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The 7 Best Wireless Earbuds For Running And Working Out of 2025

Updated Jan 17, 2025 at 09:12 am
Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running

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 their sound is compromised by less thumpy bass.

We've tested over 280 wireless earbuds, in-ear headphones, and bone-conduction headsets, and below are our recommendations for the best earbuds for running. Also, check out our recommendations for the best headphones for running, the best wireless earbuds under $100, the best neckband headphones, and the best true wireless earbuds.


  1. Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running

    The best earbuds for working out and running we've tested are the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. Jabra earbuds have been popular with runners for years, thanks to their stable design and sweat-resistant 'ShakeGrip' coating. While they don't have stability hooks like some of our other picks, their sturdy build and IP68 rating mean they'll be fine if you drop them in a puddle by accident. They boast an intuitive control scheme that's easy to use mid-workout and have almost eight hours of continuous battery life: enough to get you through one, two, or three marathons, depending on your pace! In addition to containing three extra charges, their carrying case can also act as a Bluetooth LE transmitter—not very useful for runs, but handy if you'd like to hook your headphones up to the in-flight entertainment while traveling to your next race.

    These buds have a balanced sound out of the box without any major peaks or dips. This makes them versatile enough for most audio content. Kick drums have enough thump for die-hard EDM fans, and the balanced mid-range ensures folk music lovers will hear their favorite singer's voices rendered naturally. You can also fine-tune their sound using their companion app, which has a 5-band graphic EQ and presets. Their outstanding noise isolation will block out the sounds of car traffic with ease, and you can switch them to HearThrough mode if you'd like to hear more of your environment while running.

    See our review

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

    In the upper mid-range, the best Bluetooth earbuds for running we've tested are the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless. Unlike the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, these very well-built, sport-oriented buds have stability fins. That might give you a little more peace of mind when running over uneven or wet ground. Especially since they also have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, so you can take them with you on dusty trails or in the pouring rain. Their default sound profile is well-balanced, so they'll tackle most genres with ease. You can also use the parametric EQ and presets in their companion app to customize their sound to taste.

    They have an active noise cancelling (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 also possible the one-size-fits-most ear tips, which are integrated into the different sizes of stability fins, can pose a problem for comfort and fit, although they are pretty stable for most. Their over five-hour continuous playback time isn't as long-lasting as the Jabra, 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

    The Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless are the best wireless earbuds for running out 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. They have a well-balanced sound which delivers a bit of 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 to help 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 passively. These buds also feature Skull-iQ, which offers voice command support if you don't want to use physical controls while running, but you will have to begin 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 these a flexible, hands-free option.

    See our review

  4. Best Budget Wireless Earbuds For Running

    If you're on a budget, the best earbuds for working out 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 the chit-chat of other gym-goers. 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 switch to other devices in your Apple ecosystem. If connectivity with Apple devices isn't important or you want a tangle-proof option, the Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless are also worth considering. Their battery is shorter than the Beats, lasting 5.7 hours. However, they have an additional four charges in their carrying case and they support ANC. The Anker are also rated IPX5 for protection against water splashes, so you don't have to worry about taking them on a jog in the rain.

    See our review

  5. Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds For Running

    Current Deal: The Anker Soundcore P25i is on sale for 20% at BestBuy.com.

    If you're looking for something that won't break the bank, the Anker Soundcore P25i/P20i are the best wireless earbuds for running at a cheap price. They have a sturdy design and come in a few colors to suit your style. Unlike the Beats Flex Wireless, they're rated IPX5 for resistance to water exposure. 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, though it isn't as long as the Beats'. Fortunately, the carrying case stores two extra charges for some extra juice in a pinch.

    These earbuds stand out from other cheap options because they've got an app with multiple EQ presets and button mapping functionality. Using the default EQ preset, they have a bass-rich sound that adds rumble, punch, and boom to your audio without overwhelming instruments and lead vocals. Earbuds at this price point often come with trade-offs, and the Anker aren't an exception: they don't have ANC, so they won't do a great job of blocking out noise, especially in the bass range, meaning you'll hear the thump of running shoes on neighboring treadmills.

    See our review

  6. Best Open Wireless Earbuds For Safe Running

    If you're an outdoor runner, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the best wireless earbuds for getting around safely because they allow you to stay attentive even when listening to an immersive mix. Rather than fitting in your ears like other picks on the list, they clip to the bottom of your ears, just above the lobe, leaving your ears unobstructed for maximum awareness. This uncommon design offers excellent stability, and they're surprisingly comfortable. You can easily transition to high-intensity sprints without them coming loose, too.

    Their companion app features a three-band EQ for light adjustments to their default bright frequency response, but like most open-fitting earbuds, these lack full-bodied bass (even if you use the EQ to adjust the bass). Their tuning works well for vocal-centric content like podcasts; if you prioritize safety, it's a worthwhile trade-off. However, if you need a dose of thumpy bass to motivate your runs, this open style might not necessarily suit you. In that case, you'll want one of the in-ear picks on the list with more bass, like the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless, though you'll trade away some stability for it.

    The Bose are IPX4-rated for protection against light water splashes, and their battery lasts 9.5 hours on a single charge, which will last a few workouts. If you're a fan of cuff-style open earbuds but the Bose are too pricey, consider the Anker Soundcore C30i. The Anker have a longer 14.2-hour battery life, but they're slightly less comfortable and stable compared to the Bose.

