Incorporating cardio into your workout routine is essential, and nothing elevates your heart rate like a motivating jogging playlist. However, many of us struggle with headphones and earbuds that aren't well-suited for movement, leading to frustrating moments when they repeatedly fall out of our ears.
Fortunately, there are several companies that specialize in headphones and earbuds designed specifically for activities such as running and swimming. These products are built with fitness-oriented features in mind, prioritizing fit, comfort, and the ability to hear your surroundings. At Digital Trends, we understand what makes a great pair of headphones, so we’ve compiled a list of the best headphones and earbuds for running that are currently available.
The best earbuds overall for runners
Soundcore AeroFit 2
- Comfortable and secure
- Very good sound quality
- Excellent for calls
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No LE Audio or Auracast
- Mics will pick up wind noise
| Specification: | |
| Weight | Each earbud: 10 grams Charging case: 65 grams |
| Type | Closed |
| Battery life | Up to 42 hours with the charging case |
| Hi-res support | Yes |
The Soundcore AeroFit 2 are open-ear earbuds specifically designed for comfort and situational awareness during workouts. Each earbud weighs approximately 10 grams, while the charging case weighs 65 grams. They feature an impressive battery life, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 42 hours when using the charging case.
Pros of the AeroFit 2 include their open-ear design, which allows runners to remain aware of their surroundings, and their comfortable, lightweight fit. They also support Hi-Res wireless audio with LDAC—a feature not commonly found in open-ear earbuds. Additionally, their long battery life and quick charging capabilities are significant advantages.
On the downside, the open-ear design does not provide the same level of sound isolation as traditional earbuds, making them less suitable for noisy environments. While the sound quality is decent for open-ear models, it may not fully satisfy audiophiles looking for deep bass and an immersive experience.
Overall, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 are an excellent choice for runners, especially those who prioritize safety and awareness while exercising. The combination of comfort, long battery life, and satisfactory sound quality makes them suitable for both casual and serious runners. Their open-ear design is particularly beneficial for running in urban areas or on shared trails, where being aware of one's surroundings is essential.
The best budget earbuds for runners
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
- Comfy fit and stability
- Rugged durability
- Good sound quality
- Solid ANC and ambient performance
- Great app support
- Wind can break through
- No aptX support
- No wireless charging
Anker has updated its sports-friendly line of earbuds to include a version that finally has ANC, offering impressively solid cancellation with an effective ambient mode. The dynamic acoustic system is designed to pump up the bass without interfering with other ranges, while the IPX7 rating ensures that sweat, rain, and water are no obstacle to your workout tunes.
One of our favorite features of these earbuds is the set of ear hooks, which are both quite flexible and have a 210-degree rotation. That allows you to keep adjusting the earbuds until you find the perfect spot in your ear for them to rest, then hooking them in place. Everyone's ears are different, and if you often have trouble with earbud placement (especially when running), you may appreciate the adjustability of the Sport X10s.
Battery life on these Anker buds is also solid, with up to eight hours on a single charge and a case that can hold up to three additional charges. We also really enjoyed our time with the SoundCore app, with a 21-preset EQ to play with, an eight-band equalizer for customization, and even programs for breathing while you stretch for your workout.
The best ear hook style earbuds for runners
Powerbeats Pro 2
- Solid, satisfying sound
- Extremely secure, comfortable fit
- Physical buttons
- Heart rate monitoring
- Works well with iOS and Android OS
- Case is still bulky
- ANC is not quite as good as competitors
| Specification: | |
| Weight | Each earbud: 8.5 grams Charging case: 68 grams |
| Type | Closed |
| Battery life | Up to 45 hours with the case |
| Hi-res support | No |
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are specifically designed for active lifestyles, particularly for individuals who prioritize a secure fit and powerful sound during workouts. Each earbud weighs approximately 8.5 grams, while the charging case adds another 68 grams, making the overall package a bit bulkier compared to some competitors. They boast an impressive battery life, offering up to 10 hours of listening time per charge and a total of 45 hours when using the charging case. Although they do not support high-resolution audio, they provide a robust and bass-heavy sound profile.
Pros of the Powerbeats Pro 2 include their extremely stable ear hook design, which is excellent for vigorous activities, as well as their sweat and water resistance. On the downside, their larger size may not be comfortable for everyone, and the lack of high-resolution audio support could be a drawback for some users.
For runners, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are generally regarded as a strong choice. The ear hooks ensure they remain secure during even the most intense runs, while the powerful sound can help fuel motivation during workouts. However, those who prefer a more balanced audio profile or prioritize a lightweight design might find other options to be more suitable.
The best bone conduction earbuds for runners
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
- Improved audio
- Improved battery life
- Easy-to-use controls
- USB-C charging
- Might struggle with glasses
- Not for audiophiles
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 30.3 grams |
| Type | Open |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| Hi-res support | No |
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are bone conduction headphones specifically designed for athletes who need to stay aware of their surroundings. Weighing just over 30 grams, they are lightweight and comfortable for extended periods of use. The headphones offer up to 12 hours of battery life, with a quick charge feature that provides 2.5 hours of listening time after just 5 minutes of charging.
