The best headphones for running in 2025

[ad_1] Whether or not you’re already an avid runner or hope to be one as you begin a brand new coaching routine, you’ll get extra out of your train routine in case you have some good music to accompany you. Moving into the zone throughout a future together with your most popular music, be it rap, traditional rock or right this moment’s pop hits, can completely change your expertise for the higher. To try this, you need to begin with an excellent pair of operating headphones.

However not all wi-fi exercise headphones are created equally, and runners want to contemplate particular components earlier than investing in a pair like how lengthy your runs are, what sort of music or different audio you favor listening to and the way a lot you wish to block out the world throughout a session. I’ve examined out greater than a dozen pairs to search out that are one of the best headphones for operating for all budgets and all types of runners.

Desk of contents Greatest headphones for operating in 2025 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/eHxE0.MsgDyom4LXaYtJ_g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-10/23408450-ab66-11f0-b9fd-431eba1054c7" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Beats

Learn our full Beats Powerbeats Match evaluate

With a couple of key tweaks, Beats make a extra polished model of the Match Professional earbuds within the Powerbeats Match. The corporate did not reinvent the wheel right here, however this is among the uncommon cases the place that was for one of the best. The brand new buds have 20 p.c extra versatile wingtips and the charging case is 17 p.c extra compact than that of the Beats Match Professional. Each of these changes make for a extra comfy, extra moveable pair of buds. When you choose from the 4 eartips included within the field, you may just about pop the Powerbeats Slot in your ears and get going — no fixed readjustments wanted. And, blessedly, the charging case extra simply slips right into a again pocket now (it was a little bit of a chonkster earlier than).

Sound high quality and energetic noise cancellation (ANC) are simply nearly as good as they had been on the Beats Match Professional. You will get that signature, bass-heavy sound you count on from a pair of Beats earbuds, and ANC that is sturdy sufficient to dam out most ambient noise. Transparency mode stays a spotlight right here, and can be particularly helpful should you use these buds all day lengthy and wish to leap out and in of conversations whereas sporting them. Whereas an IPX4-rated design is not probably the most sturdy, it is lots to face up to sweaty exercises and even an unintended splash in water. Battery life is simply common, however the charging case offers as much as a complete of 30 hours of use earlier than you may must recharge. That is lots if these buds are solely your exercise companions, and greater than sufficient to get you thru a few days of fixed use.

Professionals Improved design with extra versatile wingtipsSmaller charging case Cons IPX4 sturdiness could possibly be betterSix-hour battery with ANC could possibly be improved $200 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/_d4IVJUEAKu94r9YLC9bTQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-03/32cd80b0-e161-11ee-bfcf-55e77823e5dc" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Picture by Valentina Palladino / Engadget

If in case you have lower than $50 to spend, you may’t go flawed with the $30 JLab Go Air Sport. I didn’t have excessive expectations going into testing these, however I used to be rapidly impressed by their match and sound high quality. A lot of units billed as workout-friendly headphones have this hook that wraps across the prime of your ear, and on the Go Air Sport it does assist maintain issues securely connected to your head. The hooks on these buds specifically are fairly versatile and have a soft-touch end, which makes them extra comfortable (I attempted a couple of equally designed buds with a lot stiffer hooks that had been a ache in additional methods than one.) Admittedly, a hook design will take some getting used to should you’re new to it, but it surely’s a surefire approach to get somewhat further stability throughout intense exercises.

Sound high quality is fairly good on these buds as nicely, though not practically as balanced because the Jabra Elite 8 Lively or the Beats Match Professional. I additionally respect that you would be able to cycle by way of three totally different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Increase — utilizing the onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a pleasant change of tempo for me after principally testing buds with some type of software program controls.

You may count on eight hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport, plus one other 24 hours of battery life with its charging case. Whereas the USB-A cable constructed into the underside of the case is useful, actually must be a USB-C connector as an alternative. The case can be on the cumbersome facet; you may nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, but it surely’s not as svelte as circumstances you’ll see with costlier buds.

