One of the best headphones for operating in 2025

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 if in case you have some good music to accompany you. Entering into the zone throughout a future along with your most popular music, be it rap, traditional rock or immediately’s pop hits, can completely change your expertise for the higher. To do this, you need to begin with pair of operating headphones.

However not all wireless workout headphones are created equally, and runners want to think about particular elements earlier than investing in a pair like how lengthy your runs are, what kind of music or different audio you like listening to and the way a lot you need to block out the world throughout a session. I’ve examined out greater than a dozen pairs to search out that are the most effective headphones for operating for all budgets and every kind of runners.

Desk of contents

Greatest headphones for operating in 2025

Picture by Valentina Palladino / Engadget

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: In-ear with hook | Assistant help: None | Water resistance: IP55 | Energetic noise cancellation: No | Battery life: As much as eight hours

When you have lower than $50 to spend, you possibly can’t go mistaken with the $30 JLab Go Air Sport. I didn’t have excessive expectations going into testing these, however I used to be shortly impressed by their match and sound high quality. A number 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 hold issues securely hooked up to your head. The hooks on these buds particularly are fairly versatile and have a soft-touch end, which makes them extra cozy (I attempted just a few 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 for those who’re new to it, but it surely’s a surefire technique to get somewhat further stability throughout intense exercises.

Sound high quality is fairly good on these buds as effectively, though not almost as balanced because the Jabra Elite 8 Energetic or the Beats Match Professional. I additionally respect that you could cycle via three completely different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Enhance — utilizing the onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a pleasant change of tempo for me after largely testing buds with some type of software program controls.

You’ll be able to 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 helpful, actually must be a USB-C connector as an alternative. The case can be on the cumbersome facet; you possibly can nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, but it surely’s not as svelte as instances you’ll see with costlier buds.

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Spectacular sound high quality for the worth
• IP55-rated design
• Good battery life

Cons

• Constructed-in USB-A charging cable is a bit outdated
• Massive case
• Hook design gained’t be for everybody

$30 at Amazon

SHOKZ

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: Open-ear | Assistant help: None | Water resistance: IP55 | Energetic noise cancellation: No | Battery life: As much as 11 hours

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

The buds themselves nearly 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, energy coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workout routines contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; perhaps don’t put on the OpenFit to hearken to head-banging dying metallic (for those who can’t management your self).

Sound high quality is stable contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as effectively. 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 scale back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had the most effective sound high quality and general quantity out of the entire open-ear units I attempted, however for those who 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 may be the best choice for individuals who dwell in cities or anybody who consistently runs outdoors amongst visitors, pedestrians and different hazards. There’s no query that you simply’ll hear what’s happening round you and that may be essential to holding your self secure on these streets.

Professionals

• Comfy open-ear design
• Design permits for extra situational consciousness
• Good sound high quality and quantity

Cons

• No ANC
• Not as safe when in comparison with in-ear or hook-toting buds

$180 at Amazon

H2O Audio

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: Over-ear | Assistant help: None | Water resistance: None | Energetic noise cancellation: Sure | Battery life: As much as 50 hours

Some want to put on over-ear headphones all day, day-after-day, and if that sounds such as you, there’s likelihood you already use your daily-driver headphones on the health club. However for those who’re noticing elevated wear-and-tear on these cans because of sweat or prolonged durations of use, it’s possible you’ll need to think about a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for figuring out.

In that case, think about the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a selected IP ranking (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “100% sweatproof” thanks partly to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training classes with out subject, and the earcups are fairly simple to take away while you need to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you possibly can swap them in when the originals ultimately 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 lively noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our prime decide, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll doubtless get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the identical value vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. In the end, if you would 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 effective selection.