    See our review

  7. Best-Sounding Wireless Earbuds For Running

    If you want a great-sounding pair of wireless earbuds to soundtrack your workouts, consider the Nothing Ear (a). They offer impressive sound quality suitable for listening to many different music genres and have a comfortable, stable fit that's suitable for runs and workouts. They come with three ear tip sizes to help you get the best possible fit. With a battery life of about 5.5 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 relatively well-balanced sound and customization options. They accurately reproduce voices and lead instruments, and while there's some extra bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop, it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the mix. The Nothing X companion app comes with some EQ presets in addition to an intuitive graphic EQ, which is a nice touch. Their customization extends past their sound signature too, offering adjustable ANC strength in addition to a typical 'Transparency' mode. Overall, they're a great option for runners who want the flexibility to wear them in and out of the gym without compromising sound quality.

    They have an IP54 certification, so you'll be fine taking them out in the pouring rain or on a dusty mountain trail. However, if you want something with greater water resistance and more customizability from the same brand, the Nothing Ear Truly Wireless have you covered. These stepped-up earbuds are IP55-rated and have features like custom sound based on your hearing and a whopping eight-band EQ. They've also got a longer 7.5-hour battery life, so you can enjoy your customized sound for longer.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless:

    The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are sports earbuds with stability hooks, unlike the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. If you tend to run over uneven ground or just like the peace of mind stability hooks bring, these are a good option. However, the Beats' controls aren't as good as the Jabra's, and they don't have ANC.

    See our review
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport:

    The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport are sports-oriented earbuds with a stable in-ear fit and optional stability hooks. They also have built-in biometric sensors to track biometrics like your heart rate, although many users have found they don't produce the most accurate data. They're more expensive than the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, have worse ANC, and have shorter continuous battery life.

    See our review
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4:

    The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are premium-priced earbuds that are a solid choice if you plan to use them for more than workouts. They also have a bevy of 'nice to have' features, like great noise cancelling and a graphic EQ. Still, their ANC doesn't perform as well as the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, and they're not as comfortable.

    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: a long run in the rain won't stop them from working well. Their physical controls are also robust and easy to use when you're on the move. However, their in-ear fit isn't as stable as the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless.

    See our review
  • Anker Soundcore P40i:

    The Anker Soundcore P40i are in-ear headphones that offer comparable comfort and build quality to the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless. Their controls are intuitive and easy to use; however, their fit isn’t as stable as the Skullcandy’s. Additionally, the Anker are only IPX5 certified for resistance to water, whereas the Skullcandy are IP55 certified for resistance to both dust and water.

    See our review
  • Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction:

    The Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction is a lightweight headset with a tough titanium internal frame and an IP67 rating against dust and water. They use drivers that bypass the ear canal, keeping your ears open so you can hear your surroundings. However, not everyone enjoys the vibrations of bone conduction transducers, and they also produce a bit less thump than the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Truly Wireless.

    See our review
  • JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless:

    The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are an even more economical earbud than the Anker Soundcore P25i/P20i True Wireless. They aren't as comfortable or water resistant, but the JLab still have EQ presets for some customizability. They've only got three presets, though, compared to the Anker's whopping 22.

    See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Jan 17, 2025

    We've overhauled this recommendation article, making pick and mention changes. Notably, we updated our picks for the cheap category from the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless to the Anker Soundcore P25i/P20i True Wireless as they're more comfortable, and the best-sounding category from the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless to the Nothing Ear (a) Truly Wireless for their customizable sound.

  2. Sep 10, 2024 :  Our new top pick are the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 True Wireless, as they have excellent noise isolation, great controls, and a stable fit. The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are now a Notable Mention for those who prefer stability hooks. We also added the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport True Wireless to our Notable Mentions for their stable fit, ANC performance, and built-in biometric sensors. Finally, we removed the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless and Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless from our Notable Mentions.

  3. Jul 09, 2024 :  We replaced the Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless with the Anker Soundcore P40i True Wireless as a Notable Mention because the A2 are rarely in stock now, and the P40i are comparably good for running. Other than that, just some text changes for clarity.

  4. May 29, 2024 :  The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 have been added as a Notable Mention, with no changes to the article's picks.

  5. May 03, 2024 :  This article's picks have been checked for accuracy and availability.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best earbuds for running and working out for most people to buy in each price range. We factor in the 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 find or almost out of stock everywhere).

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

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Comments

  1. Recommendation

Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running: Main Discussion

What do you think of our picks? Let us know below.


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  1. Update: We’ve overhauled this recommendation article, making pick and mention changes. Notably, we updated our picks for the cheap category from the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless to the Anker Soundcore P25i/P20i True Wireless as they’re more comfortable, and the best-sounding category from the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless to the Nothing Ear (a) Truly Wireless for their customizable sound.

    What do you think of these changes? Let us know

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    Hi, it seems you haven’t tested the “JBL SoundGear Sense” so far, have you? I guess they would be a strong competitor for the “Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Truly Wireless” in the category “Best Wireless Earbuds For Running Safely” as they are also “open ear” headphones for sports/running (And were rated higher that the Bose ones on other sites) Are you planning on testing these, too? Thanks

    Unfortunately, we haven’t bought and tested these headphones and don’t have any current plans to. We’d consider it if there’s enough user interest here, but it’s unlikely at this time. Sorry about that!

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    Hi,

    it seems you haven’t tested the “JBL SoundGear Sense” so far, have you? I guess they would be a strong competitor for the “Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Truly Wireless” in the category “Best Wireless Earbuds For Running Safely” as they are also “open ear” headphones for sports/running (And were rated higher that the Bose ones on other sites)

    Are you planning on testing these, too?

    Thanks

  4. Update: This article’s picks have been checked for accuracy and availability.

    What do you think of these changes? Let us know

    Show More Updates