Running is a fantastic form of exercise, and the best running headphones might just help you to enjoy it. Running is great not just for your body but your mind, offering a huge array of physical and mental health benefits. But we all sometimes need an extra bit of motivation or inspiration, and studies have shown that music during running, or any exercise, can actually lower your perception of effort and reduce some of the pain associated with training hard. It can even help you with your pacing.
The best running headphones are now wireless and compact, and some also come with noise cancelling features. You should of course try to remain aware of your surroundings if outside, for your own safety. But noise cancelling options can be a real blessing in a noisy gym, whether want to tune out to music or a great podcast.
Unlike standard headphones, running models should be able to withstand movement and also be resistant to sweat and showers. They come in a range of prices and designs, but we’ve put them to the test for you, so you know what ones are worth investing in.
It's also a great idea to keep track of your workout when you run and there are some great running watches and fitness trackers to help you do that - as well, of course, as our guide to the best running shoes
The quick list
The best running headphones overall
The Jabra Elite Active Gen 2 are easily the best pair of headphones we've ever tried. They are comfortable, boast excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, and are controlled by a simple button on each earbud. Perfect for any type of runner.
The best for Apple users
The Airpods Pro 2 have a host of features that make them easy to use while running, including the stem commands and impressive long-term battery life. We didn't always find them, however, to be the most sweat resistant.
The best for value
Looking for running headphones for under $100? Look no further. Despite the afforable price, the Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2's compete with more expensive headphones, providing comfort, impressive battery life and passive noise cancelling. Their comfort makes them a great option for long-distance runners.
The best for sound quality
The Bose Sport Earbuds offer a smooth and balanced sound, ideal for music lovers. Thanks to their 'StayHear Max' silicone tips and wings, they also stay resolutely in place. The comprehensive touch controls also allow for accidental taps. Sadly, no ANC.
The best for sensitive ears
Runners with sensitive ears should try the Jabra Elite 4 Active with its ergonomic frame that moves with you while you run. The sound quality is also excellent, with noise cancelling and immersive sound.
The best airpod alternative
The Beats Fit Pro have Apple's H1 chip which allows you to easily pair with your other Apple devices. They also have great audio quality and offer a snug fit while you run. We did find their battery life a bit limited, but the charging case is small for on the go use.
Best running headphones
With a perfect fit that stays put however vigorous your workout, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are a near-perfect pair of running headphones, and certainly the best pair we have ever tried. The fit is also supremely comfortable, without relying on uncomfortable stiff silicone wings or awkwardly located hooks to keep them in place.
Perhaps more importantly, they also offer superb sound quality and solid ANC, along with top-notch durability that meets the US military standards. Whether you are an occasional jogger or semi-professional sprinter, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 will guarantee a fantastic user experience.
We also love their simple controls, controlled by one click of a button build into the outside of each earbud itself. Unlike some of the touch-controlled options, this means that they can easily be used during a run, and they are also far less likely to be touched by accident.
They have a good battery life, lasting up to 100 hours on a single charge if you include top ups from the charging case. That makes the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 a great option for ultra runners, or simply those planning long trips in the great outdoors.
Priced at $229.99, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are certainly relatively expensive, but when it comes to sound quality and fit, they offer fantastic value for money.
- Read our full Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 running headphones review
Best Apple headphones
The Airpods Pro 2 are the best Apple headphones we've tested for running, and a far better option for working out than the Airpods Max. The sound quality is excellent, as is the noise cancellation, but we did find the sweat resistance not quite as good as other models we tried, so we suggest these might be best for lighter runs or jogs rather than intense sweaty speedwork or long runs. Our reviewer also found the lack of additional ear fins meant they weren't the most secure in place.
Having said that, they still have great features that make them fantastic for running. As normal for airpods, removing a bud automatically pauses playback, which means less faffing with your phone when you finish a run or need to pause.
We also liked the ear-fit test which helps you find your perfect fit and optimises the noise cancellation. We particularly liked how easy it is to switch your playback from your phone or laptop to the airpods. You simply put the open case near your phone or laptop and the music will transfer to the buds.
