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The best cheap headphones for running, from £29.99
You don't need deep pockets to get a decent pair of headphones
Tested by Yanar Alkayat and Jodie Morrish
Pumping music or listening to a podcast can give you a powerful boost, whether you’re running a marathon, aiming for a new PB or attempting your first 5K. But with so many dodgy headphones out there – you know, the ones that end up lost somewhere on the gym floor the moment you start moving – it can sometimes feel easier to sweat it out in silence.
Happily, if you're keen to soundtrack your runs but are on a budget (aren't we all right now?) and don't know where to start, you've come to the right place. Yes, top-of-the-range pairs can be pricey, but there are also plenty of great options for under £100. Our test team have made it their mission to find the best cheap headphones for running, whether you prefer in-ear or on-ear styles (our vote goes to the former for security, but the latter for sound quality).
Here are their top picks in one quick list, but keep scrolling for their full reviews:
The best budget headphones for 2024
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How to choose the best cheap wireless running headphones
The right headphones will feel comfortable over long distances and stay put without slipping or falling out entirely, allowing you to focus on making it over the finish line.
They'll offer decent sound quality to keep you fired up and may even feature noise-cancelling so you can block out your treadmill neighbour's heavy breathing.
Look for a compact carry case to chuck into your pocket or gym bag, as well as a respectable battery life that will take you through a good few workouts before needing a recharge.
How we test
Our experts tested the best budget wireless headphones on the market by listening to a range of different music genres – everything from rock and pop to dance and electronic. They judged the controls and battery life and timed how long they took to recharge, as well as considering how comfortable they felt to wear and how effective any noise-cancelling technology proved in loud, busy spaces. The most important factor, though, was how well they coped with running and workouts, so they put each pair through their paces to see which ones you can rely on when training.
Pros
- Case with built-in charging cable
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Built-in microphones sound muffled
- Poor inner ear canal seal
The JLab Go Air Sport+ deliver quality sound (though heavy on the bass) and long-lasting battery life at an affordable price. Although they don't have ANC or transparency modes, the earbuds deliver above average sound and call quality.
They're programmed with three sound profiles: JLab Signature (this is the default, mix of crisp mids, punchy lows, boosted sub-bass and upper highs), Balanced (flat bass with boosted upper highs), and Bass Boost (sparkly highs).
The case is outfitted with a short built-in charging cable that requires an USB port. Reviewers found the wraparound ear hooks elegant, smooth, and comfortable, especially in marathons or extensive workouts (assuming you aren’t wearing glasses, of course).
They also come with three sets of eartips (small, medium, and large).
Key specs
| Type | In ear |
|---|---|
| IP rating | IP55 |
| Battery life | 9 hours per bud (35 hours total with charging case) |
| Noise-cancelling | No |
| Included accessories | 3 x sizes of ear trips, 1 x charging case with integrated charging cable. |
Pros
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Decent sound quality
- Competitive battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulky design
- No physical control button
- Sports Mode EQs feel a little gimmicky
Read our full JBL Endurance Race 2 review
If you’re working with a more conservative budget, the Endurance Race 2 are a very decent pair of workout buds that provide a stable fit with good sound quality. They also work very well for everyday listening, as well as longer periods of wear.
Battery life is impressive, with up to 10 hours from a full charge with ANC enabled, or up to 12 hours with it turned off. With the charging case, you get up to 48 hours total battery life which is in line with – if not superior to – more premium competitors.
The sound isn't the richest or most detailed audio you'll experience, but it’s far from tinny or muddy. In fact, the sound is well-balanced, with a decent amount of bass and surprisingly clear mids, making music feel full and energising without all the overwhelming detail. For the price point, it’s hard to do much better than these.
The earbuds offer both ANC and Smart Ambient mode, which lets you stay aware of your surroundings. The ANC here isn’t top-tier, but it’s what you’d expect for a pair of £60 earbuds. Finally, you can pick from six Sports Modes: Hiking, Outdoor Running, Elliptical, Indoor Running, Functional Training and Outdoor Walking. Testers found them to be quite gimmicky, with little real difference between them, but they're worth using if you want a little more ‘oomph’ from the bass.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| In-line controls | Touch, on earbud |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours (up to 10 hours with ANC)/48 hours total with charging case |
| Noise-cancelling | Yes |
| Included accessories | 3 x sizes of eartips, 1 x USB-C charging cable, 1 x enhancer |
Pros
- Very secure fit
- Sweatproof
- Fantastic battery life
Cons
- Chunky design
- No active noise cancellation
- Bass can be a bit extreme
Read our full JBL Endurance Peak 3 review
If you're after for a pair of buds with a secure, ear-hook design, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 are worth a look. While you're sacrificing the rich and balanced sound profile of more premium buds, and the chunky size can be a little cumbersome, they do provide a really solid fit, a great battery life that will see you through multiple weeks of training, and a surprisingly customisable audio experience for under £100.
The lack of active noise cancellation might be a dealbreaker for some, but for runners who prioritise a secure, sweatproof fit and don’t mind a slightly bass-heavy sound, these tick a lot of the right boxes.
Key specs
| Type | In ear |
|---|---|
| In-line controls | Gesture controls |
| Battery life | 10 hours per bud (50 hours total with charging case) |
| Noise-cancelling | No |
| Included accessories | Charging case, charging cable |
| IP rating | IP68 |
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Generous choice of ear tips
Cons
- No noise-cancelling
If you’re looking for a trusty pair of traditional in-ear headphones that fit snugly without sticking out, try these colourful earbuds. They’re cheap and cheerful yet still offer up to eight hours of punchy audio. The play, pause and skip buttons on the cable are easy to use while running, and three sizes of ear tip guarantee comfort.
Key specs
| Type | In-ear |
|---|---|
| In-line controls | On cable |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| Noise-cancelling | No |
| Included accessories | 3 pairs of silicone ear tips, charging cable |
Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.
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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