Listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts on a pair of the best headphones for working out can provide extra motivation, make the time go by faster, and help you lose yourself in the moment. Being able to drown out background noise and even take phone calls without stopping to pick up are just a few extra perks.
How can you choose the right pair of headphones?
Headphones is the loose title given to in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear models. In-ear or in-canal versions are known as earbuds or earphones, whereas on-ear and over-ear versions are headphones. And then there are bone conduction or open-ear models that transmit vibrations into your cheekbones instead of your ears. Lastly, audio sunglasses can shield your eyes from UV rays while also providing a convenient way to listen to music.
With so many models to choose from, here’s what you should look for when choosing the best headphones for working out.
Sound quality
Sound quality is the most important factor when choosing the best workout headphones. If the sound is lackluster, you may as well just whistle or hum. According to Corey Lewis, former football player and CEO and founder of 1And1 Life, the sound quality sets the tone for any workout. “Clear, dynamic, and incredibly detailed audio quality is what you’ll want to bring your music or audio to life while you exercise,” he tells us.
His view is shared by Bill Daniels, a personal trainer (CSCS) and owner of Beyond Fitness Online. “Sound quality matters because specific frequencies can actually impact your movement,” he says. “Music will usually have many frequencies, but you still want them to be clear.” Bill also warns against playing your music too loud. “Hearing loss is a real thing, and with hearing loss often comes balance issues.” And, he says, balance issues can negatively impact your exercise in the long run.
Design
Take if from us, the design of workout headphones is also important. “Typically for higher impact workouts like HIIT, running jump rope, etc, snug fitting earbuds are the best options as they allow you the most flexibility of movement,” advises Alison Roessler, strength and conditioning specialist and CEO and founder of Truve. She explains that you don’t have to worry about them falling out as you jump up and down during burpees. But for other types of workouts like walking or weight lifting, Alison believes it’s probably just a personal choice. “Over-ear headphones may be more comfortable for those who have a small ear canal or don’t like things inside their ears,” she says.
Chris Pabon, a virtual personal trainer on FlexIt, tells us that he uses both over-ear and in-ear models. “For traditional strength training, I’ve found over-the-ear is king. When I’m doing something more high intensity in nature (burpees, air bike, even some Olympic movements), the in-ear seem to work better for me.”
However, he says there are caveats to both. For example, when he works out for a long time with an over-ear model, they tend to hurt his ears. “With the in-ear models, they can tend to fall out and even into a machine—I lost my first earbud that way,” Chris says. Fortunately, many in-ear models have rubberized tips to help them stay in place better. “They generally come in packs of three to five, so try them all on and see what fits best.”
Whether the workout headphones go in or on your ears may be the most important decision you make. “You may love the big headphones, and the sound might be great, but if you are mountain biking, you can’t wear those under your helmet,” Bill says. “Conversely, you don’t want little earbuds that fall out every time you move your head.” In fact, he says, nothing is more annoying than uncomfortable headphones when your hands are full of weights. “You don’t want to constantly adjust them. Exercise requires movement, and if that movement is knocking your earbuds out, then they aren’t right for you.”
Noise cancellation
A pair of headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) reduce background noises. If you can’t reduce these sounds, you’re more likely to turn up the volume in your headphones, which is bad for your ears. “To avoid using the highest volume to optimize louder music, a great addition would be a noise cancelling feature to enhance the sound quality,” Corey Lewis explains.
Alison agrees and adds, “Noise canceling headphones are ideal to help you stay in the zone and not get distracted by those around you in the gym.”
Chris believes that noise-cancellation is a great feature, but offers this advice: “If you’re working out and using noise cancelling models, just be aware of your surroundings.” He says he tends not to keep the headphones in full noise-cancellation mode unless he’s working out in a controlled environment by himself.
