While most people prefer earbuds for sports, many find over-ear headphones more comfortable for light and moderate exercise. Finding the best over-ear headphones for the gym can be hard, though. Most over-ear headphones aren't designed to fit securely enough to stay in place while training, and they make you sweat more than usual. Regularly working out with them could also result in issues not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so take extra care if you use them while working out or running. Keep an eye on their performance, and give them lots of time to air out between training sessions. That said, there are still a few Bluetooth options that could be decent for working out or running. You can also check out our over-ears vs on-ears article if you've ruled out in-ears and are considering what works best for your fitness needs.
We've tested over 400 over-ear headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones for working out. If you're more of a dedicated runner, check out our recommendations for the best headphones for running.
Quick Look
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Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Sports And Fitness7.5Stability7.0Comfort8.5Battery8.6Bluetooth Connection8.5See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency7.8The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are the best over-ear headphones for working out we've tested. They're a great choice for gym-goers due to their high degree of comfort and excellent noise isolation. While you might not want to spring for such a pricy pair of headphones for workouts, they are worth a look if you want high-end features like active noise cancelling (ANC) or care about fashion: these cans come in a variety of fun colorways to match your style, including 'Moonstone Blue,' 'Twilight Blue,' and 'Cypress Green.' Their ANC does a superb job of blocking out sounds like the ambient chatter of gym-goers nearby and high-pitched noise like an A/C unit. Their physical controls are great and give you good tactile feedback when skipping a song or changing the volume.
These headphones are amazingly comfortable, with a lightweight build and soft ear cushions that remain pleasant even during longer gym sessions. They also offer a stable fit that stays secure unless you're doing high-intensity movements, and with a 26-hour battery life, you won't need to worry about recharging after every session. Add to that their warm, slightly bass-boosted sound profile, and you've got a pair of over-ears that feel as good as they sound, whether you're lifting weights or zoning out on the elliptical.
If you were expecting the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), both headphones are mentioned further down in the article. And while they sport better performance overall, their higher price tags might be more than most are willing to spend on a pair of headphones that could get roughed up at the gym.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Sports And Fitness7.4Stability7.0Comfort8.0Battery8.7Bluetooth Connection8.6See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency8.1The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are the best upper mid-range over-ear headphones for working out that we've tested. While they're not quite as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, their ANC is actually slightly better than the Bose at attenuating bass-range sounds, which can help block out the sound of rumbling cardio machines. They're a great alternative to our top pick for anyone who wants high-end features without paying a flagship premium.
The Sony have a warm sound profile that suits a wide range of genres, but their boosted bass range is especially well-suited to genres like techno and hip-hop. While their touch-sensitive controls aren't quite as intuitive to use during movement as physical buttons, they're still responsive once you get used to the gestures. The fit is comfortable and secure enough for most workouts, though they might shift a bit during intense or high-impact activity. Battery life is another highlight: they deliver over 37 hours of continuous playback, so you can go multiple sessions without needing a charge. If you're looking for a well-rounded, stylish pair of ANC headphones that perform well both in and out of the gym, the Sony remain a strong, value-packed choice in the upper mid-range.
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Best Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Stability7.0Comfort7.0Battery8.9Bluetooth Connection8.4See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency7.1In the mid-range and lower mid-range brackets, prices tend to fluctuate a bit, so it's worth hunting for deals and price drops. But the JBL Tune 770NC are a great option for anyone looking for solid overall performance at a reasonable price. These cans aren't as well-built as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, but if you'd prefer to work out with headphones that'll cost less to replace if damaged, they're worth considering. They're lightweight and stable enough for moderate exercise and have good on-ear controls for adjusting your sound mid-step.
With a battery that lasts around 47 hours on a single charge, you won't have to worry about charging them up after every workout. They also have an ANC feature that does a decent job of reducing sounds like chatty gym-goers, but it won't cut out the low rumbles of a passing bus while you're on a run outdoors. Their default sound is well-balanced, and you can customize it to your taste using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, these cans are on the smaller side, so if you have a larger head or thick hair, you'd be better off with the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless. The Skullcandy are slightly more stable on the head, but their controls aren't as full-featured, and they don't come with a companion app for customizing their excited sound profile.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Stability7.5Comfort7.5Battery8.4Bluetooth8.2See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency7.9If you like to go on long runs in the rain, the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless might be just what you need to keep you entertained. Unlike the other headphones on this list, such as the JBL Tune 770NC, these cans have an IPX4 rating for protection against water splashes: a rarity among over-ear headphones that makes them better-suited for tough workouts and outdoor excursions. These sturdy headphones will also survive drops and knocks, although it's worth noting the coating on the outer ear cup is prone to superficial damage. They'll also last for more than 37 hours of continuous use with ANC activated, so you don't have to recharge them after every workout.
