The greatest earphones for athletes of all levels are these ones, whether you’re hitting the gym or the trail. Here you will find the best earbuds for working out 2024.

Finding earbuds that keep up with you shouldn’t be difficult, even though exercising is. For this purpose, we’ve gathered up some of the finest earbuds, money can buy for workout. We hope that this helps you get through even the most demanding training schedule. With these choices, we try to satisfy your needs for both cheap headphones and the best earbuds for each scenario.

LUXURIOUS OVER-THE-EAR HEADPHONES are velvety, comfortable, and sound excellent. However, for the majority of my daily activities—working out, traveling, and pretending to put things away—I choose a pair of portable, long-lasting wireless workout buds. Since I began testing them, their sound and comfort have greatly improved. I trail run, hike, work on my yard, lift weights, and watch slightly awkward barre and yoga videos on my laptop, all while trying out the best wireless fitness headphones available(The best earbuds for working out 2024).

Best overall: Jabra Elite 8 Active(best earbuds for working out 2024)

The Jabra Elite 8 Active is the best option for fitness earphones that can also be used as your everyday music partner. With an IP68 rating that gives you aquatic-level resistance against water and dust, these buds set the standard on durability. The Elite 7’s already-respectable IP57 rating has been improved to that. The rubberized ShakeGrip coating ensures that these buds stay in place whether you’re running in the rain or working out hard at the gym.

Superior strength and unrivaled audio quality combine: The undisputed option for athletes who expect the best is the Jabra Elite 8 Active.

The Elite 8 is more than just tough; it excels in audio performance, closely following our preference curve if except for minor under-emphasis in the higher frequencies. Adaptive Hybrid ANC efficiently eliminates low-pitched rumbles, while Dolby Atmos compatibility provides spatial sound to enhance the listening experience.

Another advantage is the long battery life, which lasts 9 hours and 28 minutes on a charge. That’s more than enough to get you through more strenuous workouts or consecutive meetings. Plus, with fast charging capabilities, you can recharge quickly and be ready for round two.(best earbuds for working out 2024).

Best budget: Anker Soundcore Life A1

The Anker Soundcore Life A1 doesn’t include an app or fancy wraparound cloth to hold the buds in place. Instead, you’ll receive a basic set of IPX7 water-resistant headphones. Anker offers replaceable silicone wing tips in sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large. This allows the Life A1 to gently lock onto each listener’s ears.

Anker does not provide app support for the Life A1, but there are plenty of onboard controls to adjust volume, skip music, and answer calls. The earphones provide three EQ presets: Soundcore Signature, Bass Booster, and Acoustic. When you turn the buds on, they return to the Signature setting.

While the Anker Soundcore Life A1 earphones are not audiophile, their frequency response is appropriate for exercising. Bass frequencies sound twice as loud as mids, making these an excellent choice for bass heads. When you locate the right size ear tips, the earbuds will filter out a lot of background noise. Low frequencies are reduced by half, and high-frequency noise, such as rattling weights, is one-eighth as loud with the buds on.

The Life A1 are among the best-performing and most comfy cheap earbuds available.

Best for safety: Shokz OpenRun Pro

Anyone who exercises outdoors understands the importance of being vigilant, and the Shockz OpenRun Pro helps you to keep an ear on your surroundings while listening to music. Unlike other earbuds that do not seal to your ear canal, the OpenRun Pro does not block your ears.

Two bulb-shaped components attach to a band that wraps around the back of your head and is sufficiently flexible to accommodate most head shapes. The OpenRun Pro has an IP55 classification against dust and water, making it my top choice for rock climbers and outdoor cyclists. Unfortunately, the headset charges via a proprietary 2-pin connector instead of USB-C. Given the rewards, this is a minor annoyance.

The sound quality isn’t very impressive, but that’s to be expected with unsealed earbuds — or, in this case, headphones that don’t interact with your ears at all. Nonetheless, these are the best-sounding bone-conduction headphones I’ve tested.

The OpenRun Pro prioritized safety and alertness, which is crucial for outdoor athletes.

