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The 11 best wireless headphones for runners, tested by our experts
Pump it louder with the best running headphones
Tested by Jodie MorrishHealth and Fitness TesterWant more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
If you're looking to make running a hobby you can commit to, a pair of running headphones can go a long way in aiding motivation. Comfortable, sweatproof and boasting excellent sound quality, the best running headphones can distract you from discomfort, reduce perceived effort and boost motivation.
But picking a great pair of workout headphones differs a bit from picking a pair for everyday listening. Generally, headphones for running tend to be in-ear, wireless headphones, as these stay in place far better than over-ear headphones and are often made with sweat-resistant materials. Below, you'll find our expert picks from the likes of Beats, Shokz, Bose and Samsung.
On a budget? Check out the best cheap running headphones we've tested. And if safety is your top priority, we've rounded up the best bone conduction and open-ear headphones too.
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What to look for
Type
There's nothing worse than earbuds that dig into your ears or fall out when you're barely 5km into a long run. These days, you can get all sorts of options designed for sport that wrap around your ears in various weird and wonderful ways.
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, fit directly into the ear canal. They are often compact and lightweight, making them highly portable. In-ear headphones can offer good sound isolation, blocking out some external noise and, depending on the fit, a decent level of bass. They often come with various ear tip sizes to make sure they’re not going to fall out of your ears.
Hook headphones typically feature a design with hooks that wrap around the ears for added stability. This makes them popular for activities like running or exercising, where a secure fit is crucial to prevent them from falling out. Hook headphones can come in various styles, including earbuds with hooks and over-ear, open-ear styles with hooks.
Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones of your skull, bypassing the eardrums. This allows you to hear audio while still keeping your ears open to your surroundings. This is especially useful for runners who need to be aware of traffic or other environmental sounds.
Open-ear headphones are designed to sit outside the ear, allowing you to hear both your audio and the environment around you. They don't block your ear canal, so you remain aware of your surroundings, which is helpful for safety during outdoor activities. However, they may leak sound, and the audio quality might not be as immersive as other types.
Water- and sweat-resitance
Sure, you can run with a 'normal' pair of headphones, but they probably won't be built to withstand heavy rain showers or a large amount of sweat (nice). That’s why we found it imperative that we checked out each device’s ‘IP’ or ‘Ingress Protection’ rating. This rating consists of two digits: the first indicates the level of dust protection. The second digit represents water or liquid ingress protection, which is especially important for runners. A second-digit score of 1 or 2 means the earbuds can resist dripping water. Second-digit scores of 3 to 6 indicate the earbuds can withstand increasing amounts of rainfall for longer durations. A second-digit score of 7 to 9 is the highest standard, meaning the earbuds can be submerged in varying depths of water without failing.
Sound quality
Of course, you're using headphones to distract yourself as you clock up the miles. They may not pick up as much as your day-to-day cans, but a good pair of running headphones should offer decent sound quality. That means avoiding headphones with excessive distortion (rattling or anything that isn’t in the original recording), tonal-balance errors (such as too much bass or treble), hisses, and hums. All but the absolute cheapest earbuds should do a satisfactory job.
That said, sound quality is often the difference between good workout headphones and the very best. If you plan to use your headphones before and after your workouts, it pays to spend a little more and get a pair that you’d be happy listening to all the time.
We look for an earbud that creates a balanced, natural sound. If there’s too much bass, voices will sound boomy. If there’s too much treble, voices sound shrill and hissy. Some headphones feature a customisable equaliser, allowing you to adjust the audio mix to your liking.
Noise cancellation & ambient/transparency mode
Active noise-canceling (ANC) and Transparency or 'ambient' mode are two features that use the microphones in your headphones to help you hear. Active noise-canceling uses the microphones to identify ambient noise around you, like sound of an air conditioner or a car engine, and creates an inverse sound wave to cancel it out. As a result, you don’t hear as much of the outside world, so you can focus on whatever you’re listening to.
Transparency mode, on the other hand, is a safety feature that uses the microphones to enhance outside ambient noise, so you can clearly listen for passing cars, or hear when someone’s talking to you. Transparency mode is important for runners and cyclists who may not hear oncoming traffic if they’re too dialled in with headphones that block out street noise.
