Best Headphones for Running to Buy

Summary –

The best headphones for running are also those that are suitable for cross fit, cycling, workouts and gym, trekking, etc. They are suitable for such activities mainly because they are sweat resistant. Besides, they are able to withstand mild shocks and jarring movements that occur while running. It is advisable to go in for the truly wireless ones as your running headphones, as they cannot be easily shaken off from the ears. Moreover, there are no irritating wires running around and therefore no tangles or snags. There are many superior and affordable options, so let’s check out the best running headphones. A nice pair of running headphones can make your running more enjoyable and less boring. It can also enhance your running performance, as music can help you exercise and run better.

See also: Best running watches

Best Headphones for Running

Flawless and Comfortable Headphones built for Running

Beats Powerbeats Pro, In-Ear Wireless (Available in Black/Ivory/Moss/Navy)

It is one of the best in-ear wireless, sports headphones built for running. The playback sound is consistent and the comfort and fit are flawless. It comes with an intuitive control system that is easy to use. The battery life is excellent too. It is totally wireless and comes with a secure fit and customizable ear hooks with 4 different ear tip options. Several microphones contained in the headphones target the voice better and filter out all external noise.

It is a truly wireless pair of headphones and comes with a case that doubles as a battery charging unit with the headphones slipping magnetically into it. It offers a battery life of 9 hours from a single full charge, with the box storing another 2 full rounds of charge. This makes it ideal for listening to music during long hours of training or marathons.

The ear hooks are adjustable and being lightweight and comfortable, it fits securely. It is a rubber-clad and sits tightly on the side of the head. The bendable ear hooks also offer a good grip and don’t move out while running and during workouts. The design is a reinforced one that offers resistance to sweat and water while running and during workouts. All controls, such as voice capability, autoplay, pause, volume controls, etc. are available on either of the earbuds. There is also a sensor for detecting whether the user is wearing the earphones. As soon as one is removed, the music stops and it restarts when you put it back in. In addition, handling calls is also possible from both the earbuds. It features noise isolation and a powerful, dynamic range of sound. It connects by Bluetooth to music devices and offers consistent connection and easy pairing.

Who Should Buy This?

• For runners and for those who want to use it during marathons, long hours of training, etc.
• For those who want glitch-free wireless audio while running and exercising.

Ultra-Light Design with Heavyweight Sound Quality for Runners

Sennheiser CX Sport, In-Ear Wireless Headset

It comes in a sports-friendly design and is comfortable to wear though it’s not truly wireless and there is a wire connecting the two earbuds. It comes with rubberized ear fins that keep them snugly fitted to the ear while running. There are also 3 additional ear fins and 4 different ear tips. The earbuds are small, compact, and secure and come included with S, M, L, and XL adapters. It comes in an around-the-neck cable design combined with angled ergonomic earbuds that keep it perfectly in place while exercising or running.

It is connected to your device using Bluetooth 4.2 with Qualcomm aptX Low Latency delivering top-quality sound with minimum delay. You can connect it with 2 devices and it has support for 3-way calling. The battery life is 6 hours with a fast charging option offering 2 hours of charge in 10 minutes and a full charge in 1.5 hours. The dimensions are 12.54 x 0.56 x 1.78 inches and it weighs 0.52 ounces. It has special noise isolation features.

Sennheiser CX Sport is ideal for running and sports activities. As it comes with an IPX4 splash-proof certification, it can go through a workout session but not into the shower. The sporty earphones deliver well-balanced audio suitable for all types of workout music.

Who Should Buy This?

• Those who want wireless earbuds with a comfortable fit for running and sports.
• For runners who want the security of the neckband design to keep the buds connected.
• For runners and sports enthusiasts who want a pair of headphones that can bolster their workout music experience and therefore their running performance.

Semi-Open Design Sports Headphones for Runners

Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds

They are excellent headphones for runners and gym enthusiasts, as they come in a semi-open design allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings as well. They are robust and well built, with an IP67 rating providing resistance against dust and water. These are stable headphones with ear hooks and are also easily portable.

It has ear hooks with a tip design that is universal and there are no additional tip options. It’s a one-size-fits-all. The controls are fairly easy to use and the 2-microphone technology makes it easy to switch between music and calls. The fit is secure due to the use of ear wings and ear hooks that hold it firmly in place while running. The earbuds are compatible with both iOS and Android and can connect via Bluetooth to Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.

Its’ battery charge lasts up to 9 hours, so runners can go the distance without worries. There is also a quick charge option of 15 minutes that lasts for 1 hour. It is also accompanied by the Jabra Sound+ app for personalized music. However, though it features noise isolation, it is not noise-canceling due to the semi-open design that allows ambient sound to creep in.

Who Should Buy This?