The controls on the airpods are smooth when you're running, controlled via the stem with up, down, presses and squeezes for various commands. We also loved how you could transfer between transparency and noise cancellation with a simple hold of the stem — this is ideal if you're running near busy roads and need to cross.
While their battery life is less than some other options, at around 24 hours, we found this didn't diminish over time of ownership. The airpods are a great option for those who want a long term option and don't get too sweaty on their runs.
- Read our full Apple Airpods Pro 2 running headphones review
Best running headphones for a secure fit
Since Apple launched the first Airpods back in 2016, many a user has accidentally left one in pocket and put it through the washing machine, or lost one and never found it again. Fortunately, with the PowerBeats Pro, there’s no risk of this.
Their design includes soft plastic hooks that loop around your ear to keep the earbuds firmly in place. Because these are soft and slightly malleable, you can push them into position for a personalized fit. Combine this with your preferred silicone tip from the set that come with the PowerBeats Pro, and you'll get a comfortable, foolproof fit.
A single charge will power the earbuds for nine hours, which means they would work well for marathon runners and for other endurance events.
We also liked the physical volume and action buttons (one on each earbud) which we found more useful than touch controls. They are easier to use on the move, and less likely to be triggered when accidentally brushed by a sweat-mopping forearm.
However, there is one thing really missing from the PowerBeats Pro, and that is ANC. It's a feature we would really expect to see in top end sports earbuds, though the solid seal offered by the silicone earbuds and the 12mm driver size means you still enjoy good quality audio. Acoustics aficionados may also want a more powerful sound, but they still offer a better listening experience than most headphones.
- Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro review
Best running headphones for value
Finding a top pair of true wireless running headphones for under $100 is no easy task, but we think we have managed it. Despite the budget friendly cost, the sleek Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 earbuds look truly top of the range, and they are incredibly comfortable to wear.
With a choice of seven different sizes of silicone bud, you will find one that provides a good seal. As you might expect at the price, they don't come with ANC but that seal does work well to provide passive noise cancelling.
What's more, they don't move, whether it's running, box jumping or burpees, they stay firmly in place. When it comes to use outside, they also have an impressive IPX7 waterproof rating, so will cope with even heavy downpours.
Their battery life is also impressive. The earbuds alone will do seven hours on a single charge, which is a solid performance by most true wireless headphones' standards. But when the metallic portable charging case is brought into consideration, this figure flies up to over 100 hours. Pair this with the fact that you can charge them up in just 20 minutes and you’ve got a whole lot of playback time before you have to seek out a mains outlet again.
The sound quality may not meet dedicated audiophiles' expectations, as we found it was good without venturing into the mind-blowing realms of the Bose and Soundcore sets. But they were incredibly comfortable for longer wears — something we think makes them a good fit for trail runners after a hardy, long-lasting and secure pair of headphones.
- Read our full Mifo O5 Plus Gen 2 Earbuds
Best running headphones for blocking out noise
If you want the best quality sound without breaking the bank, then the Soundcore Liberty 3 certainly deliver just that. The sound is highly customizable in the accompanying Soundcore app, so you can tinker away to your heart's content with the EQ or even put them in a "professional mode" designed by Grammy-winning producers.
They also come with 3D surround sound and remarkably efficient HearID noise cancellation (ANC) to totally block out external distractions. Though we would, of course, recommend that you use transparency mode (which lets in some external sound) for safety when you are outside or near traffic.
The one downside we found was that the fit wasn't always as secure as some other models. There are four different silicone tips and wings included for you to try and find the right size, and this worked well on lower impact workouts. But once we upped the insensity, and therefore movement, they did sometimes come loose.
So if sound quality is your top priority, then these are a great choice, but if you want something to stay put during intense sprints or burpee sessions, look elsewhere.
- Read our full Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Earbuds
Best headphones for Samsung users
While Samsung has designed these buds to connect with other Samsung wearables, they offer a faultless Bluetooth connection for both Android and iPhone users. They also have a great secure fit, barely needing any adjusting at all during our rigorous testing.
