The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (2024)

Updated Feb 07, 2024 at 01:39 pm

By Jasper Lastoria

The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (1)

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Whether you're a seasoned athlete training for an upcoming event or like to go for a jog now and then, a good pair of sports-oriented wireless earbuds can make all the difference in your exercise routine. While many runners prefer going truly wireless, having a cable between your earbuds can be a benefit when you're working out in the gym. Truly wireless earbuds eliminate the annoying rustling sound you hear when a cable brushes against your shirt, also called microphonics. However, if you're receiving instructions from a coach or want to talk with a friend, it's much easier to let your earbuds hang around your neck while not in use. On the other hand, bone conduction headphones offer greater awareness if you run outside, but the sound is compromised by less thumpy bass.

We've tested over 260 wireless earbuds,in-ear headphones, and bone-conduction headsets, and below are our recommendations for the bestearbudsfor running. Also, check out our recommendations for thebest headphones for running, thebest wireless earbuds under $100, thebest neckband headphones, and thebest true wireless earbuds.


  1. Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running

    Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless 5

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (7)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.3

    Type In-ear

    Enclosure Closed-Back

    Wireless Truly Wireless

    Transducer Dynamic

    Noise Cancelling No

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    The best earbuds for working out and running we've tested are the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless. Beats have been popular at the gym for years thanks to their straightforward operation and eye-catching designs. These buds are no exception, thanks to their comfortable and malleable stability hooks, which hold them in place during tough reps. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance against minor water exposure like splashes or light rain, making them a solid choice for outdoor running. Their H1 chip allows you to pair them seamlessly with other devices in your Apple ecosystem.

    Their battery lasts over 11 hours continuously, and their carrying case holds an additional charge. In terms of sound, they deliver a good amount of bass, while vocals and instruments are clear in mixes. This makes them versatile enough for most audio content, although they lack customization features to fine-tune their sound. Try these for consistent sound, fit, and a sound profile that supplies a good amount of boom and punch to motivate your workout.

    They don't block out much background noise, so if you want to reduce ambient sound at the gym, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. They don't have ear hooks, but their stability fins give them a stable fit. Their ANC has a fantastic performance, so you can reduce distractions like background conversations and focus on your music at the gym.

    See our review

  2. Best Upper Mid-Range Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running

    Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless 2

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (13)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.4

    In the upper mid-range, the best earbuds for working out that we've tested are the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless. These very well-built buds have a sports-oriented design and come with stability fins. They have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and a case with an IP54 rating, so you can throw them in your gym bag without worrying about damaging them. Their default sound profile is well-balanced, but fans of bass-heavy music might want more thump and rumble. Luckily, you can use the parametric EQ and presets in their companion app to customize it.

    They have an ANC feature, but it does a sub-par job of blocking background noise, so these headphones aren't ideal if noise cancelling is the priority. If you have large or small ears, it's possible the one-size-fits-most ear tips, which are integrated into the different sizes of stability fins, can pose a problem with comfort and fit, although they are pretty stable for most. Their over five-hour continuous playback time isn't as long-lasting as the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless, either. On the upside, their carrying case holds an extra two charges if you need it, and they have an auto-off timer to conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off.

    See our review

  3. Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds For Running

    Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless 0

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (19)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.2

    Type In-ear

    Enclosure Closed-Back

    Wireless Truly Wireless

    Transducer Dynamic

    Noise Cancelling No

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    The Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds for running in the mid-range we've tested. Although they aren't as well-built as the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless, these comfortable buds are rated IP55 for resistance against dust and water exposure, and their ear hook design keeps them in place while you're moving. Their bass-rich sound delivers extra thump, punch, and boom to help keep you motivated through a tough workout. Plus, if you prefer a different sound, their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets so that you can fine-tune their sound to your liking.

    These buds have 9.5 hours of continuous playback time, and their carrying case has roughly 3.4 additional charges. While they don't have ANC, they can block out an acceptable amount of ambient sound. These buds also support Skull-iQ, which offers voice command support if you don't want to use thephysical controls, but you will have to talk andbegin each command with, "Hey Skullcandy."The Skull-iQ doesn't replace your voice assistant, and you can access your device's assistant using the feature as well, which makes it a pretty flexible, hands-free option.