These headphones have an excited sound profile with lots of extra bass and treble. That extra thump and sizzle might be just what you need to get you through a tough workout, but, unlike the other options above, you can't customize the TREBLAB's sound to your liking, as they don't come with a companion app. Still, if boomy EDM drums provide you with a little extra kick in your step, the TREBLAB could be just what you need. They have an ANC feature that does a great job blocking out sounds like chatty gym-goers, though it can't quite match the performance of the more expensive Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless on that front.
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Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Sports And Fitness7.2Stability7.0Comfort7.5Battery9.5Bluetooth Connection8.3See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency5.4If you need something simple and cheap for the gym, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024 are the best over-ear headphones for running and working out in the budget range. They'll stay in place during moderate movement like jogging or using a workout machine. Their V-heavy sound profile also adds a lot of thump and rumble to your audio, which you might like to help keep you pumped up during workouts. You can also tune their audio with their app's graphic EQ and presets.
The Anker a superb battery life of 49 hours, and their ANC trades blows with more expensive products. You won't need to charge the headphones for days at a time, and you can shut out noise from other gym goers with their noise cancelling. Unfortunately, they have a somewhat plasticky build and don't have an IP certification like the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless.
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Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Sports And Fitness7.5Stability7.0Comfort8.5Battery8.7Bluetooth Connection7.6See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency6.8A powerful ANC system sets the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) apart from other picks. It can block out more noise than our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, so they're a good choice if you want to focus on your music at a crowded gym. Their app also includes a slider that lets you adjust how much ambient sound you hear, which is nice when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. Their control scheme is easy to use and allows you to skip a track or change the volume without using your phone, although many prefer the physical buttons of our top pick.
They have an amazingly comfortable and lightweight fit. The plush padding on the ear cups and headband reduces the chances of fatigue during long workouts. They're stable enough to stay in place when you're lifting weights or riding a stationary bike, but they may slip around during a run or exercise class. That said, their well-balanced default sound profile has some extra thump and rumble in the bass range, and you can customize the sound profile with an in-app graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.
While the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the pair to choose if you want the best over-ear noise isolation we've tested, they're not as comfortable as either of the Bose options, and their fit can be a little finicky to get right if you wear glasses.
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Best Over-Ear Workout Headphones For Bass
Sports And Fitness7.4Stability7.5Comfort7.5Battery8.8Bluetooth Connection8.8See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency7.8If your pump-up playlist consists mainly of EDM or hip-hop, you'll want a pair of headphones that can deliver heavy thump and punch in the bass range. The Sony ULT WEAR have an even more bass-heavy sound out of the box than our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, and you can access two further levels of bass boost with their onboard 'ULT' button. Like the Bose, you can then further adjust the Sony's bass-rich sound using their companion app's graphic EQ.
Though not as comfortable as our top pick, these headphones are still comfortable enough for most workouts, and they have good stability, so they'll stay in place during jogs and light exercise. However, they'll slip and lose their seal if worn for extremely vigorous sessions. Their good build quality will also help them survive a few accidental drops on the gym floor, and their battery lasts over 40 hours on a single charge, so you'll get through several workouts without needing to top them up. You can use their app to activate ambient mode, which helps you hear your surroundings better; it's a very useful feature if you often go for jogs in busy neighborhoods. If you'd prefer the quiet, you can activate their ANC, which does an excellent job of cutting out background noise.
Notable Mentions
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Beats Studio Pro Wireless:
The Beats Studio Pro Wireless are a solid over-ear option for those who want to combine a stylish look with a balanced sound. While they can't match the comfort or ANC performance of higher-end picks like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, they still do a good job blocking out ambient noise and staying in place during moderate workouts.
See our review -
Apple AirPods Max:
The Apple AirPods Max are popular at gyms thanks to their sleek look. However, they're less stable than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, and possible condensation forming inside the ear cups over time makes them a less-than-optimal choice for working out.
See our review -
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95:
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 are premium over-ears that stand out from other picks on this list. They have an IP63 certification for resistance against dust and light water exposure. However, their price point is significantly higher than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless.
