The 11 Best Headphones to Sport during Your Next Workout

Music is a tremendous motivator, whether you’re listening to it before a big game, on your first day on the job, while doing several weeks’ worth of laundry, or most importantly, while you’re working out. In point of fact, a study that was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences investigated the effects of playing music while exercising, and the findings indicated that music does in fact have a favorable impact on perceived enjoyment, attitudes, and even intentions toward working out. 1 If listening to music while exercising can make the activity feel more rewarding, then you should invest in the highest quality headphones you can find in order to get the most out of your workout routine.

Although you probably have a few different brands of headphones lying around the house, you should be aware that not all of them are designed to withstand the rigorous and sweaty demands of physical exercise. Follow along as we discuss the many types of headphones that are designed specifically for use during exercise and provide some tips on how to choose the ideal set of earbuds for your needs.

Browse through our top recommendations for the most effective headphones to use when exercising.

Our Absolute Favorites

The Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earbuds are our pick as the best overall product.

Who else endorses this product? The Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earbuds were recommended by Architectural Digest, Wirecutter, and Verywell Fit all three of those publications. 234

What do buyers say? 77% of the more than 12,100 reviewers on Amazon gave this product a rating of 4 stars or higher.

These true wireless earbuds are compact, but they pack a powerful punch thanks to their robust and featherweight structure. They don’t look or feel cumbersome and bulky in the ear at all. The noise-canceling earphones manufactured by Jabra are fitted with four microphones, which allow them to deliver crisp and clear audio for calls while also helping to drown out unnecessary background noise.

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is equipped with the most recent technology offered by Jabra. In point of fact, the highly developed digital chip that is embedded within this model makes it possible for Jabra to continue refining and improving its technology even after the headphones have been acquired. This includes the addition of ANC, which stands for active noise cancellation, and HearThrough, both of which can be activated through the user-friendly Jabra Sound+ app. Additionally, the optimization of your audio and the option to integrate Siri or Google Assistant are also included in this update.

The Jabra Elite Active 75t in-ear monitors come equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and feature a secure fit with a special grip coating to ensure that they remain firmly in place even during strenuous physical activity. You may simply change the tune as well as the volume without having to get off the treadmill or bike because physical buttons allow you to do so. These sweat- and water-resistant in-ear headphones with an IP57 rating are perfect for any activity, whether you’re doing cardio in the gym or running outside in the rain. They are compact and robust.

On a single charge, the Jabra Elite Active 75t can give up to 7.5 hours of playback time, and the total playing time with the case can reach up to 28 hours. Simply plugging in your device for fifteen minutes will give you an additional hour of playback time. There are four color options available for this set: mint, copper black, navy, and sienna.

The PALOVUE Lightning Earphones with Microphone Wired Earbuds are the Best Budget Option.

You could believe that a set of wired earphones is outdated in light of all the wireless options currently available on the market; nevertheless, even the most expensive wireless Bluetooth headphones have problems with pairing and sound quality. Choose the plug-and-play wired earbuds from PALOVUE if you want music that is uninterrupted, clear, and sharp, that will deliver amazing sound on a budget, and if you don’t want to have to worry about the battery running low. These in-ear monitors have a lightning connection, a sweatproof sport fit, and an ergonomic design that takes into account the needs of athletes. No matter how strenuous the activity, the pliable and malleable earbuds will maintain their position in the ear canal thanks to a set of ear tips and wings that can be adjusted to the user’s specifications.

PALOVUE’s NeoFlow Earbuds include drivers measuring 13.6 millimeters, which allow them to provide a deep, bass-heavy sound while isolating the wearer from ambient noise. These earbuds are wired, but they have magnetic connections that allow them to be worn around the neck like a necklace when they are not in use. Users are able to manage sound and song choice mid-workout or while on a call thanks to the convenient in-line control that comes with a built-in microphone. The NeoFlow Earbuds have received approval from Apple’s MFi Program, which means they are compatible with iOS devices and may be used with the voice assistant Siri. These stylish earbuds for sports are constructed using premium aluminum and stainless steel for strength and durability, as well as wire that has been reinforced for added toughness. You can have them in a combination of black and red, or white and silver. Both combinations are available.

