volume controls right on the stem
- Dolby Atmos Spatial audio
- Improved battery life compared to the previous models
- Does not come with a lanyard as part of the packaging
- The best earbuds for working out with improved battery life was one of its major improvements from the previous generation
FAQs
Best Running Headphones
With so many famous brands and so many models available on the market decide which is best for you.
Our comprehensive buyer's guide with frequently asked questions helps you choose the best earbuds that are affordable and fulfill your needs. This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the best ones.
Here are some of the common frequently asked questions about fitness earbuds.
Q: What type of headphones are best for running?
Answer: There isn't a definitive answer to this question since everyone's preferences vary, but generally, in-ear headphones are considered to be the best type of headphones for running. They stay in your ears better than other types of headphones, they don't bounce around as you run, and they allow you to hear your surroundings better.
If you're looking for a good pair of in-ear headphones specifically for running, I would recommend the Jaybird X3 Sport Bluetooth Headphones. They're lightweight and have a secure fit, and they also provide great sound quality.
Q: Is it better to run with earbuds or headphones?
Answer: Most runners will probably find on-ear more comfortable than in-ear — especially for extended use. Another great advantage of on-ear headphones is that they do not block out all sound, but allow you to hear traffic and the outside world as you run.
Q: Can you run a 5k with headphones?
Answer: Yes, you can run a 5k with headphones. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when running with headphones, but as long as you're careful, it shouldn't be a problem.
Some things to keep in mind when running with headphones:
- Make sure the volume is low enough that you can still hear traffic and other noises around you.
- Stay aware of who or what is around you. If there are people or cars around, make sure you can hear them coming.
- Don't wear headphones if you're crossing streets.
- Be conscious of your energy output. Running with headphones will reduce how much sensory information your brain is taking in, so you may need.
Q: Do headphones work for running?
Answer: Fortunately, you can use headphones for running, provided they won't have a good enough clamp to not fall off your head every time you pick up the pace. However, there are some other factors you need to consider regarding the health of both you and your over-ear headphones.
Q: Are over-ear headphones better for running?
Answer: If you care more about getting immersed in sound during your run, choose over-ear headphones (they also tend to slip less than on-ear headphones).
Q: Can you run marathons with headphones?
Answer: Yes, you can run marathons with headphones. It's a great way to keep your mind occupied and distracted from the pain of running for that long.
Just be sure to keep the volume low enough that you can still hear traffic and people around you in case there are any dangers on the course. Also, it's important to be aware of how your music might be affecting your pace. If you find yourself getting really into the music and picking up the pace, you might want to consider taking off the headphones for a bit or switching to a slower song.
Q: Why do elite runners not listen to music?
Answer: Elite runners do not listen to music in races because they need to concentrate on their bodies and hear their competitors, and some die-hard, old-school runners follow suit. Those runners - who prefer the sound of the crowd or their breathing over, say, "Fergalicious" - cheered the headphone ban.
Q: What is a runner's face?
Answer: A runner's face is typically thin-looking. This is the result of running causing the body to break down muscle tissue to provide energy. This breakdown of muscle tissue leads to a loss in facial volume, which is why runners often have a sunken look. Additionally, since runners are generally leaner than the average person, they have less fat padding around their features, which also contributes to their gaunt appearance.
Q: Do beats fall off when working out?
Answer: Beats do not fall off when working out. They might, however, become dislodged if the earpieces are not properly inserted into the ear canals. It's important to ensure that the earpieces are inserted far enough into the ear canals so that they create a tight seal and stay in place during exercise. If they do become dislodged, it's best to replace them with a new pair of earphones.
Q: Why should we not jog with earplugs?
Answer: Earphones can be a breeding ground for bacteria. According to research published in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Science, the use of headphones and earphones can create aural hygiene problems as earwax build-up and bacteria can lead to infections.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re looking for the best headphones for running, the best earbuds for working out, or just a great pair of everyday headphones that will stay put while you exercise, we’ve got you covered. With this comprehensive guide, you can purchase the perfect set of workout headphones with confidence and get moving!