Whether going on a run, lifting weights, or doing yoga, working out is always more enjoyable with the right headphones playing your favorite music or podcast.
The best workout headphones, however, aren’t like standard headphones: they’re usually waterproof, durable, and comfortable. Many workout headphones are also relatively lightweight and designed to function with voice control technology so your hands can continue to lift or do other things.
But you need to determine which headphones are perfect for your preferences.
When looking for a set of over-ear headphones, ask yourself things like:
- Should your pair of headphones be sweatproof, or should you focus on something like great sound?
- Do your wireless headphones need noise isolation or noise-canceling headphones to eliminate background noise?
- Should they be sports earbuds (e.g., lightweight and true wireless earbuds)?
- Should the headphones have wireless charging or only charge with USB-C adaptive ports?
These questions can find the best wireless earbuds and headphones for you. at Best Buy, Amazon, and many other retailers.
How can you find the right workout headphones for your needs? Start with our breakdown of nine top choices you can purchase.
Best for Premium Exercise Listening: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Wireless Earbuds
Bose offers some of the best workout headphones ever in these wireless earbuds. The QuietComfort Earbuds II are undoubtedly pricey, but they have a lot of value, including world-class noise-canceling technology to immerse yourself in your favorite workout tracks or podcasts.
That’s not all these earbuds bring to the table. They’re super comfortable, partially because each purchase comes with three pairs of different ear tips and three pairs of stability bands. All these are made from soft, comfortable silicone. The wireless buds have a simple touch interface, so you can control everything without looking at a screen.
They’re also stand-out buds because they run for six hours before needing to be recharged. The advanced Bluetooth technology facilitating connectivity here is compelling, giving you 30 feet of connectivity with your paired device. These are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that are easy to use and perfect for runners, lifters, and everyone in between.
Best for Voice Assistant Uses: Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones
Sony’s LinkBuds, on the other hand, are better if you want to focus on voice assistant integration. These workout headphones can be integrated with Amazon Alexa right out of the box. That functionality comes built into the purchase, so you can tell the buds to switch tracks, answer calls, and more without touching a button during your listening experience.
These black earbuds are tiny and light, and they fit comfortably in your ear while immersing you in top-tier sound quality with their Integrated Processors V1. You can use these for music and enjoy calls via your paired device since the Advanced Voice Signal Processing allows sound to come in crystal-clear.
With a firmware update, you can also connect these buds to two devices at once. Regardless, you’ll enjoy six hours of battery life by default, plus up to 20 hours of battery with the included charging case. If you need to go on a run quickly, you can charge the buds for five minutes and enjoy 60 minutes of audio playback.
Best for iPhone Users: Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro are perfect for exercisers who love their iPhone devices — Siri, iOS, and all. These can pair automatically and easily with any iPhone, offering high-quality, active noise-canceling technology and Bluetooth connectivity.
The MagSafe charging case increases its battery life far beyond what you might expect (30 hours in total), and it keeps the AirPods safe and sound when you aren’t using them. Even better, these come with four pairs of silicone ear tips, helping to ensure all-day comfort: a significant benefit when undertaking a long or intense workout session.
The personalized spatial audio surrounds you in sound that is tuned just for your ears. You’ll also like the dynamic head-tracking technology, which helps you immerse yourself in your favorite music as you run, lift, or do other exercises.
Best for Active Noise Canceling: Beats Studio Buds — True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds
If you’re looking for workout headphones that provide top-tier noise-canceling technology, the Beats Studio Buds are perfect.
These genuinely wireless noise-canceling earbuds are available in several different colors but, more importantly, offer two different listening modes: transparency mode and active noise-canceling mode. The ANC mode ensures you can ignore everything around you, while the transparency mode helps keep you safe while on the go.
Both modes can run for eight hours before needing to be recharged with the pocket-sized charging case. Class 1 Bluetooth technology reduces dropouts and gives you an extended pairing range. Furthermore, these buds have an IPX4 rating, so they’re sweat-resistant and rain-resistant, making them excellent running headphones.
All in all, these versatile and practical active noise-canceling earbuds are perfect for exercises of all stripes. They even pair with both Apple and Android devices, so there’s no device you can’t use them with.
Best for Total Sound Immersion: TREBLAB Z2 | Over Ear Workout Headphones with Microphone
TREBLAB Z2’s Over Ear Workout Headphones offer the best over-ear headphones for total sound immersion because they completely cover your ears. This headset blocks out any annoying sounds at the gym and lets you focus on your music.