• It is an excellent option for physical activity enthusiasts who love listening to music and at the same time want to remain aware of their surroundings, due to the semi-open design.
• Those looking for well-built sports earphones that will enable listening to music and at the same time hear a passing car, while running.
• Not suitable for critical listeners, but for those who just need to listen to a background audio track while training or running.

Truly Wireless Secure Headphones for Running

Jabra Elite Active 65t, Navy

These are truly wireless and fully sweat-resistant headphones that fit comfortably and securely while running and exercising. It comes in a noise isolating, tight but comfortable fit with excellent call quality and support for all the major voice assistants. It is a renewed product but looks and works just like a new one.

It is IP56 rated for sweat and dust resistance and comes with a battery life of 5 hours and another 10 hours in the charging case that comes included with it. There is also a quick charge feature offering 1.5 hours of battery life from a 15-minute charge. It has a customizable equalizer and a motion sensor integrated with it. The ear tips come in 3 different sizes but no wings for holding it in place, yet they stay secure in the ears with a tight seal.

The dimensions are 1.06 x 1.18 x 0.88 inches and it weighs 3.52 ounces. It is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, resulting in a stable wireless connection with rare dropouts, and is also backward compatible with other versions. These are noise-isolating earphones, so ambient noise is passively sealed, but there is a HearThrough feature that can be toggled while running or biking and the degree of sound to be let in can be adjusted. It also comes with an accelerometer for run tracking making it a perfect fitness tracker. Though it does not log runs automatically, you can open the Jabra Sound+ app and use it for tracking running miles. They are small and sleek and unobtrusive in design.

Who Should Buy This?

• Those who want running and sports headphones.
• Those who want a comfortable and sweat-resistant pair of headphones that will not budge while running.

Over-the-Ear Headphones for Running

66 Audio BTS Pro Wireless headphones, Electric Green

They are over-the-ear running headphones that slip around the ears and are very comfortable due to the memory foam pads. You can wear these headphones comfortably for up to an hour of running, and they are resistant to sweat and rain. The battery life is good at 40 hours of playback with 400 hours standby. All the play controls are easy to access and it has an excellent audio output and a comfortable fit. It is made of lightweight and flexible silicone material. Besides, there is a Quick Charge feature for a full charge in 1.5 hours.

The 66 Audio BTS Pro uses Bluetooth 4.2 wireless and has a noise cancellation microphone offering crystal clear audio with a maximum of 100 feet wireless range, using the Patent Pending 3D RF technology. It delivers top-quality studio-level audio with crisp highs and thunderous bass, offering a lag-free performance. It also offers features for controlling music with Motion Control App and BassBoost etc., adding a new music experience. It is sweat-proof and has an IPX rated design ensuring that it keeps going even in tough weather conditions.

The neckband is ergonomic and the design consists of double soft-touch silicon with flexible plastic. The memory foam and cushions feel comfortable on the ears. The sweatproof design ensures that the headphones keep up even with the toughest of workouts. The dimensions are 7.2 x 6.68 x 3.22 inches and it weighs 0.6 lbs.

Who Should Buy This?

• For those who prefer an over-the-ear style of wireless headphones to be used while running or exercising.
• Those who want simple headphones without any size adjustments or earbud tips to swap.

Sturdy Over-the-Ear Headphones for Running

Plantronics Backbeat Fit, Grey/Black/Blue/Lava Black

These are strong over-the-ear headphones offering solid sound and user controls with excellent battery life. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone and all the controls are right at the ears. The sound quality is good and it also includes an armband useful for carrying keys. It is made of a rubbery, plastic material and the two earbuds are connected by a flat plastic band looping behind the neck. It has a reflective finish that makes it visible even in the dark and therefore keeping the user safe. The ear tips have an Always Aware feature, allowing you to hear surrounding ambient sounds while listening to music and running. The fit is comfortable and stable. The headphone offers nearly 7 hours of wireless power. It is also IP57 rated for protection against sweat and water and so it can withstand rain, sweat, and spills during a running spell or a vigorous workout.

It is backed by My Tap feature, which can be used with the BackBeat app for customization, to get a personalized experience. The dimensions are 4.33 x 6.34 x 1.89 inches and it weighs 0.99 ounces. The earpieces have an axial range of 40 degrees, so it can fit most ear canals with a neat fit. It remains secure even when bouncing on the treadmill, but does not create a very tight seal. Controls are easy to use and you can pair the headphones to more than one device at a time.

The headphones use Bluetooth 3.0 version that offers a range of over 150 feet from the source. The battery is powerful and can last for about 8 hours.

Who Should Buy This?

• Runners who want to be free from pesky cables and wires.
• Sports and gym users who want excellent audio and long battery life from wireless headphones.