The buds work with a partner app — the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app —which gives you control and allows you to fully personalize your sound using various settings.
However, while tech-backed 360 sound ups the audio quality tenfold, regardless of what device you connect to, this app is only available for Android and Galaxy users with this model. iPhone users can still connect via Bluetooth and use basic touch controls by tapping the buds to pause, stop, and play. But the app allows Android users to do more like set notifications, integrate Spotify, use equalizer settings, and access features like ‘find my earbuds.’
ANC (noise-cancellation) settings are also available in-app, and two outer and one inner mic detect ambient noise to improve sound quality and block out external noise, creating a truly immersive music experience.
We paired these buds with our iPhone, which meant our experience was limited, but the sound quality continues to be brilliant. Outdoors, we had to max out the volume to reduce traffic noise, but being able to tap the earbud to start and stop music was handy when running. Although, we accidentally activated them a few times when adjusting the fit.
- Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds2 review
Best running headphones for audiophiles
As soon as you put the Bose Sports into your ears and press play, you know you are dealing with a quality pair of headphones. The sound is rich and smooth, with balance and detail that will do your music justice — whatever the genre.
In fact they also sound great whatever you listen to, so if you want something that will work for both running routes and to listen to podcasts and videos on your commute, then the Bose Sports can do it all.
The fit is great due to the unique “StayHear Max'' silicone tips and wings. After placing these in our ears and twisting them backwards slightly to lock them into place, we found they were unmoving during longer runs and even a quick interval session. What’s more, because the silicone is softer and more forgiving than other models like the JBL Reflect Flow Pro, our ears never ached and we almost forgot we were wearing them.
The Bose Sport’s touch controls are also the most comprehensive we found. There are no single tap commands, minimizing the risk of an accidental press, while double taps, holds and swipes can pause, play, skip tracks and alter the volume. You can also set a shortcut on the left earbud to automatically open and play Spotify, which we liked as it minimized pre-workout distractions.
The frames are slightly bulkier than most, protruding from the ear slightly, and both the earbuds themselves and their frame have a slightly less premium plastic finish that feels less luxe than the the Mifo O5s or Adidas FWD 02s. There is also no ANC, which is a shame.
But don’t let this take away from their overall performance. If there was a Venn diagram representing music lovers and sports fans, these headphones’ reliable fit, comfort and warm sound would make them a great investment for anyone in the middle.
- Read our full Bose Sport earbuds review
Best on-ear earbuds
Are these really earbuds, or simply headphones? That's what we asked in our Shokz OpenFit review. After all, if they don't need to go in your ear, then can they really be the former?
However that's splitting hairs. While most Shokz products use bone conduction technology, the OpenFit use traditional air conduction like other wireless buds. Their open construction means they play audio from four speakers with impressive fidelity.
Their design is specifically tailored to allow you to still experience ambient sound, so if that's an issue then they are clearly not the right set for you. They are, however, really comfortable for long periods of wear.
The open ear construction also means there is of course no noise cancellation available. But the ability to hear music yet also experience ambient sound is precisely the selling point for some, particularly those concerned for safety or needing to be able to hear external sounds for other reasons.
They're an excellent alternative to the more traditional in-ear earbuds that may be just what you've been looking for, especially if you can't have or don't like having things inside your ears.
- Read our full Shokz OpenFit review
Best bone conduction
If you've never used Shokz bone conduction technology, then prepare for a very different experience. The Shokz OpenRun headphones, formerly known as the Aftershokz Aeropex, sit in front of the ear and use this bone conduction technology to transmit sound to your inner ear via vibrations in your cheekbones.
For first time users, this can take a litte while to adjust to, but the open-ear design certainly has many benefits. If you tend to run on roads or in busy city environments, Shokz promises these headphones will allow for “total awareness of your surroundings” so you can rack up the miles in safety. They’re also great if you run with a buddy, as you can talk without pausing your music. Some races will also allow them even when traditional headphones are banned for safety reasons.