One of the key advantages of the OpenRun Pro 2 is their open-ear design, which enables runners to hear ambient sounds, such as traffic, while still enjoying their music or podcasts. Additionally, they are sweat and water-resistant, making them durable for intense workouts.
However, it is important to note that bone conduction technology does not provide the same rich and immersive sound quality as traditional earbuds, and they lack active noise cancellation. The OpenRun Pro 2 are particularly well-suited for runners who prioritize safety and awareness, especially those who run in urban environments or on shared trails. The ability to hear one’s surroundings clearly while enjoying audio is a significant benefit.
While these headphones may not meet the needs of audiophiles, their comfort, durability, and safety features make them a top choice for runners.
The most comfortable earbuds for runners
Shokz OpenFit 2
- All-day comfort
- Excellent battery life
- Perfect for calls
- Improved bass response
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No wireless charging
- No support for LE Audio/Auracast
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are open-ear earbuds designed for comfort and awareness, setting them apart from bone conduction models. Each earbud weighs approximately 8.3 grams, making them exceptionally lightweight. The battery life provides up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, and the included charging case extends that total to 28 hours.
One of the main advantages of these earbuds is their open-ear design, which allows for situational awareness during activities like running, while delivering a richer audio experience compared to bone conduction alternatives. They offer a comfortable, secure fit without needing to enter the ear canal. Additionally, the earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts.
However, there are some downsides. They do not provide the same level of sound isolation as traditional earbuds, which may be a disadvantage in very noisy environments. While the sound quality is good for open-ear options, it does not match the depth offered by in-ear or over-ear headphones.
For runners, the Shokz OpenFit 2 are an excellent choice, especially for those who prefer not to have anything inserted into their ears. The combination of comfort, awareness, and decent sound quality makes them suitable for both casual and serious runners who want to remain connected to their surroundings.
Best earbuds for casual runners
Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Top-notch transparency
- Very good sound quality
- Great call quality
- Fun charging case features
- Not ideal for Android
- Still no EQ adjustments
| Specification: | |
| Weight | Each earbud: 5.3 grams Charging case: 50.8 grams |
| Type | Closed |
| Battery life | Up to 30 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res support | Technically, no |
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are premium earbuds that combine high-quality audio, advanced features, and a compact design. Each earbud weighs approximately 5.3 grams, while the MagSafe Charging Case adds about 50.8 grams, making them very portable. Users can enjoy up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and up to 30 hours when using the case.
Pros of the AirPods Pro 2 include excellent active noise cancellation, impressive sound quality with Personalized Spatial Audio, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Additionally, features like Adaptive Transparency and improved touch controls enhance the user experience.
However, there are some drawbacks. The price point is relatively high, and although the earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, they may not provide a secure fit during vigorous, high-impact activities compared to earbuds with ear hooks. For casual runs or workouts with minimal high-impact movement, the AirPods Pro 2 are a decent option, as their sound quality and noise cancellation can enhance the experience, especially in noisy environments. However, for intense trail running or high-speed sprints, the fit might not be secure enough for everyone, and the lack of a sports-oriented design could be a limitation.
Best earbuds in urban environments for runners
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Very comfortable
- Excellent sound quality
- Top-notch noise canceling
- Hi-res and lossless audio
- Excellent spatial audio
- No wireless charging
- Outdoor call quality could be better
| Specification: | |
| Weight | Each earbud: 6.24 grams Charging case: 59.8 grams |
| Type | Closed |
| Battery life | Nearly 30 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res support | Technically, no |
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are engineered to deliver exceptional noise cancellation and an immersive audio experience, making them a standout choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Each earbud weighs approximately 6.24 grams, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The accompanying charging case, which weighs around 59.8 grams, not only adds a sleek design but also provides significant battery life, extending listening time considerably.
These earbuds offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. When combined with the charging case, users can enjoy multiple additional charges, making them ideal for long travel days or extended outdoor activities without worrying about battery life.
For runners, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds strike an impressive balance between superior sound quality and effective noise cancellation, which is particularly beneficial in busy urban settings or while commuting to preferred running locations. The ability to block out ambient noise can enhance motivation, allowing runners to focus solely on their music or podcasts. This immersive audio experience can significantly elevate the joy of running by creating an engaging sonic backdrop.
However, it's important to note that while these earbuds excel in sound and noise-canceling capabilities, their fit may not be as secure as that of specialized sports earbuds. For runners who engage in intense trail running or high-speed workouts, the potential for movement within the ear might be a consideration. Additionally, the premium features and quality of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds come with a higher price point, which may not appeal to every budget-conscious consumer. Overall, while they are a fantastic option for casual runners seeking excellent sound quality, those with specific needs for stability and durability during rigorous activities might want to explore more dedicated sports models.
