Whether you're lacing up for your first social run or training to compete in your next half-marathon, music can be the perfect companion to help push you to your limits. If you're new to the hobby, earbuds are the go-to listening devices for most people; they're lightweight, and some models come with stability add-ons, like earhooks. Earbuds aren't the only option, though. Products, like bone conduction headphones and clip-style earbuds, are gaining traction among runners due to their unique advantages. They typically offer similar or better stability compared to the best earbuds, and keep your ears unobstructed so you can stay aware of potential hazards.
At their core, running earbuds or headphones need to be comfortable and stable enough to stay in position without causing any discomfort during your workouts. Outside this minimum requirement, your buying decision can come down to safety considerations, device compatibility, or even versatility, if you need an audio solution that suits everyday use as well.
We've tested over 845 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones and earbuds for running. You can also see our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones for working out and the best wireless earbuds for more options. If you're looking to add to your shoe rotation or need some help picking up your first pair, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
Quick Look
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 Running Headphones
Comfort8.0Stability8.0Continuous Battery Life7 hrsSports And Fitness8.1Travel8.2Office Work7.7Wireless Gaming (In Development)5.8Wired Gaming (In Development)5.7Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.2Noise Isolation8.9Microphone (In Development)6.5See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency9.0The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless are the best running earbuds we've tested. The buds come with a variety of ear tips and stabilizer sleeve sizes, making it easy for most people to find a secure and comfortable configuration. Couple that with their ergonomic, unintrusive in-ear fit, and most runners will be eager to continue wearing these earbuds outside of training. The Bose are well built, too, with an IPX4 rating, so you can take them out for training, rain or shine.
If you don't feel like going outside, you can hop on the treadmill and enjoy your workout playlist or niche podcast of choice without being distracted by other gym-goers, thanks to the Bose's excellent active noise cancellation. With ANC activated, their battery lasts for seven hours on a single charge, making them ideal for longer runs or marathon training sessions. These buds have a slightly bass-heavy sound out of the box, making them versatile enough for most audio content, though they lean toward EDM and rock. Fortunately, you can customize their sound with the app's 3-band EQ. Bose recently released a newer version of these buds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). However, we don't think the 2nd Gen brings enough improvement for most people to justify spending any extra, so keep an eye out for sales on the original!
If you're looking for earbuds with more sport-focused features, consider the Beats PowerBeats Pro 2. These earbuds, developed by Apple's subsidiary, feature ear hooks for stability and a built-in heart rate monitor. While their ANC is just as good as the Bose's, they aren't as customizable and don't support non-Apple multi-device connectivity. Their biometric tracking also won't be that useful if you already have a smart watch and prefer to leave your phone at home when you run.
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Best Mid-Range Running Headphones
Comfort7.5Stability8.0Continuous Battery Life7.3 hrsSports And Fitness8.1Travel8.1Office Work7.5Wireless Gaming (In Development)5.9Wired Gaming (In Development)5.8Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.1Noise Isolation8.3Microphone (In Development)6.2See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency9.4In the mid-range, the best wireless earbuds for running we've tested are the Technics EAH-AZ80. While they lack a dedicated stabilization feature, such as ear hooks or fins, they come with seven pairs of ear tips in varying shapes and sizes. Once you've found ear tips that work for you, the earbuds' fit proves just as stable as that of our previous pick, though the Technics are a little less comfortable. Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, the Technics have an IPX4 rating, so they'll be fine if you take them out in the rain or splash them with water to cool down after working out.
The Technics' sound is vaguely similar to the Bose's, with a default warm signature that's well-suited to most genres. If you prefer a more exciting sound to match your workout, you can tweak their sound signature with their more comprehensive 5-band graphic EQ. That said, the Technics' noise isolation falls just a tad short of the previously mentioned headphones, though they'll still handily isolate you from the outside world while you find your inner peace on an early morning jog in the park. Their app also offers extensive control over the ANC system's strength, allowing you to find the perfect balance of attenuation and awareness for runs on more crowded trails.
If you're looking for more peace of mind against the elements, consider the Nothing Ear. While they're less stable than the Technics, the Nothing have an IP55 rating against dust and more extensive water exposure. They also have a slightly longer 7.5-hour battery life than the Technics, though their ANC is notably less effective.
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Best Budget Running Headphones
The Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless are the best wireless headphones for running in the budget range we've tested. Although they aren't as well-built as the Technics EAH-AZ80, these comfortable buds are rated IP55 for resistance against dust and water exposure, and their ear hook design keeps them in place while you're moving. They have a warm sound that delivers extra thump to help keep you motivated through a tough workout, but you can tweak their sound with their app's graphic EQ if you prefer something different.