The headphones combine Shokz’s TurboPitch with 9th-generation bone conduction technology. This combination provides stronger bass and more consistent audio quality than the competition. Jaw movements like chewing, drinking water, or yawning shift the ear pieces and significantly reduce sound quality in other similar headsets, although this is less obvious with the OpenRun Pro.

The OpenRun Pro is ideal for safety and awareness, but it is not the most adaptable solution. Check out our next recommendation for earphones that can be used anywhere, including on an aircraft(best earbuds for working out 2024).

Beats Fit Pro are the greatest earbuds for running.

The Beats Fit Pro offers active noise cancellation (ANC), which rivals the AirPods Pro 2. When you’re tired of hearing gym-goers’ grunts and treadmill roars, the ANC will come in useful. Low and treble frequencies sound about one-sixteenth as loud as they did before. The Fit Pro also reduces middle frequencies to one-eighth of their original volume. When you wish to hear your surroundings, such as while running, you can use Transparency mode. This filters out external noise through the headphones, allowing you to hear surrounding traffic or train platform announcements.

Despite the fact that Apple owns Beats, these winged earphones are not the same as the AirPods. The iconic “b” emblem on each earbud denotes that these are Beats and serves as a multifunction button. When exercising, I prefer buttons over touch controls since they are more reliable, even with moist hands.

The Fit Pro provides a secure fit, good sound quality, and effective noise cancellation.

Permanent wings extend from the earbuds, securing them while I run, ride, and climb. Some listeners, like me, may find the wings uncomfortable after 90 minutes, but a little listening break will remedy that.

Although these earphones use Apple’s H2 chip to provide exclusive iOS capabilities such as customized Spatial Audio with head tracking and device switching, they also operate on Android. The Beats app for Android allows you to personalize the press-and-hold command, switch between listening modes, and check the battery life. The Beats app, like the iOS Settings app, includes an ear tip fit test and the option to enable or disable automated ear detection.

Aside from running and jogging, I enjoy using the Beats Fit Pro for a variety of exercises. The winged design provides the same level of security as ear hooks while leaving a smaller footprint. Although most listeners will enjoy the earbuds’ sound, they may not be suitable for audio connoisseurs. If this sounds appealing to you, the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless may be a better option.

Best sound: Sennheiser Sport True Wireless

The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless are ideal for athletes who value sound quality. These headphones closely follow our headphone preference curve and include a personalized EQ via the Sennheiser Smart Control app (Android/iOS). We’re convinced that most people will love the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless’s sound without any equalization(best earbuds for working out 2024).

The headphones contain both closed and open ear tips. This allows you to decide whether or not to block out your surroundings. You can also enable the “Aware” mode on the earphones, which enhances ambient sounds while simultaneously increasing the earbuds’ low-frequency response to avoid aural masking of bass.

There are also a selection of ear wings to ensure a secure fit during any journey. You can connect a lanyard to the case, making it simple to clip onto your luggage. Furthermore, the IP54 rating protects the earphones against dust and water. Sennheiser’s athletic earbuds are ready for anything.

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are inexpensive and include a ton of fitness functions.The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are rugged wireless earphones with an IP68 rating. These dust-proof earphones can endure complete submersion for 30 minutes as long as they do not sink deeper than three metres. Aside from that, these buds are inexpensive and have a stabilizing hook style.

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 utilizes the JBL Headphones app, which greatly expands the earbuds’ feature set. The app allows you to modify on-ear settings, EQ presets (and create your own), firmware upgrades, and more. You can also enable the earphones’ transparency modes, Ambient Aware (which amplifies all external sounds via the microphone) and TalkThru. However, there is no ANC, which may make it less suitable in a noisy gym.

What about the Shokz OpenFit?

Open-ear earphones frequently make you aware of your surroundings at the sacrifice of music quality. Still, in terms of unsealed personal audio equipment, the Shokz OpenFit sounds good and feels comfortable. They keep in place during a variety of exercises and have an IPX54 dust and water resistance rating.

In our tests, the battery life was seven hours and 21 minutes on a single charge, which is approximately two hours more than typical. The case provides an additional 21 hours of gaming and charges via USB-C. We particularly enjoy how the case can quickly charge these buds: five minutes equals an hour of listening. They also offer remarkably outstanding microphone quality, which allows you to converse clearly even in noisy environments.

