Whether you are working from home, a hardcore gamer or a health and fitness buff, you will really need a good pair of headphones. Technically, the best workout headphones are not just for workouts – you can be confident that these cans can stay in place even if you’re running around and you won’t have to worry about getting it ruined from sweat or other moisture.
Most of the best workout headphones are wireless earbuds. Whether you are cycling, lifting weights or running, you can focus on your activity without having to worry about it falling off. However, there are also other designs and models of the best workout headphones that can also offer a great listening experience.
Whether you need a special playlist or podcast to help motivate you during intense workout sessions, weightlifting, or a long run, there will surely be a pair of best workout headphones for you – from over-ear headphones to wireless buds.
Table of Contents
- Best Workout Headphones: Back Bay Duet 50 Pro Headphones
- Best Workout Headphones: Apple Inc. AirPods Pro
- Best Workout Headphones: Sony WF-SP800N Headphones
- Best Workout Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
- Best Workout Headphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Best Workout Headphones: Jaybird Vista
- Best Workout Headphones: Bose SoundSport Free
- Best Workout Headphones: Jabra Elite 75t
- Best Workout Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
- Best Workout Headphones: Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100
- Best Workout Headphones: Soundcore Liberty Air 2
Best Workout Headphones: Back Bay Duet 50 Pro Headphones
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Long battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacking features that high end earbuds offer
If you are a consumer who is looking for a pair of affordable best workout headphones, the Back Bay Duet 50 Pro is a good choice. At $50, this pair of best workout headphones exceed its price value. The sound quality and features are truly worth more than its price.
This pair of best workout headphones come in small earbuds that have a battery life of 8 hours. It comes with a charging case with a 2600 mAh so you can charge in between gym sessions. Plus, another perk of this pair of best workout headphones is that it not only charges the earbuds but it can also charge a mobile phone as well. This is a really awesome perk that not all manufacturers offer, right? In terms of fit, the Back Bay Duet 50 Pro best workout headphones comes with six sizes of ear tips to make sure that users can get the perfect fit.
In terms of sound, this pair of best workout headphones are quite crisp for its size, which is pretty impressive. The brand markets its product by luring customers with an “American Hi-Fi Sound” which technically means that the product offers sharp high range tones, a neutral mid and punchy bass.
Best Workout Headphones: Apple Inc. AirPods Pro
What We Like:
- Active noise cancellation
- Perfectly compatible with Apple Inc products
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
If you have an Apple Inc. device, you know how picky and fussy it is when it comes to Bluetooth connections, right? Well, in this case, the Apple Inc. Airpods Pro would be your best choice for best workout headphones if you are looking for one. Whether you have an iPhone or a Watch, Airpods Pro seamlessly works and connects without any glitches. Plus, you can also enjoy the convenience of being able to focus on working out or exercising without glossing over interrupted Bluetooth connections, which can be quite irritating.
AirPods Pro initiates iPhone pairing automatically when it is first activated, after which, it automatically pairs itself with all other devices, meaning, if you leave your iPhone at home and use the AirPods Pro during your workout at the gym, you don’t need to worry about establishing another connection.
AirPods Pro is also one of the best workout headphones with awesome active noise cancellation, decent battery life, excellent sound quality and convenient features such as automatic reading of messages, listening mode and auto-pause. Apple Inc is also known to be a company that continually improves its products and AirPods Pro is not an exception. If you are looking for the best workout headphones that’s worthy of your investment, this is an ideal choice.
Best Workout Headphones: Sony WF-SP800N Headphones
What We Like:
- Adaptive sound control
- IP55 water resistant rating
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks onboard chip similar to WH-1000XM3
Looking for true wireless earbuds that can also be your best workout headphones? Check out the Sony WF-SP800N headphones. It has adaptive sound control and digital noise cancellation but in a smaller package than other headphones. While it lacks an onboard chip unlike the WH-1000XM3, it can still block a decent amount of sound overall. This version can also automatically adapt as the situation changes – instead of needing to constantly take the earbuds in and out of the ears, this pair of best workout headphones from Sony can control and adjust the level of noise cancellation and allow users to hear what is going on. This is a particularly important feature needed for the best workout headphones especially if it is going to be used in the city.
This pair of best workout headphones from Sony are a bit larger than regular earbuds but it is actually a convenient feature because it makes the Quick Attention feature easier to activate. The Quick Attention feature automatically lowers the volume and allows ambient sound in without necessarily taking the earbuds out from the ears. In terms of battery life, you get 18 hours including the power in the charging case. You get longer battery life, around 26 hours, if you don’t use the ANC feature. What makes the Sony WF-SP800N one of the best workout headphones and preferred by many athletes and sport enthusiasts is the fact that it has an IP55 water-resistant rating. However, you can’t take this swimming.