Professionals AffordableImpressive sound high quality for the priceIP55-rated designGood battery life Cons Constructed-in USB-A charging cable is a bit outdatedLarge caseHook design gained’t be for everybody $30 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/FGxtbAHGib2JESiAaYfyPg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-03/d4092270-0354-11f0-bfdf-828420cc2287" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> SHOKZ

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the most recent iteration of those open-ear headphones, with our earlier prime choose right here being the unique OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this permit for extra situational consciousness, with the aim being to let noise in reasonably than block it out. In my expertise, the OpenFits do an amazing job of this with out skimping on sound high quality or consolation.

The buds themselves virtually float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is versatile sufficient to securely wrap across the prime of your ear with out placing an excessive amount of strain on it. There’s a bud-like portion on the different finish of the hook that acts as counterbalance, leading to a dependable match that by no means faltered throughout all types of actions together with operating, power coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workouts contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; perhaps don’t put on the OpenFit to take heed to head-banging demise steel (should you can’t management your self).

Sound high quality is stable contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as nicely. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch expertise, which makes use of reverse sound waves to optimize the space and angle to your ear canal. The corporate claims this helps cut back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had one of the best sound high quality and general quantity out of the entire open-ear units I attempted, however should you crank the amount as much as the max (or shut), the particular person subsequent to you'll undoubtedly hear what you’re listening to.

As I alluded to beforehand, these aren’t for anybody who needs to dam the world out throughout train (or in any other case). However the OpenFit could be the most suitable choice for many who reside in cities or anybody who continuously runs exterior amongst site visitors, pedestrians and different hazards. There’s no query that you just’ll hear what’s happening round you and that may be essential to retaining your self protected on these streets.

Professionals Snug open-ear designDesign permits for extra situational awarenessGood sound high quality and quantity Cons No ANCNot as safe when in comparison with in-ear or hook-toting buds $180 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/loAxjEs4wEtHyYSFU9A8QA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-03/84dc6d60-0354-11f0-bffd-30608a2205fc" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> H2O Audio

Some choose to put on over-ear headphones all day, each day, and if that sounds such as you, there’s an excellent likelihood you already use your daily-driver headphones on the health club. However should you’re noticing elevated wear-and-tear on these cans as a consequence of sweat or prolonged intervals of use, you could wish to contemplate a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for figuring out.

In that case, contemplate the H2O Audio Ript Extremely. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a particular IP ranking (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “100% sweatproof” thanks partially to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training classes with out challenge, and the earcups are fairly straightforward to take away once you wish to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you may swap them in when the originals finally surrender the ghost.

Sound high quality is first rate, but it surely must be higher on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Extremely has customized 45mm drivers and energetic noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our prime choose, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll possible get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the similar value vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. In the end, if you'd like a pair of headphones for the health club that may deal with sweat and (probably) last more than different cans in the identical value vary, the Ript Extremely is an efficient selection.

Professionals SweatproofRemoveable, washable earcupsSecond pair of earcups included within the boxComfortable match Cons ExpensiveSound high quality could possibly be higher $250 at Amazon Others headphones for operating we examined Apple AirPods Professional 3 In the case of operating and figuring out, the sting that the AirPods Professional 3 have over the Professional 2, and even the highest picks on our listing, is built-in coronary heart fee monitoring. Which means you may exit with simply your Professional 3 earbuds and your iPhone and nonetheless get coronary heart fee data on your complete coaching session. However in any other case, the Professional 3 buds are simply as succesful because the Professional 2 in terms of train. Some might choose the soft-touch end on our prime picks to the AirPods' slick texture.

Beats Powerbeats Professional 2 The Powerbeats Professional 2 are an excellent different to the Beats Match Professional should you’re a stickler for a hook design. Nonetheless, they price $50 greater than the Powerbeats Match, and the primary added benefit right here is built-in coronary heart fee sensors.

Anker Soundcore AeroFit Professional The Soundcore AeroFit Professional is Anker’s model of the Shokz OpenFit, however I discovered the match to be much less safe and never as comfy. The precise earbuds on the AeroFit Professional are noticeably bulkier than these on the OpenFit and that prompted them to shift and transfer rather more throughout train. They by no means fell off of my ears utterly, however I spent extra time adjusting them than I did having fun with them.

JBL Endurance Peak 3 Probably the most noteworthy factor in regards to the Endurance Peak 3 is that they've the identical IP68 ranking because the Jabra Elite 8 Lively, besides they solely price $100. However, whilst you get the identical safety right here, you’ll need to sacrifice in different areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it got here to sound high quality or consolation (its hook is extra inflexible than these on my favourite equally designed buds) and their charging case is huge in comparison with most rivals.