Notable mentions for the finest workout earbuds.(best earbuds for working out 2024).

We’ve compiled a list of our top workout earbuds, but if you want to look into additional possibilities, here are a few others worth considering.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Apple’s premium earphones are IPX4 rated and come with XS-L ear tips for a comfortable fit. We enjoy Apple’s inbuilt controls, Adaptive Transparency mode, and noise cancellation, but they aren’t the best value for workout alone.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series : Google’s IPX4-rated earphones have permanent wings that keep them in your ears. The ear tips do not make a forceful seal in your ear canals, resulting in a pleasant fit.

Jabra Elite 3 : These are Jabra’s most cheap true wireless headphones yet. The business manages to include premium features like as IP55 rating and aptX compatibility.

Jabra Elite 7 Active: If you’re searching for long-lasting workout headphones, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is an excellent choice. These earbuds offer numerous customization possibilities in addition to tough protection, good quality, and effective active noise cancellation.

Jaybird Vista 2 : These earphones are almost unbreakable thanks to their IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certifications. Most people will enjoy the consumer-friendly sound, and outdoor exercisers will benefit greatly from the wind filtering feature.

JBL Tune 230NC TWS : If you want a bass-heavy sound in the form of stemmed earphones, these are reasonably priced. We also appreciate the IPX4 rating and application support.

JLab Epic Air Sport ANC : These earbuds are an excellent deal. The earbuds’ hooked shape ensures a snug fit, and they are robust. The battery lasts 9 hours on a single charge, which is considerably beyond typical.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : These IPX7-rated earbuds are the ideal companion for Samsung Galaxy phones. Say, “Hey, Bixby,” and experience 24-bit audio using the Samsung Seamless Codec.

Sony LinkBuds : These earphones are ideal for outdoor athletes since they keep your ears fully open. This allows you to listen to stereo music while also naturally hearing your surroundings. They have an IPX4 rating and are surprisingly comfortable, considering their unusual appearance.

Sony WF-C500 : These earphones have a typical IPX4 water resistance rating and are available in black or white. With a 10-hour standalone battery life plus an additional charge from the USB-C case, you’ll be able to use this for several weeks without having to recharge it. You can even pair the earphones with Sony 360 Reality Audio for an immersive listening experience.

Tribit MoveBuds H1:

If you don’t want to worry about your earphones’ battery life, the Tribit MoveBuds H1 set is a reliable pair of true wireless earbuds. The 15-hour battery life is exceptional for true wireless earbuds, allowing you to wear them all day without charging. This is a good thing because the charging case, which adds 35 hours of juice, is practically the size of a bar of soap.

This waterproof pair has an IPX8 rating, and the earbuds are held securely in place by hooks that fit over your ears. The H1’s sealed design helps to filter out gym noise, but it lacks the active noise cancellation and voice activation features of our more expensive options. This set does include a hear-through mode, and you can utilize one earbud at a time for situational awareness.

The sound quality is good right out of the box, and we were able to achieve our desired tuning utilizing the app-based equalizer changes. The H1 set also includes a full range of touch-based controls.

Another affordable option(best earbuds for working out 2024)

Back Bay Audio Tempo: 30

I was astounded by the Back Bay Tempo 30 (8/10, WIRED recommends). The build quality is excellent, they fit well, and the sound is so outstanding that I had to have my colleague and WIRED’s resident audiophile, Parker Hall, confirm my judgment for me. 

A pair of headphones is not perfect. They sound muddy in the upper range, and the Bluetooth connection isn’t very good—it cut out when I put my phone on a counter and walked around the corner. 

A pair of headphones is not perfect. They sound muddy in the upper range, and the Bluetooth connection isn’t very good—it cut out when I put my phone on a counter and walked around the corner. Calls are great for the person on the other end, however they sound remote and tinny to me. At least they kept in place while I was hanging upside down at a climbing gym, so you might not need Back Bay’s updated pair with ear clips and wireless charging. 