In-Ear Tight Fit Headphones for Running

JLab Epic 2, Black/Gray, White/Gold, Blue/Gray, Black

These are in-ear headphones that come with a tight but comfortable fit, so that noise isolation is maximized. There are 8 gel ear tips along with a triple flange customized fit tip. For those with smaller ears, it has a shallow fit tip offering a personalized option. There are memory wires extending from the earbuds so that you can shape them to a perfect fit. They are strong, comfortable, and aesthetic too, with a titanium over-ear hook. They are suitable to be worn for running and other sports activities, as they are waterproof as well as sweatproof. The design is lightweight at 15 grams, with a 45-degree angle that fits the ears ergonomically.

It uses the Beacon Signal technology for a longer-lasting battery of up to 12 hours of playtime. However, it depends on the volume levels used and so on. The design is excellent and the sound is immersive. The battery indicator on the device alerts users on the battery level. They are 100 percent splash proof and also washable due to the use of an ultrasonically sealed battery compartment with plasma coating for microelectronic parts. You can rinse the buds after running. The product dimensions are 2 x 5 x 7.5 inches and it weighs 7.2 ounces.

Though it is reasonably priced, it has a premium appearance, with a sleek black look and a silver logo. They are also super thin, neither bulky nor heavy. All the in-line controls are simple and it is easy to learn the controls. It makes use of Bluetooth 4.0 and has a range of about 30 feet.

Who Should Buy This?

• Those looking for wireless running headphones on a budget.
• Those who want wireless sports headphones with a great design and comfortable feel.

Snug, Comfortable Wireless Headphones for Running

Jaybird X2, Midnight

It comes in a new matte finish with a comfortable ear fin design, improved battery life, and a carrying case. It’s a sports-oriented, in-ear pair of headphones with a strong audio quality and a secure fit, suitable for running. It offers good value for money and comes in a minimalistic design, usable on both Android and iOS. It is rugged and sweat-proof and recommended for use during running or other outdoor activities.

The Jaybird X2 offers premium Bluetooth sound for a skip-free musical experience outdoors. You can listen to 8 hours of music and calls with one charge. It is secure and offers several under-ear fit options. It is likely to fit most ear sizes with just a bit of adjustment. The ear tips are premium memory foam and are exclusively designed for these earphones, thereby offering maximum noise isolation features along with fit and comfort. Also, it includes a patented pair of well-fitting ear fins and a silicone carrying case, silicone ear tips, and clips for managing the cord. There is a small pronounced lip rounding the upper portion of the driver housing unit, used for installing the ear fins so that the earphones do not wiggle out of the ears.

The dimensions are 7.3 x 2 x 4.75 and the weight is 1.2 ounces. The inline remote contains all the essential features for controlling media and phone calls. The larger size of the design enables a better battery life and impressive sound quality. Call quality is crisp and it has a Bluetooth range of 30 feet from the host device. It comes with a voice assistant – Jenna, which is pretty impressive.

Who Should Buy This?

• For those looking for hassle-free, wireless, in-ear sports headphones for use while running and exercising.
• For casual listeners as well as fitness fanatics. Suitable for active people as well as laid back music listeners.

Low-Cost Underwater Certified Headphones for Running

Mpow Flame S, Red

The Mpow Flame S comes in a comfortable design with multiple ear tips that can be customized. It is also IPX7 certified, therefore waterproof, and can handle light rain and sweat. These are workout friendly in-ear wireless headphones comfortable to wear during activity, offering resistance to water and sweat. It is an ideal companion while running and exercising, as it has a nano-coating that fends of sweat during a strenuous workout. However, do not use them for laps in the pool.

It is made of lightweight plastic with silicone ear hooks that remain secure on the ears, which is useful during strenuous activity. The earbuds are available in 4 sizes of silicone buds with 1 size of memory foam earbuds offering a perfect fit. There is a rubber cable that connects the earbuds so that it can hang from the neck when not in use.

It also comes including a round cushioned case with a mesh pocket for holding the ear tips and the USB charging cable. The sound quality is excellent, due to the use of QCC3034 Chip with 11 mm dynamic drivers, adopting the aptX HD technology to offer top-class music. The battery offers a playtime of 12 hours and 300 hours of standby for all-day activity. A full charge takes around 2 hours and there is a quick charge feature of 10 minutes that gives you about 2 hours of playtime.

It is a great combination of comfort, fit, and stability with an ear hook and in-ear design. The microphone features noise cancellation offering improved filtration of background noise when taking calls while running or cycling. The dimensions are 3.98 x 3.98 x 1.97 inches and it weighs 4.02 ounces.

Who Should Buy This?

• Those looking for a low-cost pair of headphones for running and exercising, that also has an underwater certification.