    See our review

  4. Best Budget Wireless Earbuds For Running

    Beats Flex Wireless 1

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (25)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.1

    Type In-ear

    Enclosure Closed-Back

    Wireless Yes

    Transducer Dynamic

    Noise Cancelling No

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    If you're on a budget, the best wireless earbuds for running we've tested are the Beats Flex Wireless. Although they don't have ear hooks like the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless and aren't as stable in-ear, they have a neck cable design, so you can wear them around your neck when not in use. These comfortable buds have a bass-heavy sound, which can help keep you pumped up while running. Although they don't have noise cancelling, they can still block out a decent amount of ambient sound, like pedestrians talking if you're running outdoors. They also last 11 hours continuously, which is longer than other picks on this list, and come in various colors to match your style.

    They have a W1 chip, so you can seamlessly connect to other devices in your Apple ecosystem. If connectivity with Apple devices isn't important, the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are also worth considering. While they lack a neckband design, these buds have a decently comfortable and stable fit. Their bass-heavy sound has plenty of boom and slam to push you through the most grueling runs, and they last more than eight hours on a single charge. They're also rated IP54 for protection against dust and water splashes, so you don't have to worry about getting them wet while running.

    See our review

  5. Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds For Running

    JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless 4

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (31)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.2

    Type In-ear

    Enclosure Closed-Back

    Wireless Truly Wireless

    Transducer Dynamic

    Noise Cancelling No

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    If you're looking for something that won't break the bank, the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are great for runners on a shoestring budget. They have a sturdy design and come in a few different colors to suit your style. Unlike the Beats Flex Wireless, they're also rated IPX4 for resistance to minor water exposure, though they aren't as comfortable. Even though they don't have stability fins, once you get a good fit with the included ear tips, they're stable enough to stay in place during runs. Their nine-hour battery life will last through several workouts without a recharge, and the carrying case stores several extra charges. The charging cable is built into the case, so you'll need to replace the entire unit if it's damaged.

    These earbuds stand out from other cheap options because even though they don't have an app, you can choose between a few EQ presets using the onboard controls. Using the flattest EQ preset, they have a bass-rich sound that adds rumble, punch, and boom to your audio without overwhelming instruments and lead vocals. Like most of the earbuds on this list, they don't have ANC, so they don't do a great job of blocking out noise, especially bass-range noise like rumbling engines or workout machines at the gym.

    See our review

  6. Best Wireless Earbuds For Running Safely

    Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction 3

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (37)

    Sports/Fitness

    7.3

    Type Bone Conduction

    Enclosure Open-Back

    Wireless Yes

    Transducer Bone Conduction

    Noise Cancelling No

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    For outdoor runners concerned about safety, the Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction are a great option. Even if they're not technically earbuds, you use them like earbuds. Unlike the previous picks, they don't go in your ears; instead, they sit at your temples and send vibrations through your bones to produce sound. Thislets you hear your audio and keepyour ears open to monitor your surroundings.If your running route takes you along busy roads or paths used by cyclists, this inherent design feature helps maintain your awareness.

    They have a comfortable fit for average-sized headsbut can slip around on smaller noggins.There's an IP67 rating for resistance against dust and water immersion, and they have roughly 13 hours of continuous battery life with a proprietary charger. Overall, they have a good build quality with a titanium internal frame, although the neckband feels slightly thin. They're meant to provide a background soundtrack during exercise and don't reproduce much bass. However, vocals and lead instruments sound clear, making them a solid choice for vocal-centric content like podcasts.

    However, if you want to hear more bass, you might prefer the Shokz OpenFit True Wireless. These aren't bone-conduction headphones—they use small speakers, like most earbuds, andsit outside of your ears. They don't block ambient noise, and the audio sounds more punchy and full. You can customize their sound with a graphic EQ in their companion app, unlike the OpenRun. However, they have a shorter continuous battery life and a lower IP54 rating, so you can't immerse them in water.