On-board controls
Many earbuds feature some on-board controls, either on the charging case or on the earbuds themselves, like starting and stopping your music, taking a call, and controlling volume, so you don’t have to take a phone or use a smartwatch.
Some earbuds will also pause an active track when you remove your earbuds and start it again when you put them back in. In addition to basic actions, many high-end headphones and ear buds also provide advanced customisation features and other settings through their connected smartphone apps.
One thing to note: for running, we find that headphones with a physical button (rather than touch controls) work better — especially with sweaty hands or gloves.
Battery life
Having a pair of wireless earbuds that will last through your session is obviously very important. True wireless earbuds, including most of the options on this list, feature a two-tiered battery life. The buds themselves can last for a decent amount of time – usually between 4-8 hours. The battery case, which comes with the buds, will charge them whenever you put them away, extending the battery life of the buds to an average of 25-40 hours before you need to recharge both the buds and case.
How we test
To bring you the best running headphones, we put several pairs (more than you’ll find below) through thorough, real-word testing for weeks – and sometimes even months. We tested them for casual jogs, marathons and even ultras, judging their comfort, fit, ease of use, battery life, sound quality and overall performance.
Products were also sent to an independent sound technician to make sure they could provide the crisp treble and powerful bass needed to help us push our pace.Over the years, we’ve tried and tested our fair share of running headphones and, as technology has evolved, so have our expectations when it comes to comfort, sound quality and performance.
Our tests weren’t just in one spot, either; we put these headphones through all sorts of situations to see how tough and functional they really are. This meant runs in different weather, from sunshine to sudden downpours, and at various elevations, to check their performance under different physical stresses.
Through this rigorous evaluation, we were able to pinpoint the headphones that could withstand sweat, accidental drops, and general wear and tear associated with regular running. You’ll find our winners below.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World editors have been testing gear tirelessly for over 30 years. That means a lot of miles in a lot of shoes — mid-run music has become a godsend for plenty of us as we tap out our favourite loops day after day. In short, we review products with a focus on finding the best tech for avid runners.
Every pair of earbuds we test meets the same criteria before it ends up in one of our reviews. We’re not just throwing Airpods on this list because everyone has them, for example — we eschewed including the latest version because we like the second Pro generation more for their snug fit. In a similar fashion, all the other buds we recommend here are here because we’ve run with them, sweat all over them, toyed with their fit, and ultimately enjoyed them. Nobody else contributes to our decision-making process, especially not the brands we’ve picked.
The best headphones for runners 2025, expert-tested
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Fantastic battery life
- Quick-charge feature
Cons
- Heart rate monitoring usability is limited
- No EQ customisation
Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review
These headphones don’t come cheap, but we think they’re worth every penny — plus the latest version packs some impressive updates that make them a worthy successor. That starts with a lighter, more ergonomic design that helps the adjustable ear hooks to stay in place throughout any training session or race. You can now wear glasses with them, too. Button controls are easy to navigate on the run and are quick to respond.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with active noise cancellation which is excellent at blocking out ambient noise such as traffic on the run or the sound of your own feet slamming the treadmill. It’s not quite on par with the AirPods Pro 2 or Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds when it comes to total noise cancellation, though. That said, the Powerbeats Pro 2 really do deliver some of the richest and punchiest sound on the market – and certainly the best of any workout-specific buds – with clear highs, rich mid-range tones and deep bass.
We were also big fans of the magnetic charging case, which boosts the total battery life up to 45 hours, or 36 hours with ANC/transparency modes.
While the buds feature all-new heart rate monitoring for workouts, we found there was limited compatibility with apps on iOS and overall, it isn't much use to people who are already tracking their heart rate in some form, be it through a running watch or dedicated heart rate monitor. So, we wouldn't recommend buying the buds for this reason alone. In every other aspect, though, they're excellent.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear, hooks |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9g per bud, 68g case (86g total) |
| Battery life | 10 hours per bud, 45 hours total (9 hours/36 hours with ANC/transparency) |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | Charging case, USB-C cable, 5x ear tips |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Pros
- Lighter, more natural and secure fit
- Clear, richer sound
- Sound leakage reduced from original OpenFit
- Outstanding battery life
Cons
- You want total noise cancelling
- Not many additional features
Read our full Shokz OpenFit 2 review
A second entry from Shokz, the OpenFit 2 offers a different take on open-ear audio compared to the OpenRun Pro 2, swapping bone conduction for air conduction and prioritising all-day comfort and sound quality over sport-specific performance.
