This article was updated in December to reflect the latest prices and deals. We also added some new headphones to our list of recommendations.
Ever since Apple launched its iconic AirPods back in 2016, wireless earbuds have rapidly taken over the world of personal audio – after all, they’re small, lightweight and a breeze to carry around. But when it comes to sound quality, noise cancellation and comfort, in-ear models just can’t compete with a solid pair of over-ear headphones.
Once bulky and awkward for exercise, today’s next-gen gadgets are streamlined, stylish and do a stellar job of drowning out distractions in a busy gym. They won’t dig into your poor earholes and many designs have additional features such as integrated voice assistants, adaptive noise cancellation and fast charging – so you never have to endure a silent slog home again. Just note, they can sometimes slip forward when running.
Best over-ear headphones for runners
If you're keen to shop straight away, find our list of products tested in the Runner's World Lab. If you want to do your research before you buy, there are a number of key factors to consider before making your purchase...
1
2
Best over-ear headphones
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Headphones
Read more
3
4
5
6
7
8
Best for innovation
Aiaiai Audio TMA-2 Move XE Wireless Headphones
Read more
9
Best for battery life
Beats by Dre Solo 3 On-Ear Wireless Headphones
Read more
10
Best for sustainability
House of Marley Positive Vibrations 2 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones
Read more
Which is better: on-ear or over-ear headphones?
On-ear headphones are compact and blast music straight into your ear canal. Over-ear headphones are bulkier (as they cover the whole ear), but they offer more expansive audio, tend to be more comfortable and are deemed to be safer for your ears. It’s a personal choice that usually comes down to size vs sound quality.
Whatever type you choose, look for an adjustable headband, particularly if you have a smaller or larger than average head. Headbands that are too tight will hurt and those that are too loose will slip, especially when running.
Noise-cancelling technology comes in handy, blurring out background noise for the optimum listening experience, but make sure you can adjust this to let traffic noise in when necessary. Check out the battery life, too, as this can vary wildly from just eight hours to more than 30 hours.
How we test
Our Runner's World Lab experts put more than 50 on-ear and over-ear headphones to the test, judging them on sound quality, comfort, battery life, ease of use and the efficacy of any noise-cancelling technology. These are some of the key factors they looked at:
Performance – we drafted in a sound technician to analyse dynamic range, sound leakage, noise cancellation claims, risk of sound fatigue and overall audio quality.
Design – we used each set for high- and low-intensity workouts, noting how comfortable they felt and how secure they were during movement.
Ease of use – high scores were awarded to cans that connected to Bluetooth seamlessly, worked intuitively and were easy to use on the go.
Pros
- Excellent noise-cancelling
- Adjustable headband
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable
- Long battery life
- Folding hinges
- Carry case
Cons
- Slip a bit when running
If you’ve got some cash to splash on top-of-the-range headphones, these are the best you can buy. The sound quality is incomparable and they cushion the ears comfortably. They offer effective noise-cancelling for full immersion in your music, with 10 levels available.
It’s easy to cycle through your three favourites using a button on the ear cup, while a long press pauses music and lets all outside noise in – ideal for road running. The battery life is impressive, too, giving you 20 hours of listening time, with a cable for when it runs dry.
Key specifications
Type: | On-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls: | On ear cup |
Battery life: | Up to 20 hours |
Noise-cancelling: | Yes |
Included accessories: | Carry case, charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable |
Pros
- Excellent noise-cancelling
- Excellent sound quality
- Long battery life
- Comfortable
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Price
- Slip a bit when running
The sound quality is top-class with these headphones, as is the noise-cancelling tech. They’re super-comfortable, even if you keep them on all day, and the over-ear design blocks out external noise.
Bluetooth 5.0 offers a stable connection for calling your voice assistant or taking calls. The 30-hour battery life deserves plaudits and we like that they turn on automatically when unfolded, and off when you fold them up. They are a bit slippy when jogging, though.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | On ear cup |
Battery life | 30 hours |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Audio cable, USB-A to micro USB cable, in-flight adapter, carry case |
Pros
- Compatible with Apple and Android devices
- Exceptional noise-cancelling tech
- Impressive sound quality
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Headphones tricky to fit into the carry case
- Small ear pads may not be comfortable for those with larger ears
We had high hopes when these shiny new Beats arrived at the RW Lab and fortunately, they didn’t disappoint. In fact, they exceeded our expectations thanks to the impeccable sound quality and second-to-none noise cancelling tech.
