10 Best Running Headphones In 2023


by Emma Williams | Published On

Table of Contents

Running Headphones

An active lifestyle is fuelled by motivational podcasts or thumping music that give an instant adrenaline rush to finish your run. You consider sweat and sunburns as your favorite reward.

Getting yourself running headphones that are meant to withstand those intense cardio sessions outdoors without losing their fit around your ears can be a plus one. 

They can make your run enjoyable and you will hit your 5k even before you realize it. What’s more, listening to your favorite artist can also level up your running game. Moreover, they stay in place without slipping away or moving out of position when you’re in the middle of your run. 

Nevertheless, since not all of them can provide you with a flawlessly snug fit or durability, selecting the best running headphones can be a real headache for you. These are different from the headphones you wear at work, on the road, or at home.

The pair of headphones you use in your living room can lack the extra snug-fit feature or waterproofing levels. Therefore, you should switch to headphones specifically made for running purposes that won’t fall or get in your way. 

To help you with this, I have provided a detailed guide that covers design, comfort, and sound performance, along with an insight into how well these headphones will perform while you pick calls outdoors.

The 10 Best Running Headphones

Product Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.44 x 1.12 inches.
Connectivity Technology: USB.

Positive: Includes Flexible Wingtips, Offers 3 Listening Modes, Provide Voice Assistant Interaction.
Negative: Battery Life Could Be Better.

Beats Fit Pro EarbudsBeats Fit Pro Earbuds take listening to a whole new level. With flexible and secure-fit wingtips, they provide the comfort and stability needed for all-day listening. In addition, the custom acoustic platform delivers balanced and powerful sound with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking.

You can customize your musical experience using Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ. The sweat and water-resistant earbuds have 6 hours of battery life, so you’ll never miss a beat! Plus, voice assistant interaction via built-in microphones takes hands-free convenience to the next level.

Customer Review For Beats Fit Pro Earbuds

Beats Fit Pro Earbuds Customer Review

Product Dimensions: 7.68 x 4.41 x 1.73 inches.
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth.

Positive: Provide Double Tap Control, Durable Headphones, Features 3-sizes Of Eargels.
Negative: Tight Fitting.

Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless HeadphonesThe Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Headphones provide superior sound quality and features to enhance your listening experience. The active noise cancellation reduces background noise so you can focus on the music. With three interchangeable ear gels, you can find the most comfortable fit for your preferences.

Plus, its surround sense function keeps you connected to what’s around you so that you won’t miss a beat, while its wind-guarded mics keep ambient noise from interfering. With earth-proof durability and IP68 waterproof certification, you don’t have to worry about sweat or dust getting in the way. Plus, it includes dual tap control for streamlined performance. It offers 24 hours of battery life and two beamforming microphones in each bud. Clear sound and versatility make this an ideal device for those who desire both comfort and convenience while listening.

Customer Review For Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Headphones

Product Dimensions: 0.86 x 0.76 x 0.64 inches.
Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Bluetooth.

Positive: Provide Secure Fitting, Long Battery Life, Features 4 Microphone For Clear Calls.
Negative: Poor Customer Service.

Jabra Elite Active 75t EarbudsThe Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds are the perfect accompaniment for anyone on the go. They are made with a special grip coating to ensure they stay put while you move while also being sweatproof and waterproof with IP57-rated protection. These smart earbuds also come with advanced noise-canceling technology that helps filter out unwanted noises from the outside world so you can focus on your favorite music.

Plus, it’s equipped with four microphones for crystal clear calls and pioneering beam form technology that won’t let call quality be a worry. These earbuds provide 24 hours when ANC is activated, plus the pocket-sized charging case means no need to sacrifice portability.

Customer Review For Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds

Product Dimensions: 0.83 x 1.05 x 0.74 inches.
Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi.

Positive: Comfortable Fit, Easy To Pair, Easy Touch Controls.
Negative: It Sounds A Bit Low.

Bose Sport EarbudsThe Bose Sport Earbuds offer a truly unique listening experience. They feature a beamforming microphone array that separates your voice from surrounding noise. Finding the perfect fit is easy with the earbuds’ 3 sizes of tips and sweat-resistant build.

With the simple capacitive touch interface, you can quickly adjust the volume or skip tracks with a swipe up or down and tap to play or pause music or answer calls. The included charging case offers up to 5 hours of continuous music playback.

It supports IOS and Android devices at a Bluetooth range of 30 feet. Whether you’re working out on the track or taking an important call, this versatile pair of earbuds will be sure you never miss a crucial moment.