Professionals

• Sweatproof
• Removeable, washable earcups
• Second pair of earcups included within the field
• Comfy match

Cons

• Costly
• Sound high quality may very well be higher

$250 at Amazon

Others headphones for operating we examined

Apple AirPods Professional 3

On the subject of operating and figuring out, the sting that the AirPods Pro 3 have over the Professional 2, and even the highest picks on our listing, is built-in coronary heart fee monitoring. Meaning you may exit with simply your Professional 3 earbuds and your iPhone and nonetheless get coronary heart fee data to your total coaching session. However in any other case, the Professional 3 buds are simply as succesful because the Professional 2 in terms of train. Some could want the soft-touch end on our prime picks to the AirPods’ slick texture.

Beats Powerbeats Professional 2

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are different to the Beats Match Professional for those who’re a stickler for a hook design. Nevertheless, they value $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 Pro 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 far 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 concerning the Endurance Peak 3 is that they’ve the identical IP68 ranking because the Jabra Elite 8 Energetic, besides they solely value $100. However, whilst you get the identical safety right here, you’ll should 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 very large 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 wireless earbuds. Whilst you might put on over-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones throughout a run, many of the best headphones obtainable now would not have the identical degree of sturdiness. Water and mud resistance, notably the previous, is vital for any audio gear you propose on sweating with or taking outside, and that’s extra prevalent within the wi-fi earbuds world.

Most earbuds have certainly 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 quite sit simply outdoors of it. This makes it simpler to listen to the world round you whereas additionally listening to audio, and may very well be extra comfy for individuals who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.

Water resistance and mud safety

Water resistance and mud safety are essential for the most effective operating headphones to have because you’ll doubtless be sweating whereas sporting them. Additionally, if in case you have the unlucky luck of getting caught within the rain throughout a run, a minimum of your gear will survive. Right here’s a fast rundown of ingress safety (IP) rankings, which you’ll see hooked up to many earbuds available on the market immediately. 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 instances, ranked on a scale from one to 9. A letter “X” in both place means the gadget isn’t rated for the corresponding materials.

Try this guide for an much more detailed breakdown. The entire earbuds we examined for this information have a minimum of an IPX4 ranking (most have much more safety), which implies they will face up to sweat and splashes however would not have mud safety.

Energetic noise cancellation and transparency mode

Energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is turning into a regular function on wi-fi earbuds, a minimum of in these above a sure value. In the event you’re on the lookout for a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and proceed to serve you while you’re off the path, ANC is nice to have. It provides versatility by permitting you to dam out the hum of your private home or workplace so you possibly can focus, or offer you some solitude throughout a busy commute on public transit.

However an earbud’s capacity to dam out the world goes hand in hand with its capacity to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many earbuds with ANC help some kind of “transparency mode” or numerous ranges of noise discount. That is vital for operating headphones since you don’t need to be completely oblivious to what’s happening round you while you’re exercising outdoors alongside busy streets. Decreasing 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. Generally, that’s what you possibly can count on from this area, with just a few outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum must be adequate for many runners, but it surely’ll be helpful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you for those who assume you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.

Talking of, you’ll get a median of 20-28 further hours of battery out of most charging instances and the entire earbuds we examined had holders that supplied a minimum of an additional 15 hours. This can dictate how usually you really should cost the gadget — as in bodily join the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to energy up.

How we check headphones for operating

When testing to find out the most effective operating headphones, I put on every contender throughout as many runs as doable. I sometimes run three to 5 days every week, finishing a minimum of a 5K (3.01 miles) every time. I’m on the lookout for consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing along with your earbuds while you’re on the tread or path (as a be aware, I primarily run outdoors). I’m additionally listening to match over time, notably if the earbuds get slippery or free whereas I sweat, or if they have an inclination to come out or really feel much less steady in my ears as I decide up velocity or make fast actions.

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

Whereas I’m additionally listening for audio high quality, I’m admittedly not an professional on this area. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and also you’ll discover far more detailed details about sound high quality for a few of our prime picks in his critiques and buying guides. Right here, nonetheless, I’ll make be aware 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). A lot 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.