10 Best Running Headphones From Hours of Testing

Finding the best running headphones is about more than just sound quality, it’s about making your runs better, not more complicated! The best ones should let you zone out to your favorite playlist or podcast without bouncing around, cutting out, or getting in your way.

Comfort matters more than you think. The last thing you want is an earbud slipping out mid-run or buttons that require a full-on stop just to adjust the volume.

And if you’re a marathon runner, battery life is more important than ever because who wants to run out of battery a few miles away from the finish line?

If you’re on the search for the best running headphones, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down top picks by category and what to consider before buying, so you can find the perfect pair for your runs. We even tried to include budget friendly alternatives.

Best Running Headphones

This list is a combo of my experiences and the top recommendations I received from a couple hundred runners on Instagram!

These aren’t just researched, they’re real-world tested and approved earbuds for running that don’t fall out.

If you’re going to listen to the best running songs, you want to make sure that you have the best headphones to do so!

Clip On Open Earbuds: SHOKZ OpenDots ONE

Type: Open Earbuds

IP Rating: IP54 Water Resistance

Battery life: Up to 40 hours with charging case, up to 10 hours on a single charge

Shokz is for runners who don’t want to stick earbuds in their ears while cars zoom by. The company used to be called AfterShokz, but changed its name at the end of 2021. These are different from their standard bone conduction headphones.

The OpenDots are light and stable, no matter what you’re doing. you can run, shake your head, or have a mid-run dance break, and they don’t move. The earbuds are made of soft silicone, so they aren’t stiff or snappy; they just gently rest in place.

Plus, the earbuds are interchangeable, so it doesn’t matter which ear you put them in; they work either way.

Misplaced your OpenDots? Just use the Find My Earbuds feature in the Shokz app! While they won’t pinpoint them on a map, it will make the earbuds emit a ringing sound to help you locate them. Not perfect, but better than the hunting with not help at all.

Best Budget Friendly Open Earbuds: iLive Clear Open Ear Buds ($24)

Type: Open Earbuds

IP Rating: Unable to find, but have handled a lot of sweat

Battery life: 6.5 hours

Coach Amanda has taken these out for a number of runs, including her last race in Sedona and loves them.

They aren’t going to be your gym earbuds because they let in noise, but are so much more comfortable to wear with a hat and sunglasses than bone conducting options while allowing for you to hear around you.

Because of the clip on style, they take a little practice to get used to putting them on. BUT no trying to find the right ear bud size or worry about knocking them out. This version isn’t one I’d use for phone calls, but I’m happy with them.

Best Earbuds for Running: Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds ($170)

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds

IP Rating: IPX4 certified (dust, sweat, and water resistant)

Battery life: 6 hours

The fit of these Beats Fit Pro is a little unique and may take some getting used to. The Wingtip style design sits on the inner part of your ear and can be twisted so that the tip securely sits in the upper part of your ear.

The entire earbud is made from a rubber that is super smooth and doesn’t cause any irritation but if you don’t like having something in your ear, you may want to check out a different option.

There are different listening modes so that you can either tune out what’s around you or be fully aware of your surroundings while still listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts.

• 6 hours of battery life
• Sweat and water resistant
• Built-in microphone so that you can take calls on the run

Coach Stacey is a big fan of the Beats Fit Pro for training both indoors and outdoors. The fit is a little unique but once you figure out a comfortable placement, you barely even notice that they are there. Sometimes she will even just wear one earbud on the trails when she wants to be even more aware of her surroundings.

This doesn’t affect the sound quality at all and still provides a crisp playback of either music, podcasts or even a phone call!

Best Headphones for Calls: Apple AirPods Pro 2($250)

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds

IP Rating: IPX4 certified (dust, sweat, and water resistant)

Battery life: 6 hours playback time, 30 hours with the case

Don’t let the AirPods Pro 2 fool you, they are super comfortable and you barely notice they’re there.

They updated the design so that you can wear the earbuds for a lot longer before you have to take them out. Wear them on a long run, long ride or even walk without your ear getting sore from the pods placement.

The audio quality is definitely something that keeps getting improved with each model.

• 6 hours of battery life (30 with a fully charged case)
• Adaptive transparency mode so you can still hear your surroundings
• Water resistant but not great is you’re a heavy sweater or caught in the rain

No need to take out your phone mid-run to adjust the volume or skip to the next track. Just simply touch the airpod based on your custom settings and keep running!

Stephanie may not always run with music or audiobooks but when she’s cross-training on the bike or rower she’s grabbing for her AirPods so that she can listen to her music or follow a Peloton class without disturbing her family members. Bonus points because you can also take an incoming call without having to deal with holding your phone or shouting through the speaker.