Best Workout Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
What We Like:
- Ideal for meditation activities
- One of the best active noise cancellation
What We Don’t Like:
- pricey
While meditation may not entail physical exertion like weightlifting, it is still considered as a workout because some forms of meditation, like yoga, can make people sweat as if they were using weight trainers. If you’re into meditation, you need to find a quiet place or mute out the external noise for you to find your zen. That being said, if you are scouting for the best workout headphones with a design ideal for meditation, we recommend Sony WH-1000XM3.
Finding your zen is easier when you use the best workout headphones for meditation that have awesome noise cancellation features. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has been getting rave reviews for its ability to eliminate external noise. It has a special processor called QN1 focused solely on noise cancellation that effectively blocks out engine noise, conversations and background noise.
When you put on the Sony WH-1000XM3, you’ll be amazed how quiet the audio of the surroundings will be. This pair of best workout headphones from Sony also has a tech that is smart enough to detect your activities – if you are commuting or walking and adjust the noise cancellation program automatically. You can also program the app to focus on voices so that you won’t have to miss a thing even while engaging in your favorite sport.
At $349, it’s probably one of the most expensive in the list of best workout headphones. If you’re asking for our advice, spending your money on the Sony WH-1000XM3 is truly worth it considering that it offers one of the best ANC features in the market and is durable enough to withstand physical body activities.
Best Workout Headphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro
What We Like:
- IPX4 water resistance rating
- Ideal for running
- Long battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- bulky charging case
More expensive than AirPods Pro
Beats Electronics Powerbeats Pro is the next on our list for the best workout headphones. It’s actually one of the top favorites of a trainer or athlete because it incorporates the awesome features of Apple AirPods while delivering a longer battery life and a richer audio quality. Add a wireless bud into the equation to give users security that the product won’t pop out during their training.
Among the best workout headphones, the Beats Powerbeats Pro offers solid wireless connectivity, fast pairing and accessible Siri voice recognition for iOs users. For Android users, there is a set of designated physical button that controls music playback. While the Beats Powerbeats Pro may be one of the best workout headphones in terms of its performance, the charging case is not really pocket friendly and it also doesn’t offer wireless charging.
Best Workout Headphones: Jaybird Vista
What We Like:
- Water resistant
- IPX 7 rating sweatproof, fully waterproof
- Lighter than Beats PowerBeats Pro
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
- No transparency mode
If you’re searching for the best workout headphones that offer wireless design with a discreet touch, the Jaybird Vista is worth checking out. It is fully water resistant so you don’t have to worry about streaming your favorite music while being caught in the rain. When it comes to fit, this pair of best workout headphones fit securely and are comfortable to wear. It has three sizes of ear tips and sports fin to help give users more options in getting a secure and tight fit.
It is also comfortable and lightweight with a good audio. It’s fully waterproof and comes with a compact USB-c charging case. The battery life is not as long running as other best workout headphones, but it’s pretty decent at 6 hours plus an additional 10 hours with the charging case. Once you get a tight seal, you can enjoy a pleasant, warm sound with a well-defined bass. However, don’t expect it to be at the same audio levels with Sony WF-1000XM3, Klipsch T5 True Wireless, and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless.
When it comes to being durable, this pair of best workout headphones is one of the toughest in the market. Being fully waterproof with IPX7 certification, the Jaybird Vista can be fully submerged in shallow water for around 30 minutes.
Speaking of IPX7, JBL Reflect Flow is also a worthy adversary, with a durable charging case for people on the go.
Best Workout Headphones: Bose SoundSport Free
What We Like:
- IPX4 splash proof
- Totally wireless
What We Don’t Like:
- Carrying case and wireless earbuds are a bit bulky
This product ain’t named as SoundSport Free for nothing. This is Bose’s entry for true wireless earbuds version of the Pulse. It is comfortable and delivers excellent sound that’s impressive for an item that’s truly wireless.
The Bose SoundSport Free offers a secure fit and is water resistant. The sound of this pair of wireless earphones are known to be richer than Apple AirPods so that’s a plus for us. This pair of best workout headphones also have a charging case that can give two extra charges ideal for athletes on the go. However, it is worth noting that the charging case of Bose SoundSport Free is a bit bulkier than that of the Apple AirPods and Jabra Elite 65t. Nevertheless, if you are getting two extra charges for that, it’s pretty worth it.
Primarily marketed as a true sports headphone, the Bose SoundSport Free is undoubtedly one of the best workout headphones in the market. Compared to Apple AirPods, the buds fit more securely, giving athletes peace of mind during their runs or training. This pair of best workout headphones have an IPX4 water resistance rating and also have sweat resistant properties.