    See our review

  7. Best-Sounding Wireless Earbuds For Running

    Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless 21

    The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (43)

    Sports/Fitness

    8.2

    Type In-ear

    Enclosure Closed-Back

    Wireless Truly Wireless

    Transducer Dynamic

    Noise Cancelling Yes

    Mic Yes

    See all our test results

    You'll want a great-sounding pair of wireless earbuds to soundtrack your workouts. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FETruly Wireless offer impressive sound quality suitable for listening to many different music genres, making them great for working out.They also have a comfortable, stable fit that's suitable for runs and most workouts. They come with several ear tip and fin sleeve options to help you get the best possible fit. With a battery life of over 6.5 hours, you don't have to worry about running out of juice during longer runs.

    These headphones stand out from the crowd thanks to their neutral sound right out of the box. They accurately reproduce voices and lead instruments, and while there's plenty of bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop, it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the mix. The Galaxy Wearable companion app even comes with some EQ presets to switch up its sound, which is a nice touch. Either way, these earbuds are a great option for runners who want the flexibility to wear them in and out of the gym without compromising sound quality.

    They have anIPX2 certificationfor protection against light rain and splashes, butif you want something with greater water resistancefrom the brand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless have similar functionality with a higher IPX7 rating.Their stability issimilarpartlydue to their slightly grippy texture, but they lack the added security of stability fins. Broadly, both riff on the samefrequency response template,although the Galaxy Buds2 Pro scoopthe mids more, nudging vocals further down in the mix, and theiroverall sound is brighter.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless: The Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless are sports earbuds with a high IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, unlike the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless. While they have a stable fit and some added grip because of the silicone coating, they don't have stability fins or ear hooks, and their battery life is shorter. See our review
  • Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless: The Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless are sports-oriented headphones with a stable in-ear fit and an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. However, they lack stability fins, and their carrying case isn't as sturdy as that of the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless, as their lid is easily openable. See our review
  • Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless: The Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless are well-built and comfortable buds certified IP55 for resistance against dust and water exposure. However, their in-ear fit isn't as stable as the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless. See our review
  • Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless: The Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless have swappable stability fins to find your best fit, an IPX5 rating, and ANC. Their sound is bass-heavy with some EQ in the app. However, for bass fans, the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless also supply thump and rumble. Plus, they have the hands-free Skull-iQ feature for when you're too busy running to use your hands for controls and additional dust resistance. See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Feb 07, 2024: We've updated this article to check the picks and to add the Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless to Notable Mentions for their IPX5 rating and noise cancelling at a budget price. We've added a note about the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless in the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless section. Small text changes have been made throughout the text.

  2. Jan 08, 2024: We've replaced the discontinued Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless with the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless. We've also added a comparison between the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless and the Beat Flex Wireless.

  3. Dec 08, 2023: We've checked our text for accuracy and availability. While there have been minor textual changes to improve clarity, the picks remain the same.

  4. Nov 16, 2023: Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds as the alternative to the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless with better noise cancelling. Added the Jabra Elite 8 Active to Notable Mentions.

  5. Oct 20, 2023: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.

All Reviews

Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the bestearbuds for running and working outfor most people to buy in each price range. We factor inthe price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose foryourself, here is the list of all our reviews for wireless in-ear headphones,earbuds, and bone conduction headsets. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details.There are no perfectheadphones. Personal taste, preference, and where you use the headphones will matter more in your selection.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise like a human expert. However, I have been trained on a wide range of topics and can provide information and insights on various subjects.

Based on this article, I can analyze the concepts and provide a summary of each section:

Introduction

The article discusses the importance of having a good pair of wireless earbuds for athletes and runners during their exercise routines. It mentions that while some prefer truly wireless earbuds for the lack of cables, having a cable between the earbuds can be beneficial when working out in the gym. It also introduces the concept of bone conduction headphones, which offer greater awareness for outdoor runners but compromise on sound quality.

Recommendations for Best Wireless Earbuds for Running

The article presents several recommendations for the best wireless earbuds for running in different price ranges. Here are the recommendations mentioned in the article:

  1. Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless: These earbuds are popular at the gym due to their comfortable fit and malleable stability hooks. They are resistant to minor water exposure and offer a good amount of bass in their sound profile.

  2. Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless: These earbuds have a sports-oriented design and come with stability fins. They have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and offer customizable sound profiles.

  3. Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless: These earbuds are comfortable and have a bass-rich sound profile. They provide a good amount of boom and punch to keep you motivated during workouts.