And there’s a reason why you need to hear ambient noise. “With outdoor workouts such as running or cycling, it can be dangerous to use noise canceling headphones as being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid everything from a bad encounter with an off-leash pet, injury due to a run in with a clueless drivers, or abduction,” Alison says. Some headphones even have an optional setting called transparency which allows the outside noise to be amplified some.
Connectivity
Another important consideration is how your headphones will connect to your music. “When selecting headphones for the gym, a Bluetooth–enabled set is best—you don’t want cords getting caught on equipment or in your way, which could lead to injury,” Alison says.
Ashley Hiben, a fitness coach at Future, believes this decision will probably be made based on your workout regimen. “Wireless allows you to move freely and not have something stuck to the back of your neck, it also can’t get caught on anything,” she explains. “However, it does mean you have to be extra careful to not drop your headphones because it could mean bye forever.” With a cord, she says it’s easy to keep track of your headphones, and you can simply drape the headphones around your neck when you’re not using them.
Battery life
Most headphones last for several hours, but some last two or even three times as long. “Whether you are running a marathon or need a couple of motivational tunes, you’ll want your earphones to have a good battery life as some last up to nine hours,” Corey says. He also likes headphones that can recharge quickly. “I love this feature because I sometimes forget to charge my earphones, and it’s good to know that while I’m tying my shoelaces, my earphones are fast-charging and will soon be ready to go.”
Water resistance
Some headphones have a water resistance rating. “As some workouts can be more intense and rigorous, having sweat and water resistance is a good feature to also look out for,” Corey says. Alison agrees. “You want a set that won’t get ruined after a few super sweaty workouts, or if it starts to rain while you are on a run or walk,” she says.
The International Electrotechnical Commission has developed IP ratings to refer to an item’s level of protection against dust and water. The first number refers to dust protection on a scale of 0 to 6 with 5 being dust-protected and 6 being dust-tight. The second number refers to water protection on a scale of 0 to 9:
0: Means there’s no water protection 1: Protection against water drops falling vertically 2: Protection against water drops falling vertically when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees 3: Protection against spraying water 4: Protection against splashing water 5: Protection against water jets 6: Protection against powerful water jets 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water 9: Protection against high pressure and temperature water jets
And now, we’re ready to delve in the best headphones for working out: In-ear, on-ear, over ear, and bone conduction/audio sunglasses.
In-ear headphones (earbuds/earphones)
Best overall: Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds are our top in-ear choice, and they’re the very best wireless earbuds for intense workouts. Equipped with 6mm drivers and four built-in microphones, it’s easy to hear your favorite tunes and phone calls loud and clear. The earbuds have Active Noise Cancelling, but you can also use the Hear Through mode when you need to be aware of your surroundings. With an IP57 rating, they’re protected against dust, sweat, and water (they can withstand fresh water up to three feet for half an hour). They’re also among the best running headphones. A single charge provides 5.5 hours of listening time/28 hours with charging case, which uses a USB-C port (though they’re also compatible with QI–enabled wireless charging pads).
The fit is superb—secure and comfortable, because the earbuds have a special dry film coating. There are also various sizes of ear gels included. The true wireless earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0, and are compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Since the durable earbuds have physical controls (as opposed to touch-activated buttons), they’re easier to control with sweaty fingers. In addition, the Jabra Sound+ App provides personalized settings and profiles. Our choice for the best workout headphones is available in copper black, mint, navy, sienna, grey, and titanium black.
Best for hard-to-fit ears: Klipsch T5 II
The Klipsch T5 II earbuds are rated IP67 and have a 5mm dynamic driver. One unique feature we particularly like (besides the excellent audio quality) is the rugged dustproof and waterproof charging case, which has a moisture-removal system designed to keep earbuds dry. One charge produces eight hours of play time/32 hours with charging case via the USB-C cable. It’s easy to find the perfect secure fit since the workout earbuds include 6 different sizes of silicon ear tips and three pairs of snug-fit ear wings. The transparency mode lets me hear what’s happening in my environment. Also, four beam forming microphones reduce background noises so only your voice is heard on the other end of a call. The Klipsch Connect App lets you customize EQ (a.k.a. the equalizer used to adjust audio settings) and change other settings. The Klipsch T5 II, which are among the best running headphones, are available in black, green, and white.