Best Splurge: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 3rd Gen

The Beoplay E8, which is now in its third generation, has a playback time of seven hours and can hold an additional four charges inside its case, for a grand total of 35 hours. This high-end set of truly wireless in-ear monitors features an attractive low-profile design and comes with a matching leather QI-certified wireless charging case that magnetically secures the brushed aluminum earbuds in place. The earbuds themselves are made of aluminum, and they have a brushed finish. Each set comes with a variety of silicone tip options, allowing you to find the one that fits you best. The in-ear headphones are compact, but they provide a tight and stable seal, which helps to drown out background noise and provides a more satisfying listening experience. Simply switching to transparency mode will allow you to hear the sounds of the environment.

Once you’ve inserted these Bang & Olufsen earbuds, you’ll find that they’re incredibly lightweight. This will allow you to wear them comfortably throughout the day and even during vigorous workouts. Jeraldine Mendoza, a ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and a Company Artist with the company, uses the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 3rd Gen earbuds not only while she is warming up before a technique class but also throughout the rest of her day. Mendoza explained, “I’m always moving around, so I can’t be bothered by cumbersome headphones, wires, or earbuds that are prone to falling out.” “I’m drawn to functionality, design, and minimalism; as a result, my earbuds are never far from me, and we’re always moving to the same beat together.”

These earbuds may be small, but they deliver a powerful sound thanks to their 5.7-milliliter drivers. The user has complete control over the songs, sounds, calls, voice commands, and modes thanks to the user-friendly touch interface. These high-end wireless earbuds come in a variety of colors and finishes, including black, gray mist, pink, and green. They also feature Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Offer the Highest Level of Noise Cancellation Available.

Active noise cancellation, also known as ANC, is a feature that can be found in headphones. This feature utilizes a miniature microphone that is positioned to detect outside noise and then cancels it out in real time. You might believe that noise-canceling headphones are only useful for use in the workplace or at school, but in reality, they can be helpful in a variety of settings. For instance, in situations where we are surrounded by loud people and music, such as on the commute or at the gym, we have a tendency to turn up the volume of our own music or phone call so that we can hear over the other competing sounds. When you wear headphones with noise cancellation technology, they help block out ambient noise, which enables you to keep the volume lower, which, in turn, protects your hearing.

The sound quality offered by Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds is elevated to an entirely new level. These true wireless noise-cancelling in-ear monitors provide a silence-backed audio experience for crisp and clear music complete with every audible pause, breath, and emotion that would not otherwise be heard over background noise, which is something that we all experience in everyday life. The StayHear® Max tip design is made of soft silicone to ensure a comfortable fit that lasts throughout the day and provides a tight seal. The Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds are water-resistant to an IPX4 rating and have a streamlined, contemporary oval design with an easy-to-use touch control interface. A simple tap of the finger can control the wireless earbuds, which eliminates the need for bulky buttons.

These truly wireless in-ear monitors feature Bluetooth 5.1 technology that has been optimized for it, and they are compatible with both iOS and Android. On a single charge, you can listen to music for up to six hours, and with the charging case, you can listen to music for up to 12 hours. A plugin that you run for fifteen minutes and gain two hours of play time is a quick way to boost your performance. Both triple black and soapstone are available iterations of these high-quality noise-cancelling headphones.

Apple’s AirPods Pro are the most compatible with the iPhone.

