While most people prefer earbuds for the gym, you may find over-ear headphones more comfortable or cozy for exercise that doesn't involve too much rapid or jerky movement. Finding the best over-ear headphones for the gym can be hard, though. They aren't designed to fit securely enough to stay in place while running on the treadmill, for instance, and extra stability typically comes at the cost of a higher clamping force, which can be uncomfortable. Plus, they can make you sweat more than usual because they enclose your ears. Despite athlete endorsements, advertising, and media coverage suggesting their use in the gym, manufacturer warranties typically don't cover damage from sweat and moisture exposure. That said, there are still a few Bluetooth options that can work for weight or resistance training at the gym. Your primary concern should be meeting a minimum level of comfort and stability, then focusing on extra features like noise cancelling if you want to shut out your gym's terrible playlist in the background.
We've tested over 920 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, or check out our best over-ear headphones for more general usage.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
StabilityComfortBatteryBluetooth ConnectionFrequency Response ConsistencySports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless are the best over-ear headphones for working out we've tested. They offer a combination of amazing comfort for long workouts and excellent noise isolation to quiet chatty gym goers, making them the best pick overall. Don't confuse these with the newer Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), though; the core performance doesn't improve by much, and they aren't as well built, so the newer headphones aren't worth the extra spend.
As mentioned earlier, 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 while you pump iron, and with a 26-hour battery life, you won't need to worry about recharging after every session. They also feature physical controls that give you good tactile feedback and prevent issues with touch controls (and damp hands). 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.
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Best Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
StabilityComfortBatteryBluetooth ConnectionFrequency Response ConsistencySports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe Nothing Headphone (a) are the best mid-range over-ear headphones for working out that we've tested. They're not as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, and you'll be exposed to gym noise a bit more due to their worse noise isolation, but they have certified water resistance to water droplets, so they'll likely offer more protection against condensation or an errant splash from a water fountain. They're also more stable than the Bose, making them more suitable for exercises where you're more mobile, like walking lunges.
Despite their lower price, there's clearly an investment in build quality, as they incorporate fiber-reinforced nylon and steel components, which should give you peace of mind about their long-term durability. The headphones feature purely physical controls like the Bose, so you won't have to worry about errant touch inputs while your hands are wet. These are also the most unique-looking headphones on this list, serving as a bit of a fashion statement if you're looking to look good at the gym, too.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
StabilityComfortBatteryBluetoothFrequency Response ConsistencyCommute/TravelSports/FitnessOfficeWireless GamingSee all our test resultsWired GamingIf your gym gets humid or you work out outdoors (in the rain), the TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless have a more robust water-resistance rating at a lower price. They're certified to survive water splashes, so they're the most suitable headphones if you're consistent about your exercise, regardless of the weather. These sturdy headphones will also withstand drops and knocks, although the coating on the outer ear cups is prone to superficial damage. Like our other picks, these headphones also have noise cancelling that helps mute the sounds of chatty gym-goers and your barbell being dropped on the ground after a snatch.
Out of the box, the headphones deliver extra bass and treble for an overall exciting tuning. While it might be just what you need to get you through a tough workout, you can't customize the headphones' sound natively since they don't support a dedicated app like our previous pick, the Nothing Headphone (a). You'll need to use 3rd-party apps or features to adjust their tuning (depending on your device).
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Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
StabilityComfortBatteryBluetooth ConnectionFrequency Response ConsistencySports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyIf you need something simple and cheap for the gym, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024 are the best over-ear headphones for working out for those on a budget. Despite their price range, they have a surprising amount of utility, offering impressive noise cancelling that keeps distractions quiet while you grind out a final rep before hitting failure. That said, their build feels a little flimsier than our other picks, and they're not the most stable. As a result, we'd recommend these if you don't do much jumping around or any exercises that require inversion, like a handstand.
These headphones have a superb battery life of 49 hours, and their V-shaped sound profile 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.
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Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
StabilityComfortBatteryBluetooth ConnectionFrequency Response ConsistencySports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyIf minimizing external distractions is a top priority, the powerful ANC system offered by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) could be the pick for you. While they're the most expensive headphones among our picks, they block out more noise than the next-best performer, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, so they're a good choice if you want to effectively lock in on a hard leg day in peace. Their app also includes a slider that lets you adjust how much ambient sound you hear, which is nice if you want to stay slightly aware of your surroundings without enabling full transparency.
Like our top pick, they have an amazingly comfortable fit, with plush padding on the ear cups and headband that reduces the risk of fatigue during long workouts. Plus, 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 traditional circuit training. Their well-balanced default sound profile has some extra thump and rumble in the bass range for impactful, high-tempo kick drums, but you can customize it with an in-app graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.
Notable Mentions
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Beats Studio Pro Wireless:
The Beats Studio Pro Wireless are a solid 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 2:
The Apple AirPods Max 2 are popular at gyms thanks to their sleek look, but they're less stable on your head than the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. There's also a well-documented risk of water accumulating inside the ear cups over time (due to condensation), which makes them a less-than-optimal choice for working out.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 14, 2026:
We've trimmed some text and removed the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 from our Notable Mentions to improve readability and clarify decision-making. However, our main picks remain the same, as they're still available for purchase and are effective over-ear headphones for the gym.
Jul 08, 2026:
We've reduced the number of picks in the article, retiring both the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless and Sony WH-CH720N Wireless. The Nothing Headphone (a) take their place as our mid-range pick, thanks to their more stable design and IP52 rating.
Apr 22, 2026:
We've double-checked that our picks are still valid and updated the text for clarity across the article.
Jan 28, 2026:
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless replace the JBL Tune 770NC as our mid-range pick because of their more generous fit and superior noise isolation. We also removed our best over-ear workout headphones for bass since the existing picks all work well for bass-oriented genres. Finally, we removed the Under Armour Project Rock from our Notable Mentions.
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.
FAQ
Does sweat ruin headphones?
Yes. Sweat is mostly water, but substances like salt and ammonia can break down 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 earpads 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 still, like deadlifts or squats, over-ear headphones 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, causing your ears to 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 at reducing background noise so 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 make you 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.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently think are the best wireless over-ear headphones for working out 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'd like to choose for yourself, here's 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.