The second-gen model improves on almost every front, too. The OpenFit 2 and 2+ feature a lighter, more flexible design that makes for a more natural and secure fit — no mid-run adjustments needed.
Crucially, Shokz has replaced the fiddly touch controls with physical buttons, making it easier to pause, skip or change volume on the go, even with gloves on.
Sound quality has taken a real step forward, too, thanks to DualBoost drivers and, on the 2+, optional Dolby Audio for richer, more detailed sound. While open-ear headphones will never rival in-ear buds for full immersion, the OpenFit 2 handles podcasts and playlists with surprising clarity and depth — without blocking out your surroundings.
The battery life is also standout, with up to 11 hours on a single charge and 48 hours total with the case. That’s among the best in class for open-ear headphones.
Whether you’re marathon training or heading out for a walk, these are a genuinely comfortable, runner-friendly upgrade — and a sign that Shokz is listening to feedback.
Key specs
| Type | Open-ear |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.4g per bud (74g total with charging case) |
| Battery life | 11 hours (48 hours with charging case) |
| Noise cancelling | No |
| Accessories included | Charging case, charging cable |
| IP rating | IP55 |
Pros
- Customisable fit
- 'Adaptable acoustic’ tech is a neat feature
- iImpressive sound quality for affordable price
Cons
- Charging case too bulky for pocket
- Changing ear tips can be a faff
Read our full Sennhesier Sport True Wireless review
Sennheiser’s sports pedigree really shows here. Three different sizes of ear adapters and four different sizes of fins combine to provide you with a customisable fit that our testers found stayed firmly in place.
The ‘Adaptable Acoustic’ tech means you can opt to have the ear adapters open to stay aware of your surroundings but minimise body noise such as your breathing and footfalls, or closed to block outside noise and immerse yourself in your chosen soundtrack. Testers were also impressed with the sound quality, which they felt punches way above the price tag.
Kep specs
| Type | In-ear, true wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.8g (each bud) |
| Battery life | 9 hours (buds), 27 hours (with case) |
| Noise-cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | USB charging cord, charging case |
| IP rating | IP54 |
Pros
- Loud enough to enjoy but still allow you to be aware
- Great battery life
- Charges quickly
- Nice, hugging fit
Cons
- Bass and sound quality could be better
- No wireless charging
Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a real game-changer for runners who want great sound without sacrificing safety or comfort. They get loud enough that you can hear them while running, even if it's loud, but not in your ears, so you can hear noise and traffic around you.
Sound quality is where the OpenRun Pro 2 really shines, thanks to dual drivers that blend crisp highs from bone conduction with deep bass from air conduction tech that give a unique immersive sound. You get 12 hours of battery life, so you can go for long runs (or even a marathon!) without worrying about charging.
The fit is secure and stable, with ergonomic earhooks and a memory wire frame that stays put no matter how much you sweat or move around.
Another standout is the dedicated EQ modes in the Shokz app, letting you tweak your audio for different environments — boost it when it’s noisy, or keep it classic for everyday runs. Calls are crystal clear, even in windy conditions, thanks to dual microphones and smart noise reduction.
Key specs
| Type | Bone conduction |
|---|---|
| Weight | 31g |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Noise cancelling | No |
| Accessories included | USB-C charging cable, carry bag |
| IP rating | IP55 |
Pros
- Compatible with iOs and Android devices
- Excellent sound quality and ANC
- Secure when running
- Quick-charge feature
Cons
- Pricey
- Feel a little 'heavier' than some options
Read our full Beats Studio Buds + review
There’s plenty to shout about with these shiny Beats buds, which are enhanced versions of the popular Studio Buds. You get improved audio, more effective noise cancelling and longer battery life, according to the brand. But do they live up to the hype?