AirPods have reached a level of widespread adoption, particularly among those who use iPhones. You can find them in the ears of seemingly all of the people you pass while walking around any large city or college campus. Active noise cancellation is available on the latest and greatest version of the AirPods, the AirPods Pro. They conform to the shape of your ear in order to block noise from the outside using a microphone that is positioned facing outward that detects noise and cancels it before it enters. Simply pressing the sensors located on the stem of the headphone will disable this mode, allowing you to once again hear what is going on in your immediate environment. Additionally, with the tap of a finger, you can change the song, adjust the volume, and switch between the different modes. The Adaptive EQ feature developed by Apple automatically tunes the music to the contours of your ear, resulting in superior sound quality.

The AirPods Pro have a water resistance rating of IPX4 and provide a total of 24 hours of listening time when combined with the wireless charging case that comes with the product. A single charge can last for up to 4.5 hours, and the device has an incredibly rapid recharge rate, providing one hour of listening time after only five minutes have passed since the last charge. The AirPods Pro model, in contrast to the original AirPods, comes with silicone ear tips that are not only comfortable but also secure, and they are available in three different sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds 2

When it comes to design, the Pixel Buds of the second generation from Google are unquestionably head and shoulders above the competition. Clearly white, oh so orange, quite mint, and almost black are the four understated matte color options that are available in the contemporary and minimalist design. These Bluetooth earbuds provide Android users with hands-free access to Google Assistant and the ability to translate conversations into their native language in real time thanks to an integration with Google Translate.

The Google Pixel Buds 2 are earbuds that are completely wireless and have touch controls that are simple to use. Each set comes with a carrying case that can be used for wireless charging as well as three different sized ear tips for a customized fit. These earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they are water and sweat resistant. They are compatible with all Bluetooth 4.0+ devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. On a single charge, you’ll get five hours of listening time, and with the case, you’ll get 24.

AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones are the Most Optimal Running Headphones.

Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones by AfterShokz Aeropex. Because headphones are designed with bone conduction, it should be noted that they do not physically rest within the ear canal to transmit sound. Instead, sound waves are transmitted to the ear from the jaw and cheekbones via a wraparound design that goes around the head and ultimately rests on top of the cheekbones. This open-air design is essential for athletes who train outside, such as runners and bikers, because it allows the athlete’s ears to remain free so that they can take in the sounds of their surroundings. The most important benefit of bone conduction technology is that it enables athletes to listen to music without losing their awareness of their surroundings.

The device is protected from dust, airborne particles, sweat, and liquids by virtue of its lightweight and comfortable design, which has earned it the IP67 rating, which is one of the highest ratings. “The waterproof feature is a special plus with all of the sweating I do during workouts,” said Natasha Hastings, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field sprinting. “I sweat a lot during my workouts.”

The AfterShokz Aeropex can play music for up to eight hours before needing a recharge, which only takes about two hours. The dual noise-cancelling microphone makes phone calls exceptionally clear and distinct, and the user-friendly buttons allow for easy adjustment of the volume. AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones come in a variety of colors and styles, including blue eclipse, lunar gray, solar red, and cosmic black. They also come equipped with Bluetooth 5.0.

Beats Powerbeats Pro are the ideal headphones for high-intensity interval training.

The truly wireless Powerbeats Pro headphones from Beats give you everything you know and love about the AirPods Pro, but with a significant improvement in terms of how well they fit and how stable they are. The in-ear buds of the Powerbeats Pro are stabilized with a design that includes an ear hook that is both secure and adjustable. As a result, you won’t have to worry about losing one of the buds in the middle of those intense sets. In addition, the headphones with an IPX4 rating are perfectly capable of meeting the challenges posed by strenuous physical activity. The Powerbeats Pro are resistant to water and produce a sound that is full and balanced while also isolating the wearer from outside noise.

As a result of Apple’s 2014 purchase of Beats by Dr. Dre, often known as Beats, the Powerbeats Pro have all of the same technological advancements as other Apple products. These headphones, which are equipped with Apple’s H1 chip and Class 1 Bluetooth®, provide a number of benefits, including a quicker pairing and charging process, a longer battery life, enhanced connection speed with an extended range, and fewer dropouts, to name just a few.