Our audiophile described the audio as ‘premium’, with a punchy bass and smooth treble, and said the headphones did a stellar job of blocking out sound, even when the ANC wasn’t activated. They also support spatial audio and head tracking, so they’ll do your favourite movies and TV programmes justice, too.
What else sets them apart? Unlike many competitors, these Beats offer a range of advanced features for both Apple and Android devices. We’re talking voice activation, ‘Find My’ integration and instant pairing and synching between devices. It’s all very slick.
With a handy set-up guide and easy-to-follow instructions, setting the headphones up took a matter of minutes, connectivity was instant, and we got to grips with them immediately. The touch controls on the padded ear cups were responsive and felt comfortable, even after prolonged use.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | On ear cups |
Battery life | Up to 40 hours |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Carry case, USB-C cable, analogue audio cable, warranty card |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Secure and stable during workouts
- Comfortable padded ear cups
- User-friendly accompanying app
- Good sound quality and noise cancelling
- Long battery life
Cons
- Touch controls extremely sensitive
Many over-ear designs tend to slip during workouts, but there was no such problem with these bad boys from Sennheiser. They proved extremely secure and stable, even during our most vigorous workouts, so they’ll do the job nicely whether you’re out for a jog or lifting weights in the gym. They also ticked the box in terms of comfort – the padded ear cups sat over our ears nicely, without squishing them.
Set-up and connecting via Bluetooth were a breeze, and we soon got to grips with the touch controls, which handle music playback, volume, taking and receiving calls, ANC and transparency. They were a tad too responsive at times, but this was a minor niggle. You can also download the user-friendly Sennheiser Control app to tinker with the controls further.
Our expert lavished praise on the smooth, crisp sound, describing it as 'high quality' and adding that the noise cancelling tech worked well. We loved that your music automatically pauses when you take the headphones off, and the whopping 60-hour battery life is another major plus.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | On right ear cup |
Battery life | Up to 60 hours |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Carry case, USB-C charging cable, adapter, quick start guide |
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up and use
- Spatial audio for an immersive listening experience
Cons
- No transparency mode
- A bit slippy when running
For those always on the go, these travel-friendly Beats are a great choice. Both arms can be snapped shut and the durable hardshell carry case can be hooked onto your kit bag – ideal if you’re short on space and are rushing from work to the track.
We also found them a cinch to use from the start – Bluetooth connection was seamless, and we liked that there’s just one tactile button (located within with ‘b’ logo on the left cup) for music playback, volume and summoning voice assistants. The 22-hour battery life is decent, and if you're in a hurry, a speedy 10-minute charge will keep you going for three hours. There's even a flashing LED gauge that lets you know when your headphones are running low on battery.
These over-ears scored top marks for comfort, with breathable, padded ear cups and a cushioned headband. During fitness pursuits, they needed some readjusting but once in the right position, they stayed put and allowed us to focus on the task at hand.
As for sound quality, they put in a solid performance across the board, with no annoying distortion and a wonderfully immersive soundstage. The noise cancelling was top quality, but we did miss a transparency mode for outdoor sessions.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | Right ear cup |
Battery life | Up to 22 hours |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Carry case, remote talk cable, USB charging cable, quick start guide, warranty card |
Pros
- Stylish design
- Impressive sound quality and noise cancellation
- User-friendly app
- Multi-point connectivity
Cons
- Material difficult to clean when sweaty
- Not foldable
- Bulky travel case
- Slip a bit when running
You pay for the premium build and sleek Scandi design, but this is one seriously good-looking pair of headphones. Our sound technician raved about the audio quality, praising the 'full, present base' and 'expensive, detailed sound'. The noise cancelling was highly effective and sound leakage was minimal, so you can blast your favourite tunes without worrying about complaints from fellow gymgoers. Despite the secure fit, the rounded cups were nicely cushioned and felt comfortable to wear over long periods.
The lambskin leather material provided a good grip during exercise, and they stayed in place during our sessions. The fabric meant they were a tad tricky to clean post-workout, though, and we would have like a foldable design for travelling. Still, they proved easy to use, with a straightforward set-up process and intuitive controls and buttons for functionality (the touch surface on the right controls volume, playback and power, while the button on the left lets you tinker with noise cancellation and summon Siri or Alexa.)
