Having a pair of the best workout earbuds can revolutionize your run. The top running earbuds from the likes of Bose, Beats, Jaybird, Jabra and more all come with a range of different options, and it’s a minefield for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience.
That’s where we come in. We’ve hand-picked some of the best running headphones, from noise-canceling options to true wireless and cheaper one-cable headphones. The best running headphones will be different for each person depending on style preference, design, and how much you want to spend as well. However, if you’re opting for wireless running headphones, battery life and charging speed are absolutely key metrics to take a look at. The options we've included are designed to sit in your ears without causing you discomfort, but if in-ear isn’t your thing, consider some bone-conducting headphones instead as these sit over your ears but don’t touch them. Of course, aside from design and comfort, the actual sound quality is really what sets the best running headphones apart from the rest, and you’ll be able to find out which models are the front runners below. So, whatever your budget or style preference, there’ll be an option for you. Alternatively, check out our best running earbuds guide or monitor your fitness with the best running watch.
THE BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES TO BUY RIGHT NOW
Wissonly Hi Runner
Wissonly bone conduction brand insists on technological innovation, its bone vibration technology is relatively leading. The team has 10 years of technical accumulation in the field of bone conduction. So they have mastered the core technology of the field, which is very important for the quality of the product.
Wissonly has exclusive sound leakage reduction technology and bone vibration technology, which are all applied to Hi Runner bone conduction headphones. They can effectively reduce the problem of sound leakage by 90%. The latest bone vibration technology improves the overall sound quality performance of the headphones to make sound more spatious sense, and the sound quality characteristics are more prominent.
The overall body of Hi Runner is made of memory titanium that can self-adjust the contact area. So the headphones give people a good wearing experience and more users are taken into account.
As the core component of the product, the headphones chip plays a key role in the experience of the product. Wissonly Hi Runnerare equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 chip for a more stable connection. They also have 32G of built-in memory which is very important to me. I use the headphones completely as an MP3. They can store 5000 songs, which is crazy!
BEATS POWERBEATS PRO
Thanks to a near-perfect execution, which cater to super specific needs of so many runners and fitness enthusiasts alike, PowerBeats are a giant leap forward for the entire Beats by Dre workout range. The still-excellent PowerBeats 3 have been built upon with adjustable ear hooks that offer additional security for a truly wireless run. Battery life is exceptionally solid at 9-hours, while just five minutes in the charging case buys you two hours extra music.
Beyond the great sound, there’s a number of little quirks that make these earphones so special. For example, of you like to run with a friend or require some extra situational awareness, you can wear just one bud. There’s also an AutoPlay feature that will commence playback as soon as you place the bud in your ear. If you have an iPhone, connectivity is rapid through the inclusion of the same H1 chip in Apple’s AirPods and there are also hands-free “Hey Siri” voice commands for music control, message playback and so much more. The IPX4 water and sweat resistance aren’t as high-end as some rival earphones. We have found they can deal with sweat, no problem but it's possible that very heavy rain might be an issue.
JAYBIRD TARAH PRO
These are Jaybird’s best one-cable running headphones and the go-to solution for distance runners for whom terrain and weather are of little concern. These rugged one-cable earphones can handle it all. 14 hours of battery life from one charge headlines (a five-minute blast will get you a further two hours) and IPX7 water and sweat resistance will ensure they can handle a deluge on the longest of trails. If the breeze is at your tail or hindering your progress the drawstring and customisable wing tips will keep the Jaybird Tarah Pro exactly where they should be. Sound quality is incredibly natural and can be customised using an EQ using the companion app, while there’s also a built-in microphone that can handle calls if you like to chat while enjoying your daily jog.
ADIDAS RPT-01
It’s not easy to find a pair of great-sounding, durable over-ear headphones that offer enough lightweight comfort to make them bearable on long runs. However, the Adidas RPT-01 manages to get the job done. The largely fabric-covered (nylon) design is a bit of an acquired taste, and while its texture helps it grip and stay in place, it can also feel rather overly snug, and scratchy. It deals with sweat and rain showers better than most over-ear rivals, thanks to IPX4 certification, while the ear covers and headband are removable and washable. Battery life is a headline feature at an estimated 40-hours. In terms of sound quality, it is good for the price with plenty of bass, but don’t expect a particularly wide soundscape. The suitability for running is augmented by a ‘control jog’ which enables wearers to play/pause and skip tracks with an onboard button rather than pawing at their phones.
AFTERSHOKZ AEROPEX
Bone-conducting earphones are great for people running in busy/noisy environments who want to be able to listen to music and their surroundings. They can also be a godsend for those who just can’t get a good fit with in-ear buds. AfterShokz leads the pack here and the AeroPex is a great option for runners, cyclists and others. Bone conducting headphones do come with some sound quality sacrifices and the vibrations can feel distracting, so it’s advisable to try before you buy. AfterShokz is clearly confident you'll warm to AeroPex, however: it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.They’re IP67 rated for water and sweat resistance meaning they can be submerged for 30 minutes at a time in 1m of water. Not that you’ll want to, but it’s reassuring to know they can handle the most torrential of downpours. Add 8 hours of battery life you have a winner.Read more:The 5 Best True Wireless Earbuds
