The Best Headphones for Working Out (2024)

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Adrienne So

Gear

Rock your inner jock with a pair of durable, sweatproof headphones. Here are our favorites.

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Featured in this article

The Best Headphones for Working Out (3)

Best Overall

Jabra Elite 8 Active

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (4)

Best Cheap Buds

JLab Audio Go Air Sport

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (5)

Best On-Ears

Koss Porta Pro

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (6)

Best for Apple Lovers

Beats Fit Pro

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Luxurious over-the-ear headphones are plush and comfortable, and they sound great. But for most everyday activities—working out, traveling, and wandering around my house pretending to put things away—you probably want something much more convenient, durable, and yes, cheaper. Since I started testing these headphones years ago, their sound and comfort have improved dramatically. I trail run, hike, work on my yard, lift weights, and watch mildly embarrassing barre and yoga videos on my laptop, all while testing the best wireless workout headphones around.

If you like listening to music while scrambling up stony slopes or mowing your lawn, here are a bunch of WIRED's favorite pairs. We've worn and sweated on all of them. Don't see anything you like? Check out our Best Wirefree Earbuds, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Bluetooth Speakers, or any of our other buying guides for more.

Updated March 2024: We added the Koss Porta Pro, the Sony WH-CH720, the Bose Open Ear Ultra, the Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro, the 1More Fit Open, and the Oladance Sport. We added a section on how to pick headphones, and we updated links and pricing throughout.

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  • The Best Headphones for Working Out (7)

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Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate Reviews Editor

TopicsShoppingbuying guideswireless headphoneaudioworkoutExerciseHeadphones

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (2024)

FAQs

How to choose headphones for gym? ›

Making sure your sound is high quality is essential for any headphones, but making sure they're completely secure is a feature you won't always need. The best earbuds and headphones for working out will have these qualities as well as water resistance and dust resistance as you take them into the gym and get sweaty.

What are the best earbuds for working out that won't fall out? ›

The soundcore V30i is widely recognized as one of the best wireless earbuds that don't fall out, tailor-made for active lifestyles and audio enthusiasts alike. These earbuds are a testament to ergonomic design and superior sound quality, featuring an ultra-lightweight, open-ear construction.

How do I keep my headphones from falling off my head while working out? ›

Sweatbands and ear warmers are great accessories to help keep your buds in place, especially when engaging in high-intensity activities. These can also serve as a barrier against sweat, which often causes earbuds to slip. Ear warmers keep your ears warm as you enjoy your outdoor run during cold weather.

Is it better to workout with headphones or earphones? ›

Earbuds are also often sweat-proof and easier to clean. On the other hand, those focused on strength training and similar may prefer a pair of traditional over-the-ear headphones. Headphones often have better noise cancellation as well. Ultimately the decision will come down to personal taste.

Are wired headphones OK for the gym? ›

Although wireless headphones have an advantage that there is no risk of the wires getting in the way of your movement. You can use wired headphones but just make sure whichever exercise you are doing, the wires do not come into the way of the movement or else your workout will be impacted.

Are beats good for the gym? ›

We've used ours since they launched and they're yet to be displaced as the top earphones sold by the brand. The Beats Fit Pro tick every box and then some, and they're easily among the best options you can pick if you want earbuds that work as well for everyday life as they do in the gym or if you're on a run.

Are big headphones good for gym? ›

Marks would not recommend on-ear and over-the-ear headphones for exercising. They tend to be bulky in size and don't stay put. That said, the outer-ear headphones have the best fidelity (sound quality).

What are the loudest headphones for working out? ›

  • jabra elite active 75t.
  • beats headphones.
  • airpods pro.

What are the best and cheapest earbuds for working out? ›

Best cheap workout earbuds under $100
  • The Best. JBL Endurance Peak 3. MSRP: $99.95. 7.8. Good battery life. ...
  • Best active noise cancelling. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC. MSRP: $99.00. 8.3. Good isolation and ANC. ...
  • Bang for your buck. JLab JBuds Mini. MSRP: $39.99. 8.3. Extremely portable. ...
  • Best bass. Anker Soundcore Life A1. MSRP: $49.99. 7.9.
Jan 2, 2024

Should you wear earbuds while working out? ›

Wearing headphones and putting on a song that gets the juices flowing is a sure-fire way to reduce stress and put you in the mindset to crush your workout. And, being in a positive mindset will allow you to enjoy your workout and help you get to the finish line.

Do beats fall off when running? ›

The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are the best earbuds for running we've tested. Their ear hook design makes it almost impossible to shake them off during an intense sprint or brisk jog. They're also lightweight and flexible enough to fit comfortably around your ears without causing any discomfort.

Is it good to workout with headphones? ›

Wearing headphones and putting on a song that gets the juices flowing is a sure-fire way to reduce stress and put you in the mindset to crush your workout. And, being in a positive mindset will allow you to enjoy your workout and help you get to the finish line.

Why do bodybuilders use headphones? ›

By wearing headphones, a bodybuilder can drown out all distractions, get into a rhythm and execute perfect, repetitive motions. Second, I recall reading something way back where a study of those working out while listening to their favorite music performed better than those not listening to anything.

Are wireless headphones good for gym? ›

Wireless headphones aren't just good for the gym. You may be listening to them for several hours a day; in the gym, on your way to the office and whenever you need musical or podcast accompaniment.

Will sweat ruin headphones? ›

Sweat can seep into the ear cushions, causing them to crack and emit an unpleasant odor over time, especially if you don't keep them clean. Sweaty, grimy headphones are also a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause skin infections and acne flare-ups, particularly if you have oily skin.

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