Best Budget Option Like Airpods – Tozo NC3 – $35.99

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds

IP Rating: IPX8 certified (dust, sweat, and water resistant)

Battery life: 13 hours playback time, 55 hours with the case

We say this is a comparable option because of the fit, the noise canceling and the hands free easy tap options. I started using them with the TV in our basement when running on the treadmill and found that I needed to play with the rubber ear piece sizing at first.

After that they stayed put quite nicely, so I could zone out peacefully. Then head outside to take a walk and call my parents, a nice little cooldown process. One tap to answer a call and they said the audio sounded really clear.

But also could turn the noise canceling off so that I was more alert and aware of my surroundings on the run.

I also REALLY LOVE that the charging case tells me the battery life. That has reminded me to charge them or given me the confidence to grab and go.

Best Sound Quality Running Headphones – Beats Powerbeats Pro – $199

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks

IP Rating: IPX4 certified, designed to be sweat resistant and light water splashing (but not heavy rain).

Battery life: 9 hours of playback time

The Powerbeats Pro is an earbud that combines comfort, a secure fit, and concert like audio quality.

If you are someone who loves listening to music while you run or workout, this is a pair of headphones that are worth the cost.

They are super lightweight and will snuggly fit around the ear so that you don’t have to worry about them falling out especially when you start to pick up the pace. The earpiece even comes in three different sizes so that you’re not stuck with a one sit fits all situation.

• 9 hours of battery life
• Ear hooks for more secure fit
• Control all kinds of features of each earbud independently
• A little bulkier and a little pricier than the other earbuds listed above

Don’t get caught in a heavy rainstorm, jump into a pool or accidentally throw them in the washing machine. You may have to get yourself a new pair!

Michael has used the Powerbeats Pro for many years. He’s a big music lover so having the ability to bring his favorite artists along during workouts and races keeps him focused and motivated.

Best Budget Friendly Sound Quality Running Headphones- Treblab 3 ($60)

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks

IP Rating: IPX7

Battery life: Up to 9 hours playback time

If you’re looking for a similar ear hook design as the Powerbeats but can’t justify the price just yet, then these are the ones for you! While the Powerbeats have a superior sound quality and built, these do have a better IP rating. They also feature up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge!

Best Waterproof Earbuds for Running: Jabra Elite 8 ($158)

Type: Truly Wireless Earbuds

IP Rating: IP68 certified, designed to be sweat, water and dust proof

Battery life: Up to 8 hours playback time

The Jabra Elite 8 is considered an earbud similar to the AirPods but designed with a secure fit so you never have to worry about them falling out during a run, race or even a HIIT workout. Another perk is that, unlike many pairs of headphones, they are waterproof so if you are a heavy sweater or get caught in a downpour, there’s nothing to worry about.

You can turn the noise canceling feature (ANC) off or on depending if you want to tune out all noise to focus on your workout or still be able to hear your surroundings.

The Jabra Elite 8 also has a fast charge option, which provides you 1 hour of playback after only five minutes of charging with the included cable.

• 8 hours of battery life with ANC on\14 hours with ANC off
• super durable and waterproof
• ability to take calls on the run
• connect to GPS watches so that you can leave your phone at home

Darren has used Jabras for a while now. This is probably his 4th pair and he never goes on a run without them. Earlier generations didn’t have enough battery life to last through an entire marathon but newer versions have gotten him to many finishlines.

We did our research but didn’t find any budget-friendly waterproof option that we’d truly recommend.

Best Overear Headphones for Working Out: JBL Wireless Headphones ($32)

Type: Neckband Earbuds

IP Rating: IPX5

Battery life: 10 hours of playback time

These are not true wireless earbuds, as a cord connects them behind your neck.

But for many of you that’s preferred to not lose an earbud.

David has stolen these from me and they are now his go-to. This is the downside to having fun gear …you have too much and then someone else uses it and you’re like “hey I want that!”

• 10 hours of playtime
• More secure fit for many with the little hook
• Reflective cable

There is a newer version, but it has a wider strap that sits behind your head, which I’m not a fan of.

So this is basically your cheapest wireless running headphones option. And yes it still technically has a wire, but not connected to anything besides the earphones.

How Do I Use Headphones Safely While Running?

When running outside, it’s important to wear open-ear headphones or those with hear-through transparency technology so you can hear your surroundings.

Awareness is key to safety. With open-ear headphones, you can stay aware of what’s going on around you while still being able to listen to running music or your favorite podcast.

Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?

Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.

A few common requests:

• Best running sports bras
• The Best HR monitors for runners (from watches to straps)
• Best compression running socks
• Best sunglasses for running

Have you tested out any other wireless headphones you loved?

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