See our review -
Project Rock
Although we haven't tested them, the Under Armour Project Rock headphones, a collaboration between Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, JBL, and Under Armour, are about as well-known in the fitness world as headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless and the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. These headphones have an IPX4 rating (protecting against light water splashes) and feature washable mesh earpads. They also boast an ANC feature and can be customized via a companion app.
Untested - Join the discussion -
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus:
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus have a longer battery life than the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless, clocking in at 56 hours with the ANC on. They also have a more controlled treble range that isn't as piercing as the TREBLAB's, but the Sennheiser aren't quite as stable or comfortable as our pick.
See our review -
V-MODA Crossfade 3:
The V-MODA Crossfade 3 are bassy, well-built headphones to motivate your routine. They fold down smaller, have replaceable parts, and are similar in stability to the Sony ULT WEAR. However, they have a shorter battery life and no ANC.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 30, 2025:
We've replaced the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 with the newer Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024, which sports a longer battery life and expanded customization options. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless were also replaced by their successor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen); the newer version allows for expanded ANC adjustment while retaining the comfort and stability of the previous generation.
Jul 31, 2025:
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are our new top pick for their excellent comfort. The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are our new upper mid-range pick. Price changes mean the JBL Tune 770NC are now our mid-range pick, with the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless moving to the lower mid-range slot. We've added the Sony WH-1000XM6 as an alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, and added both the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus and the Beats Studio Pro Wireless to our Notable Mentions.
Apr 03, 2025:
We've edited this text for clarity and updated some hyperlinks, but haven't changed our picks.
Jan 07, 2025:
We've checked our picks for accuracy and product availability but there hasn't been a change in our recommendations.
Sep 20, 2024: We added a new upper mid-range pick to this article: the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless. The TREBLAB are durable over-ears with an IPX4 rating for protection against water splashes. Our new mid-range pick is the JBL Tune 770NC Wireless because of their balanced sound and good on-ear controls. The Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless are now an alternative mid-range pick for anyone with a larger head or thick hair. We also removed the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless from our Notable Mentions because our main mid-range pick, the JBL Tune 770NC Wireless, have a noise cancelling feature.
FAQ
Does sweat ruin headphones?
Yes. Sweat is mostly water, but elements like salt and ammonia can wear away at ear cup padding over time, particularly if the headphones have faux leather (or plastic) padding. There's also a large surface area to trap moisture, making internal components more susceptible to damage. To get the most out of your over-ears, you'll want to wipe them down after working out. It's also worth considering headphones with swappable ear pads to help keep trapped sweat from stinking up your reps.
Does sweat resistance matter?
Yes, but there isn't a standardized way of measuring sweat resistance. You may see manufacturers advertise their headphones as sweat-resistant or sweat-proof, but this measurement often comes from the manufacturers themselves. This means the results aren't very comparable across brands. In contrast, IP ratings indicate a product's level of dust and water protection. They're tested by a third party using standardized settings, so you always know that two headphones with the same certification will perform similarly, regardless of the brand. While water resistance isn't quite the same as sweat resistance, it can be a good indicator of the headphones' build quality when used in the gym.
Are in-ear or over-ear headphones better for working out?
Many people prefer an in-ear design for working out as they're smaller and more portable. Sporty in-ears also tend to have stability fins or ear hooks, which help keep the buds in place when you move. Some users like the fit and feel of over-ears, even while working out. If you're doing exercises that keep your head relatively static, like deadlifts or squats, over-ears won't move around or fall off your head. Over-ears also have the advantage of being more comfortable to wear. Their ear cups can trap heat, which can cause your ears to get warm over time. Luckily, some headphones have mesh or breathable pads to help with heat buildup.
Are noise cancelling headphones good for the gym?
Active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones can be a great choice for the gym if you're easily annoyed by sounds like the hum of a treadmill or ambient voices. No ANC system can completely block out all sound, but it can be very effective in reducing background sound so that you stay in the zone.
What are the best headphones for someone who sweats a lot?
If you sweat a lot, over-ears may not be the best option as their cups trap heat around your ears and can cause you to sweat more. If you're a heavy sweater, in-ears and earbuds are a more breathable design as they generally have fewer points of contact with your skin. Most earbuds also tend to have an IP rating for water resistance. You'll want to check out our best wireless earbuds for running and working out article for more options.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best wireless over-ear headphones for working out to buy for most people 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 of over-ear headphones, ranked by their suitability for sports and fitness. 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.