For larger ears: Sony WF-1000XM4(best earbuds for working out 2024)

According to WIRED associate editor Parker Hall’s article, Sony redesigned these buds to fit roundly in your ear, as opposed to the “mostly in but with a bit hanging out” manner of prior versions. These buds are too huge for my ears, but if you have larger earholes, this is the go-to pair. 

The sound quality is fantastic, the noise cancellation is improved, and they can pick up your speech more clearly than ever before. They also feature wireless charging and an industry-leading eight hours of battery life. They may be a little big to use on runs, but they are ideal for lifting weights at home.

What to Know About the Best Workout Earbuds?

Workout earbuds can seem scary. After all, you need them to be durable and comfy, but it’s difficult to determine what else counts. If you’ve never purchased a pair of workout earphones before, you should read our in-ear buying guide. Those who don’t have time to read it can utilize our website’s table of contents to go through the sections on fit, durability, and Bluetooth codecs.

How can you know whether your earbuds fit properly?

When it comes to earbuds of any kind, especially wireless workout earbuds, a good fit is essential for optimal sound quality.

Auditory masking can degrade sound quality if your earphones do not fit properly. This occurs when stronger noises overpower our perception of quieter ones. Our brains have a limited amount of bandwidth to process stimuli. If you do not have a suitable fit, extraneous noise will interfere with your brain’s ability to process the sound of your music.

Many earbud manufacturers are incorporating ear tip fit checks in their apps to help users discover the appropriate fit. If your earbuds do not have this option, you will have to manually search for the best tips. A good fit necessitates a strong seal between the ear tips. When you have a good fit, the earbuds should stay in place even if you wriggle your ears or move around slightly.

What is an IP rating?

Furthermore, one of the most important features of the finest workout earphones is that they are sweat-resistant. Here’s a basic overview of ingress protection (IP) ratings. The X is only a placeholder for the dust resistance grade.

The “IP” in IP ratings represents ingress protection. This rating will be represented as IPXX; a common rating is IPX4. The “X” in IPX4 stands for dust resistance, while the “4” represents a certain level of water resistance. All workout earbuds should be water-resistant. You cannot immerse a headset unless it has an IPX7 or higher grade.

Do Bluetooth codecs matter when choosing earbuds for working out?

When looking for workout earphones, you’re likely to prioritize durability and fit over sound quality. High-quality Bluetooth codec support is less important with workout earbuds than it is with premium ANC headphones.

Bluetooth codec support may affect latency when streaming movies from a treadmill or stationary bike. If you have an Android phone, we recommend using earphones that support aptX, such as the Jabra Elite 4. This guarantees high-quality, lag-free music from your Android device. LDAC can also operate, although its high-resolution promises are doubtful. iPhone owners should keep an eye out for AAC.

What are some great workout headphones?

The workout headphone industry is much smaller than the workout earbuds market. Here are our finest headphones for exercising.

Fairphone FairBuds XL : These IP54-rated headphones are dust and water resistant. While they stand out for their longevity, their reparability distinguishes them. The battery may be replaced without the use of tools, and the headphones can be disassembled into eleven replacement modules.

Jabra Elite 85h : These over-ear headphones include a water-resistant coating that keeps moisture out of the internals. Jabra headphones fit me nicely, whether I wear glasses or not, and have a long battery life (almost 34 hours).

Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 : These headphones have seen better days, but they’ve accompanied me to the gym on numerous occasions. The IPX5 water resistance is ideal for any expedition, and the battery life will last you a while before you need to recharge the FIT 6100.

Under Armour Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones by JBL: It’s a mouthful of a term, but these headphones include ANC, IPX4 sweat protection, and washable ear cushions, as well as all of the functions of the JBL Headphones app.

How to Pick the Best Earbuds for Workout?

For this list of the best workout earphones, our staff examined a carefully curated range of devices. Our team has used the candidates informally around the house, at work, and elsewhere. When trying earphones for workouts, I combine cardio (mostly bicycling and running) with weightlifting and calisthenics. All of the products offered could sustain a variety of workouts read more.

How We Test the Best Earbuds for Working Out?

We put the best exercise earbuds nominees through our objective testing, which included isolation, battery life, and frequency response. After we have tested and scored all of the products, we create a review. You can read all about it here, but the shortened version is as follows.

