Finding the perfect pair of headphones can truly transform your running experience. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, having reliable, comfortable, and great-sounding earbuds can keep you motivated mile after mile. In this guide, we’ve tested a variety of wireless headphones to bring you the best options for running in 2025, covering different budgets and preferences.
Top Running Headphones of 2025
Beats Powerbeats Fit
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant Support: Google Assistant, Siri | Water Resistance: IPX4 | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
The Beats Powerbeats Fit offers a refined take on the Fit Pro earbuds with a few thoughtful improvements. The wingtips are 20% more flexible, providing a snug and comfortable fit, and the charging case is 17% smaller, making it easier to carry around. These earbuds deliver the signature bass-heavy Beats sound and effective active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out most ambient noise. Transparency mode is a standout feature, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings or jump into conversations without removing your earbuds. While the IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and splashes, they aren’t the most rugged option. Battery life is average at six hours per charge, but the case offers up to 30 hours total, perfect for multiple workouts.
- Improved design with flexible wingtips
- Compact charging case
- Strong ANC and signature sound
- IPX4 durability could be better
- Battery life could be longer with ANC on
JLab Go Air Sport
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with hook | Assistant Support: None | Water Resistance: IP55 | Active Noise Cancellation: No | Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
For runners on a budget, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport earbuds are a fantastic choice. Despite the low price, they offer a secure fit thanks to flexible, soft-touch ear hooks that wrap comfortably around your ears. Sound quality is impressive for the price, and you can switch between three EQ modes—Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost—without needing an app. The IP55 rating means they’re well-protected against sweat and dust. Battery life is solid, with eight hours on a single charge plus 24 hours from the charging case. However, the case uses a built-in USB-A cable, which feels a bit outdated, and its size is bulkier than more premium options.
- Affordable and great sound quality
- Comfortable, flexible ear hooks
- IP55-rated for sweat and dust resistance
- Outdated USB-A charging cable
- Bulky charging case
- Hook design may not suit everyone
Shokz OpenFit 2
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Open-ear | Assistant Support: None | Water Resistance: IP55 | Active Noise Cancellation: No | Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
The Shokz OpenFit 2 features an open-ear design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings—ideal for city runners or anyone concerned about safety. The lightweight buds rest just outside your ear canal, secured by a flexible “dolphin arc” hook that wraps comfortably around your ear. With Shokz’s Direct Pitch technology, these headphones deliver clear, loud sound with minimal leakage. While they lack ANC, their design prioritizes situational awareness, making them perfect for outdoor workouts where you need to hear traffic and other hazards.
- Comfortable open-ear design
- Excellent situational awareness
- Clear sound quality with good volume
- No active noise cancellation
- Fit may be less secure than in-ear options
H2O Audio Ript Ultra
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Over-ear | Assistant Support: None | Water Resistance: None (Sweatproof) | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
If you prefer over-ear headphones for workouts, the H2O Audio Ript Ultra is a solid pick. They’re designed to be 100% sweatproof, with removable and washable earcups for easy maintenance. The package even includes a second pair of earcups for extended use. While sound quality is decent, it doesn’t quite match premium competitors in the same price range. However, their durability and comfort make them a great choice if you want headphones that can withstand intense gym sessions and last longer.
- Sweatproof with washable earcups
- Includes extra earcups
- Long battery life
- Higher price point
- Sound quality could be improved
Other Running Headphones We Tested
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 stand out with built-in heart rate monitoring, allowing you to track your workout without extra devices. They offer excellent exercise capabilities and a comfortable fit, though some may prefer the texture of other earbuds over their slick finish.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
These are a good alternative if you prefer a hook design and want built-in heart rate sensors, but they come at a higher price point than the Powerbeats Fit.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
Similar in concept to the Shokz OpenFit, these earbuds have a bulkier design and less secure fit, requiring more frequent adjustments during workouts.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Offering an IP68 rating at a budget-friendly price, these earbuds sacrifice some comfort and sound quality compared to higher-end models, and feature a large charging case.
What to Look for in Running Headphones
Design
Wireless earbuds are typically the best choice for running due to their durability and convenience. Common styles include in-ear, in-ear with hooks, and open-ear designs. In-ear models are popular for their secure fit, while hooks add extra stability. Open-ear designs let you hear your surroundings, which can be safer for outdoor runs.
Water Resistance and Dust Protection
Since you’ll likely sweat and might encounter rain, look for earbuds with good water resistance. IP ratings indicate protection levels: the first digit rates dust resistance (1-6), and the second rates water resistance (1-9). Most running earbuds have at least an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and splashes.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
ANC helps block out distractions, useful if you want to focus during workouts or use earbuds beyond running. Transparency mode lets in ambient sounds, which is important for safety when running outdoors.
Battery Life
Expect around six to eight hours of playtime per charge, with charging cases providing an additional 20-28 hours. This is usually sufficient for most runners, but carrying the case can help if you have longer sessions.
How We Test Headphones for Running
We test each pair during multiple runs, focusing on comfort, fit, and stability, especially during sweaty and high-movement sessions. We also assess their performance in everyday use, including calls and media playback. While audio quality is considered, we rely on expert reviews for detailed sound analysis. Adjustable EQ settings in companion apps are a plus for personalizing your listening experience.