Customer Review For Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport Earbuds Customer Review

Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.4 x 3.5 inches.
Connectivity Technology: USB.

Positive: Features Open Ring Design, Built-in Alexa, Offers Multipoint Connection.
Negative: No Noise Cancellation.

Sony Link BudsSony introduces its Link Buds, a wireless Bluetooth earbud with remarkable design aesthetics. With five fitting sizes and an open-ring design, these earbuds are designed to stay snugly in your ears. It provides incredible sound quality with premium balanced output and an integrated V1 processor. Offering up to 20 hours of battery life, it also flaunts quick charge capabilities.

Furthermore, IPX4-rated ruggedness guards them against sweat and splashes. An ace feature is its ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. So you can switch between your phone and laptop seamlessly! Furthermore, you can control your settings without picking up a single button by merely tapping in front of your ears. Alexa support adds another dimension, providing voice access to music for added convenience.

Customer Review For Sony Link Buds

Product Dimensions: 2.83 x 2 x 1 inch.
Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Apple H1 Chip, AirPlay, HDMI.

Positive: Includes 3 Eartips, Features 2 Listening Modes, 8-hour Battery Life.
Negative: A Bit Small.

Beats Studio BudsBeats Studio Buds allows you to curate your sound by offering two distinct listening modes – active noise canceling (ANC) and transparency. They are crafted with a custom acoustic platform that provides powerful, balanced sound with up to 8 hours of listening time.

Its three soft ear tips give optimal acoustic seal while providing long-term comfort and stability and ensuring crystal clear calls via the built-in mics. Furthermore, they’re IPX4-rated sweat & water resistant and compatible with Apple and Android devices, giving you complete versatility in a stylish package.

Customer Review For Beats Studio Buds

Product Dimensions: 0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 inch.
Connectivity Technology: Wireless.

Positive: Stylish Design, Offers Customizable Fit, Provides Rich Sound.
Negative: Some Problems With Transparency Modes.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)Apple’s AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offers a wide range of features that will make any commute pleasant. The product comes with four pairs of silicone tips and tips, which create an acoustic seal to help keep out external sound and provide safe use during wear. In addition, robust dynamic head tracking allows for a more immersive music and movie listening experience.

They also give higher levels of control than ever before, pressing it to play and pause music or answer and end calls. For those who need long-term listening time, these headphones feature up to 6 hours of listening time when Active Noise Cancellation is enabled – making this an excellent choice for commuters everywhere.

Customer Review For Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Customer Review

Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.56 x 3.39 inches.
Connectivity Technology: USB, Bluetooth 5.2.

Positive: Feature Wireless Charging, Ergonomic Surface Design, Water-resistant.
Negative: Connectivity Issues.

Sony WF-1000XM4 HeadphonesSony WF-1000XM4 headphones deliver an outstanding listening experience enhanced by the new Integrated Processor V1. The beamforming microphone and bone-conduction sensor provide crystal clear audio, even in challenging, noisy environments.

As a bonus, speak-to-chat technology reduces the volume automatically when conversations are taking place, so you don’t miss a beat. With an impressive 8 hours of battery life, noise cancellation, and IPX4 water resistance, these headphones are designed to last for every occasion. Its creative multipoint connection makes it ultra-easy to connect two devices simultaneously.

Customer Review For Sony WF-1000XM4 Headphone

Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 inches.
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth.

Positive: Long Battery Life, Including 1-year Warranty, Features iQ Technology.
Negative: Not Very Loud.

Skullcandy Push Active EarbudThe Skullcandy Push Active Earbud will revolutionize how we enjoy music and stay hands-free. It has 44 hours of battery power between the case and earbuds to enjoy all-day audio listening. Its iQ technology instantly controls your smartphone camera for the perfect selfie.

It is allows for completely hands-free use, with play/pause, volume control, call taking, and track skipping options built in. It is even equipped with Tile technology that enables you to track down either earbud if lost or misplaced; a one-year warranty is provided for extra security.

Customer Review For Skullcandy Push Active Earbud

Skullcandy Push Active Earbud Customer Review

Product Dimensions: 6.65 x 5.35 x 2.72 inches.
Connectivity Technology: Wireless.

Positive: Provide Premium Sound Quality, Gives 10-hour Battery Life, and Features Titanium Frame.
Negative: Not For Audiophiles.