Best budget waterproof: Tribit Flybuds 3
The economically-priced Tribit Flybuds 3 have the highest waterproof rating: IPX8. This means you can even jog in the rain, and it makes them one of the best wireless earbuds. They also have five hours of playtime on a single charge/100 hours via the USB-C charging case. In an emergency, the charging case can also be used as a power bank for your phone. The unique ear fins provide a customizable and secure fit, and Bluetooth 5.0 connects easily. The earbuds have 6mm drivers and a built-in microphone. They can use Siri or Google Assistant to issue voice commands.
Best transparent mode splurge: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport
If you’re prepared to spend more on your earbuds, you’ll get your money’s worth with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport. They have an IP57 dust and sweat resistance certification, and they’re waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. You can get seven hours of outstanding sound quality off of one charge/30 hours with charging case via the USB-C charging cable. Bluetooth 5.1 provides a quick connection, and the transparent listening mode lets you hear what’s going on around you. The workout earbuds are designed to provide a comfortable yet secure fit. They include four ear tip sizes, three sizes of silicon ear fins, and a pair of Comply foam tips. The earbuds are available in black, blue, and anthracite.
Best Bluetooth 5.2: Sennheiser CX Plus
The Sennheiser CX Plus earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 for lighting fast connections. They have touch controls for music and phone calls and a smart pause function. They work with Google Assistant and Siri. Also, the Sennheiser Smart Control App lets you adjust settings. Four sizes of adapters are convenient to find the right fit in your ear. The earbuds have an IPX4 rating. They have a 7mm dynamic driver and provide eight hours of battery life/24 hours with the charging case, which uses USB-C. Active noise cancelling allows you to block out background noise and focus on the excellent sound, but there’s also a transparency mode to let external sounds in. The Sennheiser earbuds are available in black and white.
Most iconic: Marshall Mode II
The Marshall Mode II earbuds are the closest you’ll ever get to exercising on the front row at a concert. The 6mm drivers and dual microphones deliver the excellent sound we’ve come to expect from Marshall, and you can choose between ANC and transparent mode. The touch responsive earbuds make it easy to receive and end calls, control playback, and activate native voice assistant. The earbuds have an IPX5 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand running water, while the charging case is IPX4–rated to withstand water splashes. A single charge produces five hours of playtime/25 hours of playback using the charging case. The ergonomic design has four ear-tip sizes included for a customizable and secure fit, and the earbuds use Bluetooth 5.1.
Best ANC splurge: Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport
If you want to splurge on one of the best noise-cancelling headphones, the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport earbuds actually provide the best of both worlds. They have two modes of ANC and also two ambient listening modes. The six microphones reduce wind and provide clearer phone calls. The shatter-resistant sapphire glass earbuds are gasp-inducing, breathtakingly beautiful, and have an IPX5 water resistance rating, while the black Kevlar charging case has an IPX4 rating. The durable earbuds have 11mm Beryllium acoustic drivers and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. There are also five silicone ear tip sizes, two memory foam ear tip sizes, and the M&D Connect App lets you adjust settings and change preferences. One charge results in 12 hours of playtime/42 hours with case. The USB-C charging cable is included as well as a USB-A adapter. The workout earbuds are also compatible with MC100 wireless charging pad (sold separately). The earbuds come in silver, black, blue, and green sapphire glass.
Best customization options: V-Moda Hexamove Pro
The V-Moda Hexamove Pro Wireless Earbuds have a 6mm driver, and they use Bluetooth 5.0 for a quick connection. The battery lasts for six hours/18 additional hours with charging case. But what makes it such a good choice is the many ways that it can be customized. Also included in the box are a neck strap and stabilizer, two ear hooks, two rings, two sport fins, and three sets of Bliss fittings. In addition, the decorative shields can be swapped out when you want to change up your look. The earbuds include silver and bronze shields, but you can also add monograms and designs created by the company’s in-house artists. In addition, the V-Moda Sound EQ Tool provides the ability to customize settings. The earbuds are available in black and white.