The most secure earbuds for runners
Sony LinkBuds Fit
- Excellent long-term comfort
- Detailed sound
- Excellent transparency mode
- Great for calls
- Fun and convenient extras
- Might not fit small ears
- No wireless charging
- Limited Auracast support
| Specification: | |
| Weight | Each earbud: 4.8 grams Charging case: 32.6 grams |
| Type | Closed |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res support | Yes |
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit, along with high-quality audio, making them a versatile choice for various activities. Each earbud weighs approximately 4.8 grams, and the charging case adds another 32.6 grams, making the entire set very lightweight. They offer up to 5.5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional power.
Pros include their comfortable and secure fit, which is particularly important for active use. They also boast High-Resolution Audio Wireless certification with LDAC support and DSEE Extreme technology for enhancing compressed music. The inclusion of noise canceling features is another advantage.
However, there are some cons to consider. The battery life is slightly shorter compared to some competitors, and although the fit is secure, it may not be ideal for extreme high-impact activities. While they are sweat and water-resistant, some other sport-focused earbuds offer a more robust resistance rating.
For runners, the Sony LinkBuds Fit are a good option, especially for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort. Their secure design and high-quality audio make them suitable for various running conditions, and their lightweight build is beneficial for longer runs. However, for runners who engage in very intense or high-impact activities or those who run in extreme weather conditions, dedicated sports earbuds with ear hooks or a higher IP rating might be a better choice.
Best runner-up earbuds in urban environments for runners
Sony LinkBuds Open
- Comfortable fit
- Much better balanced sound
- Surprising passive isolation
- Plenty of custom options
- LE Audio for Android
- Superb battery life
- Spatial sound is terrible
- Awkward voice controls
- Phone calls can be tough with background noise
| Specification: | |
| Type | Open |
The Sony LinkBuds Open are innovative open-ring earbuds that stand out for their unique design, which promotes situational awareness while delivering sound. Weighing in at approximately 4 grams each, they are exceptionally lightweight, ensuring comfort during extended wear. This makes them a great option not just for casual listening but also for activities that require a bit of mobility, like walking or jogging.
The earbuds provide around 5.5 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is quite respectable for such a compact design. The included charging case further extends this duration, allowing for multiple listening sessions without needing to frequently recharge. The case itself is designed for portability, making it easy to carry around in a pocket or bag.
When it comes to runners, the Sony LinkBuds Open cater to a specific niche. They excel in urban environments, where being aware of one’s surroundings is crucial. The open design allows runners to hear important cues from their environment, like traffic sounds or the voices of pedestrians, which is vital for safety. This feature makes them particularly suitable for casual runners who favor outdoor routes in populated areas.
However, these earbuds might not appeal to everyone. For those seeking an immersive listening experience—such as music enthusiasts or athletes training at higher intensities—the LinkBuds might fall short. The open design means that ambient noise can interfere with audio quality, making them less effective in noisier environments. Furthermore, because they lack a traditional in-ear or over-ear structure, they may not provide the stable fit needed during high-impact running, like sprinting or trail running, where more secure earbuds would perform better.
In summary, the Sony LinkBuds Open are an excellent choice for runners who prioritize safety and awareness over high audio fidelity and immersion. They suit those who enjoy a blend of music and environmental sounds while exercising, keeping them alert and connected to their surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. Most modern running headphones stream music from your phone or smartwatch via Bluetooth. Meany headphones suitable for swimming will have built-in storage though.
If you’re planning on being active, it’s usually best to get wireless headphones, as there are no cables to get in your way. Keep in mind that true wireless earbud models also remove the cable connecting the earbuds together. But that can also make it easier for earbuds to slip out during exercise. Some models help solve this problem with ear hooks or bands.
Not everybody needs waterproof headphones, although many people appreciate the assurance they provide. Runners’ headphones often end up covered in sweat and also tend to be exposed to the elements, such as rain. Waterproof headphones offer the most protection against moisture, but water-resistant ones will at least offer some protection.
Water resistance is a ratable feature on headphones, and it appears as an IP rating on the product details. Before you purchase anything, make sure to figure out what these IP ratings mean (and what rating you should aim for). If you need more resources, consider checking out our best headphones for swimming, since these should do the trick for runners, too.
While some headphones offer heart rate monitors, they are nowhere near as accurate as conventional heart rate monitors that you would strap to your chest or wrist. If you want the most precise heart rate reading, we would still recommend relying on chest-based monitors or even a smartwatch.
Headphones don’t have to envelop your entire ear to ensure they will stay on, and earbuds often come with multiple tip sizes to try on. Most modern running headphones come with various ear tips and ear fins to suit ears of all sizes. Still, we recommend trying on the headphones you plan to buy whenever possible since an in-person fitting is the best way to ensure a good, comfortable fit.
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