That’s a resounding ‘yes’. Our expert described the audio quality as ‘nearly flawless’, raving about the lack of distortion and smooth, detailed sound. They also gave the ANC their seal of approval and thought the transparency mode was solid – great news for the road runners among you. On that note, the compact buds stayed in place when on the move – we had no issues with them falling out or coming loose – and the quick-charge feature, which provides an hour’s playback from a five-minute charge, was a lifesaver for last-minute runs.
Unlike many of its competitors, these slick Beats offer advanced features for both Apple and Android users. Those include voice activation, instant pairing and synching between devices, and ‘Find My’ integration should you misplace your buds. For those who have their foot in both camps, this makes life significantly easier.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear, true wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5g (each bud)/49g case |
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours (25 with transparency mode) |
| Noise-cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | USB-C charging cable, Four ear tips, quick start guide, ‘b’ logo sticker, warranty card |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Pros
- Secure fit with tight ear seal
- Clear and crisp sound
- Decent battery life Pro
- Handy Find My Device feature
Cons
- Touch controls are a little temperamental
- Occasional whistling sound
Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review
Whether we were running hill sprint intervals or grinding through sets of burpees and box jumps, these earbuds didn’t budge. Each circular bud is inserted into your ear canal by a ‘twist-to-adjust’ method, with a small plastic fin acting as a stabilising anchor. We never had to worry about these falling out of our ears on the run.
Sound quality is crystal-clean, crisp and well-balanced and Google's design adjustments to the second generation, including 11mm drivers and a high-frequency chamber, contribute to a more open and immersive soundstage than before. Noise-cancelling is up there with some of the best too, eliminating the sound of our feet slamming the treadmill, while transparency mode is very natural.
Due to the buds’ small frame, we did find the controls a little tricky to navigate on-the-run, and for this reason we’d recommend these to people with more petite ears. If you're an iPhone user, you’ll also lose out on new features like Gemini Live and Find My Device, so these are a better option for Android users.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.7g per bud/65g for the case |
| Battery life | 8 hours (ANC), 30 hours (ANC + case), 12 hours (ANC off), 48 hours (ANC off + case) |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | Charging case, USB-C cable, extra small, small, medium and large eartips |
| Waterproof rating | IP54 |
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Lightweight, but still holds very well
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Imperfect noise cancelling, transparency modes
- Lackluster IP rating
Read our full Sony Linkbuds Fit review
Sony's LinkBuds are a fantastic mid-range option for in-ear bud lovers.
‘Having tested two dozen pairs of wireless earbuds, I can’t think of a pair I like better — except for a more expensive pair of Sonys, the flagship WF-1000XM5, which use foam ear tips to eke out a slightly higher sound quality but also cost slightly more,‘ said one tester.
Instead of foam, the LinkBuds Fit uses silicone ear tips and wings that hook into the ridge above your ear canal. While the use of wings can help secure a set of earbuds more effectively, we’ve also found that some buds’ wings are too stiff and cause discomfort over time. However, the LinkBuds Fit’s wings are thin and flexible, and they’re just substantial enough to hold the buds in place (without having to jam the ear tip into your ear canal), yet still lightweight enough to become almost unnoticeable after about five hours of continual wear.
For a workout-oriented earbud, we’d like to see a higher water-resistance rating than IPX4, and the buds’ noise cancelling and ambient sound modes still let in an unfortunate amount of wind noise, making them tough to tolerate during windy conditions.
Aside from those minor gripes, we’d recommend the LinkBuds Fit to any runner looking for a comfortable, secure-fitting pair of truly wireless earbuds with exceptional sound quality.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.5 hours per bud (16.5 hours with the case) |
| Battery life | 5.5 hours per bud (16.5 hours with case) |
| Noise-cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | Charging Case, USB-C cable, Air Fitting Supporters |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Secure fit
- Noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Innovative Ear Tip Fit test
Cons
- Pricey
Thanks to a new H2 chip and amplifier, the 2nd generation of these iconic buds has a noticeably deeper bass and clearer sound. Transparency mode, too, is greatly improved with less of the crackle you get when wind passes over microphones that pump in external audio. On the run, they feel lightweight and comfortable and the fit is reassuringly secure, with our tester suffering no fall-out over a variety of terrain and paces.
Perhaps the biggest reason to love the 2nd generation, though, is that AirPods finally get on-ear volume control – swipe up or down on the white stem – and wireless charging.