Each product was subjected to numerous sine sweeps over the headphones, and we recorded the frequency response once we were able to replicate a result that exhibited the characteristics of a good seal.

For battery testing, we calibrated the necessary setting for 75dB (SPL) using a real-time analyzer. We then played an infinitely looped music test track till the battery died. This allows us to compare the results of each product against the others in a fairly controlled manner.

In the isolation experiments, we employed pink noise at 90 decibels (SPL). We recorded initially with the headphones off, then with them on. From there, we just subtract one from the other to obtain isolation.

Conclusion

Pump Up Your Workouts: Your Ultimate Guide to Workout Earbuds in 2024

Hitting the gym without the perfect soundtrack is like running uphill in sand. But finding the best workout earbuds can feel like a marathon itself. Fear not, fitness fanatics! This guide is your personal trainer for navigating the world of sweat-proof sound.

Whether you’re a bass-thumping beast or a zen yogi seeking sonic serenity, we’ve got your ears covered. Dive into our recommendations for:

Best Overall: Jabra Elite 8 Active – Conquer any activity with durability, top-notch audio, and marathon-worthy battery life.

Budget Beats: Anker Soundcore Life A1 – Affordable excellence, these buds deliver punchy sound and stay put through your toughest sets.

Safety First: Shokz OpenRun Pro – Hear your surroundings and your music with bone conduction technology, perfect for outdoor warriors.

Run Like the Wind: Beats Fit Pro – Lock in a secure fit and crank up the tunes with active noise cancellation, ideal for pounding the pavement.

Audiophile Alert: Sennheiser Sport True Wireless – Indulge in precise, customizable sound that elevates every workout.

FAQ questions about the best earphones for exercising(best earbuds for working out 2024)

If I have small ears, what type of earbuds should I seek for?

To ensure that your buds stay in your ears, look for earbuds with a variety of ear tip alternatives, like as the Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2. Also, to reduce pain, we recommend avoiding non-detachable wing tips that push against your ear pinnae and instead using buds with removable wing tips or over-ear hooks, such as the Beats Powerbeats Pro.

Which workout earbuds provide the most comfort?

Your earbuds’ comfort level is determined by both your ear shape and the ear tips you use. Ear hooks and wing tips provide stability, which improves comfort by preventing you from continuously adjusting your earphones while working out. If you’re looking for comfort, we recommend the Bose SoundSport Free from this selection. They are stable with wing tips and will not cause you pain after wearing them for a long period. The one drawback is that they are hefty, so if you have a lot of ear piercings, you’ll want to opt with a slimmer pair.

Which are the finest waterproof wireless earphones for the gym?

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 is renowned for its durability, as it has an IP68 classification, allowing it to endure total submersion for 30 minutes up to three meters deep. This makes them a fantastic choice for gym-goers who require durable, waterproof earbuds.

Why are my earbuds cutting in and out at the gym?

There could be several reasons why your earphones are cutting in and out at the gym, including accidently activating touch controls, a low battery, or even an unstable connection to your mobile device. Always keep them charged and make sure they fit snugly on your device.

Which earbuds work best for jogging?

We recommend the Shokz OpenRun Pro for joggers. They allow you to be aware of your surroundings because they do not seal to your ear canal, leaving your ears open. This assures you can hear traffic and other potential hazards while listening to music.

Do earphones fall out during running?

The fit of earbuds varies depending on the design and individual ear shapes. Many workout-specific earbuds, such as the Jabra Elite 7 Active, include features like the ShakeGrip cover to keep them in place during vigorous activity. It’s critical to locate earbuds with a tight fit, and using the right-sized ear tips can help keep them from falling out while jogging.

Which AirPods are ideal for the gym?

We normally do not recommend using AirPods in the gym. Apple’s own Beats Fit Pro is a significantly superior solution that works equally well with iOS. If nothing else, the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) feature comparable specs without the secure winged ear tips.

What earbuds are best for exercise?

Any of the earbuds on this list, including the Jabra Elite 8 Active and the Beats Fit Pro, are suitable for a variety of exercises.

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