Best Running Headphones: Comfort, Sound, and Durability

Find the perfect running headphones combining comfort, sound quality, and lasting durability for an unbeatable workout experience.

Why Choosing the Right Running Headphones Matters

I've been testing running headphones for nearly a decade, and trust me, picking the right pair can seriously upgrade your training sessions. Headphones that fit snugly and sound great push you to run further, while the wrong ones just become an annoying distraction.

To make sure these choices fit runners perfectly, I ran countless miles in all weather conditions focusing on secure, comfortable fit, sound quality, durability, and battery life. After hundreds of miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — my top pick for most runners due to their solid fit and superb sound — I've gathered options for every kind of runner, including open-ear and bone conduction models, as well as classic earbuds.

Top Running Headphones: Quick Picks

Overall Best Running Headphones

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a secure fit thanks to their ear-hook design, delivering powerful sound, noise cancellation, and long battery life, perfect for those intense runs.

Best Budget Running Headphones

JLab Go Air Sport

For runners on a budget, JLab Go Air Sport is a fantastic deal. They cling securely with ear hooks, pack impressive battery life, and sound surprisingly good considering their affordable price.

Best Bone Conduction Running Headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

If you want to enjoy music without blocking out surrounding sounds, the OpenRun Pro 2 is my top choice, thanks to its impressive sound and comfortable fit.

Best Everyday Running Headphones

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds that work well for running and daily life, featuring a comfy fit, superb sound, and active noise cancellation.

Best Open-Ear Running Headphones

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a secure fit without blocking your ear canal, letting you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying great sound.

Best Running Headphones Under $130

JBL Endurance Race 2

JBL Endurance Race 2 brings premium features like noise cancellation and a snug fit at a budget-friendly price, making them perfect for runners mindful of cost.

Best Over-Ear Running Headphones

Beats Solo 4

These over-ear headphones deliver superior sound and long battery life but can feel bulky during movement. Beats Solo 4 stays firmly in place and is easy to clean post-run.

Best Running Headphones with Music Storage

Shokz OpenSwim Pro

The OpenSwim Pro supports both Bluetooth streaming and MP3 playback, ideal for runners who prefer leaving their phone at home.

Best Battery Life in Running Headphones

JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4

With 14 hours of playback and up to 60 hours with the charging case, these headphones support long runs or multi-day adventures without frequent recharging.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Running Headphones

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: The All-Around Champion

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Best overall running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 8.8g per earbud
• Battery Life: 10 hours, 45 hours with charging case
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX4
• Noise Cancellation: Yes

Pros:

• Excellent battery life
• Secure, comfortable fit
• Punchy bass and dynamic sound
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Bulky charging case
• Occasional sound quality issues
• Heart rate monitor can be glitchy

I've logged 150 miles running with Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 before their official release, and they’ve quickly become my go-to. The design is a refined update of the original Powerbeats Pro — slimmer, lighter, and ideal for long runs. The ear hooks hold firmly without causing discomfort even when wearing glasses or a hat.

True to Beats' signature style, these pack a powerful bass punch with excellent sound quality during workouts. Noise cancellation and transparency modes help balance focus and awareness on busy streets.

The heart rate tracking is a neat feature but not always reliable or easy to use, especially since it's limited to certain iOS apps and cannot connect to watches.

Physical buttons for controls are a big win during runs, much easier to manage than touch panels.

JLab Go Air Sport: Best Budget Running Headphones

JLab Go Air Sport

Best budget running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 0.65g per earbud
• Battery Life: 8 hours, 32 hours with charging case
• Waterproof: Yes, IP55
• Active Noise Cancellation: No

Pros:

• Outstanding value for money
• Secure ear-hook fit
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Average sound quality
• Sometimes unresponsive controls
• Occasional connection issues

Despite the low price, these headphones pack a punch. While sound quality can't match pricier models, they deliver enough power to keep you motivated on runs. The ear-hook design provides a rock-solid fit for any distance and intensity.

IP55 rating means sweat and rain won’t faze them. Controls can be finicky, especially if your phone sits in your shorts pocket, but placing it in a running belt or arm holder fixes this.

If ear hooks aren’t your thing, JLab Go Air Pop offers a cheaper alternative, but I prefer the security of the hooks for running.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Best Bone Conduction Headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Best bone conduction running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 32g
• Battery Life: 12 hours
• Waterproof: Yes, IP55
• Noise Cancellation: No

Pros:

• Improved sound quality
• Open design enhances awareness
• Comfortable, reliable fit
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Sound can be muffled outdoors
• No MP3 storage

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 raise the bar for bone conduction headphones. They don't match in-ear quality but sound fantastic while letting you stay alert to your surroundings — a must for urban running.

Their DualPitch tech combines air and bone conduction to boost bass and clarity. Battery life is superb, lasting up to 12 hours, slightly less at top volume.

For cheaper options, the Shokz OpenRun offers similar comfort and solid sound with shorter battery life.

Apple AirPods Pro 2: Everyday Running Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Best everyday running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 5.4g per earbud
• Battery Life: 6 hours, 30 hours with charging case
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX4
• Noise Cancellation: Yes

Pros:

• World-class noise cancellation
• Volume controls on stem
• Secure and improved fit

Cons:

• Mediocre call quality
• Shorter battery life compared to competitors

AirPods Pro 2 are stellar for daily use and run well too, making them ideal for folks wanting one pair for everything. The sound and noise cancellation are top-notch, and pairing with Apple devices is seamless.

Their lack of ear hooks means they sometimes slip during runs, but memory foam tips or third-party hooks can help.