Best Bose: Bose Sport
Bose makes a lot of quality in-ear and on-ear products, but these Bose Sport earbuds are the best workout earbuds. They’re rated IPX4, making them one of the best running headphones, since they’re sweat-resistant and resist water splashes. The earbuds have an umbrella tip and flexible wing along with three different sizes of soft silicone tips to ensure they stay put regardless of how much I move. There are simple touch controls to play or pause the superb sound quality when playing music and to answer phone calls, which are clear as a result of the dual microphone array in the right earbud. I can get five hours of battery life/15 with the charging case via the USB-C charging cable. Also, the Bose Music App lets me customize settings. The durable Bose Sport earbuds are available in Triple Black, Baltic Blue, and Glacier White.
Best for Sharing Tunes With Your Workout Buddy: Beats By Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro
The Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds rank among the best running headphones and pair quickly with all iOS devices. They feature adjustable ear hooks and the choice of four ear tip sizes to try keep them securely in my ears. A single charge provides a long battery life: nine hours of playtime/24 with charging case, which includes a USB-A charging cable. The earbuds have an Apple H1 Headphone Chip for super-fast connectivity, and they work well in the Apple universe. The auto play/pause feature detects when the earbuds are in or out of my ear and will resume playing music when they’re in. There’s a combination of physical and touch controls on earbuds for the music and phone functions, and voice assistants with hands-free control. Using Audio Sharing, I have the option of pairing two sets of earbuds to one iPhone to share the same music with a workout buddy. The Beats Powerbeats Pro are available in Lava Red, Black, Cloud Pink, Glacier Blue, Ivory, Moss, Navy, and Spring Yellow.
Best Wired: Campfire Audio Satuma
By far the most unusual entry on the list, Campfire Audio is known for earphones in the $1K range. However, the company’s Satuma earbuds are a much more affordable option—and they’re definitely a conversation starter. The earbuds are orange and have a 3D-printed plastic shell as well as 3D-printed acoustic chambers, finished with a stainless steel spout. As a result, they’re super lightweight, and the earbuds provide professional studio sound while I’m working out. (And that bright orange color means I’m not likely to lose them if I set one down). The 11 sets of ear tips provide various sizes of silicone, foam, and finale Type-E tips. There’s even an earphone cleaning tool to keep them clean, in addition to a canvas case. The cable has beryllium-copper connectors and a 3.55 stereo plug.
Best Budget-Friendly Beats: Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats High Performance
Not as expensive as the Beats Powerbeats Pro, the Beats Powerbeats High Performance earbuds are still a great option. They provide 15 hours of playtime and charge using a lighting to USB-cable. Instead of a charging case, the earbuds are stored in a drawstring pouch. They are also sweat- and water-resistant, have the Apple H1 Chip, and are compatible with iOS, otherwise known as the Apple Universe. The earbuds have a short, round cable that is designed to stay out of the way during workouts and is routed through the ear hooks to keep them securely in place. The convenient tether lets me wear them around my neck when they’re not on. Built-in dual mics and controls let me stop to take calls while blocking out noises. The four ear tip sizes ensure a secure fit, and the Beats App lets me customize settings. The Beats High Performance earbuds are available in Red, White, and Black.