However, the open-ear design does mean they can’t offer ANC or sound isolation, meaning they’re not great for anyone wanting to drown out their gym's outdated radio. Instead, these should be reserved for outdoor pursuits like running, hiking and cycling.
Those new to bone conduction technology may well be surprised but just how good the sound is, and how it can still pack a punch when you crank up the volume. We still found the OpenRuns didn’t have the same power or clarity as in-ear buds, but if you don’t like the feeling of in-ear silicone buds then Shokz should be your first port of call.
- Read our full Shokz OpenRun review
Best running headphones for sensitive ears
The Jabra Elite 4 Active earbuds are very much of the of the "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" school of design. There's no mad reinvention here, just a solid pair of headphones that deliver a great natural and stable fit and impressive sound.
Instead of silicone wings or ear hooks, they opt for an ergonomic frame designed to move with you as you exercise. We were initially skeptical about this lack of security features, but in turns out to work really well. This is great news for anyone who doesn’t like the feeling of too much pressure on their ears or finds the area quickly becomes sensitive. They offer a much more natural feeling alternative to other mainstream sports earbuds.
What's more, they also have ANC, customizable equalizer and an immersive sound. Music sounds great, and we could really feel the extra oomph of the audio as we took on testing topography.
If you want to take them off-piste and on to the trails, you don’t need to worry about dirt or splash damage either. They have IP57-rated water and sweatproofing, so perspiration and precipitation needn’t be a concern when wearing them.
They don’t have touch controls, with each earbud instead having a concealed button on the outside of its frame. We did, however, find these a little fiddle to use, and they require a fair bit of force to be pushed into our ear.
- Read our full Jabra Elite Active 4 review
Best running headphones for comfort
Among the likes of audio royalty such as Bose and Beats, Adidas may be a surprising name to see in this list. And they are a slightly older model that's now harder to find, but if you do spot them, then you might want to consider snapping up these excellent earbuds. They were specifically designed by Adidas for running, and we think the brand really nailed its brief.
Nowhere is this more evident than the fit. Of all the headphones we tested, these were by far the most comfortable, and placing them into our ears felt as natural as slipping on a sock. They didn’t let us down during runs and other exercise sessions either, with a choice of four silicone tips and four wings so you can find the right size for you via trial and error. Once we’d found a combination that worked, we found these headphones didn’t come dislodged — whether we were out on a fast 5K or hitting handstand push-ups in a CrossFit box.
The sound is powerful, with a booming bass that lends itself well to electronic music. There is no ANC, and those who prefer working out to softer genres may want a more cleaner sound, but you can play with the EQ settings in the Adidas Headphones app to nullify this somewhat.
The earbuds themselves feel robust, with a premium rubberised finish, and the charging case looks cool at first with its fabric lid. After using them though, we would’ve preferred a sturdier case to inspire confidence when we popped them loose into our kit bag.
- Read our full Adidas FWD-02 Sport Headphones review
The best budget running headphones for shorter distances
For those on budget but still looking for great quality sound and comfort, the Earfun Air S are a great option. At under $80 (and they can often be found for even cheaper) they still provide high quality sound, functionality and a comfortable fit that holds up even during the toughest interval sessions.
The Earfun Air S actually have a similar design to Apple Airpods. They sit comfortably in the ear, providing a cozy and secure fit. The silicone buds are soft and amenable, and come in four different sizes. We didn't experience any aching during longer wears — quite the opposite, we found that it is quite easy to forget you're wearing them at all.
We found the earbuds delivered sound that was clear and detailed, striking a good balance between low and high frequencies (bass and treble). The volume settings are quite broad and finely tuned.
The Active Noise Canceling (ANC) mode and the Ambient Sound mode (the opposite of noise canceling) may fall slightly short of expectations, though at this price it seems little to complain of. ANC helps reduce the volume of background noise, but it does not cancel it to the standard of more premium headphones.