The buds have 9.5-hour battery life, and an additional 3.4 charges in their carrying case. Unlike the previous picks in this list, these earbuds don't have an ANC system; instead, they rely solely on their ear tips to provide passable noise attenuation. The earbuds won't do much against rumbling buses while you wait to cross at a busy intersection, but they'll filter out some of the crunch of leaves underfoot.
If you're looking to lower your spending further, consider the Beats Flex Wireless. They aren't Truly Wireless earbuds, and feature a neck cable so you can wear them around your neck when they're not in use. There are plenty of viable running headphones in this price bracket we've yet to test, so it might be worth checking out products like the JLab Audio GO Sport+, which have an ear hook for stability at a more competitive price.
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Best Open Running Earbuds
Comfort8.0Stability9.0Continuous Battery Life9.5 hrsSports And Fitness8.2Travel4.7Office Work4.8Wireless Gaming (In Development)5.3Wired Gaming (In Development)5.1Audio Reproduction Accuracy6.2Noise Isolation0.9Microphone (In Development)7.0See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency6.1Having good spatial awareness is key to staying safe when running outdoors. Unlike our previous picks, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds don't cover your ears, and they're a great dedicated purchase for running enthusiasts. Rather than fitting in your ears like other picks on the list, they clip to the bottom of your ears, just above the lobe, leaving your ear canal unobstructed for maximum awareness. This less common design offers excellent stability, and they're surprisingly comfortable. You can also take them out in the rain or splash them with water without much worry, thanks to their IPX4 certification.
The Bose still use traditional drivers, which deliver audio through the air, and are a great open option for those sensitive to bone conduction headphones (our next pick). That said, there is a drawback to open designs: their unsealed fit means you'll be missing quite a lot of low-end, though these buds have better high-bass reproduction, which adds some warmth to compensate for the lack of thump and rumble. Still, their overall sound is quite bright, so while vocals and instruments sound clear, they can sound piercing, depending on your sensitivity. Fortunately, you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets, and they even have a virtual soundstage feature to help your tracks sound more immersive.
The Bose last for 9.5 hours continuously, which is plenty for most training sessions. And if you're running low on battery, you can also top them up with their charging case. Unfortunately, these enthusiast buds will run you back a pretty penny, so if you're looking for a more affordable open-ear option, consider the Anker Soundcore C30i. They're significantly less expensive and nearly match the Bose in terms of stability, though they're less comfortable. On the plus side, the Anker have a longer 14.2-hour battery life.
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Best Bone Conduction Headphones For Running
Like the previous pick, the Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction are open, running headphones that don't cover your ears. However, rather than using drivers to generate sound waves in the air, these bone conduction headphones send sound waves to your auditory system by directing vibrations through your skull. It's worth noting that not everyone enjoys the sensation produced by the vibrating transducers of bone conduction headphones. If you're looking for an open non-bone conduction option, check out our previous pick, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.
While you might have expected the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction, we picked the standard OpenRun for their more accessible price and IP67 rating for the truly outdoorsy. Depending on your needs, you might prefer the OpenRun Pro 2 for its additional dynamic drivers and customizable app. That said, there's only so much you can do with EQ (due to their open design), and they're not as weather-resistant with only an IP55 rating.
The OpenRun come in two different sizes (standard and mini), and you can pick up the USB-C version if you'd like to avoid proprietary connectors. Their lightweight and stable design makes them a breeze to run with, and their battery lasts a solid 13 hours, plenty for even the longest training sessions.
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Best Apple Running Earbuds
Comfort8.0Stability8.0Continuous Battery Life9 hrsSports And Fitness8.1Travel8.6Office Work8.0Wireless Gaming (In Development)6.0Wired Gaming (In Development)5.8Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.5Noise Isolation9.7Microphone (In Development)6.3See all our test resultsFrequency Response Consistency9.0The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best running earbuds for Apple device users we've tested. While Apple's recent AirPods release looks quite similar to the previous Apple AirPods Pro 2, the brand has made minor adjustments and larger improvements that make them a great option for runners. They have an upgraded IP57 rating, making them the most weather-resistant earbuds on this list; you can confidently take them out for a run on dusty trails or in a torrential downpour without worrying about the weather. The AirPods Pro 3 also have a deeper, more secure in-ear fit, aided by their redesigned hybrid foam-silicone ear tips. The tips also bolster their noise attenuation performance, which is the best on this list. If you're trapped in the gym during the winter months, the earbuds easily reduce noise from chatty gym-goers, clanking leg press machines, and feet hitting treadmill belts.