Best Voice-Detect Feature: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung makes several Galaxy Buds (including Buds 2, Buds Live, and Buds+), but these are among the best sports headphones. I love the glossy look of these workout earbuds, which are IPX7 water-resistant—even when immersed 3 feet for 30 minutes. There are four ambient sound levels, and it switches from ANC to ambient model when you are speaking. The dual mic array provides clear audio (as you would expect from Samsung!). The earbuds have an eight-hour battery life, and the charging case connects via a USB-C cable for 20 additional hours. I was able to choose from three ear tip sizes to ensure the right fit. The touch music control lets me tap the earbuds to play and skip music, and also answer calls. I haven’t needed to use this feature, but the SmartThings app can also help you find a lost earpiece in the room. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro use Bluetooth 5.0, and they’re available in four high-gloss colors: Phantom Black, White, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet.
Best Neckband: V-MODA Forza Metallo
The V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless in-ear headphones have an ultra-reinforced diamondback neckband cable that is ergonomic and durable—the Nano coating makes it both sweat- and weather-resistant. In addition to the impressive neck back, the earbuds also have 5.8mm micro-drivers to provide vibrant sounds when I’m exercising, and the noise-cancelling microphones contribute to clear phone calls. (The neckband vibrates when there’s an incoming call.) There are three sizes of Active Flex sport fins, eight pairs of Bliss fittings, and a pair of ear hooks to keep the earbuds secure. Also, the battery lasts up to 10 hours. The earbuds are available in white or black and include an Italian vegan-leather drawstring carrying pouch.
Best Battery Life on a Budget: JLab Epic Air Sport
The JLab Epic Air Sport earbuds have a sweatproof rating of IP66, ranking them among the best running headphones. These ANC true wireless earbuds also have a pretty long battery life and can provide 15 hours of playtime and a whopping 70 hours with the charging case. They can be charged with the USB-A charging cable or a wireless pad (not included). Three listening modes include Active Noise Cancellation, ANC Off, and Be Aware, which is the pass-through mode. The earbuds, which feature touch controls, have an ergonomic design that includes an ear hook to keep them in place. In addition, the six microphones help reduce noise and let me hear what’s important when listening to music or on calls. In addition to three sets of gel tips, there are also two extra-long tips, and one pair of Cloud Foam ear tips. Using the JLAB Air ANC App, I can also customize my settings.
Best EQ Modes: Soundcore Anker Liberty 3 Pro
One thing that immediately stood out with the Soundcore Anker Liberty 3 Pro true wireless earbuds is the ability to choose the best sound settings based on the type of music I was listening to. For example, when listening to Classical music, I could simply choose that genre’s preset. When listening to dance music, there’s a preset for that as well. In fact, there are 22 different presets, and I can also create my own EQ profile. The earbuds, which have dual 10.6 drivers, also have a HearID ANC feature designed to analyze my ears and in-ear pressure level to create even more customization. The earbuds have six microphones for clear calls when exercising and have an IPX4 waterproof rating. The batteries last for 8 hours/32 hours with the charging case via the USB-C cable. Color choices include Midnight Black, Dusk Purple, Fog Gray, and Frost White.
Bone Conduction Headphones.
Best Bone Conduction: AfterShokz Aeropex
Bone-conduction headphones have an open-ear design. They sit on your temples instead of in or on your ear. This makes them a popular choice when exercising since they don’t interfere with the ability to hear your surroundings. I thought it would take a moment to get used to the Aftershokz Aeropex earbuds, but they’re very comfortable. They have an IP67 waterproof rating (they’re completely sweat and waterproof, but not recommended for swimming). However, they’re among the best running headphones. The AfterShokz are powered by Bluetooth 5.0, have an 8 hour battery life, and magnetic charging cables. Also, I can use the multifunction button on the earbuds to control music and answer the phone. There’s not a charging case, but the earbuds do have a silicone carrying case. The Aftershokz Aeropex workout earbuds are available in Cosmic Black, Blue Eclipse, Solar Red, and Lunar Grey.