With up to 35 hours of playtime and quick charging functionality, these are great for long workout sessions without worrying about running out of battery. On top of that, these headphones are super comfortable since they are made of ultrasoft materials and have swiveling ear cups, so they don’t put pressure on your ears.
Use Bluetooth to listen to music or make calls, then integrate the headphones with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. A one-year warranty adds even further value for money and ensures you can trade these headphones in for a replacement or a refund if they come with flaws right out of the box.
Best for Long Battery Life: PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones
If you don’t want to worry about running out of battery during an exercise session, pick the PHILIPS A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones. They offer up to 35 hours of playtime without a wired connection to a battery or port. Charging them to complete only takes two hours, or you can charge them 15 minutes for two hours of playtime.
These on-ear headphones are also great since they come with 40 mm neodymium drivers, which deliver energizing sound straight to your ears. The headphones are durable and IP55-rated, perfect for taking on dusty trails, heavy rain, and everything in between.
They’re even easy to use, as a multifunction button lets you take calls, change the volume, and even use your paired voice assistant when needed. Bottom line: these wireless sports headphones are ideal for long runners or marathoners thanks to their longevity and durability.
Best for Lightweight Listening: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones
Powerbeats’ Pro Wireless Earphones are lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for runners and lifters who don’t like having something heavy hanging around their heads or necks while they exercise. These in-ear headphones are designed with secure-fit ear hooks, guaranteeing stability and comfort at the same time.
The ear tips can be customized with four different options, and you only have to charge these headphones for five minutes to enjoy 1.5 hours of audio playback. The earbuds can independently connect with Class 1 Bluetooth, so you don’t have to join both to enjoy your music.
These are also stellar workout headphones since they are designed for sweat and water resistance. Change the volume and tracks you listen to with independent controls on each earbud or use the voice commands for hands-free functionality. All in all, there’s a lot to like here.
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones
Best for: Ear Comfort
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sport Headphones are top-tier for overall user comfort. These are built with a lightweight and wraparound titanium frame, keeping these headphones stable and secure during any intense exercise you have in mind.
They last about 10 hours before needing to be recharged, whether you listen to music, podcasts, or calls. You can alternatively charge them for five minutes to get 1.5 hours of life. In any case, these stay put during any workout, including fast runs.
The sound quality is excellent, thanks to the bone conduction technology integrated into the device.
The proprietary TurboPitch technology ensures that the headphones deliver a clear sound profile and powerful volume no matter how you hold your head or where you take these. Choose from a few different devices or a smaller size if you have a smaller head or neck.
9. GNMN Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Earbuds
Best for: Budget-Focused Exercisers
GNMN’s Bluetooth Headphones are affordable and perfect for budget-minded workout enthusiasts. Although they are budget-friendly, they have a lot to offer, including IPX7 waterproof functionality and three different sizes of ear pads: perfect for ensuring you get a comfortable, customizable fit.
These workout earbuds last practically all day on a single charge and can play for about 48 hours without recharging. A smart LED power display on the charging case shows you how much battery is left in real time. The headphones pair quickly with Bluetooth devices, offering low latency and stable signals.
These headphones have 11 mm speaker drivers that deliver top-tier sound with clear mids, strong bass, and bright treble sounds. The sensitive touch controls on the earbuds let you manage your music or phone calls quickly and easily. Plus, the lack of a physical button can minimize the pressure you put on your ears to control your workout headphones.
Best for Versatility: Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
What about workout headphones that do it all? Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones might be just the ticket. That’s because they are available for a reasonably affordable price, but they offer something to like for every type of exerciser.
For example, these have a soft headband that wraps around your head, plus big cushion ear pads to ensure long-term comfort. These can fold up if you ever need to travel, and you’ll always benefit from special active noise canceling with four microphones that intercept and divert sound away from your ears.
The proprietary “Tile” technology makes tracking down your headphones and similar gadgets easy if you lose them. These headphones also feature 22 hours of battery life and a one-year manufacturing warranty that protects you from manufacturer errors or out-of-the-box problems.
This is a good pick if you need decent workout headphones that aren’t focused on a specific feature or issue.
The Bottom Line
With so many different headphones, you might have difficulty determining which one is perfect for your unique needs. For example, if you want something comfortable for hours, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones are probably perfect.
If you want to double down on noise canceling and privacy, the Beats Studio Buds — True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are likely a bit better. In either case, you should carefully consider your personal preferences and needs: different headphones are available for different prices, and each headphone pair specializes in another aspect.
Ultimately, you’ll know which workout headphones are suitable for your upcoming exercise session.
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