  4. Beats Flex Wireless: These budget-friendly earbuds have a neck cable design and a bass-heavy sound profile. They block out ambient sound and have a long battery life.

  5. JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless: These affordable earbuds have a sturdy design and a bass-rich sound profile. They offer EQ presets for sound customization.

  6. Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction: These bone conduction headphones are designed for outdoor runners concerned about safety. They sit at your temples and allow you to hear your audio while keeping your ears open to monitor your surroundings.

  7. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless: These earbuds offer impressive sound quality and a comfortable, stable fit. They come with several ear tip and fin sleeve options for customization.

Notable Mentions

The article also mentions a few other earbuds worth considering:

  • Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless: These sports earbuds have a high IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless: These headphones have a stable in-ear fit and an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless: These well-built buds are certified IP55 for resistance against dust and water exposure.
  • Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless: These earbuds have swappable stability fins, an IPX5 rating, and active noise cancellation.

Conclusion

The article concludes by stating that the recommendations provided are based on factors such as price, feedback from users, and availability. It mentions that personal taste and preference are important when choosing headphones, as there are no perfect options.

Please note that the information provided here is a summary of the concepts discussed in the article. For more details and specific product recommendations, I recommend referring to the original article.

The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out - Winter 2024: Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the number 1 wireless earbuds? ›

Check out our list below and find your perfect pair of buds.
  • Best Wireless Earbuds Overall: Technics EAH-AZ80.
  • Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Baseus Bowie MA10.
  • Best Wireless Earbuds For Sound: Sony WF-1000XM5.
  • Best Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
4 days ago

What earbuds should I buy for running? ›

All Reviews
ProductSports/FitnessRelease Year
Bose Sport Earbuds Truly Wireless8.52020
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless8.42022
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless8.42023
Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless8.42023
10 more rows
May 3, 2024

What are the best earbuds that won't fall out when running? ›

Meet soundcore Sport X10, the quintessential earbuds for running that don't fall out, designed to keep pace with your most intense runs. These earbuds have captivated a wide audience with their superior sound quality and innovative design.

Which earphones are best for the gym? ›

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. ...
  • Beats Fit Pro. ...
  • Sony WF-C500. ...
  • Panasonic RZ-S500W. ...
  • Sony WF-C700N. ...
  • JBL Live Pro 2 TWS. ...
  • Earfun Air. Wallet-friendly and feature-packed sports earbuds on the cheap. ...
  • Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. A musical, deeply likeable pair of premium ANC wireless earbuds.
Mar 20, 2024

What are the number one best earbuds? ›

The best true wireless earbuds we tested:
  • Best true wireless earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5.
  • Best Apple earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Best Android earbuds: Sony LinkBuds S.
  • Best noise-canceling earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2.
  • Best workout earbuds: Beats Fit Pro.
  • Best budget earbuds: EarFun Air 2.

Is it better to run with headphones or earbuds? ›

Your music needs to last longer than your workout. Around-ear headphones often offer lots of battery life, but most people find them too bulky to run in. And while in-ear sport headphones offer a smaller size, it comes at the expense of the space needed for a big battery.

What headphones do most athletes use? ›

  1. Beats Fit Pro. Best sports headphones overall. ...
  2. Beats Powerbeats Pro. Best value sports headphones. ...
  3. Shokz OpenRun Pro. The best bone-conduction headphones. ...
  4. Apple AirPods Pro 2. Best sports headphones for iPhone. ...
  5. Jabra Elite 8 Active. ...
  6. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) ...
  7. Amazfit Powerbuds Pro. ...
  8. Jabra Elite 7 Active.
Apr 30, 2024

Are earbuds good for jogging? ›

They'll heat up your ears and head, harbour bacteria and make things a pain. Plus, over-ear headphones are not, in our experience, as good for running or working out as in-ears - they're just too big and bulky. If you do sweat a lot, your earbuds' IP rating will be a factor.

What are the worlds best wireless earbuds? ›

These include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (now with USB-C charging), the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the recently released Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

What earbuds are better than AirPods? ›

The best alternative to AirPods we've tested are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. These high-end earbuds rival the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless and have a wide variety of features to help you get the most out of them.

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