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sport HeadphoneThe SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sports Headphones provide unbeatable comfort, convenience, and sound. Our bud-free design is designed to avoid the discomfort associated with in-ear headphones while providing a secure fit.

The headphones also feature our 9th bone conduction technology to deliver premium audio through your cheekbone. The lightweight titanium frame ensures that your wireless headphones stay in place during intense workouts. Additionally, the headphones benefit from a 5-minute quick charge that provides up to 1.5 hours of battery life for maximum play time without interruption.

Customer Review For SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sport Headphone

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sport Headphone Customer Review

What Are The Best Running Headphones?

Running headphones are carefully constructed with a specific fitness focus along with comfortable enough for long-term wear. These gears can have a sport fin or ear hooks for added security that lets them stay in place even during heavy sprinting sessions. 

Furthermore, these running headphones allow you to engage in various other types of activities while listening to music, such as gardening, cleaning, etc. not just limited to running.

How To Choose The Best Running Headphones?

Selecting the best running headphone requires several factor considerations. Battery life, control, comfort, including various other prerequisites. 

For instance, in case you run outside, you may want to look for headphones with do not sit inside your ears as you should be mindful of your surroundings.

Running headphones that come equipped with on-ear controls can be a favorable choice if you prefer avoiding interruptions during your running sessions to frequently check your phone. Therefore, it is crucial that you carefully examine these factors along with the additional characteristics that I have presented below

Active noise canceling is described as the technique of using speakers and microphones to reduce background noises. It uses a combination of an active mix of hardware and firmware methods to reduce the impact of ambient noise around you.  Techniques like noise isolating and noise canceling block environment sounds and make you listen to clearer audio quality. 

If wireless noise canceling is what you are looking for, then a good option for you can be the Beats Studio Buds which offers transparency and active noise canceling modes. These buds support spatial audio features that can make you experience audio coming from all around you.

It all depends on what audio quality will your personal choice when running, as ANC gives the perfect audio entertainment but you will have to pause music for your safety. 

However, Beats Studio Buds can provide you with active noise-cancelation technology that blocks out surrounding noise while switching to its Transparency Mode lets you hear what’s happening around you. 

Hear what’s going around and be conscious of the people running on tracks through its external facing microphones. This lets the surrounding noise in giving you a more natural music-listening experience.

Headphones that possess a waterproof capability are designed to endure being subject to moisture without missing a single note. Their design does not involve full water immersion, but they have a certain tolerance for exposure to water.

An IPX rating is the amount of resistance headphones can portray against environmental conditions. Thus, an IP rating of IPX4 can offer basic water splash resistance and an IP rating of IPX5 can provide you with exposure to water pressure jets for 3 minutes.

For instance, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Headphone offers you an impressive IPX4 Water resistance feature. With this level of rating, exposure to splashing water from any angle or sweat won’t be a concern for you so you enjoy uninterrupted music-listening hours during your runs.

In addition, you can also reduce volume while making important conversations, thanks to its speak-to-chat technology feature. This can take the load off your shoulder for manually adjusting the music volumes.

Moreover, these running headphones come with a beamforming microphone and a bone conduction sensor that can provide you with high-quality voice pickups even when you are running on a busy track. They come with Qi wireless technology, so charging Sony WF-1000XM4 will be like a walk in the park. These Alexa-enabled headphones can get you instant access to your music and other details with just a quick touch. Enjoy your long runs or sweaty jogging sessions with these headphones and make your runs a memorable experience.

Therefore, with good sound quality, you should look for water-resistant running headphones even if you hate running in the rain because sweating can still have a significant impact on the sound quality of your running headphones.

One of the most essential features when looking for the best running headphones is how easy they would feel on your ears while you are out and about. They have to be comfortable enough to be worn for hours straight without causing any fatigue or discomfort. Moreover, who would like to readjust their headphones while they are clocking their running time?

For example, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Sport Headphone is one of the best options for bone-conduction headphones. Their open design can provide you with an added safety feature while running and lets you hear what’s happening around you. These headphones can be a must-have for you in case you are a diligent runner of the streets.

In addition, they perform fairly well for taking voice calls during your runs so you can smoothly make those important conversations.  The buds-free design adds to the comfort levels throughout the day. Set new goals and smash them with its 10 hours+ battery life that can keep you going for those intense training sessions. 

Battery life is critical when looking for headphones made for running as you have to look for the amount of time you will wear them. If you are a frequent marathoner, it will be ideal for you to pick headphones with extended battery life.

