Choosing the Best Workout Headphones and Earbuds in 2025
Selecting the best workout headphones or earbuds in 2025 can feel overwhelming due to the abundance of options, styles, and features available. With choices between bone conduction, over-ear, or in-ear designs, potential buyers often find themselves questioning whether fit is more crucial than comfort or if features like active noise cancellation and battery life are worth prioritizing.
While any high-quality headphones can suffice for workouts, specialized options enhance the experience significantly. This is particularly true for activities like swimming or running, where waterproofing and secure fit are essential for functionality.
Best overall
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The best workout headphones for most people
With an exceptional fit, superior comfort, and over-ear hooks for added security, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are widely acclaimed as versatile workout headphones. They boast noise-cancellation features and good audio performance, even including heart rate monitoring capabilities.
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Best budget
Amazfit Powerbuds Pro
The best budget workout headphones
Don’t let the affordable label mislead you; the Powerbuds Pro deliver a staggering 30 hours of battery life, bass-heavy audio, effective active noise cancellation, and even come with a built-in heart rate monitor. Their silicone tips also ensure comfort and stability during workouts.
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Best for comfort
Sony Linkbuds Fit
The most comfortable workout headphones
If you’re looking for earbuds that feel comfortable, the Sony Linkbuds Fit may be your best choice. They guarantee a snug, lightweight fit while delivering robust sound, making them a great option for various workouts.
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Best for swimming
Shokz OpenSwim Pro
The best workout headphones for swimming
For swimming enthusiasts, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones stand out with their waterproof design, offering nine hours of battery life and 32GB of music storage. These headphones feature a built-in accelerometer, enhancing your workout experience.
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Best for noise-cancelling
Jabra Elite 8 Active
The best workout headphones for noise-cancelling
Renowned for their exceptional fit, comfort, and impressive battery life, the Jabra Elite 8 Active are among the top workout headphones available today, offering robust noise cancellation combined with solid audio performance.
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Best for running
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The best workout headphones for running
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones stand out as ideal running companions. Their lightweight, ergonomic design, combined with bone conduction technology, ensures you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music. With a stellar 12-hour battery life, these headphones are an excellent choice for runners.
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(Image credit: Future)
Considerations When Choosing Workout Headphones
To find the best workout headphones, you should assess what activities you will be engaging in. For high-impact workouts like running, ensuring that your headphones stay securely in place is crucial. In contrast, those who intend to swim should prioritize models with top-notch waterproofing.
Most sports headphones come with varying degrees of water resistance, so verifying the specifications is essential. Many models may withstand mild moisture but may not be suitable for intense water exposure. Look for an IPX4 rating or higher for solid protection; an IPX7 rating indicates full waterproofing, ideal for swimming.
Your headphones’ versatility is also significant; it’s necessary to determine if they’ll be effective in different environments like the office or during commutes. Even if they’re marketed as “sport” headphones, you shouldn’t overlook their capabilities for everyday use.
When considering wireless options, controls are another factor. Headphones with inline remotes or simple touch controls ensure you can adjust your tunes without frequently grabbing your phone.
Ultimately, comfort should be a top priority. Superior audio quality and advanced features fall flat if the headphones don’t feel right or keep slipping out. Investigate designs favored for your specific sport, focusing on customizable ear tips and ear hooks that provide security during workouts.
Headphones or Earbuds: Which is Better for Working Out?
Your choice between headphones or earbuds largely depends on personal preference. Some individuals prefer the snug fit of earbuds, while others favor the immersive sound of over-ear headphones.
However, specific activities lend themselves better to different styles. While certain over-ear and on-ear headphones can remain secure during runs, earbuds or bone-conduction headphones often offer a more comfortable option, particularly those designed with an ear hook feature.
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing for various workouts, whether it’s jogging, yoga, cycling, or swimming. While sound quality is certainly important, practicality for the workout environment is key.
The featured headphones and earbuds on this list not only excel in sound but also cater specifically to the needs of fitness enthusiasts, ensuring you’re equipped with the best for your workout.
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