The other slight downside is the battery life. The earbuds last for 6 hours (or up to 24 hours with a charging case) so they may not be the best option for long distance runners. However, for half marathons or less, they’re a great value option.
- Read our full Earfun Air S review
Best airpod alternative
The Beats Fit Pro are essentially designed as AirPods for working out, offering a great fit, solid audio quality, and a snug fit that won’t slip out of your ears whether you are running, cycling, or lifting weights.
Coming with Apple’s H1 chip they are very easy to pair with the company’s variety of devices, and you’ll get six hours of battery out of each bud - with a small case that is ideal for charging on the go.
Our only gripe is that triggering noise cancellation can be awkward since you need to press the buds into your ears, which can be uncomfortable.
- Read our full Beats Fit Pro review
How we test
How do we test the best running headphones at Live Science?
To make sure that each set of headphones gets a proper review, we wore them both for a series of sprint interval sessions and for longer, moderately-paced runs. We also tested them for a range of other exercise methods including gym visits, functional fitness sessions and yoga.
We also listened to a wide variety of music — from folk to pop to rock to EDM — to ensure the headphones can deliver sterling sound quality regardless of genre.
After testing, the headphones are scored on their design, fit, sound quality and value for money. These results are used to calculate a final verdict, out of five.
Best running headphones: Frequently asked questions
Are headphones good for running?
The answer to this very much depends on which headphones you use. Regular headphones designed for day to day use may well be unsuitable for sport due to a lack of dust resistance or waterproofing. That can lead to problems if they come into contact with a lot of sweat, or are worn out in the rain. Other features that can let "normal" headphones down when running are insufficient battery life and an insecure fit. No one wants to have to stop running to try and retrieve a fallen earbud from a gutter or puddle of water.
Luckily there are now a huge selection of headphones designed specifically for sport. These are specifically designed to maintain their sound quality while on the move, withstand sweat, rain and other adverse weather conditions, and stay in your ear no matter how intense your session gets.
This often means that, to keep them in place, they’ll usually have ear hooks or silicone fins that sit outside or inside the ear, respectively. So, yes, headphones are good for running — if you buy the right ones. Read our reviews above to find out which pairs offer the fit, resilience and winning sound you need.
Is it good to listen to music while running?
There have been a fair few studies into the impact certain soundtracks can have on running performance over the years. And, among the most recent ones, it appears to be good news for music fans.
One study, published in the Ergonomics journal, saw 30 volunteers perform a series of 10 minute exercise sessions on a treadmill. Each one was accompanied by either no music, or music of different tempos and volumes, with positive impacts on performance (running speed and heart rate) observed when subjects ran with music.
It concluded: “These results confirm that fast, loud music might be played to enhance optimal exercising.”
So, whatever your usual musical tipple, science says your favorite tunes can make for great running companions.
A second 2020 study published in the Sports Basel journal reinforces this message. It looked to observe the impact of preferred music on running performance and pacing during a six minute run test. The results of the experiment showed that exercisers’ total distance covered increased when they ran to their chosen tracks, and their blood lactate concentration actually decreased.
In other words: stop shying away from your guilty pleasure playlist, it could be your secret weapon as you push for a new PB.
Should you use AirPods for running?
This is a common question that comes up a lot from iPhone users, especially given the comfort and ubiquity of AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
We actually would advise considering not using AirPods for exercise for a variety of reasons - the first being that they're not sweatproof. AirPods are sweat resistant, meaning they can keep some moisture away from key components, but any more than a light jog and they'll accrue potential damange over time.
Another issue is their design. AirPods are instantly recognizable, but that white plastic casing can get slippery with sweat and a lack of swappable ear tips (on the base models) means you may not get a secure fit anyway.
When it comes to AirPods Max, we'd certainly skip those - not only are they not sweatproof, but they're also very heavy and simply not designed for exercise.
Looking for AirPods-like functionality with a more workout-appropriate design? Check out the Powerbeats Pro, or the more recent Beats Fit Pro, the latter of which offers noise-cancellation tech, too.