The AirPods Pro 3 also have integrated heart rate monitors, making them a perfect companion for data lovers, especially if you don't have a smart watch that tracks biometrics. You can expect approximately 6.5 hours of continuous playback with the heart rate monitor and ANC enabled, or closer to 9 hours with just ANC. Either way, they'll last long enough for most training sessions. While the AirPods Pro 3 are the best option for most people in the Apple ecosystem, some users may find their fit too intrusive or unsuited for their ear shapes. For those with more sensitive ear canals, we'd recommend the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The buds rest at the edge of your ear canal without forming a deeper seal. That said, if they don't fit snugly, the buds can fall out in use, making them less ideal for runners. Due to the lack of a full seal, their ANC also isn't as effective as the AirPods Pro 3's.
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Best Over-Ear Headphones For Running
The TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless are the only over-ears on this list and our pick for best over-ear headphones for running. Due to over-ears' bulkier design, lack of front-to-back stability, and less breathable enclosure, they aren't ideal for running. That said, you may not like the feeling of bone conduction or earbuds inserted or hanging from your ears. If you fall in this category of runners, just prefer over-ear designs, or are looking for a one-size fits all product, the TREBLAB are a decent option you can run with and one of few headphones with an ingress protection rating against water exposure. Their IPX4 certification ensures they can survive the occasional splash of water without taking damage, so you don't have to worry if you get caught up in a drizzle or light shower during your run. They also feel sturdy overall and have a stable, comfortable fit.
These headphones also feature ANC, which can effectively block out a significant amount of ambient sound around you. With the feature active, they last for more than 37 hours of continuous use, far surpassing the continuous battery life of a pair of earbuds, so you don't have to recharge them after every workout. They have a V-shaped sound profile, which is well-suited for genres like rock and pop, but these headphones lack customization settings to help you fine-tune them to your liking.
If over-ears are more your style, or you're more of a gym enthusiast than a runner, check out our recommendations for the best over-ears for working out.
Notable Mentions
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Powerbeats Fit
The Beats PowerBeats Fit are earbuds designed with stability in mind. They feature a flexible wingtip meant to brace the earbuds in place against your ear. We haven't tested them yet, but considering the company's track record with sound customizations, we don't expect you'll be able to adjust their sound like you can on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless.
Untested - Join the discussion -
LinkBuds Fit
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are earbuds that feature an unintrusive wingtip. We haven't tested them, but they have an ANC system, and their battery life is advertised at a moderate 5.5 hours, which is shorter than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless.
Untested - Join the discussion -
Anker Soundcore P40i:
The Anker Soundcore P40i are in-ears that offer comparable comfort and build quality to the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless. However, their fit isn't as stable as the Skullcandy's, and they're only IPX5 certified for water resistance (compared to the IP55 certification on the Skullcandy).
See our review -
OpenFit 2
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are open-ear earbuds with ear hooks for stability. They're less expensive than our open-ear pick, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and feature a dual driver design meant to enhance bass reproduction. While we haven't tested them, these buds offer a more traditional earhook design that some runners may prefer to the clip-style design of the Bose.
Untested - Join the discussion -
Go Sport+
We haven't reviewed the JLab Audio Go Sport+, but they're compelling budget running earbuds with ear hooks. The manufacturer advertises up to 9 hours of continuous playback, which is slightly less than what we measured on the Skullcandy Push Active Truly Wireless. They also match the Skullcandy's IP55 rating at a cheaper price. So they're definitely worth checking out.
Untested - Join the discussion
Recent Updates
Nov 14, 2025:
We've completely overhauled the article and merged it with the 'Best Wireless Earbuds for Running And Working Out' article. As a result, we've migrated a few earbud picks, added pick categories like 'Best Bone Conduction,' and adjusted the number of over-ear picks in the article.
Jul 03, 2025:
We've overhauled this article, shifting picks around and updating large sections of text. Most notably, we've included mentions of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction and Anker Soundcore C30i for their openness and functionality for runners. We've also replaced the hard-to-find Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with the readily available Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless as our 'Best Earbuds For Running.'
Mar 17, 2025:
We've removed the Razer Opus Wireless 2021 from our Notable Mentions as they're out of stock.
Jan 17, 2025:
Aside from edits for clarity, we've updated our top pick from the Beats Studio Pro Wireless to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless for their better noise isolation and comfort. We also changed the mid-range pick from the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless to the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless for their improved noise isolation functionality. We added the Beats Studio Pro Wireless, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless, and Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless to the Notable Mentions.
Oct 21, 2024:
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 True Wireless are our new pick in the 'Best Earbuds For Running' category because of their stable design and outstanding noise isolation. The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless now replace the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport True Wireless in our Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best headphones and earbuds for running (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 of our headphone reviews, 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.