What to search for in operating headphones Design Earlier than diving in, it’s value mentioning that this information focuses on wi-fi earbuds. Whilst you might put on over-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones throughout a run, a lot of the finest headphones obtainable now would not have the identical stage of sturdiness. Water and dirt resistance, notably the previous, is necessary for any audio gear you intend on sweating with or taking outdoor, and that’s extra prevalent within the wi-fi earbuds world.

Most earbuds have considered one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The primary two are the most well-liked. In-ears are arguably the commonest, whereas these with hooks promise higher safety and match since they've an appendage that curls across the prime of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, however reasonably sit simply exterior of it. This makes it simpler to listen to the world round you whereas additionally listening to audio, and could possibly be extra comfy for many who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.

Water resistance and dirt safety Water resistance and dirt safety are essential for one of the best operating headphones to have because you’ll possible be sweating whereas sporting them. Additionally, in case you have the unlucky luck of getting caught within the rain throughout a run, at the least your gear will survive. Right here’s a fast rundown of ingress safety (IP) rankings, which you’ll see connected to many earbuds in the marketplace right this moment. The primary digit after the abbreviation charges mud safety on a scale from one to 6 — the upper, the higher. The second digit refers to water- resistance, or waterproofing in some circumstances, ranked on a scale from one to 9. A letter “X” in both place means the machine isn’t rated for the corresponding materials.

Try this information for an much more detailed breakdown. The entire earbuds we examined for this information have at the least an IPX4 ranking (most have much more safety), which implies they'll stand up to sweat and splashes however would not have mud safety.

Lively noise cancellation and transparency mode Lively noise cancellation (ANC) is turning into an ordinary function on wi-fi earbuds, at the least in these above a sure value. When you’re searching for a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and proceed to serve you once you’re off the path, ANC is sweet to have. It provides versatility by permitting you to dam out the hum of your property or workplace so you may focus, or provide you with some solitude throughout a busy commute on public transit.

However an earbud’s potential to dam out the world goes hand in hand with its potential to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many earbuds with ANC help some type of “transparency mode” or varied ranges of noise discount. That is necessary for operating headphones since you don’t wish to be completely oblivious to what’s happening round you once you’re exercising exterior alongside busy streets. Reducing noise cancelation ranges to extend your consciousness will assist with that.

Battery life The entire earbuds we examined have a battery lifetime of six to eight hours. On the whole, that’s what you may count on from this house, with a couple of outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum must be ok for many runners, but it surely’ll be useful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you should you assume you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.

Talking of, you’ll get a mean of 20-28 further hours of battery out of most charging circumstances and the entire earbuds we examined had holders that offered at the least an additional 15 hours. This may dictate how typically you really need to cost the machine — as in bodily join the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wi-fi charger to energy up.

How we take a look at headphones for operating When testing to find out one of the best operating headphones, I put on every contender throughout as many runs as doable. I sometimes run three to 5 days every week, finishing at the least a 5K (3.01 miles) every time. I’m searching for consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing together with your earbuds once you’re on the tread or path (as a observe, I primarily run exterior). I’m additionally being attentive to match over time, notably if the earbuds get slippery or unfastened whereas I sweat, or if they have an inclination to come out or really feel much less steady in my ears as I choose up velocity or make fast actions.

I additionally use the earbuds when not operating to take calls and take heed to music, podcasts and the like all through the day. Many individuals will need only one pair of earbuds that they'll use whereas exercising and simply doing on a regular basis issues, so I consider every pair on their potential to be comfy and supply an excellent listening expertise in a number of totally different actions.

Whereas I'm additionally listening for audio high quality, I’m admittedly not an skilled on this house. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and also you’ll discover rather more detailed details about sound high quality for a few of our prime picks in his evaluations and shopping for guides. Right here, nevertheless, I'll make observe of audio-quality traits in the event that they stood out to me (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably sturdy bass out of the field, weak highs, and so on). Many of the wi-fi exercise headphones we examined work with companion apps which have adjustable EQ settings, so that you’re in a position to tweak sound profiles to your liking usually.