Best Workout Headphones: Jabra Elite 75t
What We Like:
- Water resistance IP55 rating
- Smaller than 65t model
What We Don’t Like:
- Apple AirPods microphone have better noise reduction
The Jabra Elite 75t features a smaller size than standard best workout headphones, offering users a secure and comfortable fit. Pair it with a longer battery life and USB-C charging and it’s clearly one of the crowd favorites. The charging case also has magnets inside making it easier to keep the buds inside.
The Jabra Elite 75t may not be as comfortable as the AirPods Pro and lacks active noise cancelling features but upon using the product, you will learn that the overall sound is better. The bass definition is better than other best workout headphones as long as you get a tight seal.
This pair of best workout headphones also have a HearThru setting app that lets in ambient noise. However even if that app setting is on, users may still need to lower the volume of the music to pick up traffic noise. The headphones are equipped not only with one microphone, but four microphones. The front and back of each bud has a microphone so it works well with making and taking calls. However, the AirPods Pro performed better in terms of noise reduction.
The Jabra Elite 75t also comes with Bluetooth 5.0 that helps boost the battery life and wireless connectivity. That being said, while the Jabra Elite 75t are smaller, the battery life stands at 7.5 hours when moderate volume levels are used. This is a big improvement compared to the 5 hours battery life of the 65t model. The charging case also gives extra 20.5 hours battery life which is pretty decent.
Best Workout Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
What We Like:
- Samsung Scalable Codec
- Fits securely in place
What We Don’t Like:
- Design might not be pleasing to everyone
The first thing you will notice with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is its kidney bean-shaped design. This pair of best workout headphones with an intriguing aesthetic are noise cancelling yet non-sealing earbuds that are completely unique from the usual best workout headphones in the market.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is the best workout headphones recommended for Samsung Galaxy smartphone users because this product supports the Samsung Scalable Codec for connection stability and optimal audio. Users of Samsung Smartphone can also enjoy Wireless Powershare features. Of course, iOS users can still very much enjoy the Samsung Galaxy Buds live as the performance is the same whether it is used with Android or iOS.
On the outside, this pair of best workout headphones from Samsung has a semi-matte finish and a nice glossy sheen. There are no existing buttons, just two LEDs that indicate the battery levels of the earbuds and the case. With the kidney bean shape of the earbuds, some are skeptical about the product’s ability to stand as one of the best workout headphones. The question is, how do they fare when it comes to fit?
Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy Buds can stay in the ears with an assortment of physical activities and exercises like running, rock climbing and weightlifting. This product has been getting rave reviews from actual users saying that no matter how they shook their head, moved their neck or kept running around, the buds amazingly stayed in place.
Best Workout Headphones: Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100
What We Like:
- IPX55 rating
- Bluetooth 5.0
What We Don’t Like:
- Emits a static sound with Macbook Pro
- Imprecise touch controls
Some athletes, specifically weightlifters, seem to prefer full sized headphones when working out. It is quite understandable why full sized headphones are considered to be a solid choice for best workout headphones. When it comes to full sized headphones, the Plantronics Backbeat Fit 6100 is a good choice.
This pair of best workout headphones have an over-the-ear wireless design and can be enjoyed in the gym or simply for everyday use. There’s also an adjustable sport-fit headband combined with a sweat-proof and water-resistant design. There’s also an Awareness mode, noise isolating earcups and 40mm angled drivers.
If you’re looking for the best workout headphones with a solid sound quality and a secure fit, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 is worth checking out. This is available in black, gray and camo. The best workout headphones may be difficult to score because some are too heavy and bulky and not suitable for vigorous workouts – this is the reason why some prefer earbuds. However, with the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100, you can expect a solid pair of best workout headphones that offers a lightweight and comfortable listening experience. The micro USB charging can be a deal breaker for some, but if you are willing to overlook that aspect, these cans are actually a pretty good bargain.
Best Workout Headphones: Soundcore Liberty Air 2
What We Like:
- Budget friendly
- IPX5 rating
What We Don’t Like:
If you are a fan of the AirPods, you would be thrilled to know that Soundcore Liberty Air 2 are a good, budget-friendly alternative. It is a much affordable choice with the same noise isolating design offered by AirPods. In terms of sound quality, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 actually sounds better and fits securely, making them one of the best workout headphones. Whether you are running, weightlifting or simply pedaling on a stationary bike, you will surely have a great listening experience with Soundcore Liberty Air 2 at a fraction of a price compared to other best workout headphones.
So that concludes our list for the best workout headphones. While these products are primarily made or designed to be used on the track, on a trail or in the gym, you will definitely enjoy them for other less physical activities such as watching TVs, working on your laptop or commuting. All of the products featured in this article can be purchased at Amazon.com.