Editor's note: The AirPods Pro 3 launch on 19 September. However, until we've finished testing them, the Pro 2 remain our top pick for iPhone users.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear, true wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.3g per bud (50.8g charging case) |
| Battery life | 6 hours (buds), 30 hours (with case) |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | Three different-sized silicone ear tips, charging case, USB charging cable |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Pros
- Easy set-up
- Impeccable sound quality
- Secure fit for running and high-intensity workouts
- Responsive touch controls
- Effective noise cancelling
Cons
- High price point
Whether your runs are soundtracked by hip hop or heavy metal, these top-quality Bang & Olufsen buds will do your playlist justice. Our audiophile was blown away by the sound quality, praising the ‘excellent clarity and detail’, and rated the breadth of customisation options available within the app. As well as pre-sets including ‘commute’ and ‘podcast’, you can tinker with the ANC when you’re heading out on the roads and need to be aware of your surroundings. Though there was some sound leakage, the noise cancelling tech was brilliant for such tiny buds.
Smooth sound aside, the stylish in-ears didn’t budge during our sessions, and even stayed in during burpees, star jumps and handstands. ‘I totally forgot I was even wearing them’ said one impressed tester.
The touch controls on the earbuds were straightforward to use and uber responsive, the call quality was faultless and, as a bonus, they have an IP57 waterproof rating, so they’ll hold up if you get caught in a downpour (or if you’re a particularly sweaty runner - no judgement).
Yes, they’re pricey but if you’ve got the cash to spare and you’re into your music, they’re a worthy investment.
Key specs
| Type | In ear, true wireless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6g per bud (53g charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 28 hours |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | Ear buds, case, USB cable, 4 silicone tips |
| IP rating | IP57 |
Pros
- Incredible sound quality
- Full on-device controls
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Limited colour choices
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra review
Easily some of the most comfortable in-ear headphones we've ever tried (that name doesn't lie), with some of the best noise cancelling out there, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wowed our testers.
The transparency (or 'Aware' as the brand dubs it) mode is also excellent, dulling harsh or explosive sounds but keeping conversation crystal clear, and they've yet to wriggle free from our ears, despite hours of wear during vigorous exercise.
While not solely marketed or designed for fitness purposes, with sweat-resistance, all-day comfort and impeccable sound quality, these sleek earbuds are a no-brainer when it comes to runners who really care about their tunes.
Keys specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 6 hours (24 hours with charging case) |
| Weight | 6g per bud (60g charging case) |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories | 3 different size ear-tips, 3 different size stability bands, charging case, USB-C to USB-A charging cable, instruction manual, warranty |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Pros
- Brilliant sound quality
- Wingtips for a secure fit
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Great colour choices
Cons
- Can’t access all controls on the earbuds alone
- A little large for smaller ears
Read our full Beats Fit Pro review
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds were developed alongside athletes with a focus on comfort, using flexible, secure-fit wing tips to ensure they stay put, no matter how gruelling your workout. Our tester has worn these in the gym, during HIIT and on the run, and not only have they never gone flying, they've never needed so much as a tweak or tighten mid-workout. It's worth noting that those with smaller ears may find them a bit uncomfortable for prolonged use.
Put simply, the sound quality is fantastic, with no dynamic detailing lost, and it rivals that of far more expensive brands. They're particularly suited to thumping gym tracks but podcasts also sound crystal-clear, while spatial audio (which simulates surround sound) gives runs and workouts a cinematic quality. We did notice a touch of noise leak here and there, but overall ANC was impressive — and testers who found the earbuds fit better seemed more satisfied.
Water- and sweat-resistance elevate them above other earbuds (but please, do not swim in them), which, alongside the robust design, spells years of flawlessly-scored running.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.6g (each bud)/66.3g case |
| Battery life | 6 hours (24 hours with charging case) |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
| Accessories included | 3 different size ear-tips, charging case, USB-C to USB-C charging cable, instruction manual, warranty, free 6 month Apple Music trial |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Jodie is our Health and Fitness product tester. She runs tests on a wide variety of products, including gym leggings, walking boots, fitness trackers and more. Jodie has managed the testing for 577 products to date, including working with over 600 panellists.
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