If you want an alternative, Jabra Elite 8 Active also balances everyday use with sports-friendly features.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Best Open-Ear Headphones

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Best open-ear running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.5g per earbud
• Battery Life: 7.5 hours, 27 hours with charging case
• Waterproof: Yes, IPX4
• Noise Cancellation: No

Pros:

• Comfortable, secure fit
• Great sound for open design
• Simple controls

Cons:

• Pricier than competitors
• Fit may not suit everyone
• Immersive Audio shortens battery life

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a unique design that clips onto your ear, positioning the speaker near but not blocking the ear canal. This lets you hear ambient sounds while enjoying superior audio for open-ear buds.

The clips hold tight during all my runs, and they’re more comfortable than in-ear buds for casual wear. Lack of noise cancellation means the sound isn’t as isolated, but the tradeoff is better awareness outdoors.

Be cautious not to accidentally knock them off while running!

JBL Endurance Race 2: Best Running Headphones Under $130

JBL Endurance Race 2

Best running headphones under $130

Specifications:

• Weight: 5.6g per earbud
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours, 48 hours with charging case
• Durability: IP68 earbuds, IPX2 case
• Noise Cancellation: Yes

Pros:

• Comfortable, secure fit
• Great value
• Long battery life
• IP68 rating

Cons:

• Mediocre sound quality
• Weak ANC performance
• Ambient mode issues

JBL Endurance Race 2 exceeded my expectations. They deliver solid sound, excellent battery life, and stay put on your ears—all for under $130. If you’re budget-conscious, these are my top pick.

Though ANC isn’t stellar and sound quality lags behind pricier buds, they still provide enjoyable tunes during and after runs.

The earbuds’ included tips fit snugly without irritating my ears.

Beats Solo 4: Best Over-Ear Headphones for Running

Beats Solo 4

Best over-ear headphones for running

Specifications:

• Weight: 217g
• Battery Life: 50 hours
• Waterproof: Yes (no official rating)
• Noise Cancellation: No

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Ultra-long battery life
• Secure over-ear fit

Cons:

• Bulkier and warmer than in-ear buds
• No official water resistance rating

If you prefer over-ear headphones, Beats Solo 4 is a solid running companion. They stay secure through various paces and feel comfortable, though they do heat up and feel heavier on long runs.

No official water resistance rating means you should wipe them down after sweating. The huge 50-hour battery life and option for wired connection are big bonuses over true wireless earbuds.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Best for Music Storage

Shokz OpenSwim Pro

Best running headphones with music storage

Specifications:

• Weight: 28.3g
• Battery Life: 9 hours, 6 hours in MP3 mode
• Waterproof: Yes, IP68
• Noise Cancellation: No

Pros:

• Comfortable, secure fit
• Bluetooth and MP3 playback
• Allowed in more races than earbuds

Cons:

• Pricier
• MP3 playback shortens battery life

Though designed for swimmers, the OpenSwim Pro is excellent for runners who want to ditch their phones. It stores music internally, so you can leave your phone home but still enjoy your favorite tracks.

Bone conduction design means these headphones don’t block environmental sounds, making them legal in many races that ban in-ear plugs.

Bluetooth mode works for everyday runs but drains battery slower than MP3 playback.

JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4: Best Battery Life

JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4

Best battery life in running headphones

Specifications:

• Weight: 4.5g per earbud
• Battery Life: 14 hours (9 hours with ANC), 60 hours with case
• Waterproof: Yes, IP66
• Noise Cancellation: Yes

Pros:

• Long-lasting battery
• Secure fit for running
• Useful “Be Aware” transparency mode

Cons:

• Underwhelming ANC
• Comfort could be better

These JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4 earbuds pack features runners crave, especially battery life. Fourteen hours without ANC and a whopping 60 hours with the case will keep you powered through multi-day adventures.

ANC isn’t very effective, but the “Be Aware” mode is great for hearing traffic and surroundings safely.

Ear hooks hold tight but may feel less comfy on very long runs. An added interval timer is a handy bonus for training sessions.

Sound quality is decent for the price, but if you want premium audio and fit, Beats Powerbeats Pro are worth the extra cost.

How to Choose the Best Running Headphones?

• Fit: The number one priority! Your headphones must stay put during your run. Earbuds with ear hooks are most secure, but smaller in-ear buds might be comfier if you wear glasses.
• Water Resistance: Always pick headphones with sweat or water resistance. I look for at least IPX4 so they can handle rain or sweat. Don’t forget to check the rating of the charging case too!
• Noise Cancellation & Transparency: ANC isn’t essential and might be unsafe outdoors. Transparency modes or open-ear designs keep you alert to traffic and surroundings.
• Battery Life: Consider how long and how often you’ll run. Wireless headphones generally last 5-10 hours, supplemented by charging cases.
• Comfort: These headphones should feel good for hours. Try different styles to find what suits your ears best.
• Price: Budget models are tempting but may lack sound quality or features. Sometimes spending a bit more saves you hassle in the long run.

Running Headphones FAQ

• Which headphones work best for running?
  The best running headphones fit snugly, resist sweat, and don’t fall off. Earbuds with ear hooks or over-ear designs generally perform best.
• How to stop headphones from falling during runs?
  Choose models with secure features like ear hooks or specialized wings. Accessories exist for popular buds like AirPods Pro to improve fit.
• Are bone conduction headphones good for running?
  Yes! They allow you to stay aware of your environment while listening, which is safer in busy areas.
• Do open-ear headphones provide good sound?
  They offer decent sound but usually less bass and isolation compared to in-ear models, balanced by better situational awareness.
• Is noise cancellation necessary for running headphones?
  Not necessarily. ANC can block important environmental sounds, so many runners prefer transparency or open designs.

Ready to add style and sound quality to your workouts? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here and bring music into your runs with flair!