All in all, a pricey but impressive pair of headphones that deliver on style and quality.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | On the ear cups |
Battery life | Up to 35 hours |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Headphones, Fabric carry case, charging cables, quick start guide |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality and noise cancelling tech
- AI smart features
- Hard carry case
- Multi-point connectivity
Cons
- Need regular adjusting during exercise
- Chunky design
As you’d expect with Sony, you get a lot of great features with these swish headphones. The adjustable noise-cancelling is second to none and our audiophile praised the 'faultless sound', saying it was smooth and punchy, with no harshness or sound leakage. What more could you want?
There’s also multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to your phone, laptop and smartwatch at once, and we appreciated the range of smart features. For instance, they will automatically turn down the volume if you start talking, so you don’t have to them off when having a conversation, and they’ll adjust the level of noise cancellation depending on your environment.
The design is on the chunky side and the headphones needed regular readjusting, so we’d save them for less intense workouts, commuting or wearing at work. If impeccable sound quality and top-notch noise cancelling are priority, though, the WH-100XM5's should be on your radar.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | Left ear cup |
Battery life | 30 hours (up to 40 hours with noise cancelling turned off) |
Noise cancelling | Yes |
Included accessories | Carry case, connection cable, USB cable |
8
Best for innovation
Aiaiai Audio TMA-2 Move XE Wireless Headphones
8
Best for innovation
Aiaiai Audio TMA-2 Move XE Wireless Headphones
These slick ear-overs from Danish brand Aiaiai stand out from the crowd for their unique DIY set-up process. You have to build your own headphones from a selection of modular parts including the headband, speaker units and ear cups. It may sound like a faff, but assembly was a doddle thanks to the step-by-step instructions – plus, the modular design means you can replace separate components without having to buy a whole new set of headphones. Talking of sustainability, the ear cups are made from recycled plastic bottles and packaging is recyclable, too.
Eco creds aside, these cans felt lightweight and comfortable for the most part (our ears did start to ache after wearing them for long stints) and they were extremely user-friendly, with one joystick control for all the main functions. Sound-wise, our audiophile was impressed, praising the punchy bass, crisp treble and lack of sound leakage.
The fabric carry pouch means protection is limited when you’re on the go, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker. Overall, they over excellent bang for your buck.
Key specifications
Type | Over-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls | Right ear cup |
Battery life | Up to 40 hours |
Noise cancelling | No |
Included accessories | Modular parts, adapter, protective pouch |
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Excellent noise-cancelling
- Excellent sound quality
- Fast charge to boost battery
Cons
- Not sweat-proof
- Slip a bit when running
Forty hours of battery life on a single charge? Yes please! These comfy noise-cancelling on-ears provide brilliant, immersive sound quality with a punchy bass and clear treble. They come in six colours, including ivory and bright blue.
However, the on-cup buttons make a clicking sound when pressed. They also have a tendency to slide forward when running.
Key specifications
Type: | On-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls: | On ear cup |
Battery life: | Up to 40 hours |
Noise-cancelling: | Yes |
Included accessories: | Carry case, charging cable, carabiner clip |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Best for sustainability
House of Marley Positive Vibrations 2 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones
10
Best for sustainability
House of Marley Positive Vibrations 2 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Excellent sound quality
- Folding hinges
- Comfortable
Cons
- Short battery life
- No noise-cancelling
- Slip a bit when running
Eco-conscious music lovers will appreciate that these on-ear headphones are made with sustainable wood and reclaimed or recycled fabric. They ooze style and are well-padded for comfort, even when moving.
There’s zero sound leakage and the audio is well-balanced. The battery life isn’t great at just 12 hours but this should last you all day, and there’s a cable to plug into your smartphone if it goes flat. We like the folding design and magnetic carry case. Best of all, the price tag will appease your bank balance.
Key specifications
Type: | On-ear |
---|---|
In-line controls: | On ear cup |
Battery life: | Up to 12 hours |
Noise-cancelling: | No |
Included accessories: | Magnetic protective case, charging cable |
Tested byYanar Alkayat
Former Fitness Group Testing Manager
Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.