You will have complete control over your listening experience, including a separate connection for each earbud that gives you the ability to start and stop the audio as well as adjust the level in either ear or both ears. On a single charge, the Powerbeats Pro may last for up to nine hours, and the entire battery life can be extended to 24 hours with the case. A plug-in that only takes five minutes to play can provide up to one and a half hours of listening time. The Powerbeats Pro is a revolutionary piece of equipment for dedicated athletes, and it is available in a wide range of matte colors, both traditional and vivid.

The Sony Walkman NW-WS623 is the most suitable model for use in water.

Tunes underwater, anyone? Bluetooth headphones that are dustproof and water resistant can be found in Sony’s lightweight behind-the-ear headphones. Using the 4 gigabytes of storage that are onboard, you can swim laps while listening to your favorite songs or podcasts. Stream music from your smartphone to your Bluetooth headphones with one-touch NFC pairing for use when working out on land. Take advantage of the built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity to catch up on calls in between sets of your workout.

The battery life of the Sony NWWS623/B is 12 hours, which is plenty for an entire day of listening to music while relaxing in the beach, sun, or water. If you need a boost in a hurry, three minutes of power will give you an hour’s worth of listening time. This dust- and waterproof headset with an IPX5/8 rating can withstand being submerged in water up to 2.08 meters (6.56 ft) deep for up to half an hour at a time.

Best Battery Life: Anker Soundcore Spirit X2

Did you forget to plug it in the night before? No issue. The true wireless Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 headphones have a battery life of up to four full days, nine hours of power on a single charge, and a total of 36 hours of power when combined with the charging case. That’s a significant number of workouts!

These wireless earbuds are designed specifically for sports, and include a tight and flexible ear-hook that keeps the earbuds in place as you exercise. The forward-thinking design developed by Anker incorporates a twist and lock mechanism that maintains the upright position of the headphones regardless of whether the user is a gymnast or a runner. Each set comes with a selection of tips and wings in a range of sizes to provide a comfortable and secure fit.

The Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 is a powerhouse that has been rated IP68 for its resistance to dust and water. It also has a hydrophobic nano-coating that protects the surface from the corrosive nature of sweat and a submarine construction. These wireless ear hook headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 are optimized to deliver high-definition audio with noise reduction, making them ideal for making calls that are crisp and clear. You have easy control over the sound and playback thanks to the tactile controls. These headphones have drivers measuring 12 millimeters and are enhanced with BassTurbo, which produces a deep, resonant bass. They are designed to be the most effective workout motivator possible. Choose the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 if you want sound of excellent quality, a comfortable fit, and a very long battery life.

The Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear Headphones are the Best On-Ear Headphones.

The Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear Headphones have a design that is both durable and ergonomic, and they have a fit that is both extremely stable and flexible. These headphones will stay in place regardless of whether you are walking or running. After a particularly sweaty session, simply remove the ear cushions from the headphones, toss them in the washing machine, and replace them with a fresh set. The headphones have an ingress protection rating of IPX4.

These on-ear headphones have user-friendly controls for a more intuitive listening experience, since they are wireless and Bluetooth enabled. The song can be changed, the volume can be adjusted, and calls can be answered using the same knob on the speaker. Over 40 hours of play time is provided by the Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear Headphones, and the headphones can be fully recharged in under three hours when utilizing the USB-C connector that is provided. These on-ear workout headphones are compatible with the Adidas Headphones app, which allows users to fully personalize their listening experience. They are optimized for Bluetooth 5.0, which is the latest version available.

Final Verdict

Bone conduction headphones like the AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones give high-quality sound while also allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. These headphones are ideal for people who exercise outside. The open-ear design directs sound waves to go along the cheekbone and into the inner ear rather than coming into direct contact with the ear canal at any point. These wireless headphones feature an eight-hour sound playback time along with a build that is both sturdy and waterproof.