In-Ear Truly Wireless Headphones for Running

RHA TrueConnect, Carbon Black

It is completely plastic, which keeps the earphones lightweight and comfortable despite the bigger size. It is also IPX5 rated and is water-resistant, so it can withstand rain, splashes, and sweat during running and other physical activities. An interesting feature is a microphone, present on the stem at the bottom, which enhances voice quality, as it is nearer to the mouth. Bluetooth 5 version offers excellent connectivity. The design offers a secure fit with the use of Comply Foam and silicone ear tips, making it a truly wireless pair of headphones.

Each of the earbuds has a button that can be used for controlling volume, playback, etc. with various press combinations. It takes time to get used to the combinations, but they are very convenient. The package comes including 10 pairs of ear tips, with 3 of them being Comply Foam tips, which are most comfortable and offer excellent noise isolation features. The frequency response is 20-20000 Hz and it has 6 mm, dynamic drivers. Call quality is excellent with good audio from the 2 microphones.

The battery offers around 5 hours of playback along with an additional 20 hours of playback available in the fast charge case. It can go from zero to 50% charge, offering 2.5 hours of playback in just 15 minutes. It is charged with a dedicated charging case, in which the buds fit perfectly, with the bottom having a USB Type C charging port. The dimensions of the RHA TrueConnect are 2.91 x 1.06 x 1.65 inches and it weighs 0.46 ounces.

Who Should Buy This?

• For runners and sports enthusiasts who want a water-resistant truly wireless pair of headphones.
• Those who are willing to pay the price for an excellent pair of sports headphones.

Open-Ear, Bone Conduction Earphones for Running

AfterShokz Air, Midnight Blue

AfterShokz Air is a bone conduction earphone, delivering the sound through the cheekbones offering excellent sound and comfort. It leaves the ears open so that you can hear the outside world while running and exercising. The earphones don’t go in the ears or cover the ears, but instead, sit directly in front resting on the face. This is an important safety feature for runners and bikers, as they can hear the sound of traffic. The package also includes a pack of brilliant reflecting strips that can be attached to bikes, shoes, helmets, and so on. The headphones are sweat-proof and the reflective strips warn drivers to be aware of the user.

It is 20% lighter than the Trekz Titanium and is comfortable to wear for several hours. The battery life is around 6 hours of continuous use. It comes with Bluetooth 4.2 version and can be conveniently paired with both iOS and Android devices. As for sound quality, it uses Premiumpitch technology offering a wide dynamic audio range, with dual noise-canceling microphones for excellent on the go audio.

The dimensions of the product are 6.6 x 5.5 x 2.6 inches and it weighs 13.8 ounces. Buttons are present on the right side and enable control of playback and volume. It also comes with a set of foam earplugs to be used with the headphones. The highlights of the AfterShokz Air are its durable, flexible titanium frame and the wrap-around band. The open-fit design allows you to tune in to music without tuning out the world. LeakSlay technology eliminates leakage of sound, while the IP55 rating repels sweat, moisture, and dust. It can be fully charged in 1.5 hours, with a 15-minute charge for quick recharging.

Who Should Buy This?

• It is a secure, sports headphone for use while running and exercising.
• Particularly suitable for those who want secure headphones that do not cover or prod the ears.
• It has been designed with athletes in mind.

Comfortable In-Ear Headphones for Running

Bose SoundSport, Black

The Bose SoundSport is a pair of comfortable, in-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones for running and sports. The sound quality is great and it is sweat resistant. The earphones are suitable for running, as they fit securely in the ears due to the winged tips. It has an open design, which means that it does not jam into the ear and seal off the ear canal. This means that it is extremely suitable for runners and bikers, as they can hear cars coming. Exclusive Stay Hear and tips help in keeping the earphones in place during workouts. The cord length cannot be adjusted but there is a hook for keeping it stable while running.

The Bose SoundSport offers top quality, consistent audio with the use of Bose Active EQ and features easy Bluetooth connectivity and NFC pairing. The battery life is 6 hours of use from a single charge. It comes with an IPX4 rating and is sweat resistant. The in-line microphone and remote enable adjusting volume, taking and making calls, skipping songs, etc. The dimensions are 0.98 x 1.2 x 1.2 inches and it weighs 0.8 ounces.

Bose Connect is a free app for iOS and Android enabling easy pairing. Bose also sells an additional accessory case with a built-in battery that you can use on the go. This offers 3 full charges of 18 hours of battery life.

Who Should Buy This?

• It is for those who prefer an open design. It has a design that is suitable for use when running and biking, as you can hear the sound of cars and other vehicles.

Conclusion

While selecting a decent pair of headphones for running, here are some things to look out for. Check the waterproof feature and whether the headphones can stand up to the heavy sweating or a little rain during running. Secondly, the headphones should have a good fit. Go in for the truly wireless ones or the lightweight Bluetooth in-ear headphones with tapered hooks. The sound quality is also important, as it needs to block out other noise disturbances. Situational awareness is also important, so check out whether the headphones are designed to let in ambient sound.