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When it comes to outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking, the best sports headphones are essential. They are designed to be durable, long-lasting, and feature a transparency mode that lets you stay aware of your surroundings. These features make them perfect for anyone who loves to stay active while enjoying their favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
Sports headphones, much like the best workout headphones, are built to keep you motivated with top-notch audio quality and comfortable designs that you can wear for extended periods. However, the true test of these headphones comes when you actually use them during your workouts. We have rigorously tested the best sports headphones to ensure you find the perfect pair for your training needs. Our evaluation criteria included sound quality, battery life, and fit.
After extensive testing, we concluded that the Beats Fit Pro are the best sports headphones for most people. They offer exceptional sound quality, a secure fit, and impressive battery life. For runners, the Shokz headphones are a standout choice, providing a unique open-ear design that enhances safety and comfort. We’ve also included several other alternatives to cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The best sport headphones just for you, so you can buy right now
1. Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro stands out as one of the best-designed and most comfortable sports headphones on the market. These earbuds feature small wings on each bud, ensuring they stay securely in place during intense workouts.
One of the standout features is the impressive noise cancellation, effectively blocking out distractions like background chatter and traffic noise. Equipped with Apple’s H1 chip, these headphones integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices, enhancing the user experience with features like hands-free Siri commands and the Find My feature for recovering misplaced buds.
While some features are exclusive to Apple products, Android users will still enjoy a high-quality, well-fitted set of headphones perfect for any workout.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery Life: 6 hours (27 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- ANC: Yes
Pros:
- Secure fit with wingtip design
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons:
- Some features are Apple-specific
2. Beats Powerbeats Pro
For those who prefer the added security of over-ear hooks, the Beats Powerbeats Pro is an excellent choice. These sweat-resistant headphones also come with Apple’s H1 chip, ensuring seamless compatibility with Apple devices while also being functional with Android phones.
The Powerbeats Pro boasts a well-balanced audio output, moving away from the heavy-bass approach of older Beats models. With 24 hours of battery life from the case and 9 hours per bud, these headphones are built to last through long workouts and runs.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.7 ounces
- Battery Life: 9 hours (24 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- ANC: No
Pros:
- Secure over-ear hook design
- Balanced audio output
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Lacks some Apple-specific features like Siri and Spatial Audio
3. Shokz OpenRun Pro
Shokz OpenRun Pro offers a unique listening experience by using bone conduction technology. These headphones wrap around your head and sit on your cheekbones, using vibrations to create sound.
This design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for outdoor activities like running, hiking, or cycling. Despite the difference in sound quality compared to in-ear buds, the comfort and practicality of the OpenRun Pro make them a top choice for many athletes.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.9 ounces
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Water Resistance: IP55
- ANC: No
Pros:
- Bone conduction technology for situational awareness
- Comfortable headband-style design
- Ideal for outdoor activities
Cons:
- Sound quality may not match traditional in-ear headphones
4. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Although not specifically aimed at sports enthusiasts, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 come packed with features that make them suitable for workouts. With changeable ear tips and a dynamic Adaptive Transparency mode, these earbuds are versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor exercise.
The IPX4 rating ensures sweat and water resistance, while improved fit and Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test enhance comfort and security during physical activity. The AirPods Pro 2 also offer exceptional noise cancellation and increased battery life, making them a reliable choice for any fitness routine.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.19 ounces
- Battery Life: 6 hours (30 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- ANC: Yes
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Secure fit with improved slippage prevention
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for sports
5. Jabra Elite 8 Active
The Jabra Elite 8 Active headphones are built to withstand the toughest workouts. With a durable design that resists chipping and fading, these headphones feature ShakeGrip ear tips that prevent them from falling out during intense activities.
An IP68 rating for water resistance ensures they can handle any environment. They deliver Jabra’s warm sound signature, adaptive active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and some of the longest battery life available. Whether you’re running or in a video chat, the Elite 8 Active provides robust noise cancellation and solid feature support across both iOS and Android devices.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery Life: 8 hours (32 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IP68
- ANC: Yes
Pros:
- Superior durability with IP68 rating
- Excellent noise cancellation and spatial audio
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Larger design may not be suitable for all users
6. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen)
For a budget-friendly option, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) headphones are hard to beat. These headphones offer 11 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on, and up to 70 hours with the charging case.
The large ear hooks ensure a secure fit, while the lively sound profile keeps your workouts energized. A transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, although the ANC performance and call quality may not match higher-end models. At a $99 price point, they offer excellent value for money.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.37 ounces
- Battery Life: 11 hours (70 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IP66
- ANC: Yes
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Secure fit with large ear hooks
- Affordable price
Cons:
- ANC performance and call quality not as high as premium models
7. Jabra Elite 7 Active
While they have been superseded by the Elite 8 Active, the Jabra Elite 7 Active headphones remain a solid choice for those looking for a more affordable option. These headphones introduced the ShakeGrip earbud design, which helps keep them in place during exercise.
They can connect to two devices simultaneously, ideal for multitasking during workouts. The Jabra Sound+ app allows for customization of EQ and button functions. With an IP57 rating for sweat and waterproof protection, the Elite 7 Active is a reliable companion for gym workouts and outdoor runs.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery Life: 11 hours (42 hours with case)
- Water Resistance: IP57
- ANC: Yes
Pros:
- Affordable compared to Elite 8 Active
- ShakeGrip design for secure fit
- Dual device connectivity
Cons:
- ANC not as advanced as newer models
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
How to Choose the Best Sports Headphones
When selecting the best sports headphones, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your workouts:
- Durability: Look for headphones with an IP rating suitable for your training style, generally IPX4 or higher, to ensure they can handle all-weather outdoor exercise and sweaty indoor workouts.
- Secure Fit: Choose headphones that stay securely in place while you move. Over-ear hooks provide added security, while balanced in-ear designs offer a snug fit. Your preference will determine the best option for you.
- Battery Life: Long battery life is essential, especially for extended workouts. Many top sports headphones last up to 8 hours, with multiple recharges available from the case. Consider your workout duration to ensure your headphones can keep up.
How We Test the Best Sports Headphones
To provide thorough and reliable reviews, we test each set of sports headphones extensively. Our testing process includes:
- Wearing each set for at least two hours to evaluate comfort, battery life, and performance.
- Assessing how securely they fit during exercise and how well they handle background noises.
- Testing companion apps for customization options and overall user experience.
- Evaluating audio quality across various genres, music styles, podcasts, and phone calls for volume, clarity, and fullness of sound.
By following this rigorous testing process, we ensure that our recommendations are accurate and helpful for anyone looking to enhance their workout experience with the best sports headphones.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sports headphones can significantly impact your workout experience. Whether you prioritize sound quality, durability, battery life, or a secure fit, there is a perfect pair out there for you. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and understanding the unique features of each model, you can make an informed decision that enhances your fitness journey.
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions in the comments below. Your feedback helps us improve our reviews and provide even better recommendations in the future!