Best for Swimming: Naenka Bone Conduction
The Naenka Bone Conduction open ear headphones have an IPX8 rating, which means they’re not only impervious to dust, sweat, and moisture, but you can also swim, snorkel, and surf in them (although I didn’t personally try any of those activities). When swimming, the company recommends switching to MP3 Player mode—because, yes, that’s an option (in addition to Bluetooth), and includes 8 GB of memory to store your favorite songs. Also, be sure to wait until the magnetic charging port is dry before trying to recharge. I can verify that the Naenka works well on dry land, providing eight hours of playtime, and they charge magnetically. The bone-conduction headphones have a noise-cancelling microphone and a multifunction button that lets me answer calls, control music, or activate the voice assistant.
Best Bone Conduction to Wear at Night: Mojawa Bone Conduction
I chose the Mojawa headphones for their additional safety features. The on-ear headphones are an ideal choice for those who run at night. They include a reflective strip in the back (and an extra strip as well), which serves to illuminate the lights from cars that behind you, helping them to see (and hopefully avoid) you. The headphones have an IP67 water- and sweat-resistant rating and an eight-hour battery life. They use Bluetooth 5.0, and there are buttons on the top and sides to control music and phone calls.
On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones
Best Over-Ear Splurge and Best Battery Life (Tie): Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
If you really want to work out in style, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX are wireless headphones that provide a luxuriously comfortable experience. After trying them, I think they’re among the best wireless headphones and the best workout headphones because they are lightweight and have 40-millimeter drivers, leather memory foam ear cushions, and an ergonomic headband with a center-relief comfort zone. They can be used either wireless via Bluetooth 5.1 or wired with the 3.5-millimeter mini jack. The battery lasts up to 35 hours on a single charge and is charged with the USB-A to USBC cable. The sport headphones use adaptive active noise-cancellation technology to automatically select the best noise-cancellation algorithm. There are six microphones (two for voice and four for ANC), and the headphones use a combination of button and touch interfaces. Audio settings can be customized via the Bang & Olufsen App. The headphones are available in Black Anthracite, Sand, and Timber.
Best Lightweight Headphones And Best Battery Life (Tie): Marshall Major IV
When I’m walking on my treadmill, I’m usually wearing the Marshall Major IV headphones, because they’re so lightweight (5.82 ounces) that I don’t even feel them on my ears and provide a superb sound quality that makes working out much more bearable. I also love that they have such a long battery life: I can charge them once via the USB-C charging cable (although they can charge wirelessly as well) and forget about charging for a while, since one charge lasts over 80 hours. The on-ear headphones have 40-millimeter drivers, and although they’re wireless headphones, there’s an option to connect them to the music player in my armband via the generous 3.5-millimeter audio cord. The collapsible and durable sport headphones also have a multidirectional control knob for controlling music and phone calls. Color choices are Black and Brown.
Best for Easy Transport: Sennheiser PXC 550-II
The over-ear Sennheiser PXC 550-II workout headphones are easy to transport, since they’re collapsible and have a convenient carry case. But that’s not the only convenience they provide. They’re one of the best workout headphones for other reasons as well: The touch pad controls make it easy for me to increase the volume or skip tracks, and can also be used to take phone calls. Speaking of phone calls, the triple mic array means calls are crystal clear. The headphones have active noise cancelling, so I can focus on the outstanding sound quality that Sennheiser is known for, but if I remove an ear cup, the music automatically pauses. The 30-hour battery life is yet another convenience, and the over-ear headphones charge via a USB-A to Micro-USB charging cable, and use Bluetooth 5.0.
Best Volume-Limiting Headphones: Puro Sound Labs PuroPro Hybrid
When I’m exercising, touch controls on sport headphones make it easy to get carried away with the volume, which is bad for the ears. However, the PuroPro Hybrid headphones limit the volume to no more than 95dB, which is considered a safe level by most experts. Active noise cancellation also helps to limit the amount of sounds I hear, although there’s an option to switch to a lower level when I need to hear some outside sounds. The workout headphones will last for 32 hours on a single charge, and connect via Bluetooth 5.0. They also include a 3.5-millimeter audio cable and a convenient carrying case. Available in Black, Rose Gold, and Orange.