Powerbeats Pro offers all of the same capabilities as Apple’s valued earbuds, but with a fit that is more comfortable and stable for sports and fitness activities. This makes them an attractive alternative for existing AirPods owners who are considering an upgrade. You won’t need to worry about losing an earbud since the design of the adjustable ear hook keeps the earbuds securely fastened in place even during the most strenuous exercises. On a single charge, Powerbeats Pro may last for up to nine hours, and the entire battery life can be extended to 24 hours with the case.

What to Search for When Buying Headphones for Exercise

Headphones

Earbuds and headphones are both included under the broader category of “headphones,” which is something of an umbrella phrase. A traditional set of headphones that fit over the ears is the only type of headphones that may be properly referred to as “headphones.” Even while wireless earbuds are convenient and lightweight, some audiophiles prefer the fuller sound of traditional, over-the-ear headphones because of their larger size and more traditional design.

Earbuds

Earbuds can be divided into two categories: earbuds, which rest snugly just outside the ear canal, and in-ear monitors (IEMs), which rest comfortably inside the ear canal. Earbuds are a more portable alternative than in-ear monitors. Earbuds are normally available at a reduced cost and are not typically built to withstand perspiration. As a result, they run the risk of falling out of your ears when you exercise, at which point they will no longer be effective. In-ear monitors are typically comprised of soft and moldable materials, which contribute to their ability to remain securely in place. Because of the way they fit so snugly together, the sound quality is also noticeably improved. When it comes to living an active lifestyle, IEMs are, without a shadow of a doubt, the superior choice between the two.

Auricular Hook

Headphones with ear hooks are a great choice for athletes and other active people who want a more stable and comfortable fit for their headphones. This model still has an in-ear bud, but it has an adjustable ear hook housing that helps maintain it in place so it doesn’t fall out.

Conductivity of the Bones

Bone conduction headphones are designed to avoid coming into direct contact with the ear at any point. This particular cut wraps like a headband around the nape of the neck, continues behind the ear, and finishes by following the contour of the cheekbone. The cheekbones are a conduit for the transmission of vibrations from the face to the ear. Due to the fact that this procedure fully avoids the external and middle ears, it may be a choice that is open to those who have problems with their hearing. Runners and other athletes who practice their sports outside and are required to keep their situational awareness are likely to favor this cut. Natasha Hastings, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in the sport of track and field sprinting, praised the headphones, stating, “They are really comfortable and keep my ears free to hear anything in my surrounding surroundings.”

Comparison of Wireless vs True Wireless

Earbuds that are classified as either wireless or true wireless will connect to your device via Bluetooth. In contrast, wireless earbuds still do not need to be plugged into a phone in order to function. Instead, they feature a chord that connects one earbud to the other and acts as a conduit for the transmission of signals between the two earbuds. Earbuds that can truly be called wireless do not contain any cables of any kind. During a workout, many people would rather have less weight on their bodies and no cables, while some athletes enjoy the added sense of security that a connected cord provides. If you were to misplace your earbuds, for instance, it would be much simpler to find them.

Durability

What exactly does “sweatproof” entail when it comes to headphones? Manufacturers of headphones often seem to claim that their products are “sweatproof.” Find out by looking for an IP rating or an Ingress Protection Code on the device in question. This rating reveals how resistant the unit is to external factors such as dust and other airborne particles, accidental contact, and water. It also reveals how durable and sturdy the item is.

When assessing an IP rating, look at the first number that comes after the letters “IP.” This number indicates the unit’s resistance to solid particles such as dust and dirt and is rated on a scale from zero to six.

The second number gives an indication of the device’s level of water resistance, which can range anywhere from 0 to 7 on the scale. If there is an X in that space, it indicates that the rating for that statistic has not been defined. When the number is higher, there is a greater amount of resistance. When used for physical activity, headphones and earbuds should have a water resistance grade of at least IPX4, as this serves as a good rule of thumb.