Moreover, these headphones should last for 5-10 hours at least with one minimum charge, which can be increased with their additional charging cases like the one that comes with  Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Headphones. These headphones offer an IPX68 water-resistance earth proof durability feature making them dust-proof, sweatproof, and waterproof.

Its 24-hour battery life feature lets you play 8 hours of music and around 16 hours of added playtime that can support your active lifestyle. 

Vista 2 buds come with an active noise cancelation feature, thanks to their 6mm milled drivers and EQ profiles that can also be customizable as per your liking. In addition, their wind-guarded mics monitor the surrounding noise so you get to stay alert without missing out on the favorite part of your song. 

So, if you looking for headphones that will last through your long-distance run, Vista 2 buds’ long battery life can support you well like a true companion while keeping you motivated at an all-time high.

Music is what keeps you going on those difficult terrain runs. Headphones offering a good bass response can add that extra kick that you need for your exercise session. 

Thus, look for headphones with a good sound signature that offers a warmer or darker sound signature. This will give you an extra bass boost and enhance your bass response. 

In addition, if you wish to listen to less noise while you’re running or treading down the street, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) can be a good choice for you.

 Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the follow-up to the previous AirPods Pro, with an upgrade of twice the amount of active noise cancelation for that intense focus. 

The customizable fit with silicone tips makes them wearable for all ear sizes which allows for an all-day comfort. These silicone tips make for clearer audio quality and by acoustic seal to keep noise out while keeping the AirPods in position.

With up to 6 hours of listening time, these Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen can give you uninterrupted listening for hours and the charging case adds to these by adding up to 30 hours. 

Thus, if you are planning on going for that 10k on a cold winter morning, you know which pair of running headphones to look for.

Upgrading to headphones specifically designed for runs should be done after giving pricing enough consideration. The price varies as per headphone technology, design, and material. 

For instance, if you have versatile listening options but do not wish to carry bulky headphones around your ears while running, you can try the Beats Fit Pro Earbuds. Falling under a price range of $199, these wireless earbuds for working out offer three different listening modes like Transparency Mode, Active Noise Cancelation Mode, and Adaptive EQ Mode. 

Their in-ear design comes with secure fit wingtips giving you comfort you can experience throughout the day. Worried about your running surroundings? Switch to its Transpoerancy Mode which lets you stay aware of your surrounding and dodge runners and be watchful of cyclists and traffic. 

These headphones offer IPX4 sweat and water resistance. So if you are someone who wishes to run while it’s pouring outside, these may not be the ideal choice for you. However, you can like the water-resistant feature of the Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Headphones that fall under the effective price range of $141. 

These headphones come with an impressive IP68 waterproof and sweatproof technology that is the zenith of the IP rating scale. A level of 6 showcases a solid performance against solid ingress and level 8 certifies sturdy working ability against liquid ingress. This military-focused rating keeps your headphones safe from your profuse sweating or even when you are running when there is a heavy downpour. 

Concerned about how they would fit around your ears? The Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless headphones come with three interchangeable eargels from which you can easily select the one that fits your ear size and design. This option for a perfect fit will keep your gadget secured while you are running on the track for that extra mile. 

What I like about these headphones is their SurroundSense Technology which you can hear what going around in the world. This transparency keeps you on your toes and you stay in touch with the traffic levels, trail, etc. However, double-tap and switch to ANC mode and cut ambient noises when you need to get your focus shoes on.

Conclusion

Whether you are a casual jogger or a marathon runner, these headphones can be your best friend. With the best quality running headphones, you can listen to your favorite song while dripping in sweat and gasping for breath after a sprint session, while also being able to stay conscious of your surroundings.

Thus, pop in these running headphones and jam out to the tunes of  ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ or fuel your motivation by listening to Rich Roll Podcasts and making your run sessions more pleasurable.

Frequently Asked Questions/FAQs

An ill-fitted headphone can fall off while running. Look for running headphones that offer a secure fit as per your ear design that can withstand running off tracks and on terrains. However, sprinting sessions can cause your headphone to slip away. Over-the-ear designs or ear hooks headphones that clutch around your ears can provide you with a secure fit for your runs.

Yes, running headphones should withstand water or sweat exposure. Running as a physical activity makes you sweat profusely and if the headphones do not offer an IPX rating of IPX4 or above, they can be prone to lose the proper functioning ability.

Wipe your headphones every week with a little damp cloth. Do not forget to turn them off while cleaning, followed by thoroughly drying them off with a dry cloth.

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